The Wizard of Anharitte Read Free

the window and began to watch the tall slave girl again, now examining her every movement with a wiser interest. ‘Damn it, Tito, you know we can’t let this happen, don’t you?’
    ‘I know it,’ said Ren. ‘That’s the reason I called you in. I want permission, financing and backing to organize an opposition to the Imaiz .’
    ‘Interference with the internal politics of an independent planet is an extremely dangerous business.’
    ‘But it wouldn’t be the first time it has been done. Nor is what I propose strictly interference. It could rather be viewed as assistance in maintaining the existing balance of power. The Lords Di Rode and Di Guaard and the Lady T’Ampere are scarcely going to side with the Imaiz and risk their income if not their lives if a revolution comes. Di Irons is the city prefect. He’s a bit of an unknown quantity in this, but he’s responsible for law and order, so I doubt if he’ll reject our assistance in maintaining the status quo . Most of the societies grow fat under the present regime, so they’re not going to welcome change either. And I’m sure the planetary government would love to have us thwart a provincial uprising for them—if it were done with discretion. That puts the major percentage of wealth, influence and interests on our side. Give me the facilities and I’ll crush the Imaiz without leaving even a ripple on the surface.’
    ‘Not so fast, Tito. We’re not the only Company affected—or even the largest. And we’ve the merchant worlds to consider. Before we take any action that might affect the future of Anharitte as a free port we’re going to need the approval of the Free Trade Council—most particularly as insurance in case the venture goes sour on us. And before I dare approach the council I have to be absolutely certain that what you’ve told me is the truth. Not that I’m doubting you, of course, but it would be embarrassing if we were being manipulated into doing the dirty work for somebody who had a simple grudge against the Imaiz .’
    ‘I appreciate your caution. If you wish I’ll arrange for the senior scribes of the Society of Pointed Tails to meet you so that you can question them directly.’
    ‘No need for that,’ said Magno Vestevaal. ‘I think I can satisfy myself more easily.’ He moved toward the door.
    ‘What had you in mind?’ Ren rose to follow him.
    ‘I’m going downstairs, of course. To have a word with Zinder.’
    Ren’s eyebrows rose. ‘I wouldn’t advise it. And for God’s sake—remember she’s well protected.’
    ‘It was the truth of that proposition I wished to test. If the fact holds true, then the rest of the story holds true.’
    Tito Ren sighed and reached for his sword belt. He paused only to fasten the ornate buckle before he followed the director out into the street.
    The emergence of the two outworlders into the brilliant sunshine at the edge of the square—the director purposefully striding toward Zinder, and Ren following—caused an immediate thrill of interest to run through the market place. There was a quieting in the pace of the bargaining, though each man pretended still to be about his business, The agent sensed rather than saw the evasive group of figures who moved to strategic positions in the crowd, prepared for trouble. Worst of all was the unspoken wariness of the merchants, traditionally neutral in political affairs. If Vestevaal forced the incident into an affray, then even the dour men of small commerce seemed likely to side with Zinder.
    Ren normally had complete confidence in Vestevaal’s ability to contain a crisis. However, Ren was from habit more attuned to the local undercurrents in Anharitte than Vestevaal could be. Purely from lack of ‘feel’ of the situation the director might provoke an explosive incident. Under his tunic Ren could feel the comforting weight of his blaster. He would hesitate to use the weapon in such a populated place, but, if necessity demanded, he could