Read Online A Secret Atlas by Michael A. Stackpole - Free Book Online Page A

those charts by the end of the Festival.”
    “Consider it done, Highness.” Qiro smiled. “I am given leave to place the dual clock on
    the Stormwolf ?”
    “Yes, of course. The sooner the better. The Stormwolf cannot leave until after the Festival.
    Its premature departure would attract attention.”
    “As you desire, Highness.”
    A chill ran down Keles’ spine. He dared not move, lest the two of them be reminded he
    was there, and motioned to his returning brother to likewise be quiet. His grandfather and
    the Prince were making decisions that would shape the future. The blanks on the wall map
    would be filled in, and the vast resources of Nalenyr would grow even larger—perhaps
    large enough to force the other Principalities to join it or be driven to economic ruin.
    Prince Cyron nodded. “Good, very good. I had come here to convey bad news, but you
    have made it a joyous day.”
    Qiro’s head canted. “Bad news, Highness?”
    “Yes. Your request to leave Anturasikun is denied. I will, of course, come here to attend
    your birthday celebration.”
    The old man’s pale eyes flashed for a moment, then he waved a hand through the air.
    “Consider the request withdrawn, Highness. I have so much to do, I may even cancel the
    party.”
    The Prince shook his head. “To do that would attract attention, and we don’t want that. No,
    things will go as planned. You and I will host the Virine and Desei. We will show them how
    generous we can be. In the future they will hunger for our generosity again.”
    Qiro smiled his predatory smile—sharp and with a flash of teeth. “As you, in your wisdom,
    Highness, command.”
    “Good.” The Prince bowed, then made to withdraw through the curtains, which Jorim held
    open for him. “Your health, and that of the Principality.”
    Keles did not like the expression on his brother’s face. Jorim waited for the white curtain to
    sag heavily shut, then pointed at Qiro. “You ancient hypocrite!”
    Their grandfather’s eyes sharpened. “Be very careful, Jorim. I am in a good mood. Do not
    spoil it.”
    “I don’t care what sort of mood you’re in!” Jorim’s nostrils flared. “I told you about Borosan
    Gryst’s device months ago, when I returned from Ummummorar. You dismissed it. You
    berated me for being stupid and lazy. You told me that I couldn’t keep the clocks wound,
    so I could never care for such a device. And now I discover you have sought out the
    device? You bastard!”
    Qiro kept his voice even, but it came with an edge. “I reconsidered.”
    “Reconsidered the device, yes, but not how you treated me. What is it about me?” Jorim
    opened his hands and flung his arms wide. “Do you think me stupid? Do you think me . . .
    I don’t know what. Why couldn’t you tell me I was right?”
    “Because, Jorim, your being correct this once hardly excuses all the times you have been lazy and sloppy in your duty to me and this family.”
    “Oh, we’ve trod this path before!” Jorim smashed a fist into an open palm, tearing a scab
    from a knuckle. “You shame me and I am to be contrite. It doesn’t matter that you never
    were going to admit your error!”
    “It was not an error, Jorim. Do you want to know what I thought when you came to me? Do
    you?” Qiro raised an eyebrow. “Consider carefully before you answer.”
    Jorim sucked on the bleeding knuckle for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, I want to know.”
    “I thought, ‘It is another of his lazy schemes, to get out of work and excuse his inattention.’
    Your survey of Ummummorar was adequate, but only barely so. You went, you explored,
    you discovered things, but your work was hasty. You allowed yourself to be distracted. I
    saw your face, just now, when the Prince thanked you for the specimens you provided to
    his sanctuary. That’s good for you, but not for us .”
    Jorim licked at his split lip. “You mean you .”
    “I mean us . How does your brother benefit? Your sister? Your uncle and cousins?