Read Online At the Queen's Command by Michael A. Stackpole - Free Book Online Page A

the highborn, in fact.
    “I believe you will find, Miss, that very few men wish to take responsibility for their actions and desires. Lying, being tactless, hurting others: all of these are easier than just standing up and being men.”
    Bethany laughed, but would not meet his gaze. “You sound like my brother.”
    “Something I suspect he would deny.”
    She lifted her face, her smile returning. “You have a point, Captain. But do not think ill of him. He’s not yet tamed his emotions, so he speaks his mind.”
    “Seldom a vice, save in the military.”
    “Always a vice when voiced as loudly as Caleb does.” She laid a hand on his arm. “But I delay you when you need breakfast. We have some put aside for you.”
    “Lead the way. I shall bring the water.”
    He followed her into the kitchen and deposited the bucket on a counter-top. She directed him into the dining room, where her father awaited him. Owen sat, and Bethany returned to the kitchen to bring him some bacon and biscuits with butter and honey. With another trip she added a pot of tea and two cups, pouring for him and her father.
    Dr. Frost slowly spun his steaming cup. “You’re up early, Captain.”
    Owen chewed quickly and swallowed hard. “Sir, it is mid-morning. I should have been awake much sooner.”
    “Most of our guests sleep in much later, and ask for dinner to be served to them on a tray.” Frost passed him a sealed message. “Colonel Langford was up early himself. He wishes to see you by noon.”
    Owen flipped the message over and back. “Do I need to read it?”
    The elder man shrugged. “You will find that while my wife has little time for gossip—or so she says—there is a very quick and efficient spy network among domestics. Your expedition will be heading out at the beginning of the week under the leadership of Rufus Branch. The Colonel will be telling you how long you will be gone and inform you of some of the hardships.”
    Owen broke a biscuit in half and began buttering it. “Shall I assume there are wagers being placed on how long before I return to Temperance and allow the expedition to continue without me? Not that a gentleman such as yourself would entertain wagers.”
    Frost’s eyes brightened. “You think too highly of me, sir. My father built a mercantile empire based on taking risks. I chose to become a Natural Philosopher, but I also take risks—those of a sporting nature. It is believed you will survive ten days or until you reach Grand Falls. It is also believed you will not run at first sight of the Twilight People; but that the first jeopard will have you screaming in terror.”
    Owen laughed. “Having seen the one in the Prince’s collection, I find that to be a smart bet to cover.”
    “Captain, I think you underestimate yourself. At least, I hope you do. I have a bit riding on your success.”
    “Will you tell me, sir, how you are betting?”
    Frost thought for a moment, then shook his head. “No. You are the sort of man who would endure much to validate my trust in you. There is no need for you to know; and my fortunes will ride with my judgment of you.”
    Fully dressed in his uniform, Owen reported to army headquarters and was ushered in directly to see Colonel Langford. As predicted, the Colonel proceeded to outline the hardships in store for Owen, and hinted broadly that he could use a man of Owen’s skill in Temperance itself. “To be frank, Captain, it would be a better use of your skills than getting lost and killed in the woods.”
    “I am certain you are correct, Colonel.” Owen reached inside his jacket and produced a folded slip of paper. “But I do have my orders. Now, sir, if you could look this over, I believe it is all I will need to complete my mission.”
    Langford read the paper, his eyes narrowing. “You spent a great deal of time on this requisition, Captain.”
    “Yes, sir. On the passage I studied a Ryngian survey I found in a shop in Launston. De Verace’s Survey of