Read Online robert Charrette - Arthur 02 - A King Beneath the Mountain by Robert N. Charrette - Free Book Online Page A

Artos."
    "And why would that be?"
    "Ask them!"
    "We are asking you, Doctor." L'Hereaux's voice was an-noyingly calm.
    "I don't like what you're implying."
    "Neither do I, Doctor. Neither do I. Mitsutomo seems to know more than they should. How might that be? Agent Kun seemed to think they had a secret source of knowledge."
    The Department couldn't control every bit of data about the resurgence of magic in the world. Mitsutomo was a powerful megacorp; a corporation didn't get that big without smart people, and smart people made connections when presented with evidence. Who could guess what they knew? "Look, I don't know anything about Mitsutomo other than they kidnapped Reddy and Black and that they planted a transmitter on Black. That's how they were able to follow us to the other-world."
    "But you haven't explained how they managed to bridge the gap between the worlds," L'Hereaux said.
    "Bridging the dimensions would take a mage," Dagastino added.
    "What do you know about it? You ever done it?" Spae asked contemptuously.
    "I'm afraid I have to agree with Dr. Dagastino," Essenbach said. "A mage is necessary. We do not have the ability to breach the dimensions with mere technology."
    "Look, I don't know how they did it, but they did it. Mitsutomo raided the otherworld and tried to kill Artos. There was a raid on the awakening site as well. Maybe that was Mitsutomo, too. I've told you before that I don't know how they knew about Artos, or why they wanted to kill him. I am not involved with them."
    "So you say," Dagastino said.
    L'Hereaux stepped to the edge of the lights, becoming a silhouette against the dazzle. "Agent Kun's report does corroborate the raid and the transmitter. We know that Mitsutomo is at least partially aware of the magical upsurgence."
    "How could they unless someone informed them?" Da-gastino's tone made it clear who he thought the someone was.
    "Accusations are not called for at this time," L'Hereaux said. "Mitsutomo is involved. Consider the implications: a megacorporation aware of the sleepers and what they represent. This could have profound consequences. Mitsutomo's interests are not the world's interests."
    "There is the matter of the man Sorli," Gere said. This was new; they hadn't brought Sorli up in the previous sessions. "His involvement is something that concerns me, Dr. Spae. One of Agent Kun's field reports stated that you identified Sorli in Worcester shortly before the awakening of the sleeper. Is that correct?"
    "Correct." Just as in my report.
    "Your final report does not mention him. Why is that, Doctor?"
    "We didn't see him again."
    "I find it most interesting that you encountered Sorli at the beginning of this affair and never again," Dagastino said.
    Gere cleared his throat. "How shall I say this? Such an encounter is uncharacteristic, judging from our previous dealings with the man."
    L'Hereaux spoke from behind her; he had shifted position again. "Sorli has more than once disrupted our operations. We must consider the possibility that he has acquired the sleeper.
    Do you think that is possible, Dr. Spae?" He paused, then spoke from yet another spot. "Perhaps Sorli has persuaded you that your best interests lie elsewhere."
    Spae felt herself tense. So if Mitsutomo hadn't co-opted her, Sorli had, eh? They seemed to have convicted her already. "What are you saying, L'Hereaux?"
    "I think it's obvious."
    "And uncalled for," Magnus said.
    "Dr. Spae is loyal," said Essenbach.
    "There remains the question of Sorli's employers," Gere said.
    "I should think that answer is obvious," said Dagastino. "Mitsutomo."
    Magnus sighed. "If Mitsutomo is Sorli's master, Dr. Dagastino, they've been aware of the magic longer than I'd care to think about."
    "I would think Sorli's association with Mitsutomo, if it exists, is a rather recent thing," L'Hereaux said. "As recent as some other associations. Wouldn't you agree, Dr. Spae?"
    "Sorli is not the issue here." Essenbach's voice cracked a little."Can we get