The Dragon Nimbus Novels: Volume III: Volume III

books as the library back at the University,” Yaala said. “This is the true legacy of Hanassa.”

Chapter 24
     
    Early morning the next day, queen’s solar, Palace Reveta Tristile, Coronnan City
     
    “N imbulan, Scarface, I need Bessel to escort me into the country on a quest,” Queen Maarie Kaathliin said to her dear friend and the Senior Magician. She had summoned them to her private solar at first light. Now the sun hovered barely an hour above the horizon. She couldn’t wait any longer to counter her father’s manipulations. Discovery of the ring that had nearly choked Marilell had been followed closely by the diplomatic crises over the death of Ambassador Jorghe-Rosse. Katie had spent the entire next day with Quinnault and his Council investigating the incident. They had concluded the accident and death were caused by the storm.
    Now she had to take action to end Kinnsell’s manipulations for his own gain. She had no doubt the kidnapping attempt was tied to her father’s quest to become the next emperor of the Terran Galactic Empire.
    The Rover ring that had nearly killed Marilell could have slipped off his hand or he could have put it there deliberately. He loved exotic jewelry and picked up new trinkets wherever he traveled. Kinnsell was perfectly capable of kidnapping his own granddaughter and using her as hostage to his ambitions.
    “Bessel may not leave the confines of Myrilandel’s home,” Scarface replied. He looked steadily at the wall behind Katie’s right shoulder rather than at her.
    “Look at me and tell me that,” Katie demanded. She didn’t like acting the authoritative queen among her friends, but Scarface had ceased acting like a friend several moons ago.
    The Senior Magician glanced briefly at her face then turned his gaze back to the wall. “Bessel is under suspicion for several crimes. He may not leave Myrilandel’s home until my investigation is complete, Your Grace.”
    “Then release him to my custody.” Only Bessel would do. He was the only young magician left who had begun his training with Nimbulan; the only magician she trusted to be uninfluenced by Scarface’s surly attitude. Scarface was so like her father when he needed to control everything and everyone around him.
    She needed Nimbulan to pressure Scarface into giving his permission for Bessel to join her. Nimbulan seemed the only man left who could influence Scarface. If a way existed for the king and Council of Provinces to oust the Senior Magician, Katie could not find it in the written laws of the land. The Commune was independent from the government. They had to work with Scarface no matter how stubborn and prejudiced he became.
    “Impossible. I will not release Bessel from confinement until this matter is settled,” Scarface replied, just as authoritative as she. And just as inflexible.
    “Nothing is impossible. I need that journeyman and only him.” She’d be damned if she’d explain herself to the Senior Magician. Of late, his good-natured ability to organize and lead had turned sour and demanding. What was wrong with him? One would almost think that the Commune and University resisted his control. . . .
    Hmm. Maybe. Something to think about. Later.
    “The only reason Bessel remains alive and in Coronnan is because I have granted him probation until my investigation is complete,” Scarface continued. “He worked rogue magic. By law he may not leave his sanctuary until judgment is handed down.”
    Katie looked to Nimbulan for confirmation. He nodded the truth of his replacement’s statement. Scarface only looked more sour and determined to defy her. Very well, she’d maneuver around the Senior Magician and his blasted Commune.
    “Bessel has knowledge that I require. I will interview him.” And then convince Quinnault to grant him a pardon if necessary to keep him close to her on her quest. Powwell would have been a better choice, he had actually lived the dragon dream with them. But he had disappeared the day after the dragon dream. Yaala had never returned to court from Myrilandel’s clearing last winter. Presumably, she followed Powwell (or led him) into Hanassa.
    Frustration gnawed at Katie. If she knew her father, she hadn’t much time to thwart his plans. She couldn’t do anything while cooped up here at court. And she dared not venture out without the protection of at least one magician. Was frail Old Lyman hearty enough to ride with her?
    “Then, I fear, Your Grace, you must