The Wizard of Anharitte Read Online Free PDF Page A

your money as you are upon access to the free port facilities. So let’s speak frankly. I know that you and your director intend making feud with the Imaiz .’
    Ren examined his inquisitor warily. ‘You know of that?’
    “‘Of course. Not much occurs in Anharitte that isn’t known in the prefecture. Whether or not we choose to act on what we know depends on our interpretation of the law. Provocation isn’t an offense. But if Vestevaal had struck Zinder the other day we’d have been very much concerned.’
    ‘To protect a slave?’ Ren affected a measure of surprise he did not feel.
    Di Irons’ voice was quieter now but just as dangerous. ‘No. We would have had to intervene to protect your stupid hides. And that offends our idea of preservation of the peace. You’re no stranger here, Ren. You know which way the tides flow in Anharitte.’
    ‘I know it,’ said Ren, ‘but the director needed proof of my interpretation.’
    ‘Well, I gather he got it. But I don’t advise him to make an open confrontation like that again. Zinder has too many sympathizers to make it a healthy pastime. But what escapes me is why your director needed proof of her ability to cut him down to size.’
    ‘Because it’s my contention that if the Imaiz continues to educate slaves to her level, the slave structure will crumble. Your society as it now exists will crumble. Don’t ask me what will replace it—but it will certainly be a system with less tolerance toward Free Trade than the one we can enjoy at the moment.’
    ‘So that’s it.’ Di Irons was suddenly caught by the speculation.
    ‘You asked for understanding,’ said Ren. ‘Well, I’ve shown my blade. Now dare you return the gesture? I don’t imagine you lords of Anharitte would look upon the withdrawal of Free Trade with much favor.’
    ‘No!’ Di Irons reacted violently. ‘You’ll not involve me in politics. The Imaiz may be ill advised in the way he treats his slaves. But if I were to take arms against every slavemaster I considered ill advised, I would not have half enough cells in which to hold them—Or a tenth enough tormentors to make their stay uncomfortable. In any case, I think you’re reading more into this than is written. I know Dion well. He’s a frequent guest in my household.’
    ‘And Zinder? Is she a frequent guest, too? A slave?’
    ‘If Dion wills it. A slavemaster’s rights over his bondslaves are absolute—and that’s a principle I must uphold. If he chooses to pretty her and pamper her it’s no concern of mine. She would not be the first bondslave to become a favored concubine—though I’ll not say that’s what she is. If Dion is pleased to bring her to my, table I’ll be the last to interfere. In any case, Zinder’s a charming and cultured girl.’
    ‘And you approve of a bondslave’s being educated to this level?’
    ‘I don’t necessarily approve when a master has a slave stoned to death for some imagined slight. My function is not to judge but to maintain the law. Thus far I’ve no evidence that Dion-daizan has broken it.’
    ‘Then you’re not willing to assist us in protecting Anharitte from the Imaiz ’s slave policy?’
    ‘I’m not even convinced there is any threat. A man who owns slaves must always be on guard against rebellion—and I fancy Dion runs less risk of this than most. But above all, the law must be neutral—or it ceases to be law and becomes tyranny. Let it not be said that a prefect of Anharitte used his position to persecute others on the word of an outworld merchant’s agent.
    ‘If you think you have a grievance against Dion-daizan you can have recourse to the supreme court in Gaillen. Or you can attempt to achieve satisfaction through the services of a society. But let them advise you on tactics. The societies know how to operate with discretion. If your feud moves .Into the ‘public realm I shall act—and act decisively and without favor. Do I make myself clear?’
    ‘Would you also