The Duke said, „The simple, basic question is, should we let our cousin accept?" He smiled. „Or, do we dare not let her? It would be a sin to ignore an opportunity like this.

Eh?"

No one demurred. Someone said, „But we couldn't just let it go and hope."

„Of course not. Inger would be the lever. The foot in the door. The distraction. Right now she just wants to see her leman again, but I imagine we can get her to be the family's agent. For insurance, and to take charge of the day-to-day details, I suggest we send the Colonel here."

The Colonel kept his features rigidly controlled. So there it was. And it stunk. There were times when he wished he didn't owe this family a debt of loyalty.

The Duke asked, „Can anyone propose a reason why we shouldn't pursue the policy I'm suggesting?"

Heads shook. One man said, „Something as good as this, you needn't have asked."

„I wanted unanimity of purpose going in. Carried, then? Pursue the possibilities, at least till we see some insuperable stumbling block?"

Heads nodded.

„Good. Fine." The Duke's voice was silky with pleasure. „I thought you'd like it. That's all for now. Let me look into it further. Let me see if there are pitfalls. I'll keep you posted. You can go now." He leaned back. As everyone neared the door, „Oh. Don't discuss this with anyone. Anyone at all. Colonel, yes, I want you to stay."

The Colonel had risen but not left the table. He seated himself again. He rested his forearms on the tabletop and stared at a point over the Duke's right shoulder.

Once the door closed, the Duke said, „Actually, we're farther along than I admitted. Babeltausque put me in touch with some old friends from the Pracchia days. They've agreed to help." Babeltausque was a sorcerer in the family employ. The Colonel loathed him.

„That's a strange face you've got there, Colonel. You don't approve?"