The Sixth Discipline
Page 48
***
Stefan was immersed in conversation with Nisa Palli when Francesca stormed into his office, followed closely by her betrothed.
Nisa had reached over to indicate which of the monitors reflected the status of the project that had attracted her concern, but she straightened up as soon as Francesca stalked up to Stefan's desk.
“Pop!” Francesca said peremptorily.
Stefan sighed mentally. “It’ll just be a moment, Nisa, if you don’t mind.”
Nisa nodded and stepped back. “Of course, Baron.”
Stefan turned to his only child. “Yes, Francesca? Is there something more important than earning our living?”
She flushed but plunged ahead with her request, waving a hand at Ran-Del as she spoke. “Tell Ran-Del he can’t go wandering around the city completely alone.”
Stefan raised his eyebrows and glanced from Francesca’s heated expression to Ran-Del’s cold countenance. Clearly they had been arguing yet again. “I can’t tell Ran-Del what to do, sweetie. He doesn’t work for me.”
“I don’t either,” she said acerbically. “That never stopped you.”
“As my daughter and my heir, you’re in my dominion. Ran-Del is no relation. He’s not officially part of the House of Hayden—not yet.”
“Pop!” A familiar pleading note crept into Francesca’s voice. “He won’t take any money, and he can’t even read. He’ll be lost on his own. We’ll never see him again.”
Stefan glanced at Ran-Del, standing stiffly by the door. He always tended to look hostile around Stefan, so it was difficult to judge his mood. Stefan tried to see the Sansoussy as a stranger would. Ran-Del wore perfectly ordinary clothes, well-made but not ostentatiously so. Neither the shirt nor the trousers would attract any attention. The moccasins were unusual, but some people liked to be comfortable rather than stylish. The long hair wasn’t in style either, but it was far from rare. The dirk was the most conspicuous part of his costume. People in Shangri-La often carried weapons, but they were seldom so low tech—or so obvious.
Perhaps a word of caution was in order. “Be careful, will you, Ran-Del?” Stefan said. “Stay out of fights if you can, and try not to kill anyone if you can’t.”
Ran-Del looked pleased as he nodded. “I will.”
“Is that all you’re going to say to him?” Francesca demanded.
“Yes.” Stefan scanned his monitors trying to find the factoid Nisa had pointed out. “Have a pleasant day, Francesca. We’re busy here.”
Francesca let out a cry of frustration, but Ran-Del had already moved to the door.
Stefan smiled his approval. The Sansoussy didn’t hesitate once they made up their minds. “Don’t forget to shut the door on your way out, Francesca.”