They might get damp running from the dining hall to the administration building. “The other seconds don’t have to walk half a mille in ankle-deep water. “The other seconds…” Lystara began, then stopped.

He wasn’t about to mention that he and Alyna already wore the less than stylish and rather odoriferous oiled boots “Don’t understand?” Alastar’s voice was dry. “You don’t-” Lystara broke off her words abruptly, her black eyes going from her father to her mother and back again. “And don’t forget your oiled boots, either,” added Alastar, “the way you did so conveniently yesterday.” That’s what keeps the rain from soaking through.” I know the oilskin coat smells of fish oil. “Don’t forget to wear your waterproof,” said Alyna evenly. Less than a glass later, after a hot breakfast, Alastar and Alyna stood in the front foyer as their daughter, Lystara, hurried down the stairs toward the front door. “You’ll figure a way through it.” Her words were warm.Īlastar just looked at her for a long moment, a slender, almost petite woman, with short brown hair and black eyes … and with physical strength, determination, and imaging ability so at odds with her appearance, as many had discovered, at times fatally. I’m afraid matters are going to get worse.”

“The rains … and Chief Factor Hulet … and High Holder Cransyr. “Running in drizzle or light rain is one thing. “You’re not going running in that, I hope?”Īlastar shook his head.

He turned from the window to find that Alyna was sitting on the side of the bed looking at him. So much rain in late Agostos was bound to destroy much of the grain harvest in the areas around L’Excelsis-and everywhere the near-continual downpour had struck. So heavy was the downpour that Alastar could barely make out the stone-paved walkway that led from the covered porch below the window south toward the center of the Collegium, but he didn’t have to see in order to know that the twin lanes flanking the green that led past the cottages of the master imagers were at least boot-deep in rushing water being channeled to the River Aluse, a river that, after the continual rains of the past week, was less than two yards from the top of the high granite riverwalls that surrounded Imagisle. Beyond the glass, water poured out of the sky in a rush that suggested a waterfall more than mere rain. In the deep gray before dawn on Mardi morning, Alastar stood at the bedchamber window.

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