14

A WIZABD IN ABSENTIA

“His mind, boy, his mind!” the old man said impatiently. “The family’s mental instability! Though he showed it less than most—only in a bit of paranoia, and a frantic need to leave the planetoid.”

The second, Magnus was already beginning to understand, and he didn’t think it had anything to do with mental illness. As to the first, however … “I regret to say that his paranoia has increased, my lord.”

“Ah.” The Count nodded, satisfied. “He has his good days, though, eh?”

“Yes, milord—and on one of them, he sent his best wishes to you, his uncle, and asked that I bring word of you.”

“He shall have it, have a letter! Which shall tell him of my delight at his good fortune, and his accomplishments! I was sure he had been a credit to the family! But this planet he has made his home, young man—what of it, eh?” When Magnus hesitated, he said, “You may tell me—I am cleared for the highest level of security.” He gestured impatiently at a waiting butler. “Show him the documents, Hiram.”

“No, milord—‘tis not necessary!” Magnus said quickly. “He hath come—uh, has come—to a Lost Colony, one named Gramarye. You … knew of his, ah, affiliation?”

“That he had become an agent of SCENT? Yes, yes,” the old man said impatiently. “And this planet is their concern, eh?”

“Yes, my lord. It has regressed to a medieval culture”—actually, Magnus wasn’t sure “regressed”