Enchanter (Book 7) Read Online Free

up.  I mean, what kind of real research can I get done now that I’m married?” she said, laughing mirthlessly.
    “Are you kidding?” I snorted.  “As I said, we’re entering a phase in our lives where we’ve managed to go beyond mere survival and into the realm of inquiry.  I’m playing with magical rocks and such, wondering how I can next bend reality to my will.  I’m going to indulge that bit of thaumaturgical curiosity, now that I’m under house arrest, effectively.” 
    My nominal liege lord, Prince Tavard, had taken exception to my use of petty things like laws and contractual agreements to do something he didn’t like, and he had confined me to my lands and estates until further notice.  “I’m going to explore as much as I can and build as much as I can, because right now that’s what I need to do.
    “But you?  You’re not just a thaumaturge, Pen, you really have exhausted the realm of sex magic, as it stands.  If you are going to break new ground, you are going to have to do some unique research.  And marriage is the perfect laboratory for observation, if you can convince Arborn to participate.”
    “I . . . I think he finds me persuasive,” she grinned, girlishly.
    “I’d imagine,” I agreed.  “So don’t worry so much about collecting data and delve into a topic in-depth.  If anyone could pull that off, you could.  Especially in a fairly cushy billet like Ducal Court Wizard.  See just how potent you can make a monogamous relationship, arcanely speaking,” I suggested.  “See if you can trace the intricacies of interpersonal human experience and map them to the outflow of thaumaturgical effect, for instance.  You’re a newlywed – you’re going to be screwing all the time anyway.  You might as well take some notes and get a published piece out of it.  That’s what I’m going t do.”
    “But Vorone,” she said, resisting the idea with every bit of decadent Remeran dedication to sensuality, “that just seems so . . .”
    “Quaint?  Rustic?  Picturesque?”
    “I was going to say ‘dangerous, dirty, and destitute’,” she corrected me, “but if you don’t look at the town so hard, I suppose it’s pretty.”
    “And it won’t be dangerous for long,” I promised.  “Count Salgo is going in at the head of two thousand Orphan’s Band mercenary infantry.  Once they establish order and defeat immediate resistance to the re-imposition of Anguin’s rule, they’ll be replaced by another mercenary force until Salgo can arrange native military staff to secure the capital.  That should keep things quiet until spring, at least.  And by then either Anguin’s attempt will have either worked . . . or it won’t.”
    “So I should consider this a possible short-term assignment?” Penny asked, wryly cocking an eyebrow.
    “Anything could happen,” I shrugged.  “And a lot of what happens could depend upon the actions of the new Court Wizard.  Don’t forget, the Order has a lot of interests in that part of the world.  It would be helpful for us to have a powerful say over how magic is administered in the region.  And, honestly, Anguin cold use your help.  And your spellwork.  But more importantly, he needs your counsel.  He’s never run anything before, and he’s planning on seizing control of an entire duchy.”
    “Half a duchy,” she reminded.  “The broken half.”
    “Still,” I shrugged, again.  “There will be resistance.  Both in Vorone and outside of it.  He’s going to need reliable allies and ministers who he can trust not to sell him out to the first foreign power that comes along.”
    “I suppose I come pre-sold,” she nodded. 
    “Exactly.  Anguin not only gets a powerful and adept High Mage as his Court Wizard, he also gets a trusted advisor whose loyalties are not in doubt.  And he gets a potent liaison to the magical community, one who won’t be tempted by either betrayal or the allure of the Penumbra.   Plus,” I added,