Natural Ordermage by L. E. Modesitt Page B

bitter wind blew steadily out of the northwest, driven by clouds that were almost black. , Whitecaps dominated the part of the ocean Rahl could see beyond the harbor breakwater. The piers were empty of ships—a good sign that a storm was headed toward Land’s End. Rahl picked up his pace.
    A light stinging rain, with droplets like ice, began to lash at him by the time he neared the harbor, and he was glad to climb the steps and enter the dim confines of the chandlery. He could sense that there was no one else besides him and Fahla there.
    She stood behind the counter, a concerned expression on her face as he approached. “It’s raw outside, isn’t it?”
    “It’s started to rain. The drops feel like sleet. The harbor’s empty, and the clouds to the northwest are really dark.”
    “The last coaster raised sail almost at dawn. The Austrans left well before dawn. They, have a better sense of weather.” After a pause, she asked, “Do you have any business today, Rahl, or are you just here to warm yourself going one way or another or to bend my ear?”
    “Business. Father thought that the pen nibs he ordered might be here by now. He’s already paid for them.”
    “They came late yesterday, I think. The supply wagon from Nylan usually arrives on threeday.” Fahla opened the small ledger to her right and flipped through several pages. “Yes, they did, and your father did pay for them.”
    Rahl wanted to say that he didn’t like being questioned on what he’d said. He didn’t. Instead, he smiled. “Thank you. I’d like to take them.”
    “Just a moment, Rahl. They’re in the racks in the back.” Fahla slipped through the open door to the storeroom.
    Rahl smiled at the combination of efficiency and grace she embodied.
    In moments she returned with a small pouch. “Here they are.” ,
    “Thank you. How has your day been?”
    “It’s always slow when it’s cold and rainy. Faseyn likes it because he can finish the account entries and work on his mathematical puzzles. Did you know he’s studying natural mathematics with Magistra Reya?”
    Rahl didn’t even know who the magistra was. “No, I didn’t. He must be very good for her to tutor him personally.”
    Fahla nodded. “Did you ever think about studying with the magisters? You’re bright enough.”
    “So are you,” he pointed out.
    “I’m more interested in practical things. I don’t like studying.” She laughed, ruefully. “I’d get bored doing that. I’d wager that you read every book you copy.”
    “You have to.”
    ‘That’s not what I meant. You read them all to see what they mean, and you probably even argue with the ones you think are wrong.“
    “You can’t argue with a book,” Rahl said reasonably.
    “You know what I mean—”
    “Fahla!” A man’s voice called from the storeroom.
    “That’s Father. He must need help with something.” Fahla started to turn, then stopped. “Rahl…” , “Yes?”
    “I’m glad you have enough sense to wear something warm.”
    He couldn’t help flushing slightly, thinking that he almost hadn’t. “Good day, Rahl.” . ,
    “Good day, Fahla.”
    As she turned, Rahl shook his head. The whole World seemed to be against his spending any time at all with Fahla. If it weren’t a customer, then it was Kehlyrt wanting something from her, and he’d forgotten to ask her if the chandlery was going to become a factorage, although that question would have just been to satisfy his own curiosity.
    As Rahl stepped out of the chandlery, he saw a figure in black at the foot of the two steps leading up onto the narrow porch. Rahl would have preferred not to meet Magister Puvort, but trying to avoid the magister would have been all too obvious. He did step aside to allow the magister direct access to the door. “Good day, magister.”
    Instead of heading inside, Puvort stepped onto the porch, under the eaves, and out of the still-light rain, and looked directly at Rahl. “What brings you to the