The Missing Mage by Robyn Wideman Page B

rate of return, then I would certainly reconsider my position on the matter.”
    Everet paid little attention to the words Bryant spoke. They meant little. This whole business meeting was a sham. Today Shelley, the serving girl hired to help frame Bryant, was going to ‘accidently’ bump into Bryant while in her role as Lady Severa. This would serve two purposes. First it would help set up their cover story for how he and the lady met. While this inn was clean and friendly, it still contained more than enough prying eyes and rumormongers who would take note of the meeting. The location had been chosen not for the delicious fresh bread, but for the desired audience. A tasty lunch was a side benefit to the meeting. The second purpose of this lunch was to see how Lady Severa interacted in a setting filled with prying eyes and attentive ears. It was one thing to play the temptress with an intoxicated gentleman, quite another to masquerade as a highborn lady in mid-day. Everet was sure Lady Severa was up to the task, but in a high-risk game of intrigue, he simply could not afford to take a chance. He had to know if she could play her role.
    “Surely you can understand with the volatile nature of the shipping industry that I have to factor risk into my prices, if I were to lower your rates I would leave myself open to the dangers of being underfunded.” Everet actually knew enough about the shipping business that he could fool anyone into believing his story; in his former life as a duke he had a rather extensive background in the matter.
    Bryant nodded and pretended to ponder his reply. As he sat there, a voice called out, “Bryant, I did not expect to see you here today.” Lady Severa walked up to the table and placed a hand on Bryant’s shoulder. “So this is what you meant by an important business meeting. Warm bread and wine would be important business to me as well.”
    Bryant laughed and stood. “Now Severa this is an important meeting, the good food and drink is just a way of making the meeting more casual. Actually, we were just coming to a conclusion of our discussions, so if you would like to join us your company would be a fine addition.”
    Lady Severa smiled brightly. “I would, but I am afraid I do not sit at the table of strangers, and since you have not introduced me to your business associate, I must decline your invitation.”
    Bryant shook his head. “Please forgive my terrible manners, if I might make amends please allow me to make introductions. Lady Severa may I introduce Everet Bell.”
    Everet rose and gave a small formal bow. “Lady Severa, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. Would you please join us and save me from the financial wranglings of your friend here before he bleeds my dry.”
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well Mr. Bell. I am sure you are in no danger of bleeding today but I shall join you,” Lady Severa spoke with a clear and sharp tone. So far, Everet was impressed with how she handled herself, her cool yet playful tone was perfect.
    As they sat back down at the table, Bryant continued his part of the pageantry, giving Everet a bit of Lady Severa’s story. He said it just loud enough for anyone interested to overhear. Moreover, from Everet’s estimation, at least two tables were paying more attention to their conversation than proper. “Lady Severa is the daughter of an old family friend; she is staying with my cousin Connard. Like you, she is new to Meron.”
    “You are new to Meron, Mr. Bell?” asked Severa.
    “Please call me Everet; I hardly ever use my full name and half the time when people address me that way I forget they are talking to me.” Everet smiled, then continued. “Yes. I am attempting to expand my shipping business into Meron, which has required my presence here. Until today I had little interest in being here, but I am beginning to see where Meron might have some value.”  While it would appear as casual flirting to anyone listening, it