Rock of Ages Read Online Free Page A

hadn’t met Colonel-General Vandergilt.
    *
    “Maijstral,” said Prince Joseph Bob, “I don’t believe you’ve met my family.”
    “Haven’t had the pleasure.”
    The young Lord Joseph Bob had been one of Maijstral’s school friends at the Nnoivarl Academy. He hadn’t changed much in the last twelve years—he was still tall and rangy and blond, and he still looked every bit the champion athlete he had been in school. The best pistol shot in the Academy, a top sabre man on the fencing team, a first-class swimmer, an excellent jumper and runner, first prize for debate . . . the list of accomplishments went on and on.
    His huge house south of Fort Worth was situated on an estate that stretched as far as the hill country west of Austin. The drawing room, where Maijstral was meeting the Prince’s family, seemed to range at least half that distance.
    “This is my wife, Arlette,” Joseph Bob said.
    “Charmed.”
    The marriage was less than a year old, and it was clear to Maijstral that they would have beautiful children. Princess Arlette—the media called her “Lady Bob”—was almost as tall as her husband, with honey-colored hair and large dark eyes. Maijstral gave her two fingers in handclasp and sniffed her wrist and ears.
    “Joe’s told me a lot about you,” Arlette said.
    “Oh dear.”
    “He was very complimentary.”
    Maijstral smiled. “Of course, he never knew me well.”
    “And this ,” said Joseph Bob, “is my brother Will.”
    “Ah,” Maijstral said, “the Bubber.”
    Just as the brother of King Louis always assumed the title Monsieur, the brother of the Prince of Tejas was always the Bubber (the r , with genteel courtesy, is almost silent). Maijstral, acquainted only through his brother, sniffed his ears, offered him a modest two fingers, and received three informal digits in return.
    “Do you still do card tricks?” the Bubber asked. He was neither as tall nor as rangy nor as blond as his brother, though his expression was more genial. He had come into the Nnoivarl Academy the year Maijstral left, and Maijstral had never really known him.
    “Of course,” Maijstral said.
    “Joe always said you were good.”
    “After supper, if you like.”
    “That would be delightful. Thank you.”
    Maijstral made a mental note to tell Roman to lay out the dinner jacket with the trick pockets. He turned to the Prince.
    “I was wondering if I might ask a favor,” he said.
    “Of course.”
    “While I’m here, I’d like to learn to ride a horse.”
    “Really?” The Prince seemed faintly surprised. “Very well, if you like. Will can set you up—he’s in charge of the stables.”
    “Sir.” Joseph Bob’s butler appeared in the doorway. “There is a slight disturbance at the front gate. Newton has apprehended a pair of interlopers who claim to be lost. They also claim to be police.”
    “ Lost? ” the Prince said. “On my property?”
    Maijstral gave a sigh. “J.B.,” he said, “I suppose I had better tell you about Colonel-General Vandergilt.”
    *
    Later, as Maijstral went to his quarters to dress for supper, he turned a corner in the hallway and received a start. Coming toward him was a short, nondescript man in a green jacket.
    “Mr. Kuusinen,” Maijstral said, and offered two fingers.
    “Your servant, sir. I’m pleased you remembered my name.” Kuusinen gave two fingers in return and sniffed Maijstral’s ears.
    Maijstral was not likely to forget the name of Paavo Kuusinen anytime soon. The man had a habit of turning up. Twice now, on Peleng and again on Silverside Station, Kuusinen had been a part of adventures Maijstral would just as soon forget.
    On those occasions Kuusinen had actually been of great assistance to Maijstral, but the very sight of the man made Maijstral uneasy. Call it ingratitude if you will.
    “What brings you to Earth?” Maijstral asked.
    “I’m still her grace’s attorney, of course,” Kuusinen said, “and she is here, as a guest.”
    “Roberta?”