the problem was , trajan chaundran vanerrincourt was two things that were quite unpopular with the people : he was a rare powerful mathematician known for his cruelty , heartlessness , and arrogance a short leap from a low wall before maggie could ask the questions forming quickly in her mind , she found herself standing in a firelit room , looking at a tall , thin young man who was watching himself in a mirror as several men fussed over his clothing .