Looking for an API for accurate time

I run Debian on an ARM machine, partway between a desktop and an embedded system. It is networked with internet access, but has no GUI interface, all console access is via the terminal. I'm looking for something like the gettime() function, except that rather than accessing the system clock, it polls one of the more accurate sources on the internet. It needs to be an API function, because the application involved runs constantly, and needs to call up accurate time anytime, in response to other inputs.

Network delays are unlikely to be a problem, the requirement here is to avoid the steady slip that results from typical system clock sources, eg. 50ppm crystals.