by Allan Cole
A body formed beneath the face, and Nerisa pulled back in surprise as a little creature, perhaps three hands high, hopped off the turtle's back and stood on the floor. It had the visage of a toad, with huge eyes and a mouth stretched wide to reveal four needle-sharp fangs. But the rest of its body was that of an elegant little man, richly clothed in a form-fitting costume covering it from toe to neck. The creature seemed angry, hands perched on narrow hips, ugly toad head turned toward the stone turtle.
"If you don't shut up, it said to the idol, I'll make you! Just wait and see if I don't! Then the creature looked up at Safar, complaining, He gives me a headache! Always talking. Never listening. Sometimes I can't even hear myself think!"
"I'm sorry you're forced to live with such noisy company, Safar said, as natural as could be. But in case you haven't noticed you've just been summoned. And if you'll pardon my rudeness, whatever quarrel you have with your companion is of no interest to us."
The creature glared at Safar, then at Nerisa. That's the trouble with humans, he said. No concern for others. He cocked his head at the idol as if listening, then nodded. I couldn't agree more, Gundaree, he said to the idol. For a change you speak wisely. Then, to Safar, he said, Gundaree says all humans are selfish. And you've certainly done nothing since we met to disprove it."
"Who is Gundaree? Safar asked.
The creature snorted, tiny flames shooting from its nostrils. My twin! Who else? He spoke as if Safar were the most ignorant mortal in existence.
"And you are?"
Another fiery snort. Gundara, that's who!"
"Why hasn't your twin also appeared? Safar asked. Tell him to come out so we can see him."
Gundara shrugged, the gesture as graceful as a dancer's. He never appears to humans, he said. It's not in the rules. I take care of your sort. He does the demons."
"Then you do understand you've been summoned, Safar said. And that you must do my bidding."
Gundara hopped up on a three-legged stool, perching there so he was eye-level with Safar. Sure, sure. I understand. Bid away, O Master of Rudeness. But would you mind getting to it? I haven't eaten my dinner yet. He gestured at the idol. That damned greedy twin of mine will get it all if I don't get back soon."
He turned to Nerisa, perhaps hoping to find more sympathy there. You won't believe how hard it is to come by a decent meal when you live in a stone idol."
"I can see how it might be, Nerisa said. She rummaged in a pocket and came up with a sweet.
Gundara's eyes lit up. Haven't had a taste of sugar in a thousand years, he said. He held out a tiny hand for the treat.
Nerisa hesitated, looking at Safar. He nodded for her to go ahead and she extended the sweet, which was immediately grabbed by Gundara and popped into his mouth. He chewed, closing his eyes as if he were in paradise. Then he gave a delicate flick of his long red tongue, picking off any stray sugar crumbs from his lips.
When he was done he turned Safar. What do you want, human? And don't make it too difficult. You don't get the world for a sweet, you know."
"First I want to know something about you, Safar said. Where are you from? And what is your purpose?"
Gundara sighed. Why do I get all the stupid ones? he complained. Three times out in five hundred years and each one dumber than the other."
Safar proffered the silver knife and the creature shrank back, petulant look turning to one of fear. I've had just about enough of your smart talk, Safar said. I'm the one in command here."
"There's no reason to get so excited, Gundara replied.
"Answer my questions, Safar demanded.
"I'm from Hadin, where else? Gundara said. My twin and I were made there long ago. How long, I can't really say. A few thousand years, at least. We were a gift to a witch on her coronation as queen."
"And your purpose? Safar asked.
"We're Favorites, Gundara said, rolling his eyes at such a stupid question. We help wizards and witches with their spells."
"You said you and your twin's duties were divided between humans and demons, Safar said. Why is this?"
"How do I know? Gundara said with barely disguised disgust. That's how we were made, is all. Those are the rules. I do humans. Gundaree does demons. Simple as that."
"Is your twin exactly like you? Safar asked.
Gundara laughed, and the sound was like glass breaking. Not in the slightest, he said. I'm beautiful, as you can see. Gundaree, on the other hand, has a human face. The creature shuddered. What could be uglier than that, no offense intended, I'm sure."
"How did you come to be in Esmir? Safar asked.
"Now that, Gundara said, is the saddest tale in the whole history of tragic stories. We were being transported in the Queen's treasure chest and pirates attacked our ship. From that time on we have been the property of the foulest creatures you can imagine. Traded from one filthy hand to another. Then we got mixed in with worthless goods about fifty years ago and were lost. We've been living in market stalls ever since. Ignored by everyone."
He gave Nerisa a fond look. That was quite a trick you pulled at the market place, he said. I've always thought females made the smartest humans. Nerisa blushed, but said nothing.
Gundara turned to Safar. I suppose my twin and I are stuck with you for awhile, he said. Until somebody kills you, or you trade us to someone else, that is."
"If you don't show some manners soon, Safar replied, I'll make you and your brother a gift to the oldest, dirtiest, wartiest witch in all Esmir."
"Okay, okay, Gundara said. Don't get so upset. I was only making conversation."
"What can you do, Safar asked, besides act as my Favorite?"
"As if that wasn't enough, Gundara grumbled. I guess no one's satisfied with good, sound sorcerous enhancement these days. Why, in the old he broke off when he saw Safar's warning look. Never mind. Forget I said anything. Apparently a poor Favorite doesn't even have the gods-given right to grumble around here. If you want more, more you shall get. I can fetch and carry things that would be fatal for a mortal to touch. I can also spy on your enemies, if you like. Although that's kind of limited since I can't get more than about twenty feet from the turtle. So you'd have to hide me in your enemy's quarters, or whatever else your feeble human imagination can come up with. I'm also pretty good at giving warning if evil-doers are about."
Gundara snickered at some private joke. As a matter of fact, he said, if I were you I'd command me to get busy with that job right now."
"What do you mean? Safar demanded.
Another snicker. Never mind, Gundara said. My loyalty can only be tested so far, you know. If you can't take a hint, O Wise Master, sod off!"
"Favorite! Safar barked. Post guard! Immediately!"
The creature laughed and hopped to his feet. Right away, Master! he said. Never fear, Gundara is near!"
Then, to Nerisa, The only reason I said anything at all, my dear, is that you were nice to me. Gave poor Gundara a sugar treat to snack on, you did. If those men outside were coming for my sour-humored Master, I wouldn't have said anything at all.
"But they're coming for you, Nerisa. And if you're the cunning little dear I think you are, you'll get out of here quick!"
With that there was a sharp pop! and Gundara vanished.
Instinct jolted Nerisa to her feet and without a word she threw herself at the window. She disappeared through it just as the door slammed open and four very large, very pale men rushed inside. Safar scooped up the idol, hiding it in his robes as he scrambled to his feet to confront the invaders.
"What's the meaning of this? he demanded.
The tallest and palest of the men answered, Any meaning I like, Acolyte Timura! Now, tell me where the thief Nerisa is! And tell me quick if you value your hide!"
Safar's heart climbed into his throat.
The man confronting him was Lord KalasarizWalaria's notorious spymaster.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
KALASARIZ
Tall as Safar was, the spy master
was taller and so thin and pale in his black robes and skull cap that he looked like a specter.
Safar should have abased himselfshould have fallen to his knees and knocked his head against the floor, begging his Lord's forbearance. But he had to give Nerisa time to escape so instead he brazened it out, rudely yawning and stretching his arms as if he'd been awakened from a deep sleep.
"Forgive me, my friend, he said, but I've been studying late. Exams coming up, you know."
"How dare you call me Friend! Kalasariz roared.
Safar peered at him in mock surprise, then shrugged. My mistake, he said. I can see from your attitude that few, if any, would care to make that claim."
"Don't you know who I am? Kalasariz thundered.
"Apparently not, Safar lied. Or I'd know how to properly beg you to please lower your voice. I'm of nervous disposition. Loud sounds make me ill and I find it difficult to concentrate."
"I am Lord Kalasariz, the spy master hissed. Do you know that name, bumpkin?"
Safar scratched his head, then pretended to jolt and gape. Forgive me, Lord, he said, bobbing his head. I had no idea that"
"Silence! Kalasariz commanded. I asked you a question when I entered. Answer it nowwhere is the thief, Nerisa?"
Safar put on his best look of puzzlement. Nerisa? Now, where do I know that name? Nerisa? Is she the wife of the baker on Didima Street? No, that can't be… He snapped his fingers. I've got it! You mean that child that hangs around the Foolsmire? Is that who you seek?"
"You know very well who I mean, Acolyte Timura, Kalasariz said.
Safar nodded. I do now, Lord, he said. But I don't know where she is. Except… have you checked at the Foolsmire? She sleeps there sometimes."
"I know that, Kalasariz gritted out.
"I suppose you would, Safar said. Being chief spI mean Guardian of Walaria and all."
"Do you deny you were in her company today? Kalasariz demanded.
"No, I… uh… suppose I don't deny it, Safar said. But I can't confirm it either. He gave a sheepish grin. I was taken drunk most of the day, you see. I don't remember much about it. Maybe I saw Nerisa. Maybe I didn't. Sorry I can't be of more help."
"I dislike your manner, Safar Timura, Kalasariz said. Perhaps you think you're safe from me because you are under the protection of Lord Umurhan. That I have no sway over University affairs."
"Forgive my rough mountain manners, Lord, Safar said. Sometimes I unintentionally give city people offense. I know quite well that you are charged with seeing the law is kept in Walaria. Quite naturally those duties would include the temple and university."
Kalasariz ignored him, peering about Safar's room, long nose twitching like a hunting ferret's.
To draw away suspicion, Safar plunged onward. Pardon my foolishness, Lord, he said, but why would someone of your eminence be looking for a common thief? And a child thief, at that?"
Kalasariz eyes swept and Safar suddenly felt very cold as he was confronted by the spymaster's glittering eyes. I was told you were the brightest student at the university, the spymaster said. Too bright for your own good, perhaps. And disdainful of rules and authority."
He paused, waiting to see if Safar would be foolish enough to answer. At last he nodded in satisfaction. At least you're bright enough to know when to keep your tongue still, he said. I'll answer your question two ways, Acolyte Timura. If you're so intelligent you'll know which one to choose for a correct answer.
"The first is this: I'm looking for the girl because an informant has reported that she is a vital messenger for a group of traitorous students."
Safar needed no acting help to make his eyes widen. Nerisa? he said, amazed.
Kalasariz eyes gleamed with renewed suspicion. Are you claiming you know nothing of these students?"
Safar knew better than to lie about something that was common knowledge in Walaria. I've heard, Lord, he said, that there are certain students at the University who are misguided enough to question the policies of the good King Didima. Then seeing that this bit of truth had been swallowed without difficulty he chanced a lie. I have no personal experience or knowledge about those foolish ones, he said. Just as I had no idea who you were when you came into my room. I have no interest in politics, My Lord. Nor have I ever displayed any."
Kalasariz looked Safar up and down, studying every crease in his costume, every twitch in his face. Then he said, The second answer is that the girl, Nerisa, is only an excuse. And that I'm here for an entirely different reason."
Kalasariz paused, fixing Safar with a stare. Then he said, I understand you are a close friend of Iraj Protarus."
Safar was too startled to hide his surprise. Why, yes, I am, he said. Or I was some time ago. I haven't seen him or heard from him in years."
"What if I told you I had different reports, Acolyte Timura? Kalasariz said. What if I told you that I have a reliable informant will to testify that you are communication with Protarus regularly?"
"I'd say your informant was a liar, My Lord, Safar replied, quite firmly. And I'd also say, who cares? Iraj Protarus has nothing to do with Walaria."
Kalasariz curled a lip. Are you claiming ignorance of Protarus activities? he asked. Are you saying you know nothing of his many conquests?"
Safar shrugged. I've heard the market gossip, Lord, he said. Some of it might even be true. When I knew Iraj he was determined to become leader of his clan. And I understand he's achieved this. That he's undisputed ruler of the Southern Plains."
"Oh, his claims are disputed, all right, Kalasariz said.
"You mean by his uncle, Lord Fulain, Safar said. And his uncle's allyKoralia Kan. Iraj told me about them years ago. He hated them with good reason, it seemed to me. The last bit of market gossip I heard was that Fulain and Kan were routed and have fled to Lord Kan's kingdom."
"You know much, Kalasariz said, for one who pretends no interest in politics."
"Iraj was my friend, Lord, Safar said. It's only natural I'd take an interest in any news I heard."
"Then how did you miss the news, Acolyte Timura, Kalasariz said with a sneer, that Iraj Protarus has been proclaimed an enemy of Walaria?"
Safar reacted, shocked. When? he said. I've heard nothing of this."
Kalasariz smiled. Actually, he said, it hasn't been announced yet. The king has entered into an alliance with the Lords Fulain and Kan. He suspects Iraj will not be satisfied with his southern holdings and will soon seek to extend his borders. This alliance will be announced tomorrow."
Safar had every reason believe everything Kalasariz said was true. He remembered quite clearly Iraj's dreams of grand conquestas clearly as he recalled his own vision of Iraj leading a great army.
Kalasariz harsh voice broke through his thoughts. Do you still claim, Acolyte Timura, that you have had no communication with the barbarian who now claims a royal title? He spit on the floor. King Protarus, he sneered. Such savage pretensions."
Safar took a deep breath. I have not spoken with him, or corresponded with him, My Lord, he said, quite truthfully, since I left my home in the mountains. I doubt if Iraj even remembers me. Why should he? I'm no one of importance. We were just boys thrown together by circumstance."
Kalasariz gave him another long, probing look. Then he nodded, as if satisfied. You will send word to me, Acolyte, he said, if you hear from your old friend."
Safar bobbed his head, relieved. Certainly, Lord, he said. Without fail."
It was a lie, but one Safar thought was unlikely to be tested. What reason would Iraj have to seek him out after all this time? Like he told Kalasariz, it had been a boyhood friendshiplong forgotten.
Then the spy master suddenly turned on his heel, signaling his men he was ready to depart. Safar sagged as Kalasariz stepped through the door. But any relief he felt was short-lived. Just as Kalasariz reached the door he swung back.
"You may or may not be the fool you claim, Acolyte Timura, he said. Be advised that I will make it my personal business to find out."
> And he was gone.
Safar heard a dry chuckle coming from the inside pocket of his robe. It was Gundara.
He heard him say: Nice friends you have, Master. And good fortune for me. When they kill you I'll be in much better company."
Then, to his twin, Shut up, brother! Save it for the demons. You'll have your turn soon enough."
Safar swatted the bulge in his pocket and heard Gundara give a satisfying Ouch!"
"Don't trifle with me, Safar warned. I may only be a student, but the handling of Favorites is a first year course. And the number one rule, according to my master, the Lord Umurhan, is never to trust a Favorite. The second is to use a heavy hand. I don't agree with Umurhan about a lot of things, but from your behavior so far I intend to take his teaching to heart."
He swatted the bulge again. Do I make myself clear?"
"Okay, okay, Gundara said from his pocket. What ever you say, Master."
Then to his twin: Shut up, Gundaree! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"
****
The letter, although written on expensive paper, was smudged from camp smoke and battered from being passed through many hands.
Kalasariz smoothed it out on the table and moved an oil lamp closer so the two other men could see.
This is what the letter said:
My Dear Safar
All you predicted has been coming true and at a faster pace than even I expected. Even as I write my whole camp is drunk with wine and joy at yet another grand victory. Once again our losses were few, while our enemy suffered greatly. My army grows larger and more able each day. But I'll tell you this, my friend. I've learned that success can be more dangerous than failure. Every city I capture, every border I cross, increases the pressure to achieve more. For if I stop my enemies will have time to join forces against me. The greatest problem I face, however, is that I'm surrounded by self-serving advisors whose words and loyalty I'd be a fool to trust.
But you, my friend, I know I can trust. We proved our mettle together in that fight against the fiends. You know my mind, my private thoughts, more than any other. Just as I know yours.