by Allan Cole
"I saw that look on your face, Nerisa said. You think he's a monster! A half demon, half human freak.
"Well, be damned to you. I've had my pleasure. I've had my girlish dream. Safar Timura, my great ideal. The man who had so much kindness in him he could understand anything and anyone. She laughed bitterly. I should have known better. And it's a good lesson for me.
"Now Palimak and I will be on our way. And to the Hells with you! And to the Hells with me for letting you make me into a fool!"
Safar started to get angry himself. This is hardly fair, he said. The least you could have done is warn me. At least you could have"
A voice broke in: Shut up, shut up, shuutt uppp!"
Safar swatted his tunic pocket. Just stop it, he said. I'm not in the mood to hear you argue with Gundaree."
The little Favorite leaped out of his pocket onto the bed. He put his hands on his narrow hips.
"I am not telling Gundaree to shut up, he said.
His eyes swept over Safar, then Nerisa, then Palimak. Back to Safar again.
"I am telling you to shut up, Master, he said. And you too, Nerisa."
He sighed. You were the first one to give me sweets in a thousand years, he said to Nerisa. And you, he said to Safar, have been a decent master, as masters go. Otherwise I wouldn't say a thing.
"If you both insist on making stupid human mistakes, why should I care? But I guess I do. So I'm saying, Shut up!"
"What mistakes? Nerisa asked.
"He thought you had a husband, he said to Nerisa. A demon husband."
"She thought you didn't want a little monster on your hands, much less a woman who would sleep with a demon."
"I don't have a husband, Nerisa said. Demon or otherwise. Palimak is a foundling. An orphan. Like me."
"And I don't care who you slept with, or didn't sleep with. Safar said. It's none of my business. As for me thinking Palimak is a monster because he's part demon, why nothing could be further from the truth.
"He's a child. I like children. Ask my mother. Ask my father."
"There, you see? Gundara said. Wasn't that easy?"
He hopped onto the bed, growing larger. He chucked Palimak under the chin. The child gurgled in pleasure.
"Why don't you leave him here with me? Gundara said. Go back to the bedroom and do whatever you think is necessary to apologize to each other."
The little Favorite paid no attention to the murmurs between the two lovers. Nor did he turn to watch them slip out of the room. His entire focus was on the child with the glowing yellow eyes.
"What a handsome little thing, he said. Eyes just like mine. Do you know how to talk yet?"
Palimak burbled and wriggled his little arms and legs.
"I guess not, Gundara said.
He made himself smaller and hopped onto the child's chest. He made funny toad faces and Palimak laughed, eyes glowing brighter.
"Do you know how to say, shut up? Gundara said. Go ahead. Try it. SayShut up. Shut up. Shuutt uuppp!"
And Palimak spoke his first words, Shut up!"
"That's my boy, Gundara said. Won't your mother be surprised in the morning?"
"Shut up, shut up! the baby cried, Shut up, shuuut uuppp!"
****
"It's my understanding, Kalasariz said, that Lord Timura and this Fatinah woman have been in each other's company for weeks."
"That is so, My Lord, Leiria said. She turned to Protarus. Lord Kalasariz understanding comes from my daily reports to him, Your Highness, she said. Reports you ordered, Sire."
Protarus smiled. I wanted to hear it from your own lips, Leiria, he said.
"Then you have heard it, Majesty, she said. Other than for the hours of the business day, Lord Timura and Lady Fatinah have not been apart since the night they met."
"Doesn't that trouble you, Leiria? Kalasariz asked. It was my impression that you and Lord Timura have been lovers for some years."
Leiria shrugged. It was my duty, she said. The king knows that."
Protarus chuckled. And an unlovely duty it was, he said to Kalasariz. My friend Safar may be Grand Wazier of Esmir, but he is not so grand in bed. Then, to Leiria, Isn't that true, my dear?"
"I have little experience with men, Majesty, she said. But you are such a lion, sire, I was spoiled for any other."
Protarus roared laughter. You see how it is? he said to Kalasariz. He wiped his eyes. When I bed a woman, she stays bedded, dammit! You should hear the weeping in my harem when I choose who is to enjoy my royal embrace and who must wait until another night."
Kalasariz grinned. All of Esmir knows of your prowess, Majesty, he said.
He regarded Leiria. The moment he'd first seen her cast adoring eyes on Safar he'd known he could make use of her one day. It was his fine fortune Safar had betrayed her, giving Leiria good reason to seek revenge. Otherwise, kingly orders or not, he wouldn't have trusted her reports about Safar's activities.
"I don't think we have any further need for you at this moment, Leiria, he said, dismissing her. You may report to me at the same time tomorrow."
Leiria touched hand to sword hilt and bowed in the military manner.
"Very good, My Lord, she said, and exited.
Protarus stared after her, thinking. Then he said, This Fatinah must be an amazing creature to have Safar so spellbound."
"She is quite beautiful, Majesty, Kalasariz said. I wouldn't mind giving her a tumble myself."
"I doubt if you'll have the opportunity, Protarus said. Lord Timura has asked me for permission to wed her."
Kalasariz eyebrows rose. Will you give it, Majesty?"
"I don't see how I can deny him, Protarus answered. It's a routine request my courtiers are required to make by law. I've never said no to anyone yet."
"But we know nothing about this woman, Majesty, Kalasariz said. This fact alone should make us be wary. My spies have sought information about her all over Esmir. To no avail. Apparently she just suddenly appeared one day. A rich noblewoman no one ever heard of before."
"And she has a child, Protarus said.
"Yes, but whose child is it, Majesty? That too is a mystery."
"I can't imagine any man wanting to wed a woman who was bred to another, the king said. Beautiful though she may be."
"My sentiments exactly, Majesty, Kalasariz said. Considering everything else, it tends to add to my suspicions."
"You think she is dangerous?"
"I know of no other woman like her in Esmir, Kalasariz said. Somehow she's made herself extremely rich. From all reports she becomes richer by the day through shrewd business dealings. She answered to no man, at least until she entered Lord Timura's life. And it's my guess she doesn't answer to him either."
"Do you think she advises him?"
"That would be a safe assumption, Majesty. She's certainly a strong willed woman. And ambitious."
Protarus stirred, rapping his rings against the throne.
Then, Yes, she would be, wouldn't she? She has my Grand Wazier in her thrall. What next?"
"Yes, Majesty, Kalasariz said. What next?"
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
WHERE THE RAVENS WAIT
The Grand Palace of Zanzair was a place of haunted chambers, cries in the night and conspiratorial whispers blowing like dry winds down the dark corridors. It reeked of centuries of intrigue and betrayal. Much blood had been shed over the years and there were places where the stone floors still bore murder's black stain.
Many kings had risen and many had fallen in that palace, but there were no noble monuments to mark their passing. Assassins were the dark messengers of each reign's end. A royal head posted at the main gates marked each beginning. And the first to praise the new monarch's name were feasting ravens.
Now Iraj Protarus was king and the intrigue and betrayal continued as before. Safar could smell the danger when he walked through the big main doors, sentries coming to attention and saluting the Grand Wazier. There was a sulfurous stink of dark magic in the air and under
his formal tunic the stone idol sparked warning.
There was nothing unusual about Safar being summoned to a meeting with King Protarus, but as he strode through the palaceLeiria a few paces behindmany eyes turned his way. Some looked speculative, some glinted hatred, and somethe largest number, he hopedappeared sympathetic.
As he approached the door of Iraj's private quarters it came open and three beings, their backs to him, bowing and humbly excusing themselves to His Gracious Majesty made their way out.
A sentry closed the door and they turned, each reacting in a different manner when they saw Safar standing there.
The first, Kalasariz, was cheery. Good morning, Lord Timura, he said. I hope this day finds you well."
"Well enough, thank you, Safar said, nodding at the hammer-faced spymaster.
The second, King Luka, was arrogant. Grand Wazier, he said, only those two words and a nod of his demonly head noting Safar's presence.
Safar nodded in return, but said nothing.
The third, Lord Fari, was nervous. How good to see you, Lord Timura, he said. It's been long since I've had the pleasure of your company. Perhaps you would grace my humble home for dinner some evening?"
Safar dipped his head in a slight bow. It would be an honor to be your guest, My Lord, he said.
Fari quivered, a jolt of alarm showing in his yellow eyes. Quite, quite, the old demon said. Of course, you are always so busy with your duties as Grand Wazier I suspect, alas, it will be a long time before you are able to attend."
"I'm never too busy for you, Lord Fari, Safar said. He couldn't resist the tease.
Fari clacked his talons together, distressed. I'll have my clerk speak to your clerk, he said, and arrange a convenient evening."
"Thank you, My Lord, Safar said, making another slight bow. I eagerly await your kind invitation."
The sentry appeared, motioning for Safar to enter the king's chambers. He made his polite farewells to the three and went inleaving Leiria waiting in the hallway outside.
Iraj was at his desk, looking over some reports. At least he appeared to be. His head was down, paper documents were in front of him, but his focus was on one spot instead of sweeping across words or numbers, betraying his pretense of being totally absorbed in his royal duties.
Safar cleared his throat and Iraj's head came up. He smiled. But his eyes seemed cold.
"Ah, there you are, Safar, he said. Get a drink. Make yourself comfortable."
Safar sat and poured himself a cup of brandy from the spirits service on the desk.
Iraj pretended to go back to the report, but his bejeweled fingers gave him away, rap, rap, rapping on the arm of the chair.
Finally, Iraj nodded, slapped the report down and raised his head to regard Safar.
"This is a little difficult for me, Safar, he said. But I need to speak to you man to manand as a friend."
Safar felt the stone idol glow warmer, uncomfortably so.
He smiled, saying, Always, Iraj."
"It's about this marriage request of yours to the Lady Fatinah."
"What about it?"
"Are you sure this is wise, old friend? Iraj asked. I understand she is a beauty. And I congratulate you on your taste. But marriage!"
"I love her, Iraj, Safar said. In Kyrania, marriage almost always follows love."
Iraj gave a nervous laugh. That was Kyrania, he said. You're no longer a common potter's lad. You are the Grand Waziersecond only to me in importance. You can have any woman you want. For your bed, or for marriage for that matter."
"I know that, Iraj, Safar said. And it's Lady Fatinah I choose for both."
"But she may not be suitable for you, Iraj said, beautiful though she may be."
"To me she's more than any potter's lad, as you put it, could possibly deserve. Meaning, she loves me too. What other requirement should I ask of a woman?"
"Here's what I think, Iraj said, leaning across the desk. This is a mere romantic attachment. You know you have a weakness for such things. Remember Astarias? You thought the sun rose and set on her. You declared your love to the mountains. And even asked her to be your bride.
"She laughed, if you recall."
"This one didn't laugh, Safar said.
Iraj studied Safar for a moment then, All I'm asking is that you reconsider."
Safar started to speak. But Iraj raised a hand to stop him.
"I know you're stubborn, Safar, he said, so don't answer just now. Think on it a day or two and we'll talk again.
"I'm asking you to do this for me as a friend."
Safar bit off automatic refusal. Very well, Iraj, he said. I'll do as you ask."
He wouldn't change his mind, but agreement gave him time to figure out what was wrong and how to get around it.
Safar tried make a joke of the situation. If Auntie Iraj wants a two-day cooling off period, she'll get it."
Protarus didn't respond. His eyes seemed glazed, as if he were elsewhere.
They snapped back to alertness. Well, that's one problem dealt with easily enough, he said, forcing a light manner. On to the next."
"Which is?"
"I'm afraid it's another delicate matter, my friend, he said. So try to keep an open mind, as you did before."
"I will."
"It's this business about the casting, Iraj said. Asking the gods what the future holds."
Inwardly, Safar groaned. Outwardly, he let a wry smile play across his face.
"So that's what my colleagues were doing here, he said. Why, I'd thought they'd all gathered to sing my praises to their king."
Iraj frowned. No one said anything against you, he said, curt. I wouldn't allow such a thing."
Safar recognized the lie for what it was. Of course, you wouldn't, Iraj, he said. After all, we're blood oath brothers. And no man of honor would let another speak against his blood oath brother."
Iraj gave him the steadiest of gazes. Never, he agreed. His cheek twitched. So he added, firmer still, Never!"
"So what new suggestion did my friends have about the casting? Safar asked.
"Fari proposed a compromise, Iraj said. Make it two years, instead of one. My subjects will take just as much heart at that. Two years in not such a long time to wait for the Age of Great Blessings."
"Oh, so it's got a name now, does it? Safar said. The Age of Great Blessings?"
"Call it anything you like, Iraj said. So long as it sounds positive. The point is, we want to sayquite firmlythat things will get better by and by, if only we make suitable sacrifices to the gods and be patient."
"I'll give you the same answer I gave before, Iraj, Safar said. I won't lie. An extra year won't make it less of one. Or three, or five, even."
Protarus looked alarmed. Five years! he said. You don't think it'll last that long, do you?"
"I have no idea, Safar said. And that's the point. No one does. Not a bone caster, entrails reader or stargazer in your kingdom could say. All the signs are blank. As if there were no gods listening."
"That's ridiculous, Iraj said, features flushing. Of course they're listening. Why else am I on this throne? Who guided me here but the gods? There's the Demon Moon. The comet ascending. Your vision long ago. All those things point to a decree from the Heavens themselves!"
Safar knew better than to argue. Iraj had fixed on this divine destiny idea when they were boys. To dispute it would be pointlessand dangerous.
"Whatever the reason, he said, the gods are silent just now."
"Just say it for them, then, Iraj urged. Say all will be well in two years. It's as good a guess as any."
"I can't, Safar said.
"It would offend your precious honor, Iraj scoffed.
"Something like that, Safar answered.
"Fari doesn't have that problem, Iraj said. He told me he used to do such things for Manacia all the time."
"And look where that got Manacia, Safar said.
Iraj glared at him. That has nothing to do with it, he said. I was talking about
honor, not Manacia."
"Well, if it doesn't trouble Fari to lie, Safar said, then let him do it. He can oversee the whole thing. Feasts. Sacrifices. Prayers. Then the big lie. Let me know what date you decide on so I can be sure to be absent."
"That's damned foolishness! Iraj shouted. You're my Grand Wazier! Everyone will think you're opposed and are making yourself absent to show disfavor."
"That does pose a problem, doesn't it? Safar said.
"Well, let's not have one, then, Iraj said. He'd calmed himself. He flashed his most winning smile. Just do as I ask, Safar. A favor for a friend."
"Don't stake our friendship on this, Safar warned. It would be a grave error to let it come to that."
Iraj trembled in fury. For a moment Safar thought he would lose his temper.
Suddenly, Protarus relaxed. He sighed deeply, emptied his cup, then sighed again.
"What a difficult man you are, Safar Timura, he said. As immovable as the mountains themselves."
"I take no pride in it, Safar said. It's only how I was raised."
"Then thank the gods, Iraj laughed, that I only made one friend in Kyrania. Otherwise I would have been driven quite mad by now."
****
"There can only be one explanation for it, Majesty, Lord Fari said. The Grand Wazier has clearly gone mad."
Protarus looked surprised. Safar mad? he said. Why, he's always been the most stable of individuals. Oh, he has some silly flaws, of course, like that Hadin obsession of his. But madness?"
The king, led by Fari, Luka and Kalasariz, was moving along a narrow corridor toward the chambers containing what had once been King Manacia's Necromancium. The atmosphere was dank, the air smelled of embalming fluids and their bootsteps sounded unnaturally loud as they approached, making all seem very surreal.
"If I may say so, Majesty, Fari said, madness is an affliction all wizards should guard against constantly. I am very old and know of what I speak. I've seen many a young mage overcome by the powerful forces he must reckon with. He forgets all true power resides with the king and he merely manipulates the spirit world for his monarch's benefit. After all, the king rules by Divine Decree. That is the nature of things, as the gods revealed to us long ago."