by Matthew Ward
Emmeline nodded. "In which case, I'll remain here. That way, we can be certain that she doesn't leave while you're both elsewhere. Provided, of course, that you promise not to endanger yourself, Ambassador."
"Good luck with that one," Arianwyn said sweetly, her good humour restored at my cost. "Above or below, dearest?"
"I'll take the lower levels. I'm not sure I know the upper floors well enough." I'd never even been in Koschai's observatory, and my memories of the floors above the library were so tangled as to be useless. The cellars, at least, were laid out in a straightforward fashion.
"Sounds sensible," Arianwyn agreed. "And Edric?"
"Yes?"
"Don't endanger yourself, if you can possibly manage it."
She and Emmeline had known each other less than a day, and already they were united against me. Shaking my head at the general unfairness of it all, I started out.
The cellars were far from empty. There were barrels of nails, pitch, paint and other materials that the work crews were using to repair the tower. One room even had table and chairs – presumably salvaged from one of the upper floors – laid out to form an improvised dining area. There was a firestone lamp flaring merrily away to itself in the centre of the table, and I decided to liberate it.
As it happened, I needn't have worried. The lamps in the remaining rooms were still flickering away, though there were one or two noticeable gaps in the pattern that suggested a few were missing. As a result, I didn't have to resort to the one I'd taken from upstairs except in the darkest and most cobwebbed of the wine cellars. Even this I eventually gave up as pointless. I'd no doubt Zorya could move lightly when she wished to, but she certainly couldn't move lightly enough to avoid stirring the dust of who knew who many decades.
That left me precisely one chamber to search. With the strange optimism of a man who has precisely one remaining hope of success, I walked down the steep stairway, heaved open the steel door, and into the space beyond.
It was empty, completely empty – nothing but bare white walls and grey tiles. This room had once housed several hundred sentinels, all female, all armed and armoured for war. I'd tried to recruit them to fight Malgyne, but they'd refused to take any part in that battle and had vanished soon after. Their leader had been called Svara, and her refusal had made Zorya as angry as I'd ever seen her.
If I understood Koschai correctly, this was also the room in which he'd first found Zorya. Unfortunately, she hadn't returned there. I doubted anyone had been in this place since I'd come looking for Svara after Malgyne's defeat. Admitting a defeat of my own, I headed back to the entrance hall.
Arianwyn was already there, looking as dejected as I felt.
"No luck?" I asked.
"Not so much as a hint she was here," said Arianwyn. "I even asked some of the workmen if they'd seen anything unusual, but there was nothing. I did manage to take a quick look at what's left of the library. I couldn't find anything else by this 'Eldor of Kyme', which by my reckoning makes it a doubly wasted trip."
"We'll find her." I put my arm around Arianwyn's shoulders. "What could possibly befall a walking statue nearly six feet tall?"
Arianwyn smiled and put her hand on mine, but said nothing.
"Should we not ask the constabulary to look?" asked Emmeline. "Or at least let them know that she's missing?"
"I doubt more than half a dozen know Zorya even exists," Arianwyn said. "I'm not sure how we'd explain her to the rest."
"Maybe it'll be enough," I said. "This is one of those occasions when quantity isn't a good substitute for quality."
"Why, what do you mean?" Arianwyn asked.
"Well..."
At that moment a blaring of trumpets came from somewhere outside.
Emmeline cocked her head to one side. "It's Master Torev. The army's back."
We went outside onto the fortress wall to see that she was right. The Tressian column wound through the streets like a snake, every blue uniform a shimmering scale on a sinuous and shifting body. Trumpeters rode at the column's head, brazenly proclaiming triumph with every note, and why not? Had not Tressia won a great victory? The crowds certainly thought so, and cheered as they made way. The praetorians upon the Tower of Stars' ramparts cheered too, and so infectious was the moment that I would have joined with them, had I not worried it might have looked like mockery. Emmeline didn't have any such reason to hold back, and her voice joined the chorus. Arianwyn made no sound, but just looked on thoughtfully as the column filed past.
Torev and Dasharov rode a few paces behind the trumpeters, and a half-dozen rows of knights rode behind them. At the rear came a few hundred halberdiers and crossbowmen whose precision of step better typified an army on parade, rather than one marching home from battle.
Not more than half the soldiers in the column had passed the Tower of Stars when Torev glanced up at us. Perhaps his attention had been drawn by Emmeline's enthusiastic cheering. In any event, he leaned in close to say a few words to Dasharov, then turned his horse out of the column's ranks, spurring it back down the road towards the Tower of Stars' gate.
Our path converged with Torev's a short distance from the gatehouse. He brought his horse to a stop a few paces away and slid down from the saddle.
Emmeline strode briskly to meet him, and took the steed's reins without being bidden. "Welcome home, Master Torev."
"Thank you Emmeline. What a dreary day I've chosen. I do hope that you've taken good care of the ambassador, as instructed?"
"When he lets me," Emmeline replied, with a touch of asperity.
"Good, good. And Lady Trelan. Such an unexpected pleasure." Stooping, Torev raised Arianwyn's delicate hand to his lips. "I do hope the Ambassador has taken good care of you since his return."
Arianwyn beamed. "When I let him."
"Just as well. I know he's not from hereabouts, but we can allow standards to slide only so far." Torev gave me a friendly slap on the shoulder, again forgetting to compensate for the weight of his gauntlet.
I reached up to massage some life into my shoulder. "You had a safe journey yourself?"
"Thankfully yes. The most exciting part of the whole trip was just now, when that captain over on the gate tried to stop me coming in. Said I wasn't authorised, me! No manners, and no common sense." He shook his head in mute wonder. "Now, what's this I hear about an emergency council meeting?"
Arianwyn frowned. "You know about that?"
"I've been summoned to it! Lord Karov's herald found me a few hours ago."
"As far as I can tell, it's your fault," I told him. "Mentioning the serathi in your dispatch wasn't the best of ideas. Karov's quite agitated."
Torev frowned. "You think I'd give that weasel advance notice of something like this?"
"You never sent word?" asked Arianwyn.
"I did, of course I did, but only to say that the fallen had been defeated, and that I was bringing the army home. I mean, there were few other details; casualties suffered, notable valour displayed by so-and-so, that kind of thing."
"But no mention of the serathi?" I asked.
"Quite so. Apart from my personal feelings concerning his lordship, I thought I'd leave that side of things in your capable hands. It's the kind of revelation best made face to face."
"Apparently someone didn't think so," Arianwyn muttered darkly.
"It shouldn't be a surprise to any of us that Karov has agents hidden away in the army," I said.
Torev growled. "That doesn't mean I'm happy about it."
I understood how he felt. It wasn't so much that news of the serathi had somehow wended its way back to Karov so quickly, but the idea that every decision that Torev had made in the field could have been relayed to Karov. The next step, I knew, would be interference in those same decisions. Torev would overrule such meddling, but younger and more ambitious men wouldn't dare offend an influential councillor.
I glanced at Emmeline, who hadn't said a word during the entire exchange. I knew Torev trusted her, bu
t suppose she hadn't gone to her father's house, as she'd said? Perhaps she'd spoken with Lord Karov instead. It was possible. It was more than possible. Unfortunately, it was also too obvious, unless Karov was much less canny than I thought. A whole army had witnessed the descent of the serathi. Even if it were unlikely any of the soldiers had deserted undetected, there must have been a dozen ways one of them could have left camp long enough to meet an accomplice. Anyway, it didn't matter now, the damage was done.
But it was still worth keeping an eye on Emmeline...
"Edrevor?" I asked. "I wonder if I could avail myself of Emmeline's services for a few days yet? I was attacked last night, and there's always the possibility of another attempt being made. Of course, I could use some of the embassy guards, but..."
"But that's likely to be provocative." Torev scratched thoughtfully at his chin. "I don't see why not, if she's agreeable. Emmeline?"
"It would be an honour, master," the squire replied. "I'd be most upset if something happened to Ed... to the Ambassador."
"There we are then, as easily done as said," Torev grinned. "She's yours until I need her back. Same conditions apply, mind. If something happens to her, you and I will fall out."
"Of course," I said, returning his smile.
Torev reclaimed his reins from Emmeline. "I'll bid you farewell. I need to hustle if I'm to see that lot billeted in the Tower of the Moon and make it to the council meeting. Karov will be most upset if I'm not punctual," he added, his face unreadable. "Until later. Ladies. Edric."
*******
Torev departed to rejoin the army, and the rest of us headed back to the embassy to share a hurried lunch. Arianwyn took the opportunity to retrieve the uninvited book, but we then parted company, her returning home where, as she put it 'she could read in peace'. Emmeline and I offered to accompany her, only to be politely – but firmly – rebuffed.
"What now?" Emmeline asked.
I thought for a moment. "First of all, I'll arrange quarters for you in the embassy. I can't have you sleeping on the other side of the city if you're to continue as my bodyguard."
"Won't the embassy guards be offended?"
"Not at all. They'll understand. Hadari Royal Guard don't question their orders."
Except, I added silently, when they chose to flat out disobey them, as Jamar had whenever he thought I was in danger. Nonetheless, the embassy guard would also be watchful. Until I knew whether or not Emmeline was reporting to Karov, I wanted to know her whereabouts as completely as possible, and this seemed like the easiest way to share the burden around.
I led Emmeline up the broad staircase to my office. The room was in no manner so grand or majestic as the dining room, or even Karov's office in the palace. It nonetheless suited me well enough – partly because I didn't place much stock in pomp and privilege, mostly because I spent as little time in the office as possible. The window, at least, was of generous proportions, and looked out onto the busy street below – at least when the drapes were open, which was seldom.
Careful not to disturb the pile of letters and other sundry paperwork with the folds of my robes, I eased into the chair behind my desk, which was of rather better make than those available to guests. "Sit down, please."
"I prefer to stand, if you don't mind." Emmeline had taken up position just inside the door. Anyone bursting into the room unbidden wouldn't see her until it was too late.
"As you wish." I gave a sharp tug on the bell-pull hanging beside my desk. With the sorry state of the other chairs, I'd probably have remained on my feet too, given the choice.
A sharp knock came at the door. It had come entirely too soon after the summons for Aldan to have heard the bell ringing and climbed the stairs. The head footman believed unnecessary haste was one of the worst crimes against decorum – running in the embassy was completely without justification. He seldom moved at more than a brisk walk, and had more than once reprimanded junior members of the household for what he saw as unseemly celerity. Clearly he wanted to talk to me about something.
Aldan entered the room with his usual poise, his eyes flicking briefly to Emmeline as he verified that she was neither a threat to me nor to him. "You wished to speak with me, Ambassador?"
"I did. Take a seat, please."
Aldan chose the slightly less battered of the guest chairs.
"Have you found any sign of last night's intruder?" I asked.
He planted his elbows firmly on the armrest, and steepled his fingers. "Sadly no, savir. The guards have checked extensively, but we've found nothing to indicate anyone gained access to the embassy from outside."
"Other than the book, of course," Emmeline put in.
"Indeed," Aldan said wryly, "as the young lady correctly points out, other than the book."
If he was annoyed at Emmeline's interjection, none of it showed in his voice or expression, but then I'd never known him to have anything less than ironclad self-control. Aldan wouldn't embarrass himself – or me – by behaving in an unseemly fashion in front of a guest.
"I must stress, savir," he went on, "that I don't dispute there was an intrusion last night. I simply don't understand how it was achieved. I shall of course order that the guard is doubled this evening, and I personally shall ensure the vigil is unfailing."
"I appreciate your diligence," I assured him. "If I might prevail upon you to perform a few other duties?"
"The ambassador has but to ask."
"Miss Orova is staying with us for a few days. She needs lodgings."
Aldan raised an eyebrow a fraction of an inch. "And does the ambassador not worry that such an arrangement – a Tressian within the walls of the Empire's embassy – might be against protocol?"
There was a challenge there, imperceptible though it was, but I had my answer prepared. "Not if you don't. Is there any reason why it should be?"
As it happened, I could conjure at least six different reasons without thinking, so I was sure that Aldan could manage at least an even dozen. However, to oppose me so obviously, and with an outsider present, was not something he'd easily countenance.
"No, savir, I don't believe I can." He smiled thinly. "Very well, I'll make the necessary arrangements. There is a spare room in the cellar."
"There's also a spare room on the upper floor, across the corridor from my own. Miss Orova will have that one. Commander Torev worries for my health, you see, and has assigned her to ensure it continues to flourish."
The impossible happened: Aldan actually scowled. "If you are concerned the Royal Guard cannot safeguard your life..."
"Not at all," I said soothingly. "This is simply courtesy to our hosts. I'm afraid I assured Torev that this wouldn't be a problem, but I can always send Miss Orova away..."
"Quite unnecessary," Aldan interrupted. "If you have promised, then you have promised. I shall have the maids prepare the room."
He grasped the arms of his chair and half rose, but I stalled him with a wave of my hand. "It will wait a moment or two, I'm sure. I think there was something you wanted to talk to me about."
"Of course, savir. I quite forgot," Aldan lied, sinking back into his chair. "I regret to say the Thrakkian merchant league have yet to give an indication as to when their emissary will arrive..." He met my blank expression. "The third letter down and to your left, I believe, savir."
I dug around in the indicated portion of the desk. There, as predicted, was a lengthy Thrakkian missive. It concerned the levies the Empire placed on all caravans travelling north through the Contested Lands, and informed me they'd be sending an envoy to discuss the matter. As Tressia was considerably closer to Thrakkia than Tregard, it had fallen to me to settle things. Except now it apparently hadn't. Or wouldn't until later. I thought back to Azyra's assertion that the serathi had already brought the Radiant's light to Thrakkia. Probably that was proving more interesting than arguing about percentages on a highly-profitable trade route.
"We haven't made any preparations, have we?" I asked.
&n
bsp; "Thankfully no, savir," Aldan replied, "but I wondered if it would be worth pursuing. It would not be seemly for us to be unprepared for their arrival simply because they've forgotten to keep us informed."
"We'll let things lie for a few days."
"As you wish, savir," he said, rising once again. "With your permission, I'll attend to Miss Orova's accommodation."
"Of course."
Emmeline stirred from her position by the door. "Thank you, Aldan." She favoured the steward with a bright smile and a bobbed curtsey. "It's good of you to put yourself out for me."
Aldan's reservations melted under the twin assaults of Emmeline's politeness and charm. "You are most welcome, savim," he assured her, giving a short bow in return. "You must forgive an old man his reservations. I take the ambassador's safety and reputation most seriously." He gave me a brief nod, then left the room.
"'Hadari Royal Guard don't question their orders'," Emmeline mimicked, as soon as the door had swung to.
"I don't recall giving him an order," I said mildly. "And I'm quite sure Aldan wouldn't be pleased to hear me addressed in such a flippant tone. Torev neither, for that matter."
Emmeline hung her head in contrition, the mischief fading from her tone. "My apologies, Ambassador."
"Edric. All the same, that was very well done – with Aldan, I mean."
"Thank you, Ambass... Edric. He takes his duties seriously, doesn't he?"
"Very. It's a pleasure to observe, most of the time."
The girl's brow furrowed in thought for a moment. "May I ask a question – one that might perhaps be thought flippant?"
"Assuming it's phrased with respect, I don't see why not."
"How do you find anything on that desk? It must be impossible."
"Oh it is," I laughed. "Unless it's something important. Those I keep filed elsewhere." I picked up a handful of letters and let them fall back onto the pile. "Most of this is just clutter. Worthies from home seeking to harness my influence. Tressian merchants wanting permission to trade in glitterdust, or gain an audience at the Golden Court. Most of them don't even know what I look like. They just smell power and want to be associated with it." I smiled sadly. "Six months ago, none of them even knew I was here." How things had changed. With a start, I got to my feet. "Come on."