The Guard got quickly to her feet, but then hesitated, shifting her weight from foot to foot. She was clearly a young recruit, with a blank badge of rank. Her red tunic was devoid of braided ornamentation. The cheek guards of her helmet hid much of her face, but from what could be seen, her expression was deeply troubled. Her eyes flitted uneasily, not fixing on anything.
“What is it?” Sister Watkins repeated.
“Sister I...I want to...” The Guard caught her lip in her teeth. “May I ask your advice on something?”
“You may.”
“Supposing a Guard was given orders to kill a prisoner, in cold blood, without a trial. Would it be murder to obey those orders?”
Sister Watkins paused, quite sure that she was not being asked a hypothetical question. This did not cause her concern. Watkins could think of several circumstances that might result in such an order being given, although it was unusual to select such a young, naïve Guard to carry it out. More typically, these deeds were entrusted to experienced members of the Intelligence Corps. However, reassurance was being asked for, and that she could give.
“Not all trials can be held in public. Sometimes even the report of a crime can result in the sickness spreading among weak minds. Even though there’s no record, rest assured that the criminal has been duly tried, convicted, and sentenced. The Guards are in the forefront of our war against the heretics, and are sometimes called on to go beyond the bounds set for other women. In your service, you may be asked to do things, without question, that would normally be a sin. You must have faith in your officers. They are carrying out the will of the Goddess.”
“But supposing...”
“Yes?”
“Supposing it wasn’t one of your direct officers who gave the order. Just someone who had a much higher rank than you, but outside your chain of command.”
Sister Watkins’ surprise increased. Something was definitely not right. “I can’t see that it would be likely, but even so, no senior officer would give such orders without the blessing of the Chief Consultant.”
“But suppose something made you think maybe...they didn’t...”
“They didn’t what?”
“Maybe she was giving you the order so her own women wouldn’t get in trouble. You weren’t sure. But something you overheard...and perhaps it was...the Chief Consultant didn’t want her to...so they...”
Sister Watkins stared sharply. The Guard was drifting into incoherence, but a clear thread was emerging. “Are you saying that this has happened to you?”
“I...no, Sister. No. I was just wondering. I...” The Guard broke off her denials, breathing heavily. “I must go. I’m due back on duty. I’m sorry for taking up your time.”
The Guard sidestepped and hurried away across the floor of the temple. Sister Watkins drew a breath, about to call her back, but already she had gone. Anyway, Watkins had heard enough. This was definitely something she should discuss with Chief Consultant Bakara. Behind her mask, a grim smile settled on her lips. Just as well that she was on her way to a meeting. Sister Watkins turned and headed toward the entrance of the sanctum.
*
“It’s odd walking around in a Guard’s uniform, how everyone jumps out of your way.” Grinning at the memory, Riki leaned over her crossed arms on the tabletop. “It would be really useful if you wanted to get across town in a hurry. And I liked the boots that made me a few centimeters taller.”
“Where did Grandma get the uniform for you?” Tanya asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe the same place she gets the list of who’s due to visit the Chief Consultant, and when.”
“Do you think Sister Watkins will have passed the message on to Bakara?”
“Your grandmother does. And she’s pretty good at saying what people are going to do before they know themselves.”
“I know, and I trust her, but...”
The wobble in Tanya’s voice made Riki look up. Tanya was staring at something outside the window, but Riki was sure that she was not seeing whatever it was. The muscles in her jaw were working, in a manifest battle to keep her expression steady. Without thinking, Riki reached out and laid her hand over Tanya’s on the table.
“It won’t be for long. Your grandmother has it all covered.”
Tanya’s head snapped back, facing Riki. Her eyes widened in evident surprise. Her hand flinched as if about to pull away, but then relaxed, staying in contact.
Riki felt her insides kick as her eyes locked with Tanya’s and stayed there. A feeling of utter self-consciousness swept over her. All she could think about was how Tanya’s hand felt, lying under hers. What should she do? Ignore her hand? Move it? Leave it where it was and wait for Tanya to move?
“About now, your grandmother is going to be...” Riki stopped. Trying to act as though she were not staring into Tanya’s eyes and holding her hand was not going to work. “Look. I know you think I’m a total pain in the ass. Most of the time you’re right. And you think I’m a selfish bitch who’s only helping because it’s in my own best interest, else I’d leave you to die in the Corps dungeon. But you’re wrong there. I don’t walk out on my comrades. I’m on your side.”
“Yes. I’m getting to realize that.” Tanya’s hand twisted over, so their palms were together. Her thumb and little finger wrapped around the sides of Riki’s hand. “And I’m sorry I punched you outside the stores, after the fire.”
“You’ve already said that once.”
“Yeah, well. This time I mean it.”
The Sister on duty coughed, reminding them of her presence. Both Riki and Tanya jerked their hands away. Riki turned her face to the window while her insides again flipped over. It was ridiculous. She had heard people going on about how it felt when they were falling for someone, but she had always thought they were exaggerating. Yet her heart was pounding as if she had run ten kilometers and her hand was aching through to the bone.
Outside the window, the sun was dropping toward the roofs of Landfall. Time was moving on. Riki dragged her thoughts on track.
“Your grandmother is going to call on the Chief Consultant in a few minutes. I must go. I need to be with Zelenski when she hears the news.”
“Yes. Right. I’ll, um...” Tanya sounded as if she was suffering from the same turmoil.
Riki stood up and brushed her hands nervously through her hair. Her eyes again met briefly with Tanya’s. “It’ll be fine. Don’t worry.” She took a step back and mouthed the words, “I’ll see you on the docks.”
*
From the window of the Chief Consultant’s audience room, Isabel Coppelli could look right across Landfall, as far as the downstream docks on the Liffy River. The sight recalled old memories. She had been seventeen when her own grandmother put her in charge of the Coppelli warehouses there. It had been a hard test, cross-checking everyone who might double-cross her, bribing and bullying, haggling and hassling, while all the time keeping her paperwork clean, but she had met the challenge, as she had every other one over the intervening seventy years.
Only once had she seriously miscalculated in her judgment, and that had been with her own daughter, Piety. Isabel smiled at her reflection in the window glass. Perhaps, in a spirit of reconciliation, she should try to think of her daughter by the name she preferred. After all, it did suit her better. With hindsight, she should have known better than to try dominating Chip. She was too much her own woman—Isabel’s smile broadened—and her mother’s daughter.
Isabel’s musings were interrupted by the rustle of cloth and the sound of the door closing. She composed her face into an angry frown and turned around.
Chief Consultant Bakara had entered the room. “You wanted to speak with me?”
“Yes. I’ve just received some serious news.”
“What is it?”
“Colonel Zelenski. She’s arranging to have my granddaughter murdered. Of course, I’ve got no proof, but my sources have picked up on it. Zelenski hasn’t got her own women on duty outside Tan
ya’s room, but she’s pulling strings. She’s fixing the sentry rota so there’ll be a squad of young simpletons on together. Gullible enough to think they have to obey an order from a colonel without referring it to their own officers.”
Bakara turned away, rubbing her forehead, as if to soothe a head-ache. “I...I think you may be right. I’ve heard—”
“You knew already?”
“Vague reports. I wasn’t sure of the target. Or who the officer was. But yes. It could be. I just can’t see why she’d do it.”
“Because she can.”
“That’s not a reason.”
“How about, because she wants to show you that she can.”
“I don’t see...”
“Zelenski has a hold over you. She wants to send the message that she can do whatever she wants and you dare not stand in her way.”
“But why have your granddaughter killed?”
“She’s furious we removed Tanya from her prison. She wants to hit back and make her point by showing how she’ll deal with any attempt to overrule her in the future. You could arrest the Guards who do the killing, but you won’t dare use their testimony against Zelenski. She’ll force you to cover for her. And then she’ll really have you in her grip.”
“What do we do?” Bakara sounded despairing.
“The situation isn’t hopeless. I’ve got my people working on it. Given a couple more days, I should be able to dig some skeletons out of Zelenski’s own cupboard. But I need more time, and I need to know Tanya is safe while I do it. Which is where you can help.”
“How?”
“Take the Guards away from Tanya’s room and keep her door locked.”
“Colonel Zelenski won’t agree to that.”
“And I won’t agree to my granddaughter being murdered. Zelenski will be angry, but it will take her a few days to make a new plan and that’s all I need. In the meantime it doesn’t matter what she will or won’t agree to. The sentries outside Tanya’s door are ordinary Guards, not Intelligence Corps. That’s why I’ve heard about what she’s planning. Her own women would have followed orders without a fuss. If you go to the Guards on duty and tell them to leave, they won’t disobey a command from the Chief Consultant.”
*
Riki dropped the papers on the desk. “There you go. As promised.”
Colonel Zelenski picked up the top one thoughtfully and sloped it to the lantern behind her. From the light shining through, Riki could tell that it was the map of the sanctum at Fairfield. Zelenski pursed her lips and took up the next sheet. Riki waited patiently while each document was examined in turn.
At last, Zelenski put the papers aside and looked at Riki. “Very good.”
“I told you it would be. So. Where’s my money?”
Zelenski continued to stare coldly across the desk.
Riki sneered. “You’re wasting your time, trying to intimidate me. You swore on Celaeno’s name, and a Guard never breaks an oath like that. It’s your honor at stake.”
“Indeed.” Zelenski sighed and got out of her chair. She pulled open the door of a nearby cupboard and reached inside. “Here’s your money.”
The purse landed on the desk with a heavy thud. Riki grabbed it, tugged open the drawstring, and peered in. “I guess you’d be insulted if I counted it out.”
“You can if you want.”
“Nah. I’ll trust you.” Riki grinned and turned to the door. “Thank you. And good-bye.”
“Before you go.”
Riki looked back. “What?”
“I was wondering, if I ever had use for your talents again, whether I’d be able to contact you.”
“I’d have to tell you where I was. And I’m not sure I want to.”
“I’d make it worth your while. People who know how to get information are always useful.”
“I’ll think about it. Maybe when the money runs out.”
“It would—” The sound of running stopped Zelenski. Urgent knocking followed.
“Enter.”
“Ma’am.” The door opened and a Guard appeared, an Intelligence Corps member judging by the less-than-immaculate condition of her uniform.
“What is it?”
“The heretic in the temple, ma’am, Coppelli’s granddaughter. You wanted to know if the watch outside her room was changed. I’ve just heard. Ten minutes ago, Chief Consultant Bakara went along in person and ordered the Guards to leave. There’s just the one Sister inside the room now, keeping an eye on her. The door’s locked, but we know where the key is.”
Riki grinned. “What did I tell you?”
“Yes. You were right—again.” Zelenski stared first at Riki and then down at the papers on the desk. “But now I have what I need to act. Corporal.” Her eyes returned to the soldier at the door.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I want a detachment of six Corps Guards. Armed, in uniform, and in the courtyard. Fifteen minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The Guard vanished.
Zelenski drew a sharp breath. “You’ve been accurate and very useful. I hope our paths cross again. It might be beneficial to us both.”
“We’ll see.” Riki tilted her head, listening to the shouted orders echoing around the courtyard and the sound of people running. She glanced once again at the colonel. “Good-bye. And have fun.”
*
Tanya jumped at the pounding of heavy feet in the corridor outside. The key rattled in the lock and then the door was flung open. The Sister on duty had been dozing. She scrambled unsteadily to her feet as seven armed women in Guards’ uniforms stormed into the room. Tanya shrank back against the wall. It required no acting on her part. A raw panic seeped over her.
“What’s going on?” the Sister piped up. She was ignored.
Colonel Zelenski stalked forward. “You’re coming with us.”
Tanya could not speak.
“You can’t—”
Zelenski cut off the Sister’s protest. “We’re just making sure we know where she is.”
“The Chief Consultant said—”
“There’s been a change of plan. And there’s a lot more changes to come.”
Two Guards strode forward and grabbed Tanya’s arms. They hauled her away from the wall. For three steps Tanya went placidly, but then she gave in to the panic. She pulled back and then threw her weight to the right, struggling frantically. More Guards surrounded her. More hands grabbed her. Tanya heard a squeal from the Sister who had gotten caught up in the mêlée. Then Tanya heard metal on metal, the sound of a sword being drawn.
“Stop this at once.”
Colonel Zelenski’s eyes blazed over the line of her sword. Tanya froze and then sagged in the grip of the Guards. The fight was hopeless. Through the Guard’s legs, she caught sight of the Sister on her knees, holding her torn mask in place. From what Tanya could tell, the Sister was not hurt, apart from her dignity, but it said much about the Guards’ state of mind that none were helping her rise. At the word of command, Tanya was marched from the room. Zelenski and two other Guards went ahead, and another pair kept close behind. Twice one of their boots caught on Tanya’s heel.
The tight group emerged through the hangings at the sanctum entrance. The Guards standing watch were clearly startled, but despite the drawn sword, the sight of the Intelligence Corps Colonel was enough to reassure them that no action on their part was needed.
Zelenski led the way across the main hall. A gaggle of worshippers, dithering in the temple doorway, were roughly shoved aside, and then the party was outside. The last shreds of sunset lay orange on the western horizon, and a few stars were starting to show. Gardens surrounded the temple. The scent of flowers mingled with the dust of the city. Tanya gulped the warm evening air, trying to stay calm.
She was taken through the small side door that had been used on her way into the temple. A company of about thirty Guards were drilling in the middle of the parade ground, with an officer in charge, bellowing commands. The Intelligence Corps party
skirted around the marching formation and then continued in a straight line for their headquarters. They passed under the archway.
Tanya had another brief glimpse of the interior courtyard before she was propelled through a doorway and down stairs. The underground prison was as she remembered it. The ill-lit corridor reeked with the stench of confinement. The damp stone walls closed around her like a tomb. Already, the Guard in front had the door open. Tanya was shoved into the cell. The door shut. The key turned. Footsteps marched away, and then there was silence.
Tanya fumbled around until she found the bunk. She sat and pulled her heels up, hugging her legs. She did not want to be there. Fear surged through her, drowning her senses. But she knew it was not the same as before. Now, she had hope. She had faith in her grandmother. So far, the elderly matriarch had been right at every step.
But supposing she failed now? Groaning, Tanya rested her head on her knees. Images of the interrogation room were trying to possess and overwhelm her. She needed something to distract her thoughts—anything. Abruptly, a memory dropped into her head from less than an hour before. Riki holding her hand.
Tanya opened her eyes and stared blindly into the darkness. Why had Riki done that? Was it just a friendly gesture of support? And what about the warmth in Riki’s voice and the depth in her eyes? If it had been anyone else, Tanya would have had no doubts reading the signs. But from Riki?
Admittedly, Riki was no longer acting like a total jerk. They were united in fighting the Guards. When Riki said she would not desert a comrade, Tanya believed her. However, this did not mean that Riki felt any sort of affection for her.
Tanya knew she could not trust her ability to read Riki, because she was not an unbiased observer. She had let herself become fixated. It was understandable in the circumstances. But in conjuring up the sound of Riki’s voice, and the expression on her face, was Tanya’s memory being faithful to the facts? Or was it reflecting her own emotions and offering merely a desired fantasy?
Tanya let her head sink onto her knees. Regardless of the truth, she so desperately wished that Riki were still with her, holding her hand.
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