by John Norman
“Yes,” said Otto.
“There was a knife,” said Tuvo Ausonius.
“Yes,” said Otto.
“Slaves fear even to touch a knife,” said Tuvo, “for fear of having their ears and nose cut off, and their hands.”
“At that time,” said Otto, “she naively thought herself free, thought to accomplish her act, and be rushed away to safety and wealth. Doubtless she grew disabused of this notion when she found the cattle bell of the Heruls chained about her neck.”
“It seems a shame to waste such a slave on Heruls,” said Julian.
“Perhaps she would be safer with them than the Farnichi,” said Tuvo Ausonius.
“I do not like the delay,” said Julian, looking about.
“Other mercantile delegations wait, too,” said Otto.
“Surely some have been admitted,” said Tuvo Ausonius.
“I am sure of it,” said Otto.
“You have wandered much about the compound,” said Julian.
“It seemed well to do so,” said Otto.
“Did you discover the housing of the princesses?” asked Julian.
“No,” said Otto.
“I thought not,” said Julian. “The princesses would be concealed, and guarded. Thus, there is little point to such peregrinations.”
“Perhaps there is more of interest in the compound than the princesses,” said Otto.
“What?” asked Julian.
“Let us not concern ourselves,” said Otto. “It is just a thought I have.”
“Is the ship ready for departure?” asked Julian.
“Yes,” said Otto.
“Somehow,” said Julian, “we must contact the princesses.”
“I fear there is little prospect of success,” said Tuvo Ausonius, “if we must fight our way free.”
“Subterfuge is in order,” said Julian. “There are slaves about, you have seen them. Drisriaks, like all strong men, are fond of slaves, and will have them. They particularly enjoy enslaving women of the empire. Supposedly they make excellent slaves. I wonder if they, in their silken, golden beds, know that. We will meet with the princesses, I trust privately. We carry with us collars, and tunics. We shall disguise the princesses as slaves, and conduct them to the ship, and make our departure. Of the hundreds of men in this compound, I suspect few would recognize the princesses, and fewer yet, in the guise of slaves.”
“It is a bold plan,” said Tuvo Ausonius, “but fraught with danger.”
“I trust the princesses, in their haughtiness and royal modesty, will approve of our plan,” said Otto.
“I have brought along soft cloths,” said Julian, “and a potion which, soaked into these cloths, might be applied perforce to the lovely visages of possibly reluctant princesses, producing almost immediately a state of unconsciousness. One need then only strip them and replace their doubtless splendidly concealing attire with a garb more suitable to slaves. We may then carry them, half naked, with collars on their necks, to the ship.”
“But we have not yet made contact with the princesses,” said Tuvo Ausonius. “And we have been here for days.”
“We must be patient,” said Julian.
“Surely you are apprehensive,” said Otto.
“Of course,” said Julian.
“Each of these other delegations were contacted, and invited here, by agents of Drisriaks,” said Otto. “I determined this by inquiry.”
“It is also clear, or seemingly so,” said Julian, “given the need for secrecy, and concealment, there has been little, if any, communication between such agents and Tenguthaxichai. A breaking of radio silence might soon cloud the sky with imperial ships. Thusly we pose as having been invited, a ruse which, if hazardous, appears vindicated, as we have not been challenged or molested. Our stay here has been, thus far, if trying, untroubled.”
“Look,” said Tuvo Ausonius, “one of the delegations is being summoned.”
“Good,” said Julian.
“Where is Rurik?” asked Otto.
“I have not seen him today,” said Julian.
Chapter Fifty-Four
“All other delegations have been summoned,” said Julian. “I do not care for this.”
“One delegation must be last,” said Otto.
“Where is Rurik?” asked Tuvo Ausonius, uneasily.
“He must be soon about,” said Julian. “Surely he must be aware of the imminence of the summoning.”
“He must be here,” said Tuvo Ausonius. “He is taken to be first in our group. He is the only member of the Farnichi family in our delegation. We are seen as agents, at best. He is the only one properly informed of the value of our goods. The rest of us might error in our representations. I, personally, cannot tell a false stone from a true stone, or the silk of Talis IV from that of Talis III. Let him appear swiftly! All may otherwise be undone!”
“We must speak boldly, and appear knowledgeable,” said Julian.
“Rurik would not have brought inferior goods,” said Otto.
“And what would be the intelligent asking price for a square foot of prime Sorbian slipper leather?” asked Tuvo.
“Surely Rurik will be here presently,” said Julian.
“And if he is not?”’ asked Tuvo Ausonius.
“In the false bottom of the red jewel case is a pistol with four charges,” said Julian.
“Perhaps these concerns will be for naught,” said Otto. “We may meet with the princesses privately.”
“Let us hope so,” said Tuvo.
“Where is Rurik?” asked Julian.
“Woe,” said Tuvo Ausonius, “I fear it is too late.”
“How so?” said Julian.
“A servitor approaches,” whispered Tuvo Ausonius.
“Gentlemen,” said the servitor, bowing slightly.
“Sir,” said Julian, rising.
“You are the Farnichi delegation,” said the servitor.
“Yes,” said Julian. “How is that we have not been summoned until now? Do you know with whom you deal? Do you not know the weight of a Farnichi delegation? Are you unfamiliar with suitable priorities?”
“Ten thousand pardons, noble sir,” said the servitor. “No slight, but rather great honor, was intended. Is not the king the last to enter the feasting hall? Is not the finest wine the last served, the most exquisite slave the last to dance before the Master’s table? The glory of the Farnichi is well known. Whose goods could compare with those of the Farnichi? All else, until now, is naught but preface and prologue.”
“Nonetheless, the delay grew tiresome for our leader, the high merchant, Rurik, scion of the high Farnichi,” said Julian.
“He must be about,” said Tuvo. “I am sure he will soon be present.”
“I do not understand,” said the servitor. “He is already present. He is in the selling chamber, the reception chamber, awaiting you.”
“Of course,” said Julian.
“Please be so kind as to gather up your goods,” said the servitor.
The goods were gathered up by Julian, Otto, and Tuvo Ausonius. Julian made it a point to carry one of them himself, a red jewel case.
“We are to be conducted into the presence of the daughters of the kings,” said Julian.
“How could it be otherwise?” said the servitor. “Please, follow me.”
Chapter Fifty-Five
“Who are you?” asked Julian. “Where is Rurik? We bring our goods. We would display them. Surely we have not come to lovely Tenguthaxichai in vain. Where are the daughters of kings?”
“Rather,” said Farrix, “who are you?”
“Members of the Farnichi delegation,” said Julian, “invited to assist in the gowning and bejeweling of the daughters of kings. Where may the fair maidens be?”
“No invitations wer
e issued on Larial VII,” said Farrix.
“No,” said Julian. “Our invitation was received on Telnaria, delivered to the Farnichi merchant house in Telnar.”
“There is no Farnichi merchant house in Telnar,” said Farrix.
“Near Telnar, just northeast of the city,” said Julian.
“That is a military enclave, whose purpose is obscure,” said Farrix.
“The house operates through the enclave,” said Julian.
“I did not understand,” said Farrix. “Perhaps you will forgive me.”
“Surely, noble Lord,” said Julian. “In your place, I, too, would have made inquiries. May we now be conducted into the presence of the daughters of kings?”
“You are the leader of the delegation?” asked Farrix.
“No,” said Julian. “I speak for him, in his absence. He is Rurik, scion of the Larial VII Farnichi.”
“I see,” said Farrix. “And where do you think he might be?”
“We were told he was in the reception chamber, awaiting us,” said Julian.
“And so he is,” said Farrix. “Shall we join him?”
“By all means,” said Julian.
“Are you fond of horses?” asked Farrix.
“I ride,” said Julian.
“Perhaps you are fond of horses,” said Farrix to Otto.
“Yes,” said Otto. “But they are quite dangerous.”
“Many who are fond of horses,” said Farrix, “under certain conditions, grow less fond of them.”
“Undoubtedly,” said Otto.
“You have the look of an Otung,” said Farrix.
“I have been told so,” said Otto.
“We have goods to sell,” said Julian. “We have waited days. Please conduct us to Lord Rurik, and the daughters of kings. Doubtless he has already discussed our offerings with their highnesses, and they are now ready, their curiosities aroused, their appetites whetted, to at last peruse merchandise worthy of their interest and attention.”
“After you, dear sirs,” said Farrix. “Beyond this door lies the reception chamber.” Then he turned to Otto. “Please do not linger,” he suggested.
Two armsmen closed in behind Otto, whose presence he seemed not to notice.
“What is the meaning of this!” cried Julian.
In the center of the audience chamber, on the broad, darkly vanished wooden floor, were two individuals, both gagged, and bound, hand and foot. The larger figure, that of a male, was closely fastened by a neck rope to a large, heavy ring anchored in the floor. The smaller figure, that of a female, was closely fastened, by a neck rope, to the bound feet of the male. Near the ring were two cushioned, regal chairs, both empty.
“How dare you?” said Julian.
“Quite easily,” said Farrix.
“By what right?” demanded Julian.
“By the right of the will of the Alemanni,” said Farrix.
“Release Lord Rurik, and the slave, as well,” demanded Julian.
“Surely there is some dreadful misunderstanding,” said Tuvo Ausonius.
“We think not,” said Farrix.
“We do not choose to brook this insult,” said Julian. “We shall take our goods and return to Telnaria. The daughters of kings must do without our goods.”
“They already have,” said Farrix.
“Release Lord Rurik and the slave,” said Julian. “We depart.”
“Of all,” said Farrix, “only you were not invited.”
“But we were!” said Julian.
“No,” said Farrix. “You did not provide us with the password.”
“What is the password?” inquired Otto, standing back, by the door, the two armsmen closely behind him.
“‘Victory to Abrogastes’,” said Farrix.
“Very well,” said Julian. “We confess. We were not invited, but we learned of the gathering, and hoped to participate, hoped to do fine merchant work. Do you think such lucrative opportunities are not whispered about? They are. It is not our fault if others lacked the courage to similarly intrude. Surely you are aware of how difficult it is for a merchant not to pursue a possible profit. Boldness often leads to bounty. If you are not interested in our goods, excuse us, and we shall be on our way.”
“But we are interested in your goods,” said Farrix.
“Good,” said Julian. “We are prepared then to overlook this unfortunate incident. Free Lord Rurik and the slave, and conduct us to the daughters of kings.”
“But you were not invited,” said Farrix.
“So?” said Julian.
“The Alemanni breed draft horses, as well as steeds for war,” said Farrix. “Their harnesses are stout and massive. They can draw plows through heavy clay, through Lion grass, through the wooden fibers of vinous Malik growth, uproot stumps of the Farn tree.”
“So?” said Julian.
“And four such horses, suitably harnessed,” said Farrix, “driven in four directions,” said Farrix, “may easily tear the arms and legs from a man.”
“Interesting,” said Julian.
“It often takes, however, three or four minutes to do so,” said Farrix.
“Interesting, indeed,” said Julian.
“And you were not invited,” said Farrix.
“Lord Rurik is amongst the high Farnichi,” said Julian.
“The Alemanni do not fear the Farnichi,” said Farrix. “The Alemanni is a nation. We are eleven tribes, and have the allegiance of allied tribes. Do you think we would fear a single Telnarian family?”
“I see,” said Julian.
“And I doubt that your Lord Rurik is here on Farnichi business. I suspect his presence here is not even known to the Larial VII Farnichi. I suspect he was embarked on some covert business for the empire.”
“Surely not,” said Julian.
“And I doubt that even the enclave near Telnar was aware of his intentions, or suspects his whereabouts.”
“Surely one cannot blame a fellow for seeking a private profit,” said Julian.
“We will spare the slave, of course,” said Farrix. “She would have value, serving our tables, kicking, moaning, and pleading in our furs.”
“You are thinking seriously, I take it,” said Julian, “of the matter of the horses.”
“Certainly,” said Farrix.
“It is not difficult to perceive your intent,” said Julian. “But our goods are of considerable value, and you might consider accepting them in lieu of our lives.”
“Under certain conditions, perhaps,” said Farrix, “but it seems, under the current set of conditions, we may have both.”
“In a sense, yes, in a sense, no,” said Julian.
“I listen,” said Farrix.
“You may easily acquire our goods,” said Julian. “But what are you to do with them? Surely you are not interested in clothing your robust forms with the silk of Talis III. Surely you are not planning on adorning yourselves with a woman’s jewelry.”
“Beware,” said Farrix. “There are deaths other than that of the ropes and horses.”
“You, or others, will sell or gift these things,” said Julian. “But you do not know their value. Perhaps you cannot even tell a true stone from a false stone, are unable to discriminate between the silk of Talis II and that of Talis III. You might make fools of yourselves, and risk your lives, by requesting too much, or fools of yourselves by requesting too little, and being duped or swindled. We, as merchants, on the other hand, in particular, our colleague, Tuvo Ausonius, here, are knowledgeable, profoundly skilled in the subtle assessments which are particular to our trade. Our colleague, Tuvo Ausonius, here, is especially skilled, as noted. He can calculate the latest market value of a stone to the penny.”
“What of you?” asked Farrix.
“I, too,” said Julian, hum
bly, “must grant that I am similarly skilled. For example, consider this red jewel box, which I now open.”
Here Julian put back the lid of the box, revealing, displayed on purple velvet, a complex, scintillating array of various stones.
There was a gentle rustle of awe in the room, as the several armsmen in attendance on Farrix, including those behind Otto, beheld the sparkling, marshaled contents of the box.
“And this,” said Julian, “is but one of several similar assortments.”
“Hand it to me,” said Farrix.
“May I not delineate the stones, and their value?” said Julian.
“Give it to me, now,” said Farrix.
“Of course,” said Julian, not pleased.
“Now,” repeated Farrix.
Julian then surrendered the box, reluctantly, to the Teragar Borkon.
Farrix hefted the case two or three times, then looked at Julian, and laughed. “I thought so,” he said. “Do you think this a plausible weight for a handful of stones? Rather, a plausible weight for a handful of stones and something else. The box obviously has a false bottom. How is it opened?”
“Permit me to show you,” said Julian.
“I will manage,” said Farrix. “Think now of horses.”
At this point there was the sound of a startled cry, from the back of the room, near the door. Armsmen spun about. Two of their numbers were slumped to the floor. The flash of a robe, like a banner, was seen. “After him!” cried Farrix. There was the sound of a key in a lock. Armsmen pounded on the door. “Break it down!” screamed Farrix. Julian lunged for the jewel box, but was struck unconscious. A knife was at the heart of Tuvo Ausonius. A moment later the door was forced asunder, and several armsmen streamed through, only to be halted at the further door, that leading to the waiting chamber. “Break it down!” screamed Farrix, again, but this was no easy task, for the barbarian, after turning the key in the second lock, securing the door, had thrust, and braced, against floor rings, in case slaves were being assessed in the room, more than one of the heavy trading tables against the door.
Armsmen flung their weight against the door.
“Open it, open it!” cried Farrix, in fury.
“It is blocked!” said a man.