by Brandon Fox
Ander returned to his chair. “Invasion? Why do you think that?”
She took a sip of brandy before answering. “Well, the city guard has been busy. Escorting convoys, mostly. More than any time since we had that border dispute with Eeloia twenty years ago.”
Thane leaned forward eagerly. “That’s exactly the kind of information we need. Do you know what the convoys are carrying?”
“Hans would know, but I don’t. The wagons are covered. Despite what you might think, I don’t pry into my customers’ business. I listen if they talk. It’s part of the job, but no more.”
“Who’s Hans?” Thane asked.
“Hans Stecher. Commander of Pella’s garrison. He’s been a customer for years, and he’s a good man. Far more cultivated than most soldiers. He’s a soldier out of family tradition, not loyalty to the zamindar.”
Nicolai looked bewildered. “Why would we be interested in convoys? What could they have to do with the zamindar’s search?”
“If two unusual things happen at the same time, there’s a chance they’re connected,” Thane said. He turned back to Lady Tay. “I’d like to learn more about these convoys. How can I meet this garrison commander?”
“If you’re thinking about bedding him and getting him talking, think again. Hans is only interested in women.”
“I don’t have a plan yet. Maybe I can trick him into revealing more if we talk. Is there any way I could meet him?”
Lady Tay looked exasperated. “You’re barely a man! I certainly couldn’t introduce you as a merchant. You’re old enough to enlist in the guard, I suppose, but that wouldn’t necessarily get you close to Hans.”
Ander watched with quiet amusement. Lady Tay was stubborn, but Thane was relentless. He tasted the brandy, letting the fiery liquid roll over his tongue, and settled back.
Thane surged out of his chair and began to pace. “You’re right about enlisting in the guard. It’d probably be useless. I have to get closer. Into the commander’s household.” He came to an abrupt halt. “That’s it! If I can get a job in his household, I’ll have a chance to look around. There’s bound to be information about the convoys in his records.”
Lady Tay snorted in disbelief. “You are a dreamer. Maybe you could dodge his house guard, but he’s got a sorcerer too. There’s no sneaking past that.”
Thane frowned and stood silent. Ander began to fidget as the silence stretched painfully. Finally he cleared his throat. “Listen, Thane. Lady Tay was willing to trust me. You know me even better than she does. Better than anyone else ever could. I’m telling you, she can be trusted.”
Their eyes met, and Ander felt a pulse through the link that joined them. He knew Thane loved him, but that wasn’t the same as having faith in his judgment. Time seemed to stop, and then Thane’s warm presence blossomed in his heart. The mage’s anxiety faded as Ander’s calm certainty flowed through the bond.
“All right,” Thane said at last. He returned to his seat and faced Lady Tayanita. “I trust Ander too. Give me your word that what you learn won’t be repeated to anyone.”
Lady Tay’s eyes narrowed, but she nodded slowly. “You have my word.”
Thane extended a hand, palm up, and a light the size of a robin’s egg materialized at the tip of his fingers. It glowed with a golden light that seemed to shine through his hand’s flesh.
Lady Tay jerked back. “Bloody sorcery!”
“No,” Ander protested. “It’s not sorcery like the zamindar uses. It’s completely different. There’s no blood, no torture. I… I can’t say more. I’m sworn to silence. But you know I’d never harm people like the zamindar’s sorcerers do. Or love someone who did. I can’t believe you think I would.”
Lady Tay’s breathing gradually slowed. “No. No, you wouldn’t. But I still know sorcery when I see it.”
Thane curled his fingers into his palm and the light vanished. “Sorcery is mostly just knowledge. But knowledge is power. That’s what the zamindar is so worried about. As Ander said, my friends and I are the only real threat to his stranglehold on the kingdom.”
“Ander vouches for you. And I remember when Nicolai and his friend first came here, how they fought the seraskier. Maybe I don’t need to understand anything beyond that.”
“You’ll help us, then?” Thane asked.
Sitting back, Lady Tay tapped her fingers on the arm of her chair. “There might be a way. I remember Hans mentioning that some of his servants were beset with fever. His wife has been complaining about it. He might take you on until they recover.” She paused, brow furrowed. “I could tell him you’re a companion recovering from crotch itch. You’re easily handsome enough to work here, so he’d believe it.”
“I’ll go too,” Ander said. “It’ll be safer if he’s not alone.”
“Impossible. Seraskier Reincken often meets with Hans, and Reincken still wants your blood. The only safe place for you in Pella is here at the house.”
“You’re both right,” Nicolai said. “Somebody should go with him, but it’s too dangerous for Ander. I’ll go instead. Reincken only saw me once, when he was very drunk. Even if he sees me at the garrison commander’s house, he won’t remember who I am.”
It wasn’t the outcome Ander had wanted, and the thought of being separated from Thane made him ache, but he couldn’t fault Nicolai’s logic. If the seraskier saw him, neither he nor Thane would escape. Lady Tay was already nodding.
“I’ll pay Hans a social visit in the morning,” she said. “If his servants are still sick, he’ll probably want you to start right away.” She looked at Thane sternly. “Are you sure you know what you’re doing? You might know a few tricks, but it’ll take more than that to do what you seek.”
Thane shrugged. “Do any of us know what lies ahead? All we can do is try.”
Lady Tay stood. “I’ve still got one empty room. The three of you can sleep there.”
“Where’s Leif?” Ander asked as he stood. “I ought to see him.”
“He’s with a customer. You’ll have to wait for morning.” She held up a cautioning hand. “And be ready to answer some questions. He’s been driving everybody crazy, asking what they think happened to you.”
Ander groaned. “He’s not going to learn much. My oath, remember. Maybe I can keep him distracted.”
Thane thumped him on the back. “If you can’t, you haven’t been studying hard enough.”
Lady Tayanita gave them a quizzical look, then opened the door and sent them on their way to a room on the second floor before returning to her business.
Ander sat on the bed’s edge. Like all beds in the brothel, it was large enough for any gathering a customer might care to pay for; the three of them would be cozy but comfortable. The other furnishings were spare. The walls were unadorned logs, and a window with small glass panes overlooked a dark street. A small fire in the hearth kept the room warm.
He looked at Thane mournfully. “I don’t know what to say. I’ll miss you. How long do you think you’ll be away?”
Thane sat beside him. “Hard to say. It depends on how good his defenses are, how carefully we’re watched. So let’s make the most of tonight.” He put a hand on Ander’s crotch and gently squeezed the bulge.
Thoughts of impending separation were soon forgotten as they made the most of their remaining hours together.
Chapter 5
SOFT knocking roused Thane from peaceful slumber. He stretched, feeling Ander’s sleeping form pressing against one side and Nicolai on the other. Their blanket had slid off during the night, leaving them naked to the golden light pouring through the window.
The door swung open, and a blond youth Ander’s age peered through. His eyes were wide with curiosity, but they lit with joy when his gaze fell on Ander. Leif, I wager. I see why Ander’s so fond of him. While he knew they had been intimate for years, jealousy wasn’t in Thane’s nature. And he knew beyond doubt that the love he shared with Ander was unshakable.
Leif entered the room, his tri
m form clad only in a robe. He nodded to Thane and signaled for silence. Dark-blond hair fell loose over his forehead and was braided in back into a heavy ponytail. Despite the golden hair, his looks were different from Nicolai’s classical northern features. The eastern cast of his eyes, dark brown, spoke of mixed bloodlines. He was slender and beautifully proportioned, with a hairless chest and sleekly muscled midriff exposed by his parted robe.
He padded over to the bed, then knelt and brushed back a lock of raven hair before leaning in to kiss Ander as his eyes flickered open. Ander responded warmly, lifting his upper body and wrapping his arms around his friend.
Thane couldn’t guess how long the kiss would have continued if Nicolai hadn’t reached over him and prodded Ander’s shoulder. “Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Nicolai’s voice held amusement but no surprise.
Ander broke the kiss and leaned back. “Sorry, Nicolai. This is Leif.” He turned to Leif. “And these two are Nicolai and Thane. You’ve seen Nicolai before, remember? The night I had to run away?”
Leif nodded solemnly. “How could I forget? We were all worried sick about you.” His gaze lingered on Thane’s and Nicolai’s bodies. “But now you’re back. I can see why you took your time.”
Thane chuckled. “He’s told us about you. We’d be honored to make your acquaintance. Would you like to join us? Or would you like to be alone with Ander?”
Leif looked at Thane wistfully. “I’d give a week’s pay to spend the morning in bed with the three of you. But Lady Tay sent me to wake you up. She wants you to have breakfast in her rooms. She said she has news.”
Thane slipped out of bed and started to pull on his leather pants. Nicolai followed. Leif’s eyes widened in admiration as he sat cross-legged on the bed and watched them dress. Ander cuffed his shoulder. “I see your fevered imagination hasn’t cooled. That’s good. You’ll need it to keep up with these two.”
Leif blinked and turned back to him. “I’m willing to try. Are you going to be staying?”
Ander got out of bed and started dressing. “For a while. I don’t know how long. We’ll talk later. Are you having breakfast with us?”
“No. Lady Tay said your business is confidential.” Leif radiated curiosity, but nobody volunteered any information. He sighed and slid off the bed. “I’ll be napping in my room this morning, if you have a chance to visit. I was with those randy Lukaan twins last night. I didn’t get much sleep.”
Ander stopped dressing long enough to give him a hug. “I’ll be there as soon as I can, I promise.” He gave the braided ponytail a gentle tug. They exchanged another kiss; then Leif slid off the bed and left.
“Too bad Sorel and I didn’t have a chance to linger last time we were here,” Nicolai said. “It would have been interesting to test Leif.”
“What do you look for when you pick somebody to test?”
Thane pulled a boot on, then looked up. “It’s mostly intuition. But you and Leif are both good examples. Strong bodies, an aura that sizzles with sex. And the capacity for transcendent pleasure. What do you think? Could Leif reach the kei?”
Ander pulled his shirt over his head, then nodded. “I’d bet on it. He loves sex, and he’s a considerate bedmate. He can prolong pleasure for hours.”
“Perhaps we should test him, then. If we get a chance. But we also need to know if he’d join our cause. Do you want to feel him out?”
“I’ll do it.” He opened the door and led them into the hallway. “Provided he gives me time to talk.”
THANE looked around Lady Tayanita’s private dining room with growing respect for their host. Furnished with understated elegance, the room’s cherry-paneled walls and pewter chandelier would make even the most discriminating customer feel comfortable. Lady Tayanita was a courtesan of the old school. Her establishment, as well as its stable of companions, reflected the finest the kingdom had to offer.
She rose from her chair as they entered. Thane and Nicolai bowed graciously while Ander went straight to the sideboard, where a breakfast buffet had been laid out.
“I really missed the meals here,” Ander said as he picked up a plate. He glanced at Thane sheepishly. “I like oatmeal too. But Lady Tay’s cooks are especially talented.”
Lady Tayanita gave Thane a puzzled look, then joined Ander at the sideboard. “Why are you apologizing to him? I thought he was your lover, not your cook.”
“Um, it’s a long story, Lady Tay.” Ander heaped his plate with hotcakes and sausages. “He just likes oatmeal a lot.”
She didn’t look convinced but didn’t pursue it. They filled their plates and settled into chairs around a linen-covered table. The perfect hostess, Lady Tay let them enjoy the excellent food in peace before bringing up business.
“I sent a message to Hans Stecher last night,” she said when they were finished eating. “He always works late, at least when he isn’t sneaking over here for a visit.” She shook her head sympathetically. “Considering his wife’s disposition, it’s surprising he ever goes home at all. Not that I’m complaining. Shrill wives and boorish husbands are good for business.”
“Did he send a reply?” Thane asked.
Lady Tayanita sipped tea from a porcelain cup before answering. Her expression was serious. “Yes. He said he’d take you on. He was grateful I’d thought of him. The sickness among their servants has given his wife something new to complain about, and the poor man’s desperate. You can start this morning.”
Thane was brimming with excitement, but Ander felt almost disappointed. “I hope you’ll be careful,” he said.
“I hope so too,” Lady Tay agreed. “There are two things to remember. First, if Hans finds out you’re spying, you’re dead. And I assure you it won’t be an easy death. Second, don’t let his household know you’ve come from my house. Especially his wife. She doesn’t know about his diversions. The steward knows where you’re coming from, but he’s completely loyal to Hans.”
“We’ll remember,” Thane promised.
“Very well. It’s best that you go right away. You’ll attract attention if you stay around here for long.” She looked at them hopefully. “Are you sure I can’t interest you in becoming companions? You’d both make a fortune.”
“A gracious offer,” Thane replied, “but impossible. We’re pledged to our task.”
“So serious for one so young.” She sighed, then nodded in acquiescence. “But I’m glad Ander has found such worthy friends. I always felt he was destined for something great.”
Ander blushed crimson, embarrassment at Lady Tay’s praise mixing with pride in his friends. “Meeting them has been my great fortune, Lady.”
“Well then, let’s hope you get them back alive.” She stood. “May luck be with you. But don’t count on it. Be damned careful.” She held Thane’s gaze a few seconds, then turned and left the room.
“A formidable woman,” Thane said. “You were wise to suggest coming here, Ander.”
“I hope so. I’ll know when you return safely.”
THANE and Nicolai explored the awakening city, heading for the garrison commander’s house. Servants trudged through the narrow streets with buckets of water, and vendors crowded the plazas. The smell of sewage being emptied into gutters mingled with the dust and aroma of farm animals tethered to stalls.
Nicolai surveyed the scene curiously. “It’s hard to believe Ander grew up here. It’s a wonder he’s not an ignorant bumpkin. He’s innocent in that sexy way of his but more sophisticated than you’d expect coming from a backwater like this.”
“Probably Lady Tayanita’s influence,” Thane replied. “I’d like to know more about her. I’ll wager she had a good education before opening her house of companionship. She takes pride in her staff and treats Ander like a son. He was probably encouraged to learn.”
Nicolai snorted. “That wouldn’t be hard. He’s as curious as a cat.”
“Speaking of big cats, how’s Sorel doing? I’ve been working so hard lately, I haven’t spent much time wi
th him since before the two of you left on your last journey.”
Nicolai nudged him in the ribs. “You’ve been busy teaching Ander everything you know about making love. I’d hardly call that work. But I’m not complaining, since I’ve had Sorel all to myself. Fun as always, but we’re still eager to get you and Ander into the same bed with us.”
Thane grinned. “First thing, when we get back.”
His spirits faded as they rounded a corner and saw the garrison commander’s home. The house was timber and stucco, like most of the buildings in Pella. Three stories high, its whitewashed stucco dingy and streaked from years of neglect, it presented an ominous facade. A stone wall twenty feet high surrounded the structure and extended to enclose a large courtyard in back. The garrison barracks were directly across the street, along with stables for the cuirassiers’ steeds. Every time Thane encountered one of the zamindar’s outposts, it reminded him of Lucian’s death.
Nicolai put a hand on his shoulder. “We won’t be here long. Remember, we need to act like companions recovering from crotch itch. Don’t let anger show.”
Thane nodded. “Let’s go. There’s a job to be done.”
They went to the servant’s gate, a cave-like arch built into the wall a short distance from the house. A door made of iron grating blocked the passage. They rang a bell hanging from a rod set into the wall. Soon a door swung open on the side of the house, and a man emerged. He was bent with age but clearly had been a giant in his prime. From the look of his dour, battle-scarred face, his military career had been long and bloody. He stalked across the courtyard and then peered at them through the iron latticework.
“What’s your business?” he asked gruffly.
“We were told the household is in need of servants, and we’re looking for work,” Thane answered. He gave the old man a respectful bow. “We were told to see the steward.”