The traffic was still shoulder-to-shoulder in the narrow lanes. Voices filled the air as everyday conversation competed with merchant advertising. Hands shoved objects in front of them, pleading for a sale. They proceeded to another vendor to stock up on cooking utensils, blankets, and a variety of goods. Soon they had more than they could carry.
Rescue came in the form of a small urchin on the corner of the street holding the lead rope of a drowsy donkey. The boy's clothes were rumpled, but his eyes were bright, studying all the passersby like potential customers. Most ignored him. Adele stepped in front of him. His small, dark head bobbed warily. She held up two coins, and immediately his suspicion faded.
“Do you need help, lovely miss? Clearly you are too cultured to walk to your destination. Please ride my donkey in style.” He gestured grandly to the small, bored donkey that wasn't as excited as the boy by the prospect of work.
“Actually,” Adele said. “I need you to transport my goods to the harbor.”
“He lives to carry your wares! He is very strong. Do not judge him by his small size or lazy attitude.”
Adele patted the dozing donkey on his head. “For these two coins take all that,” she pointed to the sizable pile under a shaded alcove where Gareth stood, “to Bulaq. Slip Fifteen near the end of the Blue Wharf. Stay and guard it until we return later today and you will get five more just like these.”
Eyes wide, the boy nodded eagerly and reached for the money, but Adele held it back.
“However, pray nothing is missing from our wares. My friend over there is a vampire, and I will order him to chase you down and eat you.”
The boy's mouth gaped open as he stared at Gareth in his dark glasses and dour mien, but then he scoffed. “You are very funny, Miss. Don't worry. You won't regret hiring me. Your supplies will be under my protection!” He tapped his chest firmly with his right hand.
“I tip very well for hard work and loyalty,” Adele promised him with a glint in her eye.
The urchin bowed low. “I am Nasir at your service.”
Adele dropped the two coins into his outstretched hand. “I'm glad to make your acquaintance, Nasir. I am Pareesa.” Her mother's name was common enough and made a comforting alias.
The boy dragged his reluctant business partner toward the pile of goods. He eyed her tall companion warily as Gareth stood protectively over the merchandise. The two males stood staring each other down until Adele motioned Gareth to follow her. He frowned, glancing down at the boy sternly before stepping up next to Adele.
“Are you sure he can be trusted?” he asked as they headed north along the avenue.
“Sure? No. But the promise of more money is a great motivator. And all the professional porters probably follow the news, and will wonder about us.” She veered toward the shaded part of the busy street.
“What more do we need here? The more we linger the greater our chance of being discovered.”
“I agree. But we still need food…or at least I do. The produce is at the northern market. It's not far. If you want, I can take care of that. You return to the boat and make sure Nasir doesn't rob us blind.”
“I won't leave your side.”
“Even if you're miserable?”
“A discomfort at present, nothing more. And I feel better with you in my sight.”
“All right. We'll finish up as quickly as we can.”
Adele tried desperately to keep to the shade, but they had to dart across open streets where the sun beat down mercilessly. While she moved as quickly as she could, Gareth actually slowed as if he were wading though something physical rather than just warm air. She ran back and grabbed his arm, hurrying to the other side of the oven-baked pavement.
“You're scaring me, Gareth.”
“I don't mean to. I'm not in pain, Adele. Don't worry. I'm just tired. It takes great effort to move in this heat.” He straightened from his hunched position, regarding her reassuringly, but there were beads of sweat on his brow, and lines of distress furrowed his face. “See, I'm fine.”
“Stay here. I won't be long.”
He nodded, slumping against the stones of a building.
The smell of spices and cooking oil wafted into the air, though the heat only let it rise so far, so instead it settled over the customers. Adele browsed quickly through the produce stalls, each laden with fruits, vegetables, spices, and various meats, dried, smoked, and filleted. She chose items that wouldn't perish quickly, mostly dried or smoked. One vendor had baskets for sale, so she purchased one to more easily carry her load.
Then she spotted a magazine rack filled to the brim with penny dreadfuls and potboilers, many of them featuring herself and Greyfriar. With a grin, she bought one and stuffed it in the basket.
Barely fifteen minutes had passed when she ran back to Gareth. He was where she had left him, but he was surrounded by merchants and hawkers, all shouting at him for attention. He stood stone still. Adele waded into the crowd, screaming at them to leave him alone, he had no money, he was sick. She shoved several men away. Some laughed, some cursed, but they continued barking their silks, cottons, jewelry, shoes, and cameras.
Gareth just stood there, his gaze locked on some distant point.
“Gareth,” Adele called to him, fear bubbling up in her throat. She dropped her basket and grabbed his arm.
There was no response and his breath was shallow.
Panic gripped her. “Gareth!” She shook him.
Finally, he blinked, his eyelids lowering slowly and then back up.
“Gareth, can you hear me?
His gaze lowered until he found her. He drew in a deep breath. “I'm sorry. I was…,” but his voice trailed off as if he couldn't remember.
“Can you make it back to the boat?” She was ready to abandon everything and carry him if necessary. The din of the merchants disappeared into the background as they realized there was no sale to be made here.
He shook his head as his breathing became more regular. A quivering hand wiped at his face. He looked drained, but he patted her hand that still gripped him. “I was just conserving my strength.” His eyes were narrow slits behind the shades, as if the sunlight were still blazing into them.
“Let's just go. Leave all this and let's get back to the boat.”
Gareth grew more awake and took in the parcels scattered at his feet. “Nonsense. You went to all the effort. It'd be foolish to leave everything behind now.” He bent to pick them up, but she pulled him back up almost angrily.
“I don't care.”
“I do. It means survival for you.” He grabbed the basket and, to Adele's shock, he struggled with it.
“Gareth,” she whispered, frightened to see him weakened.
“Lead the way back to the boat. I just need to lie down for a bit.”
He refused to relinquish his hold on their provisions, so Adele grabbed the other end of the basket. “We'll do it together.” To her relief, he didn't argue, but that only worried her more.
Up ahead on the thoroughfare stood a squad of uniformed policemen, showing pamphlets and photographs. They were stopping everyone passing by. Adele jerked to a halt.
Gareth stopped beside her, breathing heavily. “What is it?”
“Road block.” She altered their direction, aiming for a dark alley. Unfortunately one of the sharp-eyed policemen saw her hesitation and purposeful avoidance. He elbowed another officer and came after them. A curse slipped through Adele's lips.
“I can't outrun them,” hissed Gareth.
“I know.” She stopped and shoved the basket behind some crates strewn in the alley. “Can you fly?”
“I can't carry you. Not now.”
“Just float up and hide. When they go past, come back down. Simple.”
He hesitated. “They'll find you.”
“Just go.” She darted for a dark alcove, rewrapping her scarf into a new shape and stripping her cloak off to lie on the ground. She watched Gareth drag himself up the wall until he alighted
on the roof. The sun beat mercilessly on his shoulders and he hunched over like a dark gargoyle, watching her.
The policemen rounded the corner with weapons clattering. Adele sat back into the doorway, bent over and appearing to be no more than a street urchin herself. The officers glanced at her and ran on. Adele sighed with relief, thinking she was in the clear. Then one slowed since the empty alley gave them no clue as to where their prey had gone.
“Miss?”
Adele looked up hesitantly, her head wrap held tight to her face, her eyes downcast with contrition.
“Did you see a couple run past here?” the policeman asked.
She nodded and pointed.
“Thank you.” The officer turned to go.
Adele could not believe her good fortune. But the other policeman's feet still stood before her.
“Show me your face, miss.”
Her heartbeat raced. There was no doubt they would recognize her. A photo of Princess Adele was in his hand staring back at her. She realized she would have to fight her way out of this. She couldn't leave Gareth here in this heat. Her hand shifted to grip a nearby brick. The man's partner was coming back.
She looked up at her target and steeled herself. A dark shadow dropped on top of the approaching policeman. Gareth landed heavily on him, and the man collapsed without a sound. The partner turned toward the new threat, and Adele stood up and swung with all her might. The brick clipped him on his helmet, but with enough force to stagger him. Adele followed through with a sharp jab to his chin, and the man fell next to his partner.
Gareth was on one knee, trying to rise. She grabbed him and helped him stand.
“I don't have much time.” He was shaking and pale.
She swiftly kissed him and then pulled him down the alley.
“Wait, your basket.” He grabbed it.
“Forget the basket!”
“No.”
Together they slipped out of the alley, heading away from the police. Adele spied an empty carriage and whistled shrilly for the driver's attention. Within moments, they were inside the slightly cooler interior of the cab with the basket at their feet.
Gareth sighed as he sagged against the cool leather. Adele squeezed his hand, directed the driver to Bulaq, and then proceeded to yank down all the shades on the cab, plunging the interior into darkness. Gareth's blue eyes opened to regard his princess and found her face full of worry.
“Stop that,” he ordered. “If anyone has a right to be vexed it should be me. I'm hardly any help to you. Nothing more than a burden.”
Adele let out a little sigh, attempting a small smile that her anxiety could barely tolerate. “It will be fine. We'll make it.”
“I fear that little boy could best me at the moment. Add the donkey, and I would surely fall. It's not something I find comforting.”
“I'll protect you,” she teased. “That nasty donkey won't hurt you.”
He scowled at her, but then a weak smile creased his lips. “You're not funny.”
She pressed her cheek to his. “Liar. You find me hilarious.”
The trip to the harbor was soon over, and as the carriage halted, Gareth had to gather his remaining strength. He hissed slightly as he stepped back into the sun, his skin feeling as if it was shriveling up to parchment.
Nasir was waiting at the correct berth, guarding their wares with a stout stick in hand. Adele thought it was more likely he used it on the donkey, but it wouldn't surprise her if he whacked a beggar or two who strayed too close. The boy brightened immediately upon seeing his employers approach.
“Lady Pareesa! No one has touched your belongings! I have seen to that. I held off three burly sailors who wanted to steal from you. And numerous desperate vagabonds!”
Adele gestured to the boat. “If you could help us load the supplies on board, I will double your compensation.”
“And by compensation, you mean cash?” he verified.
The princess laughed at his shrewdness. “I do.”
“Done!”
Adele helped Gareth carry the basket onto the deck. He was so unsteady she was afraid he'd pitch over the side, but soon she had him down in the dark hold.
“That's a relief,” he said tiredly.
“Stay down here.”
He closed his eyes.
The princess returned to the wharf where Nasir waited patiently. She handed him his payment. It was much more than was agreed upon, and he beamed his good fortune.
“You more than earned it,” she assured him. “Both of you.” She glanced at the sleepy donkey.
“Ha!” exclaimed Nasir. “I did most of the work while he just sat there and brayed at the sailors. Lazy animal. I should trade him for a camel.”
Adele knelt beside the little donkey. “Does he have a name?”
“He doesn't have one. I just call him Knothead when I yell at him.”
Her hand brushed down the long face of the donkey, who opened bleary eyes at her before sighing and leaning into her touch. “Every animal deserves a name. Knothead. Most likely you named him for this small bump on his forehead.” She rubbed the little bump set high under his forelock. “I've been told that such a knot was once the horn of a unicorn.”
“Really?” Nasir's eyes grew round. His hand reached out to touch the small bump on his donkey's head. Then it dropped away quickly. “Aw, that's just from when he ran into a door.” But his argument was weak and his tone soft.
“Perhaps, but it might be wiser to believe otherwise. Just in case.” Adele winked. “Farewell, Nasir. It was a pleasure doing business with you.”
The young urchin bowed low to her. “If ever you are in Cairo again, be sure to find me.”
“I will.” Adele yanked free the knot restraining the boat and shoved its bow away from the dock before leaping lightly onto the deck. She waved good-bye.
Nasir stood resting one hand gently on the withers of his partner as he raised his other hand in farewell to his best customers. “Good luck, Lady Pareesa! To you and your vampire friend!”
Thankfully, no one on the dock reacted to the child's bizarre remark.
Soon the wharves slipped out of sight between the large ships and barges, and Adele slipped the dahabiya into the river traffic. The heavy airship coverage thinned with time, and she didn't feel safe until they were at least an hour outside the city. As the sun dropped below the distant horizon, Gareth struggled topside.
“Are you hungry?” Adele asked.
“No. I won't need to feed today.”
“How long can you last?”
“Quite a while. But you can't. Eat.”
Adele put together a simple meal for herself, eating self-consciously in front of him. As the stars brightened and the air cooled, they lounged on deck. She reached over and squeezed his hand, hoping to bring him comfort.
He observed her with a weary smile. “The heat was more intense than I imagined today. You took command of the situation admirably.”
Adele snorted with mock derision. “Would you mind writing a letter of recommendation to the court? They seem to think I'm only suited for teas and christening ships.”
“Why would they think that? You survived Cesare. You are obviously more capable than anyone else.”
“Well, several reasons. First, I'm a woman. Second, I'm half Persian.”
Gareth shook his head in confusion. “Why should that matter?”
“It shouldn't, but that's what some in Commons believe, that bunch of stuffy old men with giant mustaches. You see, the days of the vampire conquest are like epic myths to many of the old families, who like to pretend they're purely descended from the northern exiles. They prefer to ignore the fact that the Empire is built on Arabs, Africans, Indians, and Persians as well as Europeans. It's sad. But that's not the primary reason why the grandees look on me with disfavor. They're much more prejudiced against me as a woman than as a Persian.”
“They're fools. Females possess a unique perspective on ruling. They often temper
their force with compassion and understanding. Often, avoiding a battle is greater than winning it. Males find that difficult. You have the balance of a fine sword. You can strike, but you can also parry. I see you as a magnificent ruler.”
Adele blushed at his praise. “Are you just saying that because you love me?”
“Yes,” he said firmly.
Adele grinned widely. “So do vampires have many queens? Or is your society strictly ruled by men? I could have seen Flay as a frighteningly capable queen.”
“Flay could never have been queen. She had no ancestry. But we have many queens. The New York clan, for instance, has a queen. Fen.” Gareth suppressed a shudder. “I might add, she is fond of me.”
“Is she now?” Adele leaned forward. “Do tell.”
“She is ancient and brittle. An old paramour of my father.”
Adele's smile turned into a grimace. “Okay, that's disturbing. How old is she?”
“As old as rocks. But the point is she's smart and calculating. She's held off rival clans for centuries, not to mention the Americans for over a hundred years. The fact that she's a female has no impact on her skills. Nor on yours.”
“Thank you. I think that if given the chance I will do a good job ruling Equatoria.”
“Yes,” he said succinctly.
“Someday,” she sighed wistfully. “Until then, we are just simple river folk.”
“How delightful.”
Adele set a bright lantern on the prow of the boat. “I'll take first watch.”
“Please sit with me for a while. Days from now, I may be so incapacitated from the heat I won't be able to enjoy your company.”
“Of course.” Adele complied. “Here, rest your head in my lap.”
Curious, he lay back against her and found peace from his weary day. They talked of all the things they had experienced in the months apart. Adele showed him the dime novel with its garish and bawdy cover art. The Princess and the Swordsman.
Gareth studied it with great interest. “What is this?”
“It's a story. About you and me. They're very popular. And there are also plays. That's where people pretend to be others on stage, for an audience.” She showed him the playbill for Desire in the Dead North.
The Rift Walker Page 17