Emissary (12 page)

Lazar ground his jaw. ‘I can’t fully recall all the nuances of the old tale.’

Pez thought it valuable to recount it now. He told it like a story and throughout his telling Lazar remained as still as a statue, absorbing all of the information as though listening to a battle strategy.

When he finished his tale, Pez sighed. ‘Ana knows who she is. We talked about it this evening.’

Grief flickered across Lazar’s already hurt expression. ‘Had she any idea previous to this?’

Pez shook his head. ‘I don’t believe so. That said, Ana is very perceptive but if she did have any notion, she wasn’t letting on. She accepted it more calmly than you have. She knew I spoke the truth…as do you.’

‘How do I protect her?’ Lazar said, standing now. Pez imagined this was the soldier’s way of no longer allowing himself to feel helpless. He needed to move in order to feel in control again.

Pez didn’t want to destroy what heart his friend had left. He needed him to remain courageous, so he chose the words of his response with care. ‘You can’t, Lazar. This is a much bigger game we now play. This is no longer palace politicking or even
an enemy you can shake a sword at. This is now a battle to the death we enter and we have no control over it. We have no idea from where the fight will come, or in what form. It will be decided entirely by how cleverly we play the game. We are all somehow pieces in a game, as you described, and we need to work out our roles. We cannot protect one another—we must simply trust each other to do our duty as it unfolds and as our duties reveal themselves.’

‘I’m involved?’ Lazar asked, aghast.

Pez frowned, still unsure, yet somehow certain that he was on the right track. ‘You must be. Or why would you be linked with us?’

‘Chance, surely.’

‘No, no, no,’ Pez said, pacing now, warming to his own thoughts. ‘Ellyana’s interest in you was far too keen for you to be a chance or innocent bystander. She orchestrated the whole situation surrounding your apparent death. It’s baffling.’

‘She wants the palace to believe me dead, you mean?’

‘Yes, except I don’t understand why. I don’t understand why Ana must be kept in the dark either, especially if she is Lyana.’

‘There is only one reason for that kind of secrecy,’ Lazar replied, ‘and that’s protection.’

Pez nodded, knowing he was hearing the truth. ‘Who is she protecting Ana from, though, by keeping you secret, unless it’s Maliz? But what does Maliz fear from you?’

‘Death?’

‘You can’t kill him, Lazar. You’ll need magic to do that and even though you’ve all but risen from the dead, I know you possess no enchantments. My Lore skills tell me that much. You are merely mortal, my friend. No, Maliz does not fear you.’

‘But Maliz does not know me either, presumably. Perhaps it’s the secret of me being alive that is important.’

‘Perhaps. I shall think on it further. But I would say this is all the more reason for you to remain in Percheron and that rushing off after Jumo into Galinsea is unwise. You cannot change anything. Whatever has happened, has happened.’

‘More of your twisted dwarf logic?’ Lazar asked, scowling.

Pez liked it when he scowled. He didn’t want to ever see the vulnerable Lazar again. They couldn’t afford for what might be their secret weapon to show his weaknesses. He needed Lazar angry, with all of his sarcasm and arrogance—and above all, courage—intact. ‘Well, what I mean is that what’s done is done. Jumo left almost a year ago to cross the ocean. If he has made it to the Galinsean royal family, then they already know of your death.’

‘Pez, you’re missing the point. I may have walked away from my crown, and my parents may well have considered me dead for all of these many years. Jumo’s revelation will tell
them I have been alive serving the Percherese Crown and that same crown has just put me to death. I’ll give you one guess what comes next.’

‘War,’ Pez said in a whisper, horrible understanding dawning now.

Lazar nodded grimly. ‘And swiftly. Beloved or not, my family will not sit by and allow the Percherese Zar to slay their son and heir. We know the Zar didn’t have much involvement but that’s not how they’ll view it. Believe me, retribution will be sought. Revenge will be taken. It’s a matter of national pride and I would suggest time is short. He left a year ago, near enough…two moons to sail, perhaps another moon or more to get an audience.’

‘Weeks of arguing,’ Pez said grimly.

‘They’ll need time to assemble their army.’

‘And two moons to sail back.’

Lazar looked like a broken man. ‘They are upon us within weeks at best calculations.’

‘They will send diplomatic messengers, surely?’ Pez’s tone had a plea in it.

Lazar nodded. ‘And if we follow that reasoning, then those people will be entering the city any moment.’

Pez agreed. Lazar’s rationale was accurate. ‘What can be done? We cannot fight both mortal and godly wars.’

He frowned. ‘Against Ellyana’s advice I think I must declare myself,’ Lazar said, pacing again, and speaking aloud his thoughts. He strode along the
cliff edge, thinking fast as he spoke. ‘Galinsean invasion is a real threat and that changes everything. It is fortunate I am well enough to travel. I must show myself to Boaz—he must understand what we face now from Galinsea. I shall have to dream up an excuse for my long absence.’

‘Stick with the truth of how sick you’ve been.’

‘Yes, but Zafira claimed me dead, given to the seas. I need to counter that.’

‘Zafira expects no quarter. Let her take the blame. You can say she said what she did of her own accord. You gave no such approval and you’re only now well enough to present yourself. We shall give her warning for escape. I will go to the temple now.’

‘Yes, but what reason for her deceit? Boaz is too bright to not ask for that reason.’

‘Make one up. It doesn’t matter any more. I leave to warn Zafira.’

Lazar nodded.

Pez felt obliged to ask the obvious. ‘Ana?’

Now Lazar scowled. ‘I can’t help her finding out.’

‘It will break her heart.’

‘You can’t have it both ways, Pez. Just moments ago you were arguing her case for knowledge. You can’t protect her from the injury of that knowledge.’ Pez nodded sadly as Lazar continued. ‘More importantly, if Maliz has not recognised his nemesis yet, then I have time and
you must see to it that you are not found out. That means I can make the journey to Galinsea the fastest way and prove that I am alive…hopefully avert war.’

‘The fastest way?’

‘Across the desert.’

‘In early summer? Are you on a death wish?’

Lazar gave a derisive snort. ‘I’ve stared at death’s hungry eyes, Pez. It doesn’t scare me.’

‘Did it ever?’ Pez asked but didn’t expect a response; nor did he get one. He carried on his previous line of thought. ‘Jumo could be back any day now.’

Lazar shook his head. ‘I know Jumo. He has no reason to return to Percheron now. He will likely head north…home. I must prepare. I have to be present for when that inevitable war delegation arrives and I suspect that will occur sooner rather than later. Expect me in Percheron in two days. Warn Boaz.’

‘I can’t.’

‘Why not?’

Pez looked anguished. ‘We’ve had a falling out.’ He briefly explained what had happened.

Lazar scratched his head. ‘Then I shall be the gift you bring back to him to appease his anger. Boaz will listen to me.’

‘You can’t be sure that he will listen. He takes new counsel these days.’

Lazar understood. ‘You mentioned once that Tariq had ingratiated himself.’

‘Oh, it’s much worse, Lazar. Grand Vizier Tariq now all but controls the Zar’s waking thoughts—that’s how it feels to me anyway.’

‘You’re overreacting, Pez. Like a jealous woman.’ Lazar found a grin, much to the surprise of them both.

‘I wish I was. Tariq is dangerous.’

‘Tariq is a sop. I’ve known that man—’

‘You don’t know this one,’ Pez cut across his friend. He gave a frown of pain. ‘Tariq has changed, Lazar. He is so different you would hardly recognise him now.’

‘No man changes that much.’

‘This one has. It’s remarkable. He even looks different. He certainly sounds different—not in his voice but how he voices his thoughts. They’re intelligent, inspired, clever. There’s new cunning in those eyes now, Lazar, that has nothing to do with the stupid self-importance and social climbing that the Tariq of old was known for. This Tariq is totally self-possessed. He requires no-one’s sanction…nor does he look for it.’

Lazar shook his head with wonder. ‘I can’t imagine you’re speaking about the same man.’

The dwarf threw up his hands in disgust. ‘It is as though someone has possessed Tariq,’ Pez claimed angrily and then at those words it felt as if his blood had turned to ice.

Lazar was feeling similar. Pez could see it reflected in his friend’s ashen face, too mortified to speak as the truth of Pez’s words sank in.

‘Is it possible?’ Lazar finally whispered, disbelief in his eyes.

Pez could hardly answer for the initial rush of fear and then the onslaught of a fury he had never felt in himself before. He covered his eyes with his deformed hands, as if to cover himself from the vision of Maliz smiling from behind the dark eyes of Tariq. ‘Of course it’s possible,’ he croaked. ‘More than possible. That’s precisely what’s occurred,’ he said, fighting down the loathing so he could think clearly. ‘Iridor rose. So did Maliz. And he chose Tariq as his vessel. It’s so obvious now I can’t believe I missed it.’

‘How does that explain the miraculous changes in the Vizier?’

‘Maliz the warlock was as vain as the summer day is long. He is using his magic to improve the body in which he is imprisoned now until his next death.’

‘His destruction, you mean,’ Lazar said and there was something cruel and hard in his tone.

It made Pez stare at his friend. ‘I’ll warn you again and you must pay this the attention it deserves, Lazar. Maliz cannot be killed by conventional means. You have to trust me on this. I can see where your thoughts are running to and if you think you can protect Ana by somehow trying to kill Tariq, then you are tragically mistaken. All you will do is declare yourself to the demon.’

‘Then
what
?’ Lazar demanded, frustrated and clearly shocked by the fear in the dwarf’s voice.

‘We move far more carefully. I think it’s a good idea you return to the palace now. Yes, come back, Lazar, and let’s see how the Vizier reacts to you. It will reveal much if he shows little interest other than the normal fascination we might expect for someone returning from apparent death. But if Maliz recognises something in you, we will know that, too, from his reaction. Are you prepared to risk it?’

‘Risk it? I want his death, Pez. Of course I’ll risk it. Somehow let Boaz know you have a special surprise being delivered. Heed my words. Two days. I’ll be back in the city.’

It was already late and Pez decided to tell Zafira the new developments at daybreak. She could do nothing right now except spend a few sleepless hours before sunrise.

But he had one more errand to run this night. He alighted on one of the minarets that framed the palace as the first tentative lightening of dawn threatened.

Anyone looking up would have seen a large bird dropping silently through the air and disappearing beneath the rooftops.

The man waiting for him saw only the familiar shape of the dwarf, dangling awkwardly before clambering uneasily onto a balcony.

‘Are we safe?’ Pez whispered.

The man nodded.

‘Anything?’

The man shook his head. ‘Nothing out of the ordinary, I gather.’

‘Tariq?’

‘I have not seen him since the Zar retired and that was early.’

‘Did the Zar say anything about me?’

‘He asked his secretary where you were but the servant said he didn’t know. The Zar said no more. He sent a note to the harem.’

‘And?’

‘He dictated that he was bringing the boating trip forward. He asked Salmeo to make preparations. They include you.’

‘I see.’ Pez didn’t know if this was important or not but he liked having the information. ‘Very good, Razeen. Be careful.’

‘You must not worry about me.’

Pez nodded unhappily. The sense of confidence shown by Razeen terrified him. ‘Focus on the Grand Vizier. I want everything you can tell me about him.’

‘That will be easy.’

Pez found an uneasy yet soft smile for the person before him. ‘Take no unnecessary risk.’

‘I know, I understand. I will not threaten our task by stupidity—you can count on me.’

‘I know, Razeen. Just absorb whatever you can but don’t endanger yourself any more than you already have by being here.’

‘I must go,’ he replied. ‘I might be missed.’

Pez nodded again. ‘Lyana watch over you.’

The man, whose dangerous mission was to spy on the Zar, grinned in the cocksure way possessed by those with the sense of invincibility that only youth can provide. Pez felt the fragility of such delusion and shivered again, recalling Zafira’s warning that this young man’s life could be taken cruelly if any one of the palace sycophants suspected guile.

Pez promised himself to take even more precautions with these meetings as he watched Razeen step through the doors, which he knew led back into the suite of chambers that belonged to the Zar.

It was no good. Despite her best efforts, Ana could not contain the general excitement within the harem. And she could not blame a single one of her companions, for she, too, had felt her heart swell at the news this morning that their boat picnic had been brought forward—they were going out today.

For almost two weeks they had been trapped inside doing tedious needlework and tirelessly rehearsing court etiquette—how to behave when being addressed by the Valide, how to behave in front of the Zar, his guests, visiting dignitaries. There were endless lessons and although most of the young women took to these studies with enthusiasm—for they were keen to succeed in the harem—the bright days outside only served to make Ana feel listless and downright objectionable at times. It felt like punishment on these sparkling mornings to be cooped up inside. Even her pleasure at language studies had been sorely tested.

When Ana awoke this morning she didn’t think she could bear another day like the previous
one of stifling boredom, and even though some good sense prevailed and discouraged her from doing anything unwise, Ana couldn’t help her mind wandering off to daydreams of how to escape this life. Physical freedom called to her softly like the breeze off the Faranel, but emotional freedom…perhaps that could never be attained, even in her daydreams. The pain of losing Lazar was her closest companion, a dull, soft ache; one she knew she would have to learn to live alongside for as long as she breathed.

The Valide’s threat that the Zar would choose Ana in the near future had rattled her as well. She wasn’t naive; she understood her role in the harem and she would have to have the brain of a bird to not realise that Boaz was already showing a hunger for her. She just didn’t think it would happen so soon.

Thinking about the brains of a bird made her recall the chilling conversation with Pez from the previous night. Fear wasn’t what she was feeling as a result, though. The morning had certainly brought trepidation as she replayed in her mind Pez’s careful discussion and how he had somehow made her speak the knowledge that she found lying deep within her. But no, the realisation did not frighten her—if anything it made her feel empowered, as if suddenly everything around her felt trite and pointless. That wasn’t a hard leap for Ana, for she had never wanted to be part of this life, but it had
given her Spur Lazar and for that she felt a modicum of gratitude. If the old Zar had not died, if the palace had not needed to assemble a new harem, if Herezah had not wanted to punish Lazar by sending him on his girl-hunting task that he found so distasteful, if the step-mother had not been so ready to sell her into slavery and rid herself of the orphaned child she detested, then she might never have known such love in her life as she felt for the Spur.

They had taken him from her but they would never be able to take away her feelings for him or her brief but vivid memory of touching him, looking into those eyes of his and recognising the sorrow deep within, sensing his secrets and, yes, his startled desire for her. She had seen it all and understood how he struggled against the tide of his emotions, knowing how wrong it would be. There was nothing wrong in loving one another; their love was pure and would always remain that way, for it had never moved beyond the unspoken pain of forbidden yearning.

So certainly no fear this morning. A sense of danger, perhaps even a feeling of recklessness now that she knew they were finally breaking out of the harem and could have a day of freedom on the water.

The subsequent squeals of anticipation and unrestrained joy from the general harem population at the news even brought a smile to the thick lips of Grand Master Eunuch Salmeo.

‘We do our best,’ he said to Ana, his tongue darting out to moisten those fat lips of his.

She had apologised several times for the girls’ lack of composure, struggling to contain her own pleasure.

His huge hand waved away another of her softly spoken requests for forgiveness. ‘They are still children, Ana, I understand.’

She knew this to be a lie—Salmeo would never understand childhood needs—but schooled her expression to remain contrite. ‘I promised the Valide that I would assist, Grand Master Eunuch,’ she tried to explain but again he stopped her.

He smiled indulgently, confusing Ana. ‘Fret not. The Valide places much faith in you, Odalisque Ana, and I’m sure your skills in leadership will be a great help in preparing the girls for this outing.’ He paused momentarily. The smell of violets had assaulted her as he spoke and, combined with Salmeo’s cloying sweetness, it set her nerves jangling. The Grand Master Eunuch continued. ‘Which is why it is a little sad that you cannot join the rest of the harem on this trip.’

Ana thought she had heard wrong. She stared at him, frowning in confusion.

‘Oh dear,’ and he sighed softly, ‘perhaps the Valide has not already mentioned this, but she requires your company today and has asked that you remain, that you do not go out on the water.’
He gave a
moue
of sympathy. ‘She should be here any moment and will no doubt explain.’

‘Remain behind?’ Ana asked, unable to hide her distress. ‘But I’ve been looking forward to this outing as much as the others,’ she gabbled, and was going to say more but with force of willpower stopped herself.

‘I appreciate the timing is not ideal,’ Salmeo replied, his light voice all the more irritating for its contrived tone of sorrow on her behalf, ‘but I am led to believe that you and the Valide have a special understanding. Is this right?’ Ana stared at him baffled so Salmeo filled the awkward silence. ‘Apparently you are to assist the Valide in all her needs. You’ve agreed to be reliable and trustworthy…no rebelliousness.’

Ana shook her head, clearing the cobwebs of disbelief that this could be happening. ‘I have agreed to that but—’

‘Ah,’ he interrupted and smiled as if all was confirmed then.

‘But I never—’

‘Hush, Ana. No rebellion, remember?’ Salmeo said lightly and giggled behind the chubby, bejewelled finger he held to his lips to silence her.

Anger took over but short of scratching his enormous face with frustration, Ana steeled herself to remain composed. ‘As the Valide chooses,’ she managed to grind out politely, even bowing with some semblance of courtesy,
but as she straightened she could see in the eunuch’s eyes his delight at spoiling her day. They had planned this then. This was deliberately done to build her hopes and then dash them. She began to wonder whether Boaz was in on the plot to destroy her best intentions to behave. She didn’t think so but she also couldn’t understand why the Valide would provoke her. When they had met, Herezah had appeared—to all intents—to be making a huge effort for the two of them to be more companionable.

Ana’s perceptiveness had told her that Herezah had long ago worked out that in order to remain close to her son she would also need to approve of his women, especially his wives. While she had chosen all the girls herself, it was up to Boaz to select which of them would fill the premium positions.

She and the Valide had got off to a very poor start, Ana understood that. Her escape had humiliated the harem but Ana was sharp enough to work out that Herezah’s cares were not really centred on the harem. The harem was her seat of power, the realm over which she presided with her fat partner in cunning, but it was not where her heart was. Her heart was with power and ensuring her ties with the Zar were never fractured. Ana’s desires were with neither. They were all clearly given over to a helpless love for the former Spur. And Ana took some silent pleasure now in the thought that Lazar had desired her in return—a
goatherd’s daughter—over the elegant, sophisticated and undeniably beautiful Valide. Was this Herezah exacting her revenge at Lazar’s support for a slave girl? Ana wondered. Or was this all about preventing Boaz from spending time with the odalisque he seemed to be favouring?

The Valide swept into the room, gorgeously attired in tightly bound dark silks today. She was certainly not going on any boat outing judging by such sumptuous attire. Ana’s heart sank—it was definitely true then. She watched the Valide glide effortlessly towards her, not even glancing at Salmeo, who was giving orders to his small army of eunuchs as they prepared to escort the troupe of young women into the world outside.

Ana bowed as graciously as she could. ‘Valide,’ was all she would trust herself to say.

‘I see there’s an air of hysteria in the harem this morning.’

Ana nodded. She would have to continue the charade. ‘The girls have just found out that the Zar’s boating trip is taking place today. They’ve been looking forward to this since joining the harem.’

‘I don’t doubt it,’ Herezah answered in her smoky voice. ‘And you, Ana, you don’t echo their joy.’ Her smile was bright.

‘Not since hearing that I will not be joining them on this outing, Valide. I understand that you need my services.’

‘I do.’

Ana nodded. She dared not say more as she was busy fighting back the tears that the Valide and her chief eunuch had some keen ability to win from her.

‘Why so sad, Ana? Does a day with me sound so disappointing?’

‘Forgive me, Valide,’ Ana replied, bobbing a small curtsey. ‘I allowed myself to anticipate a day out on the water. I am struggling a little, I’ll admit, to resign myself to the idea that I will not be enjoying this freedom.’

‘Ah, freedom,’ Herezah echoed. ‘A powerful notion, eh?’ Ana nodded, desperately trying to hide the misery. ‘But what makes you think that freedom has been denied?’

Ana watched the now fully veiled girls being herded out of the chamber where they had gathered. She could see beyond to where Salmeo’s army had trunks of provisions to take with them, no doubt from fresh clothes to drying linens if the girls decided to swim. And from the kitchens Ana could imagine another army was steadily marching with an endless array of baskets carrying sumptuous food worthy of the Zar’s special picnic for his women.

She sighed. ‘I imagine you have some work for me to do, Valide,’ she replied.

Herezah’s eyebrow lifted in sardonic style as she appraised this wilful young woman. ‘If you call a shopping expedition into the city work, then so be it,’ the Valide said in return.

Ana couldn’t help her display of surprise. One hand covered her mouth to stop the shriek before it was loosed.

Herezah smiled. ‘I can’t imagine what Salmeo led you to believe, my girl, but we are not working on a fine day like this. I promised you an escorted trip into the city, did I not?’

Ana nodded dumbly.

‘Well, hurry up and get ready.’

‘We’re going together?’

‘Who else did you think would have the right taste and experience to choose fabrics and jewellery for a Zar’s wife?’ Herezah commented archly. Then laughed at Ana’s still disbelieving expression.

‘I shall give you until the next bell or I leave without you. Fully veiled, remember.’

‘I’ll be ready in moments,’ Ana said to the Valide and wanted to hug herself. Perhaps it would be a day of freedom after all, and with the reckless mood this had rekindled in her, who knew what could happen?

Boaz was not sharing the same pleasure. He had welcomed the girls of his harem theatrically and with a certain dashing charm that had them giggling beneath their veils but, although it was hard to pick who each might be when they were attired in this manner, his first hungry stare had not picked her out.

He watched them now excitedly clambering aboard the royal barges that had not felt the water for years, according to the Vizier.

‘Are you sure you won’t be coming with us today, Grand Vizier?’ he offered again, not really interested but needing something to say as he searched for Ana.

‘No, my Zar. There is plenty of dull paperwork for me to plough through and as boring as it is in comparison to a day out on the river in your fine company and amongst these bright young things, I do think I must remain dutiful.’

‘Your self-sacrifice is impressive, Tariq,’ Boaz quipped.

His high-ranking servant grinned back and shrugged. ‘I shall take much pleasure in hearing about it tonight.’

‘You will take supper with me, Tariq.’

‘Very good, Highness. An opportune time to run through some important items. I shall take my leave, my Zar, and wish you a wonderfully uplifting day enjoying the natural wonders of Percheron.’ His dark gaze slid over the boats filled with young women and both of them knew he wasn’t referring to the river or the scenery.

Boaz nodded and then shook his head ruefully. Tariq had now taken to making clever jests, smacking of a wit that the Zar had never once witnessed in the Vizier during his time as heir. Tariq had always seemed so self-obsessed and sexless that it had not once occurred to Boaz to
imagine the Vizier was interested in women, and yet Boaz had regularly seen the appreciation in a new roving glance that the Grand Vizier paid the female servants in the palace.

He beckoned to Salmeo, who lightly hurried towards his Zar. ‘Majesty?’

‘Where is Pez?’

Salmeo looked at him blankly. ‘I have not seen him, my Zar.’

‘I specifically asked Bin to ensure he was here today to entertain the girls.’

The Vizier seemed to overhear this conversation and stepped back close to the Zar. ‘If I may, Majesty?’ Salmeo scowled but Boaz nodded. ‘Bin did mention that he hadn’t been able to locate the dwarf.’

‘I see. So he will not be with us today.’

Both his senior servants remained silent.

‘This is not good enough! The Zar’s clown, who enjoys significant indulgence, should at least be present when the Zar wants him.’

‘I couldn’t agree more, my Zar,’ Salmeo replied, privately revelling in such a public rebuke for the despised buffoon. He never thought he’d see the day when the Zar criticised Pez.

Tariq nodded. ‘Highness. Let me see if we can find him now. You will still be a little while loading the boats. May I try for you?’

Salmeo’s scowl darkened. Both of them knew who had impressed the Zar the most with this exchange. He tried to ingratiate himself. ‘Zar
Boaz, perhaps if the Vizier cannot locate your jester, I can have him hunted down in your absence?’