Mason smiled at his exuberance. It was refreshing to see someone in a good mood. She wasn't sure how to answer him, though. She was afraid that if she told him that she didn't think the Fleet would agree to take him off world, he might not help them anymore.
"There is no need to answer now," he said.
"I'm sorry," she said. "I was thinking about it. I'm not sure that I'm the one to ask. I think that Tebrey is the one who would have to make such a decision. He is the highest ranking member of our military who is here. Any ship that comes to find us will be military. He would have to plead your case to them, I think. I really don't know how such things work."
"Would you mention it to him for me?"
"I will," she promised. "Personally, I hope he says yes. I think you would like our worlds."
Jeroen's house was near the central wall between the inner city and the Merchants' Quarter. He told Mason that it had become stylish in the last ten years or so for the nobility to have homes in that quarter. His uncle, the marquess, had used his power to ease taxation on merchants and trade goods. The result had been an increase in profit from trade with other cities.
There was a growing middle class in Bellejor. Most of them lived in the quarter ruled by the marquess. He had grown considerably richer and more powerful as a result. It was a power that many of the nobility found intimidating. Nanak was a threat. Attempts on his life were almost constant.
Most of the marquess' reform programs were aimed at the poor. He used a measure of his considerable wealth to provide food and shelter for the less fortunate and the homeless. His less charitable political rivals said he was trying to buy the support of the people, but they said it quietly. No one wanted the lower classes to riot, and the programs kept them from getting restless.
Bellejor was divided into quarters. Each quarter normally had a marquess, the equivalent of a vice-governor, to control it. Marquess Nanak, Jeroen's uncle, had recently gained control of another of the quarters. It gave him considerable leverage over the senate.
Although the senate as a political entity held little real power, it was still prestigious to be a part of it. The senate convened once a year to ratify the imperial decrees. Senatorial seats were hereditary, passed from father to son. No one could remember a time when the senate had opposed the emperor, but it was possible. Each marquess controlled a voting section of the representatives in the senate. The control of two of these voting blocs was unheard of, another reason for his opponents to hate Marquess Nanak.
The emperor cared little about what happened outside the walls of the imperial palace. He lived at a level of luxury far above anyone else in the Empire. Few ever saw him. In recent years, rumors of his madness had grown. Some said he had unnatural lusts and indulged in acts of wanton debauchery. Jeroen didn't know anything about that, but the emperor certainly lived a spoiled life, far from the pain and labor of his people.
Jeroen's house was built of beige sandstone, with carven lintels and many deep windows with bronze shutters. Servants were waiting in the courtyard when they arrived. They were dressed in belted, knee-length muslin tunics and sandals. They looked well-fed. Tebrey still felt ill at ease, seeing the heavy iron collars on many of their necks.
"I'm sorry that I cannot offer you each your own rooms. There is, however, an empty barracks on the lower level that should hold most of you. I would be honored if you would all join me for dinner tonight." Jeroen turned aside to Tebrey. "You will speak to them about talking to my uncle tomorrow?"
"I will," Tebrey replied.
"Very well. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask one of the servants. Anything that I can provide, I will."
He strode into the house. Jeroen's men were unpacking the wagons, and some were leading horses to a stable.
Tebrey went inside in search of a bath, Hunter close at his heels.
In stealth and silence, the guard made his way out of the house.
Darkness was falling across the city. The moons stood out in the sky and lent a silvery light to the gloom. The streets were empty save for a few laborers rushing home and the night watch. His status as a nobleman's guard gave him safe passage.
Secreted upon his person was a small packet of documents that had to be delivered to the lady he served. He had been sent to the village to watch over the affairs of the young lord and report any interesting lapses by the lord's father. The guard suspected that his lady was going to be very interested to learn of her son's guests.
"I really don't see that we have any choice," said Tebrey evenly.
"I'm sorry, but I don't like the idea of telling this man the truth. Even if he doesn't think you're crazy, he's likely to try to take advantage of us in some way."
"So what would have us do, Doctor?" Tebrey asked. "How are we to eat? You do like to eat, don't you? I, for one, don't ever want to go hungry again. Or have you forgotten last winter? Jeroen has made it clear that he's not going to be able to support us much longer. We have been quite a burden already."
"I might remind you all that I was against coming here in the first place," Anderson said acidly. "I thought something like this might happen."
"Yes," Bauval said. "Your powers of prescience are well documented. We all remember that quite well, James. And you are right. We were doing just fine where we were. No one had died. Everything was perfect under your leadership."
"I never said that!"
"No, it was just implied. The truth of the matter is that we would all be dead if we had stayed where we were," Bauval retorted.
"Gentlemen, please," Mason said. "This isn't helping. We need a consensus. Our hope was to come here and continue our studies. I want to be able to talk to these people and learn about them. No matter what our esteemed commander may think of our chances at rescue, we're still going to be here for a long time. I'd like to be comfortable enough while I'm here to be able to do a little research. I don't want to have to wonder where each meal is going to come from."
There was a chorus of agreements from most of the others. No one wanted to face starvation again.
"Do what you will," Anderson said, getting up. "You people will do what you want anyway. I don't know why you ask my opinion." With that, he stalked off, coughing.
"So we are agreed?" Tebrey asked.
"I don't see that we have any other option," Bauval replied.
Chapter Forty-Two
Tebrey awoke the next morning to the smell of cooking meat.
It filled the house. Part of him was disturbed by the fact that it not only smelled natural, it smelled good. His mouth was watering.
Eat, already, Hunter thought. Then feed me. It's not like I can hunt in the city.
Tebrey dressed in his worn uniform and exited the room Jeroen had assigned him. He'd slept well for the first time since they'd been stranded on Cedeforthy. Not even Hunter's snoring had disturbed him.
I don't snore.
Yes, you do, Tebrey replied. It's really cute.
"Lord Tebrey! I was just coming to call you to breakfast," Jeroen said as he came down the stairs.
"I'm honored, my lord," Tebrey replied. "I'm certainly hungry."
"Then follow me."
Tebrey followed the young lord into an exquisitely furnished dining hall. "Ah, Jeroen?"
"Yes?"
"Would it be possible to have food delivered to the stable for Hunter?"
"My men are taking him his breakfast even as we speak."
"Thank you."
Bauval and Mason were already seated at the table. Tebrey wondered where everyone else was, and asked.
"They are eating in the servants' dining area," Jeroen said.
Tebrey grinned as he sat down. He could imagine how Anderson was taking that.
"We have some business to attend to while we eat." Jeroen clapped his hands, and servants brought each of them plates loaded with food, and glasses of liquid.
Tebrey sniffed at it; it smelled sweet.
"It's fruit juice," Jeroen said.
>
"It's good," Bauval said after trying it. "It smells sweet, but is actually just a little acidic. Very tasty."
They ate in silence for a few minutes. Tebrey had to admit that the meat tasted every bit as good as it smelled. He didn't care for the gritty texture of the off-white mush, but ate everything he'd been given anyway.
"We need to discuss what we are going to do to attain a patron for you while you are here in the city. You need someone powerful, with a fair amount of money to support your research."
"You'd mentioned your uncle," Mason said.
"I've made an appointment to speak with him this morning. I'd like all of you to go with me. He would be the best possible patron for you. He has money and power."
"So how do we get him on our side?" Bauval asked.
"I'm not sure, to be honest," Jeroen said. "When last I was in the capitol, I was a little wild. I'm afraid that he may consider my asking him for your support to be an attempt on my part to extort money from him."
"Must have been a hell of a party," Bauval said.
Jeroen grinned. "You have no idea. However, I do feel that we have something in our favor."
"What's that?" Tebrey asked, feeling his regard.
"We are telling the truth this time. We also have you and Hunter to prove it."
"You expect that they'll allow us to just walk in to see him?" Tebrey asked.
"No, that wouldn't work. I was thinking that you three would go with me. That won't seem strange. I was hoping that Hunter may be able to get there by another route."
"What other route?"
"How far can he jump?"
Hunter?
Yeah?
Well?
I don't really know. What's he want me to do?
"I'm not sure. What do you have in mind?"
"I was thinking that he could follow along on the rooftops, out of sight, until we reached my uncle's home. Then he could make a grand entrance."
Tebrey smiled. What do you think?
I think I don't like heights much.
Seriously?
Okay, get me up there. This could be fun. Do I get to scare people?
Tebrey sighed. "He'll do it."
Jeroen led Bauval, Mason, and Tebrey into the inner city a few hours later. The homes they passed were huge, more walled estates than houses, although the estates were dwarfed by the splendor of the imperial palace. The palace itself sat on a hill overlooking the rest of Bellejor. It was made of white marble, and the roof was golden.
"It's not really gold," Jeroen said.
"What is it?" Mason asked. She was transfixed by the beauty of it. "Is there any possibility of getting in to see it?"
"No, and don't even think about it. The emperor is mad. He does things in there that you would not wish to see. If you weren't part of the show."
Mason shuddered.
"So what is the roof made of?" Bauval asked.
"I don't know the name of it," Jeroen said. "It is a golden mineral from the north. It is found in thick sheets, and it's translucent when thin enough. I've heard it is quite a wonder."
"Too bad about the emperor," Tebrey said. "The palace itself sounds like something I'd like to see."
"Well, anyway, here we are." Jeroen said quietly.
The walled estate they stood outside was easily the largest one they had seen. The guards at the gate obviously knew Jeroen, since they passed his party inside with only a cursory look over. A servant escorted them to the marquess.
They'd had a chance to clean up at Jeroen's home, but they were uncomfortably aware of their worn and travel-stained clothes as they were led into the marquess' luxurious manor. His servants all wore impeccably clean and crisp white uniforms, which only emphasized their own shabby and disreputable appearances.
They were forced to wait in an antechamber for over an hour. The servants ignored them, and the armed guards by the inner doors eyed them with obvious distrust.
What should I do? Hunter asked.
Where are you?
On the roof directly over you.
Just wait.
A manservant with gold braid on his uniform finally ushered them into the audience chamber.
"His Grace, Marquess François Garnath Mahavira Nanak, will see you now," he said, with a slight bow for Jeroen.
The chamber was richly appointed with woven rugs and shelves covered with small artifacts and carved statuettes. Tebrey could see Mason twitching with a desire to examine each of them. He was also surprised to see a bookshelf laden with thick leather-bound volumes. He couldn't read the titles, but could see that they were expensive.
The marquess was a well-built man with silvering hair. There were swordsman's scars on his hands and a long scar down the left side of his face, possibly from a saber. His eyes were dark and glittered with intelligence. He scanned each of them intensely as they came into the room.
Jeroen had told them while they waited that his uncle had served for years in the military, reaching the rank of general before he retired. He had a list of impressive victories in his career. He was a man whose mind was as sharp as a sword, and he was very deadly.
Jeroen bowed and exchanged pleasantries with his uncle. Then he told him everything that he knew about his companions.
It took some time. Tebrey couldn't sense what the marquess thought of the story. He had very good self-control, and Tebrey didn't want to pry.
"That's a very good story, Jeroen. I'm impressed; I didn't know you had it in you. You should consider becoming a playwright." Marquess Nanak sat back in his padded chair and took a sip of wine. He hadn't offered them any. "Good try, though, boy. Good try."
"Your Grace, uncle, I'm not making this story up. I swear to you that all I have said is true. You must believe me."
"Now, Jeroen, this game has gone far enough. I've said no. Take your actors and your tame barbarian and leave. You've worn out your welcome with this nonsense. You'll not get money from me like this. You'd have better luck with your father's family."
Jeroen met Tebrey eyes and shrugged.
"Marquess, may I speak with you?" Tebrey was fuming a little at the tame comment.
The marquess sighed. "Very well, what do you have to say? Make it quick. I have little time or patience for ne'er-do-wells."
"Is there no way to convince you?" Tebrey asked. "I know that we look shabby, but we've been marooned here for months. We have tokens we can show you, like this." He slowly drew his pistol from under his cloak. He could sense the two hidden crossbowman tensing behind their privacy screen.
"Hmm, yes. I've seen the like before. Such things are sometimes found. I imagine it would fetch a good price for you in the market, if it is genuine. You'll have to do better than that. I suppose he has you cast as the wandering hero? Or does he think to cast you as the Lawbringer. Those are big shoes to fill, and while I have patience for my sister's son's lies, I will have no patience for yours. If you lie to me, I will have you killed."
Tebrey looked around to the open window. "I may have an additional bit of proof to offer you. Something you will not have seen before. Something that may convince you."
"And what would that be?" Marquess Nanak asked, not bothering to conceal his boredom.
"This," Tebrey replied. Now.
Hunter leapt through the window from the roof, six hundred fifty kilograms of muscle landing with an impact that shook trinkets from niches along the wall, his beryllium steel claws shattering and scoring the floor stones. The echoes of his landing shook the building.
The two crossbowman ran forward as the marquess cried out. One launched a quarrel that skipped off Hunter's flank, leaving a gory red line. Tebrey shot the second crossbow from the other man's hands before he could loose his bolt. The heavy wooden and metal stock exploded, peppering the man with splinters.
They stood for a moment, ears ringing with the blast.
"What in the name of the gods?" whispered the marquess.
"A neo-panther, lord. The only one of his
kind on this world. I am Lt. Commander Hrothgar Tebrey, Earth Federation Special Operations. This is my companion, Hunter."
Hunter obliged by showing his gleaning metal teeth.
"I believe you have legends of your arrival to this world? Start believing them."
Chapter Forty-Three
The marquess had a guesthouse that wasn't in use in the Merchants' Quarter, which he graciously allowed the refugees to use. He also provided them with a small pouch of coins, enough to feed the group for a week. It wasn't that he was being stingy; he just didn't want them wandering off. He would provide more money every week as long as they reported to him what they had discovered in the city and stayed out of sight as much as possible.
Tebrey readily agreed to all of his terms.
The others knew that Anderson wouldn't be happy with the deal, but it was the best one they were likely to get. Tebrey was given a pass to the city. It would get him through the guarded gates without question, and also into the imperial library. After Tebrey's inquiry, the pass was expanded to include anyone in his company.
The only concession that Tebrey found disagreeable was the he and Hunter make themselves available for the marquess' parties. Nanak wanted the option to show off that he had a lawbringer on his side. It would give him considerable political clout.
"Marquess, I would like to point out that neither Hunter nor I is really all that tame. We'll come to your parties if you wish, but if someone touches us, or otherwise provokes a response, there will be one. Hunter is more than capable of killing if he has to, as am I."
"If a guest of mine insults you, then he is no guest of mine and you may deal with him as you see fit. That said, I would be displeased if you were to go about the city killing for sport."
"I hope you know that neither of us would do that. I will kill if forced to, but I'll certainly try to avoid any situation that would lead to that."
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