Her happy expression turned darker, more serious. “The slave markets. It’s time I kept my promise to you.”
He arched a brow in surprise. They’d been so busy with various other tasks, as well as training the new recruits from the garrison, Tirigan hadn’t had time to scout the slave markets. But it hadn’t been far from his thoughts.
“We have sufficient funds?”
“Yes,” Asharru assured him. “Now is a perfect time, I’ll be able to hide the expenditure among all the others for the coronation. No one will be the wiser, and you’ll be able to train them in peace without having to answer a bunch of awkward questions.”
Tirigan nodded and then gave her a courtly bow. “Let us go find some more recruits for your guard, my Lady.”
Chapter 41
Hashur decided he was either bored or lonely. Both rare emotions for an Anunnaki. But with Asharru and her Blade and friends gone off to the market for the day, Hashur found the palace strangely empty without them.
It wasn’t just the royal party’s absence. Half the population of the palace had gone out to make their own purchases for the upcoming coronation.
Belatedly, Hashur realized Nutesh should likely be out there looking to have a new outfit made for the coronation as well. Something that would match Asharru and Tirigan’s outfits.
Though Hashur hadn’t seen the Blade wear anything fancier than the garb of a garrison guard up until this point. He made a mental note to ask Asharru tomorrow what she and Tirigan would be wearing.
Turning a corner, he decided to head toward Asharru’s suites using one of the servants’ stairs. A nap, until the others returned, wouldn’t be a bad way to spend the time. Sleep was another novelty for him. He was now lodged firmly enough in this host that he could experience sleep and dreams.
Distracted by his thoughts for his immediate future, he was surprised when a servant girl slammed into him as she came around the corner. He hissed in surprise and then drew breath to apologize to the poor girl when he felt something poke him in the neck.
Instantly knowing something was wrong, he jerked back, a snarl on his lips. But within moments, his vision began blurring, and he couldn’t focus well enough to memorize the face of the one who’d just poisoned him.
This had to be retaliation for his interference in Nuannin’s plan.
Betraying an Anunnaki judge was a foolish thing to do. For this betrayal, he would carve out their hearts. And once he had them in the Underworld? Not even Ereshkigal could stop him from eating their souls!
He just needed to cast off this mortal flesh and go after the traitors. But there was something wrong. More wrong than just the body being drugged in some way. There was a secondary spell.
A powerful one.
It wasn’t attacking him, though. If it had, his own magic would have countered it in defense.
While he lay there, understanding struck. The spell was designed to anchor his Anunnaki soul even more solidly into the body of Nutesh. He couldn’t escape as the body began to fail, the limbs growing heavy and awkward.
Stumbling forward, his body crashed into a wall.
Vision darkening, Hashur cursed the traitors to oblivion for all the good it would do him.
Unable to remain upright or call for help, he collapsed to the ground. Only able to listen as other footsteps approached. He was swiftly lifted by at least three people, and then he heard one of the doors along the hall opening and closing.
Paralyzed and silenced, Hashur went over everything he knew and concluded that Nuannin and her father must not want this body dead, or he would have felt his host’s heart stop by now.
Which must mean they wanted him out of the way, so he couldn’t warn Asharru or her Blade of whatever new scheme the agents of Ereshkigal had planned for them this time.
Hashur’s enraged snarl was trapped within the expanse of his own mind.
Being housed in a mortal body was suddenly a lot less fun when his soul was trapped in the heavy, unmoving lump of flesh his host had turned into.
Chapter 42
Since Tirigan’s primary concern was growing Asharru’s personal guard, he went to the slavers that traded in laborers first. While he would have bought and freed every person he came across if he could, he needed more than just a healthy, able body. He needed persons with a strong innate sense of loyalty and integrity. Education, polish and all else could come later.
His gift allowed him to find and select a good three dozen individuals which his friends then took turns purchasing so as not to draw too much attention to Tirigan.
The last had been Bashaa’s idea. So had the suggestion to send Shamash and Nasir to the garrison to raid the laundry for clean uniforms.
It was wise, Tirigan admitted. Otherwise, suddenly showing up at the palace with three dozen new slaves wouldn’t go unnoticed.
But a unit of soldiers following Kuri in?
That wouldn’t even get a second glance.
“This is a good start,” Asharru said as she looked up at him, her expression happy. “Almost forty souls saved.”
“Indeed,” he agreed, feeling pride that soon he’d be able to help transition these people to a new life of freedom and purpose.
The sense of accomplishment was overshadowed a moment later as something cold crawled along his skin. His gift flared to life in warning. This was not the same as what he’d felt just before the Anunnaki attack, but it still gave him gooseflesh and cold sweat started to drip along his spine.
He hadn’t been aware he’d taken several steps toward the threat until Asharru called his name.
“Tirigan, where are you going?”
“I sense something here. Some danger. I want you and the other guards to go back to the palace.”
He was conflicted. Duty required him to stay and protect Asharru but also to hunt down and destroy whatever threat he sensed.
The cold dread flooding his body was strangely familiar.
Asharru’s hand suddenly came to rest on his shoulder. “I’m not leaving you. We stick together. That’s an order.”
While he could overrule her if he thought she was in danger, he didn’t know which would be more dangerous. For her to go and possibly be ambushed while he was off dealing with whatever triggered the warning, or her following him into danger.
Their enemies were cunning. He couldn’t dismiss the possibility that they had a two-pronged ambush planned.
His fingers tightened around his sword’s hilt. “Fine. Stay, but you and the others shadow me, and keep a safe distance behind.”
“We will,” Asharru agreed.
Tirigan was pleased by her agreement and saw that Kuri had picked up on his mood and was now standing guard with her hand on her sword’s hilt. All business, she didn’t ask stupid questions.
After a nod of acknowledgment, he began weaving his way through the narrow isles, heading deeper into the tent city until he was walking among the largest and most richly appointed ones. Here, the scent of wood smoke mixed with perfume.
The gravel pathway he followed led to an open area with a raised platform.
On the stage was the newest victim about to be sold. But Tirigan’s gift hadn’t led him here for the slave. No, as his eyes landed on a tall figure seated toward the front of the crowd, a deep rage began to burn in his gut.
Everything was familiar about the man, from his broad shoulders to his carefully styled braids, well-groomed beard, beautiful robes, and finely-hammered gold wrist and armbands. Everything was horribly familiar.
Tirigan knew he’d meet Governor Ugurnaszir again one day, he just hadn’t expected it to be today.
The urge to kill the monster was almost overwhelming. His hand went for the hilt of his crystalline sword. Only warm, slender fingers closing over his where they gripped the hilt stopped him from drawing the sword.
Asharru. Her calming presence allowed him a moment to take a deep breath and regain control of himself.
“That’s it,” she whispered.
“There will be time for that one day, I promise you. But now isn’t that time.”
Tirigan continued to breathe deeply until he was able to force his fingers to release the hilt. Goddess, it took so much strength to simply convince his damn fingers to relax.
Just standing there, as if all was well with the world, was equally as hard.
“He’s here, isn’t he? Asharru stated, not needing to say the name. They both knew who she was talking about.
“Yes. That’s him bidding on the slave. In the front with the blue robe. Tall, muscular build with wide shoulders.”
Asharru took hold of his hand. “You don’t have to so much as speak to that monster, ever again. I’ll outbid him on every last slave.”
Tirigan brought their joined hands up to his lips where he pressed a kiss to hers. “Please allow me that honor, my Lady.”
Asharru tilted her head and arched a brow. “If that is your wish.”
He nodded and kissed her fingers once more before releasing them.
Then he flipped up his hood and stepped forward to raise his hand to signal his wish to enter a bid.
Ugurnaszir was unflustered by the first three losses, which told Tirigan the male wasn’t that drawn to the slaves up on the stage, but by the fifth time of getting outbid, the governor finally glanced behind him.
‘Yes, you hyena’s ball sack, look over your shoulder, see death looking back at you, waiting.’
Another slave was brought on stage. A human girl not far into her womanhood. Ugurnaszir might be drawn to her innocence. There was no way Tirigan would let him win. Once the bidding started, it quickly escalated.
Tirigan grinned as Ugurnaszir’s shoulders tensed. He was getting under the governor’s skin.
Stealing slaves away from Ugurnaszir was almost cathartic.
Another slave was brought onto the stage, a gryphon. Likely peasant stock from a family with too many mouths to feed. He waited and waited, but Ugurnaszir didn’t bid on the male. Turning, Tirigan nodded to Kuri, and she placed a bid.
Tirigan wanted Ugurnaszir to realize that the tall cloaked man in the back had it out for the governor in particular. After the last slave of the evening was won by Tirigan, at a substantial cost, he flicked back his hood and waited.
When the governor realized that was the last slave of the evening, he bolted up from his seat and turned to glower in Tirigan’s direction. There was a pause, a moment when anger bled away to be replaced by surprise.
The surprise lasted for a few beats of a heart and then an expression that could only be elation seeped back into his features.
Ugurnaszir rushed from his seat without a word to his guards, forcing them to scramble to catch up. Unfortunately for the governor, all the other attendees were leaving as well, and he was trapped near the front.
Bashaa walked up to stand at Tirigan’s shoulder and blew Ugurnaszir a kiss.
Tirigan snorted. “I wouldn’t give that beast a kiss even to spite him.”
“But look at him! He’s practically vibrating. I can’t wait until he understands.” Bashaa glanced to the left, and when Tirigan followed his gaze, he spotted Hunzuu. “Kuri sent her brother to go pay the outrageous amount you just bid on all the slaves and bring them back to the palace. I think she’s a mite annoyed with you. She thought you were reacting to danger.”
“I was. Ugurnaszir is dangerous. Even my gift agrees.”
“Goddess, don’t tell Kuri that. She’ll have your head for exposing Asharru to danger.”
A spike of guilt worked its way into Tirigan’s consciousness. He hadn’t meant to put Asharru at risk, even if it was minimal. But the monster needed to be stopped before he ruined any more lives.
“You two, follow me,” Kuri barked as she slapped hands down on their shoulders.
Once she had their attention, she started to steer them toward the nearest path leading out of the maze of tents. But then Asharru called a halt.
“Tirigan. Do you wish to stay or go?” Asharru awaited his response with calm confidence, her expression saying she’d do whatever he needed. At that moment, he was sure she would have Ugurnaszir killed if that was his wish.
“We stay. I think now, while Ugurnaszir is off balance, is a good time to enact our plan.” Tirigan glanced around. “But not here in the open. Somewhere more private.”
Asharru smiled coldly while maintaining her queen’s mask. The combination was a look that could make a man’s balls shrivel and try to crawl back up inside him. “Where we first met seems fitting.”
Arahunna, the female slave trader. Yes, her tent was large and lavish enough to deaden sound and give them some privacy. “Take the other guards and wait for me there. I’ll lead Ugurnaszir into our trap.”
Chapter 43
Leading Ugurnaszir along was easier than Tirigan thought. The male had no survival instincts. Either that, or he thought he was untouchable.
Though as Tirigan mulled it over, there were likely more guards near. The wealthy merchant had a small army of guards to protect him and his interests. There were probably more guards waiting somewhere outside the tent city protecting Ugurnaszir’s other purchases.
None of that mattered, though, as Tirigan led Ugurnaszir closer to Arahunna’s tent.
Turning down one pathway, he paused long enough for the governor to see him before striding down the next path. At last, he spotted Arahunna’s tent. Several of Asharru’s guards were outside, but Kuri spotted his approach and gestured them to go inside.
Tirigan waited by the tent’s entrance until Ugurnaszir’s men rushed around a curved walkway. They spotted him, slowed, and then glanced at each other.
Ah! At least they were astute enough to suspect a trap.
Ugurnaszir arrived moments behind them.
When the governor’s gaze landed on him, Tirigan gave a little bow and then turned and walked into the tent. Inside it was dark save for one lamp hanging above a table in the middle of the room. Tirigan went and sat at the table before pouring himself a goblet of wine.
He was lazily taking the first sip when the tent flap was parted by a sword. Tirigan’s gift flared even greater in warning, but he was a match for Ugurnaszir’s hired swords. And with Kuri and the other guards protecting Asharru, Tirigan deemed the danger negligible.
A moment later, three of the guards entered. They glanced around, took note of him at the table, and then called to the others outside. More guards came in and shortly after Ugurnaszir himself entered.
“Tirigan, I must say seeing you at the auction was a surprise,” Ugurnaszir said as he came closer. “Absolutely delightful, although a touch confusing as well. If you ran away of your own free will, I admit to not understanding why you’d jeopardize your freedom by attending an auction, and then bidding against me until I took notice.”
“Blinded by vengeance?” Tirigan rolled the goblet from one hand to the other. “Or perhaps I’ve set a trap and will finally cut your heart from your chest.”
The governor hooked his thumbs in his belt and stood with his back braced against one of the tent’s support poles. “There is little you could do that would truly endanger me. You might attempt to kill me—might even succeed. But a slave killing a governor? The retributions for such a crime would be swift. You wouldn’t survive the week, and you’re intelligent enough to know that.”
“True.”
“You’re also a survivor. You wouldn’t toss your life away for no reason. If you’ve set a trap, it’s not to kill me.”
“Alas, that is also true.” Tirigan sipped at his wine, though he wanted something much stronger now that he was facing Ugurnaszir.
“You want something from me,” the governor guessed.
Tirigan nodded his agreement again.
Ugurnaszir pushed off from the support pole and circled the table to stand behind Tirigan. “And how do you plan to convince me to give you this unknown thing? You’ve revealed yourself. My guards and I outnumber you.” The governor paused and looked around. “Th
ough I know you have some friends around here somewhere. I saw Bashaa.”
Leaning forward, Tirigan topped up his drink. “I’m very good at making friends. You should know that.”
“You are.” The governor reached out and rested a hand on Tirigan’s shoulder, his thumb stroking along a bit of skin. “But friends can’t help you.”
“My new friends are very powerful,” Tirigan said as he brushed off Ugurnaszir’s touch and then held out his arm, so the other man could see the bit of silk rope, chain, and wheat weaved together and circling his wrist. “One female friend is particularly fond of me. Enough that she hand-tied me for a Trial Year.”
Ugurnaszir recoiled slightly, though not as much as Tirigan would have thought.
The governor arched an eyebrow. “What is a bit of wheat and rope? None of the other governors would be so foolish as to try to take you away from me.”
“A fellow governor, no. Perhaps not,” Asharru said from somewhere behind Tirigan. “But a future Queen? I won’t be the one getting crushed, Governor.”
Ugurnaszir looked up, his eyes widening as he took in Asharru’s appearance and her words.
Tirigan doubted the governor had ever been to an event where he would have met Asharru, but her description would have circulated to even the outermost islands by now. He had to have heard of what the crown princess looked like.
“Crown Princess? A pleasure.” Composed once again, the governor dipped into a deep bow. “I had heard that you hand-tied to two males. When rumor mentioned that one was a full-blooded human, I didn’t ever dream it would be my slave.”
“Ex-slave. I gave Tirigan his freedom within moments of our meeting.” Asharru came to sit next to Tirigan and poured herself a drink. “I think our first meeting must have been fated, for everything else has since fallen into place. My head guard has come up with a plan I think you’ll be interested in hearing.”
Tirigan nodded. “Ugurnaszir, as much as I loathe everything about you, your wealth makes the next richest merchant seem poor in comparison. The one thing your wealth can’t buy is rank. But Asharru has a crown and with that will come unrivaled power and the ability to raise your House to be one of the greatest in the land. I think you both have something to offer the other.”
Blade's Destiny (Ishtar's Legacy Book 3) Page 23
