'A telling point,' Mara conceded. 'Keyoke?'
Her Adviser for War reached to straighten a helmet no longer there, and ended by scratching thinning hair. 'I should look closely at the arrangements proposed for your conference. The Lord could have an assassin waiting, or an ambush. Where he wishes to meet with you, and under what conditions, will tell us much.'
That the former Force Commander did not question the necessity for a parley was not lost on Mara.
Lujan, from his days as a grey warrior, gave a new perspective. 'The Hanqu are regarded as mavericks by the powerful houses of Pesh. I was acquainted with the cousin of one of my subofficers' wives, who served Xaltepo as Patrol Leader. The Hanqu Lord was said to be a man who seldom shared his confidences, and did so only upon occasions of mutual advantage. That they are a new house has been said, but the rise of the family is due to their powerful business interests in the south.'
Jican followed Lujan's lead and widened the picture. 'The Hanqu have an interest in chocha-la. Being weak, at one time they were mercilessly exploited by the guilds. Lord Xaltepo's father tired of losing his profits. When he came to power, he hired in his own bean grinders, and reinvested his chocha-la profits back into that enterprise. His son has continued to broaden the business, and now they are, if not dominant, a major factor in the southern markets. He boasts a thriving trade and processes crops from other growers. It is possible he desires an arrangement that will bring the beans of our Tuscalora vassal into his drying sheds.'
'In Pesh?' Mara straightened, interrupting Kevin's attentions. 'Why should Lord Jidu risk the mould and damp of shipping his crops by sea, or the expense of an overland caravan?'
'For profit,' Jican speculated in his inimitably neat fashion. 'The soil and the climate are wrong for chocha-la that far down the peninsula. Even the Hanqu's inferior beans yield high revenues there. Most growers grind their crops close to home, to save the weight of shipping the husks. But the bean keeps better in its unshelled form, and the Hanqu spice grinders could get luxury prices for any chocha-la they could process in what now is idle time between seasons. And they effectively remove a potential rival from the local market. Eventually, such a relationship might provide an entrance for their goods into the heartland of the Empire.'
'Then why not approach Lord Jidu?' Mara argued.
Jican spread placating hands. 'Lady, you may have allowed the Lord of the Tuscalora his rights to negotiate his finances, but among the merchants and factors in the cities you are spoken of as his overlord. They cannot conceive any ruler being as openhanded in policy as you have been; therefore, word in the markets says you are in control.'
'Jidu would protest,' Mara objected.
Now Nacoya leaned forward. 'My Lady, he does not dare. He has his man's pride; it rankles him to have been bested by a woman. Lord Jidu would rather avoid being the object of more street gossip than turn to you with complaint.'
The discussion of this point continued in depth, with Kevin listening raptly. The Midkemian was silent not so much out of deference as fascination with the intricacy of Tsurani politics. Lately, if he contributed an opinion, it was less from ignorant impulse and more out of insight lent by an alien viewpoint.
Mara weighed the counsel of her advisers and tried to avoid the looming distraction of how much she was going to miss her barbarian when she finally faced her neglected responsibility and chose a suitable husband. Unsettled as the current politics became, she cherished this moment, surrounded by people who cared for her, and the soft, familiar warmth of the summer night.
Lantern light fell kindly over the faces of Keyoke and Nacoya, softening the lines of adversity; it caught Saric's eyes in a moment of fired enthusiasm; and it hid the weariness in Jican's posture.
Not a day passed that the hadonra failed to visit the remotest field on the estate; since Dustari, he visited the city every morning, leaving before sunrise and returning before midmorning, enduring two hours of travel to gain earliest word of trade fluctuations from his factors. Few opportunities escaped his diligence, but Mara wished adversities would ease, that she need not lean so heavily on his resources. Jican had taught her much in the intricate world of finance. And her other advisers had rescued the Acoma from disasters invited by her inexperience in her first days of leadership. Silently she thanked Lashima for the guidance of good people. With her pledge to Clan Hadama binding her, and the Minwanabi blood feud against her, she dared not contemplate the loss of any one of those present.
The talk at last wound down. Mara reviewed the major points, a pensive frown on her face. 'It looks as though I should send a message to Lord Xaltepo, setting a meeting that will most favour my safety. Jican, could you arrange to rent one of the guild halls in Sulan-Qu?'
But a dry voice interrupted before the hadonra could answer. 'My Lady, with all due respect, a public place might not be the best of choices.'
Unnoticed, quiet as shadow, Arakasi had slipped into the garden; as he bowed, Keyoke's lips stiffened. Annoyed with himself for missing the moment when the guards at the entry granted a newcomer entrance, the old warrior would never admit his hearing was growing less acute.
Arakasi bowed, his face veiled by the loose cloth of a priest's cowl. He waited in his distinctively quiet manner for Mara's leave, then added, 'I should warn at once that this request by Lord Xaltepo is known to the Minwanabi. My sources indicate that Tasaio is personally intent upon finding out where a meeting between my Lady and the Hanqu might take place. If a guild hall is rented, I fear there may be spies in the walls. And if there are presently no niches for unfriendly parties to eavesdrop, you can presume such would be constructed in time for our mistress's conference. Tasaio is that persistent when he wants a thing.'
The Spy Master hesitated, as if his own words were distasteful to him. 'My source was emphatic, much more so than usual. Tasaio wants knowledge of this meeting quite badly.'
Mara's fingers tightened on her cuffs. 'By this, I conclude that the Hanqu's interests go against those of our enemies.'
'It lends weight to the notion that the Hanqu's desire for alliance is valid.' But Arakasi did not seem entirely settled. 'Too many unanswered questions remain. Expansion of the Hanqu's spice enterprise seems a motive, but that is speculation. Also there's a vague rumour that the Nimboni have been approached by Clan Shonshoni.' The Spy Master's manner betrayed disquiet. 'There are things here that are too clear, given how much is unseen.'
'You worry?'
'Aye, Lady. Something in his . . .' he shook his head.
'Perhaps I've grown wary of too much information gained easily.' He shrugged. 'Not having kept a close watch upon the Hanqu, it's not unreasonable that their affairs would escape my notice. I urge caution, though, in the extreme. Meet with Lord Xaltepo somewhere easily defended; if not here, upon your estates; if not on home ground, then somewhere close at hand where we keep an advantage.'
Mara weighed the advice. 'You speak wisely, as always. Caution must be exercised. No opportunity for advantage can be wasted, however slight. I'll meet with Lord Xaltepo, not in a guild hall, but in that glen in the mountains where Lujan's band once made their camp. It is not upon Acoma soil, yet we have the advantage should any trouble arise.'
Arakasi looked dusty and gaunt after his hurried trip to town; Mara dismissed him to seek refreshment, and the rest of her advisers disbanded, talking among themselves. Once outside the garden, all would be silent concerning the subject of Lord Xaltepo.
Kevin alone remained seated. He slid his arms around Mara's waist and buried his cheek in her hair. 'What do you say to a special sort of council between the two of us?'
Mara turned her face to be kissed. Kevin's hair glowed russet in the lantern light, and his hands well knew where to touch; as his lips closed over hers, Mara prepared to surrender her worries for the night.
'My Lady,' snapped Nacoya's acerbic voice. Unwanted as a state visitor, the First Adviser lingered in the courtyard. 'Stop your foolishness and hear warning.'
The First Adviser did not lecture about her inopportune choice of bedmate, but crossed her wrinkled arms and stood firmly. 'You rely far too much on those spies of Arakasi's.'
Mara's gaze darkened. 'They have never failed me.'
'They have never dealt directly with Tasaio.' Nacoya waved a stern finger. 'Remember the silk caravans! Desio discovered one of Arakasi's agents, and ill came of that. His cousin will not be so stupid. He'll not be lulled into thinking he has no watchers in his house. But unlike Desio, Tasaio will not be led by hate on discovery his security was compromised. He would spare his traitor, even nurture the man, and await his moment to exploit.'
A breeze swayed the lantern. Netted by a moving play of shadows, Mara gestured her irritation. 'Do you suggest we should rent the public guild hall? Depend upon the security provided by clanless men?'
Nacoya pinched her sleeves as the errant wind flapped her robe. 'I say no such thing, except to beseech you to beware. Arakasi is very good, the best of men who work in secret I have ever heard of in my years of serving this house. But his former master of the Tuscai was ruined despite his spy ring. Remember that. Informants can be helpful, but they are never infallible. All tools can break, or be turned into weapons.'
Mara stiffened, acutely feeling the chill as Kevin's warmth drew away. 'Old mother, your warnings are heard. I thank you for your counsel.'
Nacoya knew better than to persist. She bowed in deep disapproval, then turned and limped out of the garden.
'She's right, you know, the old nag,' Kevin murmured fondly.
Mara spun and snapped at him. 'You too! Does every evening have to be filled with warnings and fear?' She tossed her dark hair, aching inside more than she would ever put into words; though Kevin perhaps thought better of it, he indulged her whim, and gathered her close. He kissed the hardness out of her, and on the cushions, in the flicker of a breeze-tossed lantern, he made her forget the enemies who sought her life and the utter ending of her family.
* * *
Within three weeks, high summer set in; the grasses lost the last green that lingered from the rainy season. Mara stepped out of the estate house into the misty predawn gloom. Her litter awaited, surrounded by a picked guard of thirty warriors led this day by Kenji, who needed the field experience. For her journey to meet with the Lord of the Hanqu she planned to be in the mountains before the heat of midday, and, at Arakasi's suggestion, she kept her escort light for speed and secrecy. Her Adviser for War had insisted on seeing her off; since Nacoya was no longer up to rising in early morning.
Yet no adviser waited in the dooryard as Mara made her appearance, Kevin following at the proper pace behind her shoulder, but ever unmindful of propriety. 'The old codger must have slept late,' the barbarian said lightly. 'I should take the chance to get back at him for the time he kicked me awake with his war sandals on.'
'I heard that,' called a voice well trained from the drill field. Keyoke emerged from the ranks of Mara's bodyguard, a craggy silhouette incongruously propped on a crutch. He paused to speak emphatic instructions to Kenji, to snap at a man for sloppy posture; then, plainly reluctant to leave the warriors, he shot a disparaging glance at Kevin and assumed his post before Mara's litter,
'My Lady.' He bowed with well-practised balance and replaced his crutch beneath his shoulder. Then he looked intently at his mistress, as if he marshalled words instead of troops. His voice dropped, so that the soldiers would not overhear. 'Daughter of my heart, I feel uneasy about this trip. The fact that Lord Xaltepo sent speech in the mouth of a messenger rather than written above his family chop has suspicious overtones.'
Mara frowned. 'They are a small family with few ties. If I were to decline alliance, and that parchment with their personal chop should fall into Tasaio's hands, what do you think would become of them? The Minwanabi have obliterated other families for far less cause.' She bit her lip. 'No. I think Arakasi is right, and that Tasaio finally sees that much of what we've done has been built upon financial gain and now he must counter further Acoma expansion.'
Keyoke raised his hand, as if he had begun to scratch his chin and then thought better of it. Instead he took Mara's wrist and gently settled her into the litter. 'Go with the good gods' grace, my Lady.'
He stepped back as Mara waved for the bearers to lift her litter. Then Kenji gave the command to march, and the small cortege started forward. As Kevin moved to fall into step beside his mistress, Keyoke caught his elbow in a grip still callused and strong.
'Protect her,' he said, an urgency in his tone that Kevin had never heard before. 'Let no harm come to her, or I'll kick you with more than my battle sandals.'
Kevin grinned insouciantly. 'Keyoke, old friend, if harm comes to Mara, you'll have to settle for kicking my corpse, because by then I'll already be dead.'
The Adviser for War nodded, allowing that this was true. He released the slave and turned quickly away while Mara's escort and bearers marched into the mist. Kevin hastened to catch up, looking often over his shoulder. Far less the foreigner than he once was, the Midkemian would have sworn that the crafty old warrior had something pressing on his mind.
* * *
By the time the rising sun burned the mist off the valleys, Mara and her honour guard were deep in the forest that covered the foothills of the Kyamaka Mountains. Before the day's traffic of caravans began, and out of sight of early couriers, they turned off the main road, striking down a narrow trail that threaded ever deeper into the wilds. Daylight was not strong here, and the mist lingered, lending a gloom to the wood and the drip of wet trees. Already the damp heat was oppressive. Strike Leader Kenji motioned his small column of warriors to halt for a short break, and to allow a change of bearers for Mara's litter. The escort was too small to include a water boy; the slaves carried crocks from the spring by the roadside, helped by Kevin, who felt sorry for their plight. Mara was not a heavy load to carry, but this day her haste was great, and the bearers just relieved from duty were sweat-drenched and panting.
Crock in hand, Kevin knelt at the verge of a still, mossy pool fed by a spring from a fissure in the rocks. Intrigued by the alien orange moss that clothed the banks, and by the iridescent flash of fish that darted through aqua strands of weed, he only half heard Strike Leader Kenji say to Mara that the scout who held back to watch the trail for followers was slow to report.
'We shall delay to see if he arrives,' the officer decided, if he does not come within a minute, I suggest we slip into the cover of the trees, until a man can be sent to investigate.'
Kevin grinned to himself and bent to fill his basin. The scout in question was Juratu, a quick-witted, lively man who liked his pleasures; he had kept late hours gambling with friends the night before. If he had drunk half as much wine as barracks rumour claimed, he'd likely be found moving at less than anticipated speed, slowed by a grandfather of hangovers.
One of the soldiers said as much to Kenji, then added that this was the haunt of grey warriors, and perhaps Juratu had paused to observe their movements. Another dryly suggested he might be bartering with them for a wineskin. Kevin indulged in a chuckle; had the Lady herself not been present, such an antic would certainly be within Juratu's reputation. Thinking of grey warriors, and his few Midkemian companions who had escaped and taken refuge in these forests, Kevin peered through the trees as he rose.
The mist was lifting. Pale spears of sunlight fell through the canopy of branches. Had Kevin not been half-expectantly looking for the chance-met shape of a man, he would have missed the movement
: the brief, flickering sight of a face through the leaves, there, and then hastily gone.
The nose had been narrow and hooked, and the helm was not Juratu's.
Kevin's hands tautened over the crock, and water spilled, wetting his knuckles in a flood. He dared not cry out, or even run, lest he reveal that the hidden watcher had been seen. Sweating, more than a little shaky in the knees, Kevin turned his back on the spring. In imitation of a slave's listless shuffle, he made his way step by nerve-racked step back to Mara's caravan.
The skin between his shoulderblades itched, as if at any moment he expected the terrible stab of an arrow.
The dozen steps that separated him from Kenji and Mara's litter seemed to take an eternity. Kevin forced his feet to walk sedately while his thoughts raced. The litter curtains were cracked open, with Mara on the verge of leaning out to address Kenji.
Fear shot like a bolt through Kevin's nerves. He pinched the water crock in a death grip and inwardly willed the woman to lean back out of sight in the shadow of her litter.
Being Mara, she did not. She shoved the curtains wider, looked up at her Strike Leader, and opened her mouth to speak.
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