“And Istanbul could be burned to the ground, is that it? I see. Well, we must do something about that. What do you have in mind?”
“I believe, sire, you must let the New Guards occupy the city temporarily,” Yashim explained. “The seraskier is reluctant, but I can’t see a better way of guaranteeing public safety.”
The sultan frowned and tugged his beard. “Seraskier, you know the temper of your men. Are they ready to take such a step?”
“Their discipline is good, sultan. And they have several commanders who are level-headed and decisive. With your permission, they could take up positions overnight. Their presence alone might overawe the conspirators.”
Yashim noticed that the seraskier soundend less hesitant now.
“All the same,” the sultan observed, “it could become a battle, in the streets.”
“There is that risk. In those circumstances we would simply have to do our best. Identify the ringleaders, limit the damage. Above all, sultan, protect the palace.”
“Hmm. As it happens, seraskier, I hadn’t been planning to remain in the city.”
“With respect, sultan. Your safety can be guaranteed, and I think that your presence will help to reassure the people.”
The sultan answered with a sigh.
“I am not afraid, seraskier.” He rubbed his hands across his face. “Get the men ready. I will consult with my viziers. You can expect an order within the next few hours.”
He turned to Yashim.
“As for you, it is high time you made progress in our enquiry. Be so good as to report to my apartments.”
He dismissed them with a gesture. Both men bowed deeply and walked backward to the door. As they closed on the audience room, Yashim saw that the sultan was sitting on his throne, his fist bunched against his cheek, watching them.
[ 110 ]
Outside the door the seraskier stopped to mop his forehead with a handkerchief.
“
“You didn’t ask. Anyway, as you heard, I gave yours priority.”
The seraskier grunted. “May I ask what the enquiry concerns?”
The seraskier was too brusque. On the parade ground it would do, perhaps: soldiers promised their unwavering obedience. But Yashim wasn’t a soldier.
“It wouldn’t interest you,” Yashim said.
The seraskier’s lips drew tight.
“Perhaps not.” He stared Yashim in the face. “I suggest, then, you do as the sultan said. As I will.”
Yashim watched the seraskier stepping briskly towards the Ortakapi, the central gate leading to the first court. It wasn’t a position he’d enjoy to be in himself. On the other hand, if the seraskier handled it well, both he and the Guard would emerge with honour. It was an opportunity to restore the reputation of the Guards, somewhat tarnished by their failures on the battlefield.
And a duty, too. Not just to the sultan, but to the people of Istanbul. Without the Guards, the whole city was in danger from the Janissary rebels.
There was no doubt in Yashim’s mind that the fourth murder had completed a stage, established the preliminaries. The old altars had been re-consecrated, in blood. The second stage was underway, Yashim felt sure of that.
