'Try this, soldier.' Bradan handed over his cup. The guard looked surprised and took a single sip.
'That's a powerful potion.' The guard was about twenty, with a determined face and the large brown eyes that seemed common in Thiruzha. 'You can trust Dhraji to have the best.'
'Royalty always keeps the best for themselves.' Bradan took a sip and handed the rest over to the guard, who drank greedily.
'Laced with opium, I'd guess,' the guard said. 'How long will you last before Dhraji tires of you?'
'As long as I can,' Bradan said. 'Have you seen anything of the woman I came with?'
'I heard about her. She was as pale as you, was she not?'
'That's her.' Bradan tried to hide his fear. 'Is she still alive?'
The guard nodded. 'I think so. I've not heard of any executions since you came. You've been keeping the Dhraji busy, so I'm told.' She smiled. 'Lucky man, as long as it lasts. She's some woman.'
'She is. Where would Bhim hold the pale woman?' Bradan wondered if he should try flattery with this woman, and decided it was best not to.
'Bhim would hold her in his room if he wanted her body. In the dungeons if not. Dhraji allows Bhim to do as he wishes with his slaves.'
'Dhraji's not scared of him then. Is she ever afraid of anybody?' Bradan asked.
The guard considered. 'You saw her jump just now when I mentioned a Chola patrol. Dhraji is afraid of only one man. The best warrior there has ever been.'
'Why is that and who is this man?'
'I don't know.' The guard shrugged. 'There is a story that only one man can kill Dhraji. He is said to be a mighty warrior, as I said – the best there has ever been. That's why she examines all the prisoners and singles out any she suspects may be that warrior. If she finds him, she will have him kiss the feet of an elephant, or try his hand at flying.'
Bradan nodded. He had no idea what kissing the elephant's feet or flying meant, but suspected both would be unpleasant. The guard's revelation explained why Dhraji had been questioning him about the warriors of Alba and had been relieved to discover that he was peaceful. His lack of fighting prowess had probably kept him alive.
Dhraji returned before Bradan could ask any more questions. 'Get out,' she ordered the guard, drained the goblet she carried and pointed to the bed. 'And you get on there, slave Bradan.'
The leopard lay across the doorway, rested its head on its paws and watched.
Chapter Six
The crowds packing the streets created a riot of colour and noise. Women and children in bright, flowing clothes carried garlands of flowers, while companies of warriors gathered near the gate. The sun glittered on steel and brass and on the animals of every description that mingled with the people, bellowing or lowing as women threw flowers over their necks.
'What's that?' Bradan could not control his words as he saw the great, grey monster that lumbered toward them, driven by a man sitting on its neck.
Dhraji took hold of his arm. 'Have you never seen an elephant before?'
'Never,' Bradan said. 'Does it bite?' The huge beast was many times larger and heavier than a horse and had huge, flapping ears and great curving tusks, together with a long trunk that swayed in front of it. A silk-covered box sat on its back, as colourful as anything in the city of Kollchi, with gold tassels bouncing around the back of the elephant.
'That one does not,' Dhraji said. 'We use elephants for warfare as well and they very effective. That one is for our personal use.' She smiled, evidently amused at Bradan's ignorance. 'Come with me, slave Bradan.'
Bradan kept back as the elephant slowly got down to its knees.
'Come on, Bradan. This compartment is called a howdah.' Dhraji dragged him to the elephant and into the silk-lined howdah on its back. There were cushioned seats inside, with a couple of bows, two quivers of arrows and a long whip. Sitting facing forward, Dhraji motioned that Bradan should sit opposite her. 'You'll enjoy the ride.' Her mouth opened slightly, with her tongue flicking out. 'I know that you enjoy riding and other experiences.'
'Yes, my Lady.' Bradan sat down. Behind him, a near-naked man straddled the elephant's neck, driving the elephant with a spiked pole.
'That man is a mahout,' Dhraji explained. 'If he guides the elephant well, he is rewarded. If he does not…' She shrugged. 'Their deaths can be entertaining.'
'I see, your Majesty.' Sometimes, Bradan found it hard to imagine that this charming, sensual woman was probably a cold-blooded killer. Dressed in wide blue silk trousers and a top of blue decorated with rows of small pearls, Dhraji looked as beautiful as Bradan had ever seen her. Only the shadow of cruelty in her eyes and the sensuous curl to her lips reminded him of the reality beneath.
Two more elephants marched with them toward the eastern gate. Bhim rode on the beast immediately behind them, with Melcorka sharing his howdah, smiling at the crowds as if they had gathered specifically to see her pass. Bhim was dressed in magnificent robes, his portly form dignified as he sat straight-backed, raising his arm to acknowledge the cheers of the crowd. Wearing transparent clothes that hid nothing, Melcorka half stood, to the delight of the crowd.
Thank God that you're still alive, Mel. Bradan wished desperately to reach over and touch Melcorka, but he fought the temptation, aware that Dhraji was watching and probably testing him.
'You're looking even more attractive than usual today, my Lady.' Bradan hid his emotional agony behind flattery.
'Do you find me more alluring than that stringy woman?' Dhraji nodded to Melcorka.
'I see her there.' Bradan glanced at Melcorka and returned his attention to Dhraji. 'I'm glad she is still alive.' He paused for effect. 'But I'm happy to be sharing your howdah and not hers.'
Dhraji gave a light laugh and snapped
