‘We
are
partners.’
‘Er, where is he, by the way?’
She thrust a thumb at her chest, and answered under her breath. ‘Sulking. He lost a favourite weapon today, so he’s generating a new one.’ Even more quietly, she mouthed, ‘Now’s not a good time.’
He stared at her for a second. ‘I see. You’ll talk it over with him soon, though?’
‘First thing.’
There was a rap on the door.
‘Come!’ the paladin barked.
Lahon Meakin entered. He gave his master a respectful nod, and looked askance at the meld. ‘Your briefing, sir. But if this isn’t a convenient time…’
‘Perfectly convenient. Kordenza was just leaving.’
She got up. ‘I’ll be in touch.’
‘I’ll look forward to it. There’s an escort waiting to see you out of the compound. Meakin, the door.’
The aide opened it for her. She passed through without so much as acknowledging his existence.
‘Take a seat, Meakin.’
‘Thank you, sir.’ He chose the severest chair and produced his customary sheaf of notes.
‘Tomorrow is an auspicious day, Meakin. Remind me why.’
‘Well, sir, the ten for one law comes into force at midnight.’
‘About time, too. Ten prisoners executed every time a paladin’s killed will exercise the rabble’s minds very nicely. What else?’
‘On a personal note, sir, you’re due to have that binding removed.’
‘Yes, thank the gods. I’ll finally be mobile again. And able to kick some backsides in person. But it’s not entirely personal, Meakin. Whatever affects me has a bearing on the clans. We are indivisible, and don’t forget it.’
‘Of course, sir.’
‘And lastly?’
‘Lastly? Ah.’ He consulted his notes. ‘I don’t seem to have-’
‘No, you don’t. Because this has been kept on a strictly need-to-know basis. I’m telling you about it now, and I expect you to make all necessary arrangements despite the hour.’
‘Yes, sir. What will I be preparing for exactly, sir?’
‘I’ve decided to act on certain intelligence that’s come our way regarding dissident activity.’ He smiled a cat- that-got-the-cream smile. ‘We’re going to deal the Resistance a blow, Meakin. One they’ll not forget in a hurry.’
12
It was a perfect autumn day.
A handful of downy white clouds graced a sky of matchless blue. The crystal-clear air was cold. Trees were gently shedding leaves of red and brown.
The venue for the concert was the city’s main park, and a stage had been set up between two large statues of semi-mythical Gath Tampoorian heroes. One was equestrian. It depicted a champion with a lance, slaying a fearsome, many-tentacled beast. The other showed a warrior astride a heap of corpses, sword raised victoriously. Both were recently erected and made of bronze. Only bird droppings marred their sheen.
In front of the stage, a sizeable area was roped off. There were no seats of any kind; the thousands gathered here were expected to make do with the grass and chill earth. Most took this in good part. They were a genial crowd, anxious to forget their daily struggles for a while. Few were overly boisterous, but there was a constant buzz of expectation.
Hawkers of food and drink moved among them. Balladeers and jugglers performed, and street magicians conjured small glamoured entertainments. Uniformed law-keepers circulated
too, while their confederates, less conspicuously dressed, listened for sedition. Overhead, spy glamours hovered.
Things were more congenial for one segment of the audience who were housed behind barriers, in a covered stand. Although the concert was intended for the poor, many of Valdarr’s elite had turned out. High-ranking administrators, military chiefs, landowners, guildsmen, attaches and sorcerer fraternities sat in their finery alongside empire citizens: attended, feted and well protected from the common folk.
A broad marquee stood at the rear of the stage. Inside, it was bustling. Musicians and set builders rubbed shoulders with sound wizards and members of the chorus. Of the latter, there were above a score, all youngsters dressed uniformly in white surplices.
Kinsel Rukanis was at the centre of activity. Tanalvah, Lirrin and Teg clustered round him, the children excited and overawed.
‘All right, you two,’ Tanalvah told them, ‘it’s almost time for Kinsel to go on. Say goodbye for now.’ They scrambled to be lifted for hugs, and to deposit wet kisses. She indicated Kutch, standing to one side with Quinn Disgleirio. ‘Go to Kutch. I’ll be with you in a minute.’ They ran off to join the young apprentice. ‘And behave yourselves!’
Tanalvah gave her full attention to her man. He wore a black stage suit, minus the jacket, and a white silk shirt with ruffled front. She smiled. ‘You look marvellous, Kinsel.’
‘Really?’ He started to fiddle with his cravat. ‘You don’t think that perhaps-’
‘No, you’re just right. Stop fussing. How are your nerves?’
‘Self-evidently not too good.’ He returned her smile at last.
‘Nothing new there, then. Still, you know what they say. If you didn’t have nerves-’
‘The performance wouldn’t be any good. I know. And I am anxious to give this particular audience a good show.’
‘You will. You always do.’
‘I’m not entirely happy with the glamoured amplification.’
‘Even your voice won’t carry to everyone in a crowd that size. See it as a necessary evil.’
‘I suppose you’re right.’
‘I am. Don’t
worry
.’ She embraced him.
A dresser appeared holding the singer’s velvet jacket, and prudently cleared his throat. Rukanis excused himself and stepped aside to try the coat on. Then he began to fret over it, helped by the dresser.
‘Tan?’
She turned. Serrah was there. The clothes she had on were out of the ordinary for her: a dull reddish skirt, full-length, with a drab blouse and wrap, topped with a faded headscarf. No weapons were apparent, but Tanalvah didn’t doubt at least one was concealed.
‘How’s it going?’ Serrah asked.
‘Well, Kinsel’s nervous. Not that there’s anything unusual in that.’
‘There’s a hell of a crowd out there.’
‘Wonderful, isn’t it? Kin can’t quite believe it.’
‘What did he expect? Given his reputation and the fact that it’s free.’
‘I don’t think he’s ever quite come to terms with how popular he is. But then, his modesty’s one of his attractive features.’ She regarded Serrah. ‘It’s good of you to come.’
‘Everybody says he’s a great singer. I thought I’d find out for myself.’
‘I’m glad you’re here, Serrah. But you won’t…’
‘What? Start a brawl?’
‘I didn’t mean-’
