on the way. And I heard nothing in the market place of demons… or any other dangers, for that matter, other than the usual tales of marauding bandits.'
The men listened to Iraj quite carefully and with deep respect. Safar thought it ironic that only a few days before many villagers had gone out of their way to avoid Iraj, fearing the trouble he might bring from the outside world. Now he was a hero because he'd turned back a threat from the outside.
Gubadan gently broke in to explain Iraj's backgroundcarefully skirting the issue that he was hiding out from some of his own tribe. However, Coralean immediately caught on that although demons might not be riding about at will, there were other troubles to be considered.
'May the name of Coralean be bandied about in the company of swine, if I'm wrong, the caravan master said, But from what your wise priest just said, it sounds to me like the south is about to become a permanent battle ground for warring clans. This would almost be as bad for trade as the demons.'
'Not if I have anything to say about it, Iraj blurted. Then he turned as red as a ripe apple for making such a seemingly foolish statement.
Coralean studied him for a long moment. Then he smiled. After hearing of your background I now fully understand where you got your fire, he said. You didn't learn it here, that's for certain.'
He made a soothing gesture to the rest of gathering. I cast no doubts on the courage of the men Kyrania, he said. Your own Safar has proven there is steel in your spines. But I know you do not claim to be warriors. Which this young man he indicated Iraj'was surely bred to be. There were mutters of agreement from the men. It's also my guess, the caravan master said, that you are the son of a chieftain.'
Iraj bowed his head, not saying anything, while Gubadan tried to leap in to save his secret. But Coralean only laughed and shrugged his shoulders. You needn't reveal more, he said. Something is going on, or you may call Coralean the son of an ass who mated with a dog who doesn't know from one minute to the next whether he will bray or bark.'
He leaned closer to Iraj. I'll tell you this, my brave young warrior. If you should ever need the help of Coralean, you have only to ask.'
When he said that Safar learned it doesn't necessarily take a magical vision to see through the disguise of a future king. A canny merchant can do just as welland without disturbing the serenity of his dreams.
Iraj lifted his head to return Coralean's curious stare. His lips lifted slightly for a brief smile and then he nodded. This was a promise he would long remember. A silent understanding passed between the two. When the time cameand there was no doubt it wouldnot only would Iraj ask, but he would repay the caravan master many times over for any assistance he gave.
Coralean turned to others. Is it agreed, then? he asked. We say nothing of this incident. Correct?'
There was a whispered discussion among the elders. Then Buzal said, What of your men? He pointed at the curtain that divided the room from the harem. And the women? Can you assure us of their silence?'
'My men obey me in all things, Coralean said. There's no need for worry in that quarter. As for the women, well, Coralean will tell you a little secret of the courtesan trade. Before I deliver these girls to their new masters each will drink a Cup of Forgetfulness. They will have no memory of their past. No reason to pine for home and family and friends. This makes for a most pliable and happy bed slave. No weeping to dampen the ardor of their masters. And in this case, no tales of demons to disturb their dreams.'
The men snickered and then relaxed. Carnal jests were exchanged and there was much manly guffawing and knee-slapping. Only Safar was horrified at this casual dismissal of Astarias and her sisters. He glanced over at his father and saw that Khadji had the same knowing look in his eyes as the others. The same flushed and swollen features.
Then Coralean had his servant dip out hot bowls of brandy punch to be passed around. They were quickly emptied and refilled several times. Soon the talk became louder, the men's voices deepening as they recounted the bold adventures of their youth. Coralean held forth for more than an hour, telling every detail of the fight that he'd witnessed. The men murmured in appreciation when he told of how Safar had fought the demonsslaying the beast who took Astarias with a splintered staff that he'd wielded like a war spear. But there were loud gasps at Iraj's courage when he'd rescued Coralean, leaping on the demon's steed like the greatest of plains warriors, testing his strength against a more powerful enemy and finally cutting a path in his throat so the demon's soul could flee.
Safar looked over at Iraj and smiled, grateful he'd kept his promise. But Iraj frowned and made a motion, asking if it were finally time to tell the tale as it had really happened. Safar shook his heada firm no. Iraj's eyes flickered, wondering why Safar was happy to allow him the greatest praise when Safar deserved much more.
Iraj leaned close, whispering, Are you certain?'
Safar's answer was a lifted brandy bowl and a loud call for a toast to honor the deeds of his brave friend. It was the first toast he'd ever made in adult company. And all hailed Iraj Protarus, the young man Safar knew would someday be king.
After that everyone became a little drunk. It was another first for Safar. Relief mixed with fuddlement and he was suddenly very happy. He became happier still when Coralean began handing out the gifts.
First he told the elders that he would pay double for any goods, services or animals he purchased during his stay in Kyrania. Then he had his servants bring out heaping baskets of gifts. He asked the men if they would be so kind as to distribute them to the villagers. For each of the elders he had a purse of silver. For every man in the village there were small sacks of tobacco and a single silver coin. For every woman there were vials of perfume and little baubles to string as jewelry or to sew on their clothing. For every child there were ginger sweets as well as a copper coin.
Finally he came to Safar and Iraj.
'Coralean has thought long on this, my young friends, he said. I have other presents I will give you both a bit later. He snorted. Money, of course. But what is money, lads? Coins have value only because we all agree to give them such. I have a few pleasures in mindyet you will have pleasures aplenty in the long lives before you. But I wanted to give each of you something special. A gift you will always remember Coralean by.
'First, my friend Iraj… He took out a black velvet pouch. Iraj's eyes sparkled as Coralean withdrew a small golden amulet. It was a horsea wondrously formed steed dangling from a glittering chain. Some day, Coralean said, you will see the perfect horse. It will be a steed above all steeds. A true warrior's dream, worth more than a kingdom to men who appreciate such things. The beast will be faster and braver than any animal you could imagine. Never tiring. Always sweet-tempered and so loyal that if you fall it will charge back into battle so you might mount it again.
'But, alas, no one who owns such a creature would ever agree to part with it. Even if it is a colt its lines will be so pure, its spirit so fierce, that the man it belongs to would be blind not to see what a fine animal it will become. He handed the horse amulet to Iraj. If you give this magical ornament to that man he will not be able to refuse you the trade. But do not fear that you will be cheating him. For he only has to find another dream horse and the man who owns it will be compelled to make the same bargain when he gives him the amulet.'
Tears welled in Iraj's eyes and they spilled unashamedly down his face as he husked his thanks and embraced the caravan master. When I find that horse, Iraj said, I promise that I will ride without delay to your side so you can see for yourself what a grand gift you gave me.'
Coralean, whose emotions were as large as his frame, harumphed to cover the sob in his throat.
Then he turned to Safar. The first thought the young Timura had was that he hoped Coralean wasn't going to give him a horse as well. What use would such a rare creature be to a potter? It was a foolish thought and he was immediately ashamed of himself for thinking it. He vowed to accept whatever gift he received with loudalthough pretendeddelight, so as not to spoil the pleasure of such a generous man.
'They tell me, young Safar, Coralean said, that you are very wise. Some say you are the wisest child ever to have been born in Kyrania. Safar started to protest but the caravan master raised a hand to stop any foolishly modest statements that might burst forth. For you Coralean has two small gifts. Together they may more than equal the gift I made to Iraj. That depends on whether you are as wise as they say and make good use of them.'
He took a scroll from his robes. This is a letter to a friend in Walaria. He is a rich man, an educated man. A patron to the all the artists and thinkers in Walaria. It asks him to present this to the chief priest at the temple school. He will entreat them to grant you entrance and once you join the great scholars there Coralean will pay all your expenses until you are the wisest man in all the land.'
Safar's fingers shook as he took the rolled up scroll. It was heavier than he expected and he nearly dropped it.
