no personal experience or knowledge about those foolish ones, he said. Just as I had no idea who you were when you came into my room. I have no interest in politics, My Lord. Nor have I ever displayed any.'
Kalasariz looked Safar up and down, studying every crease in his costume, every twitch in his face. Then he said, The second answer is that the girl, Nerisa, is only an excuse. And that I'm here for an entirely different reason.'
Kalasariz paused, fixing Safar with a stare. Then he said, I understand you are a close friend of Iraj Protarus.'
Safar was too startled to hide his surprise. Why, yes, I am, he said. Or I was some time ago. I haven't seen him or heard from him in years.'
'What if I told you I had different reports, Acolyte Timura? Kalasariz said. What if I told you that I have a reliable informant will to testify that you are communication with Protarus regularly?'
'I'd say your informant was a liar, My Lord, Safar replied, quite firmly. And I'd also say, who cares? Iraj Protarus has nothing to do with Walaria.'
Kalasariz curled a lip. Are you claiming ignorance of Protarus activities? he asked. Are you saying you know nothing of his many conquests?'
Safar shrugged. I've heard the market gossip, Lord, he said. Some of it might even be true. When I knew Iraj he was determined to become leader of his clan. And I understand he's achieved this. That he's undisputed ruler of the Southern Plains.'
'Oh, his claims are disputed, all right, Kalasariz said.
'You mean by his uncle, Lord Fulain, Safar said. And his uncle's allyKoralia Kan. Iraj told me about them years ago. He hated them with good reason, it seemed to me. The last bit of market gossip I heard was that Fulain and Kan were routed and have fled to Lord Kan's kingdom.'
'You know much, Kalasariz said, for one who pretends no interest in politics.'
'Iraj was my friend, Lord, Safar said. It's only natural I'd take an interest in any news I heard.'
'Then how did you miss the news, Acolyte Timura, Kalasariz said with a sneer, that Iraj Protarus has been proclaimed an enemy of Walaria?'
Safar reacted, shocked. When? he said. I've heard nothing of this.'
Kalasariz smiled. Actually, he said, it hasn't been announced yet. The king has entered into an alliance with the Lords Fulain and Kan. He suspects Iraj will not be satisfied with his southern holdings and will soon seek to extend his borders. This alliance will be announced tomorrow.'
Safar had every reason believe everything Kalasariz said was true. He remembered quite clearly Iraj's dreams of grand conquestas clearly as he recalled his own vision of Iraj leading a great army.
Kalasariz harsh voice broke through his thoughts. Do you still claim, Acolyte Timura, that you have had no communication with the barbarian who now claims a royal title? He spit on the floor. King Protarus, he sneered. Such savage pretensions.'
Safar took a deep breath. I have not spoken with him, or corresponded with him, My Lord, he said, quite truthfully, since I left my home in the mountains. I doubt if Iraj even remembers me. Why should he? I'm no one of importance. We were just boys thrown together by circumstance.'
Kalasariz gave him another long, probing look. Then he nodded, as if satisfied. You will send word to me, Acolyte, he said, if you hear from your old friend.'
Safar bobbed his head, relieved. Certainly, Lord, he said. Without fail.'
It was a lie, but one Safar thought was unlikely to be tested. What reason would Iraj have to seek him out after all this time? Like he told Kalasariz, it had been a boyhood friendshiplong forgotten.
Then the spy master suddenly turned on his heel, signaling his men he was ready to depart. Safar sagged as Kalasariz stepped through the door. But any relief he felt was short-lived. Just as Kalasariz reached the door he swung back.
'You may or may not be the fool you claim, Acolyte Timura, he said. Be advised that I will make it my personal business to find out.'
And he was gone.
Safar heard a dry chuckle coming from the inside pocket of his robe. It was Gundara.
He heard him say: Nice friends you have, Master. And good fortune for me. When they kill you I'll be in much better company.'
Then, to his twin, Shut up, brother! Save it for the demons. You'll have your turn soon enough.'
Safar swatted the bulge in his pocket and heard Gundara give a satisfying Ouch!'
'Don't trifle with me, Safar warned. I may only be a student, but the handling of Favorites is a first year course. And the number one rule, according to my master, the Lord Umurhan, is never to trust a Favorite. The second is to use a heavy hand. I don't agree with Umurhan about a lot of things, but from your behavior so far I intend to take his teaching to heart.'
He swatted the bulge again. Do I make myself clear?'
'Okay, okay, Gundara said from his pocket. What ever you say, Master.'
Then to his twin: Shut up, Gundaree! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!'
The letter, although written on expensive paper, was smudged from camp smoke and battered from being passed through many hands.
Kalasariz smoothed it out on the table and moved an oil lamp closer so the two other men could see.
This is what the letter said:
My Dear Safar
All you predicted has been coming true and at a faster pace than even I expected. Even as I write my whole camp is drunk with wine and joy at yet another grand victory. Once again our losses were few, while our enemy suffered greatly. My army grows larger and more able each day. But I'll tell you this, my friend. I've learned that success can be more dangerous than failure. Every city I capture, every border I cross, increases the pressure to achieve more. For if I stop my enemies will have time to join forces against me. The greatest problem I face, however, is that I'm surrounded by self-serving advisors whose words and loyalty I'd be a fool to trust.
But you, my friend, I know I can trust. We proved our mettle together in that fight against the fiends. You know my mind, my private thoughts, more than any other. Just as I know yours.
I beg you, Safarcome to me at once. To help speed you to my side I have deposited ample funds in your name with the Merchants Guild in Walaria.
I have great need of you, friend and oath brother.
May the gods look with favor on you and your dear family in Kyrania.
When the men had finished reading the letter Kalasariz said, I have verified the signature. Without question it's that of Iraj Protarus.'
'This is most disturbing news, gentlemen, King Didima replied. Most disturbing indeed.'
'Damned embarrassing for me, Umurhan said. Can you imagine how I feel? To think I've been nursing a viper at my bosom all this time.'
'There, there, Umurhan, Didima said. No one's blaming you. How were you supposed to know? After all, the young man came so highly recommended.'
The three men were gathered in the king's private study. They'd ruled together for so longequally dividing power and wealththat they were at ease in each other's company. They were accustomed to compromise and once a goal was set they worked smoothly towards its end. Didima was a stumpy man, with thick limbs and a barrel-like trunk. His face was round like a melon and shadowed by a dark thick beard streaked with gray. Umurhan was every inch a wizard, silver eyes glowing under a sorcerer's peaked hat. He had heavy, bat-winged brows and a beard of flowing white. And Kalasariz was the dark presence who made this unholy trinity complete.
'Thank you for your confidence in me, Majesty, Umurhan said. Although I must say I have become suspicious of young Timura lately. I wanted to dismiss him from the school, but I didn't want to offend his sponsor, Lord Muzine. Instead I was going to make sure Timura failed the upcoming exams. Then I'd be rid of him without controversy.'
'I'll speak to Muzine, Didima offered. He'll be grateful we gave him a chance to distance himself from the little
