The watchman saluted and James and Jazhara reentered the dyers shop. Jazhara thoroughly examined every paper in the chest and James inspected every likely spot that might harbour a secret hiding place. After an hour, James announced, I dont think theres anything else.
Jazhara had been carefully reading the papers found in Yusufs office. Theres enough here to warrant a full investigation from my great-uncles end, she said. This attempt to have my death placed at his feet in order to discredit him it would have created a virtual civil war in the north of the Empire, for the desert tribes would know it to be a false accusation.
But the Empress and her council in the City of Kesh might believe it.
Jazhara nodded. Whoever this Crawler is, he seeks to benefit from confrontation between our peoples, James. Who would gain from such chaos?
James said, Its a long list. Ill tell you sometime. Right now, we should get to the palace. You have barely enough time to take a short nap, change into clean clothing, eat, then be presented to Prince Arutha.
Jazhara took a final long look around the room, as if searching for something or trying to impress details on her memory, then without comment she lifted her staff and moved purposefully towards the door.
James hesitated for a half-step, then overtook her. Youll send word to your great-uncle? he asked when he caught up with her.
Certainly. This Crawler may be Keshian and what occurs here in Krondor may be but a part of a larger scheme, but its clear that my great-uncle is at risk.
James said, Well, theres the matter of the Prince.
Oh. Jazhara stared at James. Do you think he would begrudge my great-uncle a warning?
James touched her shoulder lightly. Its not that. Its only
Matters of politics, she finished.
Something like that, James said. They turned a corner. It may be theres no problem in communicating this discovery to your great-uncle, but Arutha may request you leave out certain facts, such as how you got the information.
Jazhara smiled slightly. As in not revealing we know Yusuf was ostensibly an agent working on behalf of Great Kesh?
James grinned. Something like that, he repeated.
As they continued to walk, she added after a while, Perhaps we could simply say that while dealing with an illegal slavery ring, we discovered a plot to murder me and pin the blame upon my great-uncle, to the purpose of having him removed from his position as Governor of the Jal-Pur.
My thinking exactly.
Jazhara laughed. Do not worry, my friend. Politics are second nature to Keshian nobles not born of the True Blood.
James frowned. Ive heard that term once or twice before, but must confess Im vague as to what it means.
Jazhara turned a corner, putting them on a direct path back to the palace. Then you must visit the City of Kesh and visit the Empresss court. There are things I can tell you about Kesh that will not make sense until you have seen them with your own eyes. The True Blood Keshians, those whose ancestors first hunted lions on the grasslands around the Overn Deep, are such. Words would not do them justice.
A hint of irony or bitterness tinged her words, and James couldnt tell which, but James decided not to pursue the matter. They crossed out of the Merchants Quarter and entered the palace district.
As they approached the palace gates, Jazhara glanced over to the large building opposite and noticed the solitary guardsman there. An Ishapian enclave?
James studied the sturdy man who stood impassively at his post, a lethal-looking warhammer at his belt. Yes, though I have no idea of its purpose.
Jazhara looked at James with a wry smile and a twinkling eye and said, Theres something occurring in Krondor about which youre ignorant?
James returned her smile. What I should have said is that I have no idea what its purpose is yet.
The guards came to attention as James and Jazhara reached the gates and the senior guard said, Welcome back, Squire. Youve found her, then?
James nodded. Gentlemen, may I present Jazhara, court mage of Krondor.
At this, one of the other guards began to stare at Jazhara. By the gods! he exclaimed suddenly.
Youve something to say? James inquired.
The guard flushed. Beggin your pardon, Squire, but a Keshian? So close to our Prince?
Jazhara looked from one to the other, then said, Set your minds at rest, gentlemen. I have taken oath and I will swear fealty to Arutha. Your prince is my lord, and like you, I shall defend him unto death.
The senior guard threw a look at the outspoken soldier that clearly communicated they would be talking about his outburst later. Then he said, Your pardon, milady. We are honoured to have you in Krondor.
My thanks to you, sir, replied Jazhara as the gates were opened.
James followed, and as the gates were closed behind them he said, Youll have to excuse them. Theyre naturally wary of strangers.
You mean, wary of Keshians. Think nothing of it. We would be equally suspicious of a Kingdom magician in the court of the Empress, She Who Is Kesh. When Master Pug entrusted me to this position, he was very clear that my appointment is not to be political.
James grinned. Nothing in the court was not political, but he appreciated the sentiment. He regarded the young woman again. The more he knew her, the better he liked her. Mustering up his best courtiers tone, he said, A woman of your beauty and intelligence should have no trouble with that. I myself am already feeling a great sense of trust.
She laughed. Fixing him with a sceptical expression, she said, Your compliment is appreciated, Squire, but do not presume too much, too quickly. Im sure your Prince would be upset were I forced to turn you into a toad.
James returned the laugh. Not half as upset as Id be. Forgive my impertinence, Jazhara, and welcome to Krondor.
They paused at the main entrance to the palace, where a page waited. This boy will escort you to your quarters and see to whatever you need. Glancing at the sky, James added, We have two hours until dawn, and I will attend the Prince an hour after he breaks fast with his family. Ill have someone come fetch you to court for the presentation.
Thank you, Squire, said Jazhara. She turned and mounted the steps to the palace doors. James watched her go, appreciating just how nice her retreating figure looked in her travel clothes. As he took off in the direction of his own quarters, he muttered to himself, Williams got good taste in women, thats for sure. Between Talia and this one, hes got his hands full.
By the time he reached a small gate near the palace wall, on the path leading to the rear servants entrance, his mind had already turned from exotic beauties from distant lands and was wrestling with mysteries more deadly, such as who this Crawler was and why was he trying so hard to plunge the Kingdom into war.
Arutha, Prince of Krondor and the Western Realm, second most powerful man in the Kingdom of the Isles, looked at his squire and said, Well, what do you think of her?
Even if Duke Pug hadnt vouched for her, Id be inclined to trust her, to take her oath of fealty as heartfelt and genuine.
Arutha, Prince of Krondor and the Western Realm, second most powerful man in the Kingdom of the Isles, looked at his squire and said, Well, what do you think of her?
Even if Duke Pug hadnt vouched for her, Id be inclined to trust her, to take her oath of fealty as heartfelt and genuine.
Arutha sat back in his chair, behind the desk he used when conducting the more mundane daily routines of ruling the Western Realm. It was his habit to take a few minutes there to ready himself for morning court, before the conduct of his office was taken out of his hands by de Lacy, his Master of Ceremonies.
After a moment of reflection, Arutha said, You must be tired. If loyalty were even a remote issue, Jazhara would not be here. I mean, what do you think of her as a person?
James sighed. We had an adventure, last night.
Arutha pointed to the documents upon his desk. Something to do with a dead cloth-dyer of Keshian ancestry who appears to be working for Lord Hazara-Khan, no doubt.
James nodded. Yes, sire. Shes remarkable. As much as Ive been around magic in the last ten years, I still know little about it. But she seems I dont know if powerful is the correct word adept, perhaps. She acted without hesitation when the need arose and she seems capable of doing considerable damage should that be required.
What else?
James thought. I think shes able to be very analytical at a full gallop as they say. I cant imagine her being rash or foolhardy.
Arutha nodded for James to continue.
We can deduce shes educated. Despite the accent, her command of the Kings Tongue is flawless. She reads more languages than I do, apparently, and being court-born will know all the protocols, ceremonies, and matters of rank.
Nothing youve said is at variance with Pugs message to me concerning this choice. Arutha indicated another piece of parchment on his desk. You have a nose for smelling out things even a magician of Pugs puissance might not recognize.
In that, Highness, shes what you require in an advisor on things magical, I would wager.
Good. Arutha rose and said, Let us go and meet her, then.
James hurried to reach the door and open it for his prince. While no longer Senior Squire of the Court of Krondor, he was still Aruthas personal squire and usually attended him when he wasnt off on some mission or another for Arutha. James opened the door.
On the other side, Brion, the newly-appointed Senior Squire, awaited Aruthas appearance. Brion was the son of the Baron of Hawks Hallow in the eastern mountains of the Duchy of Yabon. A tall, rangy, blond-headed lad, he was a hard-working, no-nonsense sort, the perfect choice for the tedious work of Senior Squire, work James had to admit he had never fully embraced with enthusiasm. Master of Ceremonies de Lacy and his assistant, Housecarl Jerome, were thrilled with the change in assignments, as they had both been forced to compensate for Jamess absences when he was out and about on Aruthas behalf. James glanced at Brion as he followed Arutha, leaving James with the other squires awaiting the duties of the day. When Arutha was seated, Brion nodded to Jerome, who moved to the large doors that would admit todays court to the Princes presence. With a dignity James still found impressive, the old Master of Ceremonies moved to the middle of the entrance, so that as Jerome and a page opened the doors, those outside would first see de Lacy.
With a voice still powerful, the Master of Ceremonies said, Come forth and attend! The Prince of Krondor is upon his throne and will hear his subjects!
He turned and walked towards the dais, while pages led members of the court to their assigned places. Most of those in attendance were regular members of Aruthas court and knew exactly where they should stand, but a few newcomers always needed a boy nearby to instruct them quietly in matters of court protocol. And Brian de Lacy was a stickler for protocol.
James saw several officers and nobles of Aruthas staff enter and take their customary positions while petitioners who had convinced someone on the palace staff they needed to speak personally with the Prince followed. Jazhara was first among those, since she would soon make the transition from newcomer to member of the court.
James was impressed. Gone was the dusty, efficient travel garb, and now she wore the traditional formal raiment of her people. From head to foot she was dressed in a deep indigo silk, and James had to acknowledge that the colour suited her. She wore far less jewellery than was customary for a woman of her rank; but the pieces she did wear a brooch which held her veil pinned to her shoulder, which in her homeland would be worn across her lower face in the presence of strangers; and a single large bracelet of gold embedded with emeralds were of the highest quality. The former thief suppressed a smile as he considered what theyd fetch if sold to some of the less reputable gem dealers in Krondor.
Master de Lacy intoned, Highness, the court is assembled.
With a slight inclination of his head, Arutha signalled for court to commence.
James glanced around to see if William was present. As a junior officer of the Princes guard he had no particular reason to be here, but given his history with Jazhara, James thought it possible he might put in an appearance.
De Lacy spoke: Highness, we have the honour to present to you Jazhara, newly come to Krondor from Stardock, recommended to your favour by Duke Pug.
Arutha nodded for her to come close and Jazhara approached with the calm, effortless poise of one born to the court. James had seen more than one previously confident petitioner stumble while under the Princes gaze, but Jazhara reached the appropriate spot and bowed, a low, sweeping gesture, which she executed gracefully.
Welcome to Krondor, Jazhara, said Arutha. Duke Pug commends you to our service. Are you willing to undertake such?
With my heart and mind, Highness, answered the young desert woman.
De Lacy came to stand halfway between Jazhara and the Prince and began the oath of service. It was short and to the point, to Jamess relief; there were far more tedious rites that hed been forced to endure in his years of service to the crown.
Jazhara finished with, And to this I pledge my life and honour, Highness.
Father Belson, a priest of the Order of Prandur, and Aruthas current advisor on issues concerning the various temples in the Kingdom, approached and intoned, Prandur, Cleanser by Fire, Lord of the Flame, sanctifies this oath. As it is given, in fealty and service, so shall it be bound, in protection and succour. Let all know that this woman, Jazhara of the House of Hazara-Khan, is now Prince Aruthas good and loyal servant.
Belson conducted Jazhara to her appointed place in the court, next to his own, where both would be available should Arutha need their opinion on some issue concerning magic or faith. James glanced at the remaining company and realized court would be blessedly short this morning. There were only two petitioners and most of the regular court staff appeared anxious to be elsewhere. Arutha was a ruler who, to everyones relief except perhaps de Lacys, preferred efficiency to pomp. He left grand ceremony, such as the monthly galas and other festive occasions, to be overseen by his wife.
Jazhara caught Jamess eye and gave him a slight smile, which he returned. Not for the first time, James wondered if there might be something more in this than merely a collegial gesture, and then he mentally kicked himself. Jamess view of women was quite outside the norm for men his age in the Kingdom: he liked them and wasnt afraid of them, though he had been from time to time confused by them. Still, while he enjoyed intimacy with a woman as much as the next man, he avoided complicating liaisons. And a relationship with one of the Princes advisors was only slightly less complicating than one with a member of his family; so he shunted aside such thoughts. With a slightly regretful inward sigh he told himself, its just that shes exotic.