David Gemmell. Winter Warriors

Ulmenetha sighed. Who could understand it?

As the last of the soldiers left the city she wandered back through the upper levels of the palace, and down to the long kitchens. Servants were sitting around with little to do and Ulmenetha helped herself to a second break-

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fast of cheese and eggs, followed by bread and a rich red strawberry preserve.

While eating she listened to the chatter among the servants. They were talking about a young Drenai officer who had gone insane, and stabbed to death a Ventrian official and an officer from the staff of Antikas Karios. Soldiers were scouring the city for him. Others had ridden south to see if he had tried to join the men march­ing home with the White Wolf. Returning to the upper levels she sought out Axiana. The queen was sitting on her balcony, a wide-brimmed hat shielding her face from the spring sunlight. ‘How are you feeling today?’ asked Ulmenetha.

‘I am well,’ answered Axiana. ‘Kalizkan wants me to move into his home. He wishes to be close when the boy is born.’

Ulmenetha felt a sudden chill in her heart. ‘What answer did you give him?’ she asked.

‘I said I would think on it. Did you hear about Dagorian?’

‘Dagorian?’

‘The handsome young officer who always stares at me. I told you about him.’

‘I remember. What has he done?’

‘They say he went mad and killed some people. I find it hard to believe. He has such gentle eyes.’

‘Looks can be deceptive,’ said Ulmenetha.

‘I suppose so. I have been to Kalizkan’s house. It is very comfortable. He has wonderful gardens. And he is so amusing. You like him too, don’t you?’

‘I have always enjoyed his company,’ admitted Ulmenetha. ‘But I think you should stay here.’

‘Why?’ asked Axiana, looking up. Ulmenetha was at a loss to explain her remark. She was not even tempted to

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tell the queen of what she had seen on the roof garden.

‘His house is overrun by shrieking children,’ she said, finally, ‘and most of his servants are male. I think you would be more at your ease here.’ She saw Axiana’s expression harden. ‘But it is your decision, my lady. Whatever you think best.’

Axiana relaxed and smiled. ‘You are probably right. I shall consider your advice. Will you do something for me?’

‘Of course.’

‘Find out what happened with Dagorian.’

‘It may be too gruesome,’ argued Ulmenetha.

‘Even so.’

‘I shall do it immediately,’ said Ulmenetha.

With Antikas Karios and his staff gone from the city Ulmenetha walked the two miles to the offices of the Militia who were seeking the renegade officer. There a thin cleric, with deep-set eyes, told her of the murder of Zani. She asked what investigation the two men were working on, and was told it involved a series of murders. She pressed for further details.

‘What is your interest here, lady?’ asked the cleric, suspiciously.

‘I am the queen’s midwife, and she herself asked me to ascertain the facts. The young officer is known to her.’

‘I see.’ The man’s expression changed instantly, and he gave an oily smile. ‘Can I fetch you a chair?’

‘No, I am fine. You were about to tell me the details of their investigation.’

He leaned forward across the broad counter that separated them. ‘The papers relating to their case are no longer here, lady,’ he said, lowering his voice. ‘They were transferred to the offices of Antikas Karios. But I can tell you that the investigation involved the killing of mystics.

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I spoke to Zani about it myself. He was convinced there was more to the murders than was immediately apparent.’

‘I see. And where was Zani killed?’

He gave her the address of the tavern, and once more Ulmenetha trekked across the city. It was noon before she reached the tavern, which was already full. Easing her way through the throng she sought out the innkeeper, but was told that he was visiting his family to the west of the city. Further inquiries were useless in the noise and the hustle. She found a seat at the back of the tavern, and ordered a lunch of roast chicken, followed by several pieces of freshly baked fruit pie and cream. Then she sat quietly, waiting for the midday rush to ease. She stayed in the tavern for almost two hours, and when the crowd dissipated she summoned a serving maid.