The Stone elder, Nalademus, moved into sight, leaning on a long golden staff. Horath leapt to his feet. ‘Welcome, lord,’ he said. ‘You honour us with your attendance.’
Nalademus nodded, then glanced at the couch. Jasaray rose. ‘Good to see you, my friend,’ he said warmly. ‘Please, come sit beside me. Horath, have another chair brought in.’
Horath hurried out, signalled two servants and gave them instructions. Moments later they carried in a beautifully carved and gilded chair, which was taller and deeper than that used by the emperor. ‘You should sit here, Majesty,’ said Nalademus, as the chair was placed beside the emperor’s.
‘Nonsense, my friend. You have been ill, and your well-being is far more important to me than small matters of ego. Sit yourself and be comfortable.’
Nalademus bowed, and lowered his massive frame into the gilded chair.
Horath breathed a sigh of relief and returned to his place. Nalademus was introduced to the other guests, and then the party returned their interest to the events in the stadium. A precision cavalry display was followed by a lion hunt. Two beasts were set loose in the stadium, and two horsemen, armed with hunting bows, galloped out. The first lion was killed swiftly, but the second, wounded and enraged, charged at a rider. The horse reared, throwing the man to the sand. Instantly the lion was upon him, and the beast’s talons ripped open his back. The satisfied roar from the crowd startled the lion, which swung its great head just as the second rider bore down, sending an arrow into its heart.
The audience applauded wildly as slaves ran out to carry the mutilated rider from the stadium. The bodies of the lions were dragged clear and slaves with buckets of sand and long rakes covered the blood.
‘The riders are men of great courage,’ said Horath to Bendegit Bran.
‘The lions were starved,’ said Bran, ‘their strength almost gone.’
Horath smiled and turned away, casting his eyes over the crowd, which was more than two thousand higher than at the last event three weeks before. Circus Occian was close to becoming the most profitable circus in Stone. Ah, thought Horath, how that must taste like poison to the owners of Palantes. Part of the success was due to the tribesman, Bane, who had become immensely popular with the crowds, but the greater part was the influence of Rage, who now trained all the gladiators, driving them hard, building their strength and speed. It was rare now for an Occian man to lose a death bout.
The trumpets sounded for the intermission, and the party rose and moved back to the Long Room, where food and drink had been laid out on a twenty-foot table. Nalademus engaged Bendegit Bran in conversation, while Jasaray stood talking with Fiallach. Horath hovered close by, close to the silent guards lined up across the doorway.
‘I understand you have children,’ said Nalademus to Bran.
‘Three now,’ said Bran. ‘All boys. The youngest is but four months.’
‘The children are our future,’ said the Stone elder. ‘They should be cherished.’
‘Indeed,’ agreed Bran, visibly relaxing. ‘It is a joy watching them grow and learn. Do you have children?’
‘Sadly, no. The priesthood demands total abstinence from all desires of the flesh. It is a source of regret to me, which is perhaps why I take such joy from the happiness of family men such as yourself.’
Horath wandered away. The honey dripping from Nalademus was almost nauseating. Another figure moved into the room, the guards stepping aside for him. He was tall and wide-shouldered, wearing armour of black and silver. Horath hurried over.
‘Lord Voltan, many, many thanks for taking the time to attend. Circus Occian is honoured by your presence.’
‘Fetch me some wine,’ said the tall warrior.
‘Indeed so,’ said Horath, holding to his smile. As he filled a goblet Horath became aware of a change in the atmosphere within the room. He glanced back to where the former gladiator stood. The guards looked nervous and ill at ease, and even the emperor was watching him closely. Jasaray strolled over to where Voltan waited. For a moment it seemed the Stone Knight was not going to bow, but then he dipped his head. Jasaray summoned the captain of his guards. The man stepped forward.