Without realizing it, he began to pace again.
‘My problem is that such a man could be better utilized elsewhere in the empire.
It seems a shame to waste someone on such an insignificant, out-of-the-way
assignment.’
‘Don’t say “out-of-the-way”, Your Excellency,’ Kilite smiled. ‘Say “far from the
hotbed of intrigue”.’
The Emperor looked at his adviser for a long moment. Then both men began to
laugh.
2 THE TOWN
Hakiem the Storyteller licked the dust from his lips as he squinted at the
morning sun. It was going to be hot again today – a wine day, if he could afford
wine. The little luxuries, like wine, that he allowed himself were harder to
come by as the caravans became fewer and more infrequent.
His fingers idly seeking a sand-flea which had successfully found its way inside
his rags, he settled himself wearily in his new roost at the edge of the bazaar.
Previously, he had frequented the large wharf until the fishermen drove him off,
accusing him of stealing. Him! With all the thieves that abound in this town,
they chose him for their accusations.
‘Hakiem!’
He looked about him and saw a band of six urchins descending on him, their eyes
bright and eager.
‘Good morning, children,’ he grimaced, exposing his yellow teeth. ‘What do
you wish of old Hakiem?’
‘Tell us a story,’ they chorused, surging around him.
‘Be off with you, sand-fleas!’ he moaned, waving an arm. ‘The sun will be hot
today. I’ll not add to the dryness of my throat telling you stories for free.’
‘Please, Hakiem?’ one whined.
‘We’ll fetch you water,’ promised another.