‘And as for me …’ Melilot gave a deprecating shrug. ‘I have certain contacts,
let us say. It put me to no trouble to counteract the spell.’
True, thought Jarveena, and marvelled at how cleverly he lied.
‘You shall be well rewarded,’ declared the prince. ‘And, after due trial, so
shall he be! Attempting the life of one of the imperial blood – why, it’s as
heinous a crime as anyone might name! It was a miracle that he let fall the
scroll. Surely the gods are on my side!’ Raising his voice again. ‘Tonight let
all make sacrifice and give thanks! Under divine protection I have survived a
dastardly assassin!’
If all gods, Jarveena thought, are no better than Melilot, I’m content to be an
unbeliever. But I do look forward to watching Nizharu fry.
6
‘In view of how you must be feeling, Jarveena,’ said a soft voice at her side,
‘I compliment you on the way you are concealing your emotions.’
‘It’s not difficult,’ she answered with bitterness. The crowd was dispersing
around them, heading away from the execution block where, according to the
strict form, traitor Nizharu had paid for his many crimes by beating, hanging,
and lastly burning.
And then she started. The person who had addressed her was nobody she
recognized: tall, stooped, elderly, with wisps of grey hair, carrying a market
basket…
Where eyes should be, a glint of red.
‘Enas Yorl?’ she whispered.
‘That same.’ With a dry chuckle. ‘Inasmuch as I can ever make the statement…
Are you content?’
‘I – I guess I’m not.’ Jarveena turned away and began to follow the drift of the