Lalo wondered that the Commissioners had consented to it. Since they came they
had been busy with inspections and meetings, and listening to interminable
reports. Perhaps they were glad of a chance to sit still. Or perhaps they feared
the consequences of refusing to contribute to a gift for their Emperor, or
possibly they really were eager to have their visit to this outpost of Empire
immortalized. Raximander, at least, had appeared to take the sitting as tacit
agreement from Lalo to paint another portrait which the Commissioner would be
allowed to see.
Now the picture of the Archpriest was almost complete beside Lord Raximander’s.
If the thing had been meant seriously, Lalo would have wanted several hours more
to work on the finishing of the gown and hair, but it was already sufficient for
the Vizier’s purposes. Lalo looked at it with normal vision for the first time
and repressed a sigh.
Why had he dared to hope that just because the man was a priest he would be
virtuous? But Arbalest was not a pig-more of a weasel, Lalo thought, noting the
covert cunning of his gaze.
“If you are tired we can end the sitting now.” He bowed to the priest. “I will
not need your presence for what remains.”
When the priest had gone Lalo refilled his mug from the pitcher of beer provided
by Coricidius. Aside from the infamous manner of the commission, the Vizier had
not treated him badly. Having blackmailed him into painting, the old man was at
least allowing him to do so in comfort. They had set aside a pleasant room on