Matze Chai absorbed this information, and much more. No ordinary man could have prevailed upon Luo to disturb his rest. Nor would anyone of Matze’s acquaintance leave the servant in such a state of fear.
He sat up and removed the net of silk that covered his waxed and gleaming hair. ‘Light a lantern or two, Luo,’ he said softly.
‘Yes, master. I am sorry, master. But he was insistent that you should be awakened.’
‘Of course .Think no more of it. You did exactly the right thing. Fetch me a comb.’ Luo lit two lanterns, placing them on the desk beside the bed. Then he brought a bronze mirror and an ivory comb. Matze Chai tilted his head and Luo carefully combed his master’s long beard, parting it at the centre and braiding it expertly. ‘Where did you leave this man?’ he asked.
‘In the library, master. He asked for some water.’
‘Ah, water!’ Matze Chai smiled. ‘I will dress myself. Be a good fellow and go to my study. In the third cabinet from the garden window you will find, wrapped I believe in red vellum and tied with blue twine, a set of parchments and scrolls. Bring them to the library as soon as you can.’
‘Should I summon the guard, master?’
‘For what purpose?’ inquired Matze Chai. ‘Are we in danger?’
‘He is a rough and violent man. I know these things.’
‘The world is full of rough and violent men. And yet I am still rich and safe. Do not concern yourself, Luo. Merely do as I have bid you.’
‘Yes, master. Red vellum. Third cabinet from the window.’
‘Tied with blue twine,’ reminded Matze Chai. Luo bowed and backed from the room. Matze Chai stretched and rose, moving to his wardrobe and selecting an open-fronted robe of shimmering purple, which he belted to his waist with a golden sash. In slippers of softest velvet he moved down the curving staircase into the long, richly-carpeted hall and across into the library.
His guest was seated upon a silk-covered couch. He had discarded a filthy Sathuli robe and burnoose and his clothes of black leather were travel-stained and dusty. A small black cross-bow lay beside him.
‘Welcome to my home, Dakeyras,’ said Matze Chai, with a wide smile.
The man smiled back. ‘I’d say you were investing my money well – judging from the antiquities I see around me.’
‘Your wealth is safe and growing apace,’ Matze told him. He sat down on the couch opposite the newcomer, having first lifted the foul-smelling Sathuli robe between index finger and thumb and dropping it to the floor. ‘I take it you are travelling in disguise.’
‘Sometimes it is advisable,’ admitted his guest.
Luo appeared, carrying the scrolls and ledgers. ‘Put them on the table,’ said Matze. ‘Oh … and remove these items,’ he added, touching the robes with the toe of his velvet slipper. ‘Prepare a hot scented bath in the lower guest-room. Send for Ru Lai and tell her there is a guest who will require a hot-oil massage.’
‘Yes, master,’ answered Luo, gathering up the Sathuli robes and backing from the room.
‘Now, Dakeyras, would you like to examine the accounts?’
The man smiled. ‘Ever one step ahead, Matze. How did you know it was me?’
‘A midnight guest who frightens Luo and asks for a glass of water? Who else would it be? I understand there is a price on your head once more. Who have you offended now?’
‘Just about everyone. But Karnak set the price.’
‘Then it should please you to know he is currently languishing in the dungeons of Gulgothir.’
‘So I understand. What other news is there?’
The price of silk is up. And spices. You have investments in both.’
‘I didn’t mean the markets, Matze. What news from Drenai?’
‘The Ventrians have had some success. They stormed Skeln but were pushed back at Erekban. But without Karnak they are set to lose the war. At present there is a cessation of hostilities. The Ventrians are holding the ground they have taken, and a Gothir force is camped in the Delnoch mountains. The fighting has ceased temporarily. No one knows why.’