Read Online Murder in Tarsis by John Maddox Roberts - Free Book Online

sighed. This was just what he did not need at such a time. Why was he forced to deal with such an idiot? He answered his own question silently. Because he is rich and powerful, that is why. Aloud he said, “My esteemed councilor, I must remind you that no dragon of any status whatever has been seen in these parts for generations. Moreover, most of the guards on our walls are foreign mercenaries, men of the most primitive and superstitious sort. They are liable to see dragons in every storm cloud just as they see dryads in every forest shadow and ghosts in every darkened room.” This raised a restrained chuckle from the others. “Nevertheless,” he continued, “we must overlook nothing. Pray continue your researches as you deem best.”
    “If all here agree, I shall assemble a body of the most learned men of Tarsis to map out a strategy of counterspells.”
    “Please do so, Councilor Alban,” said the lord. At least it would keep the old fool out of his way while he attended to the real business of diplomacy. “Now, to other business. Is all ready to receive Kyaga Strongbow when he arrives tomorrow?”
    “The honor guard is assembled and has been drilled, my lord,” reported Councilor Rukh. “The musicians are practicing even now. The dried flower petals left over from the last reception are arranged in baskets on the balconies for the ladies to cast down. If he had come in the summer this savage could have been showered with fresh petals, but it seems he has no sense of timing.” This raised another chuckle and Councilor Rukh continued. “Seriously, my lord, a procession through the narrower streets presents an excellent opportunity to rid ourselves of this
    would-be master of the world. One arrow and he is gone. Without their leader, the nomads would dissolve into a mob to be massacred piecemeal.”
    The Lord of Tarsis nodded. “It is a very tempting opportunity, and I have pondered just such a tactic since learning that the savage was on his way. It would be in violation of all diplomatic custom, but that would not stay my hand. After all, it is not as if he were a civilized king. No, I have other reasons for rejecting the idea. First, because I do not think he represents a threat serious enough to warrant a move so drastic. Second, we do not yet know enough about the nature of the army assembling outside our gates. Third, it has been our traditional, well-proven policy always to set these nomad tribes one against the other, rather than take direct action ourselves. Until I am satisfied upon all these matters, we will rely on prolonged negotiation and subversion. Do all understand?”
    “Yes, my lord,” all chorused.
    “Then go and do as I have instructed.” He turned and strode from the room.
    That night, satisfied he had prepared for any possibility, the Lord of Tarsis retired to his bed. He was not to get a good night’s sleep.
    *****
    “My lord!” The panicked cry was accompanied by loud and prolonged pounding. “My lord, wake up!”
    The Lord of Tarsis sat up in his bed and wiped a hand across his face, trying to clear away the cobwebs of sleep. “What is it?” he barked. It seemed he had just laid his head on the pillow.
    “You must come quickly, my lord! There’s been a murder!”
    Now he recognized the visitor’s voice. Constable Weite was commander of the night watch, a dubious post for one who was afraid of his own shadow. “And what causes this one to warrant my attention?” the Lord of Tarsis demanded. His tone boded ill for one who would disturb his rest over trifles.
    “It is the ambassador of the savages, my lord, the one they call Yalmuk Bloodarrow!”
    At that news the lord rose from his bed and strode to the door, yanking it open. The constable rushed into the room, accompanied by a servant who wordlessly set about dressing his master with practiced efficiency.
    “It was the end of the third night watch, my lord. The harbor squad had just finished their sweep of the old