Odalisque (30 page)

Salmeo nodded. ‘He should not have died from them.’

‘Well, we shall never know. However, what sped Lazar to his death was the use of poison.’

‘Poison?’ Salmeo uttered in disbelief.

‘Drezden apparently. Have you heard of it?’

‘Yes.’ It was used by Zars long ago.

‘What!’ Boaz said, aghast.

Salmeo looked mortified. ‘Great One, this is my fault alone. Your father asked me to dispose of the small amount remaining in the palace. It was safely under lock and key and I had forgotten about it until now.’

‘Really,’ Boaz said dryly.

‘But when did the Spur drink it Great One? If he consumed it before he was taken to the Courtyard of Sorrows, then the perpetrator could be anyone outside of the Palace.’

‘This is true. Except one presumes that if it was administered orally Lazar would never have made it to the flogging. He would have died then and there.’

‘Not necessarily, High One. Drezden, as I understand it, is a very slow killer. That’s the point of it. It gives the murderer time to retreat.’

‘I see. Either way, drezden was not swallowed by the Spur.’

‘Oh?’

‘From what I can gather, the tips of the Snake were dipped in the lethal potion and it entered his body via the wounds from the flogging.’

Salmeo’s shock was complete. ‘No,’ was all he could say, vehemently shaking his head, flesh wobbling tremulously beneath the sober robes he had chosen this day.

‘Who chose the Viper’s Nest if not you, Salmeo?’ Boaz urged.

‘I can’t—’ Salmeo groaned.

‘You must, Grand Master Eunuch, or the full blame of the Spur’s death will rest on your shoulders. I will not lie to the people about this. Answers are required. Someone must pay for the murder of this man.’

The eunuch wept harder. It was disconcerting enough to watch this normally arrogant man humbled, but to hear him cry was the most uncomfortable Boaz had felt in his life. ‘It was Horz, my Zar,’ the Grand Master Eunuch suddenly blurted out. ‘Horz, the head of my Elim guard. He said he was going to get even with the Spur but I didn’t believe it. I kept hoping that in his drunkenness he was just talking rubbish,’ Salmeo explained.

‘Horz?’ Boaz queried. The Head of the Elim was one of the most trustworthy and sober people he knew.

It was as if Salmeo could hear his thoughts. ‘Horz had a grudge against Lazar,’ he continued.

‘What are you talking about? What grudge?’

‘Horz is related to Odalisque Ana, Great One. He is brother to her father. He resented that she had been brought into the harem to be made a concubine. Perhaps her father is furious—she mentioned that he did not sanction the sale.’

‘Ana’s uncle?’ Boaz’s mind was reeling. ‘She never mentioned it.’

‘Why would she? Ana is secretive by nature, but I make a point of knowing all I can about our odalisques, Majesty.’

‘And he used the drezden? Are you sure?’

‘Who else? He has access to it. Only he and I have keys to the dispensary. And once we had heard about Spur Lazar’s intentions it was to Horz I turned to help me set up the flogging. I briefed him and left it to him, my Zar. It was Horz who chose the Viper’s Nest. Believe me when I say it was a shock to me too, to see that vicious weapon being brought out. But by then it was too late—what could I do?’

‘Intervene?’ Boaz offered, angry.

‘But that would have looked so bad. I have invested my faith in Horz, Great One, as you invest yours in those who serve you well. He has been a model Elim, and ever since taking over as head, he has been exemplary. I trust him completely and so I would never have compromised his position by undermining his authority at the flogging. I was surprised, but having been told that Shaz was the best new Inflictor, I felt it would be handled with
caution. Furthermore, once you commuted the sentence—’

‘Which you didn’t seem to agree with,’ Boaz interrupted.

‘That is true, Mighty One. I don’t believe in ignoring tradition and forgive me if my expression reflected such reluctance.’ Salmeo stopped talking, breathing hard from his urgency to explain.

‘So Horz had the motive and the opportunity you say?’

‘That’s right but I thought it was mere talk—the talk of the liquor—it never entered my mind that he would actually fulfil his wish for revenge.’

Boaz sighed, deeply disturbed by all that he had heard. ‘Family honour is a powerful thing.’

Salmeo nodded sadly. ‘I take full responsibility, my Zar. Horz was appointed by me. He is my man.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous, Salmeo. You didn’t ask him to do such a thing or guide his hand. This is murder—a calculated killing, and I will not tolerate it in my palace.’

‘What will happen?’ Salmeo asked, a new and plaintive tone in his voice.

‘He must pay for his crime. I will require a full confession from Horz by sundown. Bring him to me just before the feast gong. I would prefer not to handle this on a full belly.’

‘Yes, my Zar.’

‘Salmeo, for the time being this is between us. If I discover that anyone has learned of Horz’s actions or our discussion then your head will roll with his. I want to know the truth from his lips before I make my decision.’

‘I understand, Zar Boaz. I will prepare him.’

‘Will he be honest?’

‘He is an honourable man, Great One.’

Boaz nodded. ‘I wish to be alone now to consider all that I’ve heard. I shall see you in an hour. Please have Odalisque Ana brought to me then,’ he said mournfully and the Grand Master Eunuch heard the sadness in his Zar’s tone.

Salmeo bowed low and then turned to leave. The Zar could not see the way the scar on the Grand Master Eunuch’s face lifted with the man’s sly grin.

The man looked sickened. ‘Lie to the Zar? Admit to a terrible sin I did not commit?’

‘Unless you want your family slain, Horz,’ Salmeo warned conversationally. The Head of the Elim looked stunned. ‘Or did you think I didn’t know about them?’ his chief continued, slyly now. ‘I know everything, Horz. I know that you were once married and have three children—two boys and a girl, as I understand it. I know that your wife died—your error in making her travel during an illness—and that your brother’s family has raised your children whilst you, as a penance of sorts, offered yourself to the Elim.’

Horz’s face had drained of all colour. He stood before the Grand Master Eunuch pale and rigidly still.

Salmeo looked at his nails, made a mental note to have the slave do them again this evening. ‘I know more. Your children live with one of your brothers—your eldest. Your other brother is a goatherd in the foothills. His marriage is less than perfect but he has five children—one of them is
not his. The middle girl is an orphan, adopted by your brother. Her name is Ana and she was found by Spur Lazar, purchased fairly and brought to the palace. Except the negotiations were with the shrewish wife, not your brother, and he is hurting and you are angry that one of your own has been given to the harem. Odalisque Ana recognised you but did not give you away—she’s a clever girl. She’ll cost me more grief than I deserve, I’m sure, but she protected you, Horz. It was you who gave yourself away. I knew nothing about your brother in the foothills until I began to make enquiries after your reaction at the presentation of the girls. You were so protective towards her I became suspicious and those suspicions were confirmed. It’s simple, Horz. I need a scapegoat and you’re the perfect solution. I couldn’t possibly take the blame myself.’

The Elim said nothing, presumably understanding all too clearly now that he was staring into two pits—both dark, both horrible. One meant death to the family he loved; the other meant death to him. There was no choice really.

‘Now if you go along with my suggestion,’ Salmeo said softly, his lisp more noticeable as a result, ‘I will give you my assurance—a blood assurance if you insist—that I will take care of your children. Your sons will have money and some land or a shop if they wish and a house each of their own in the city. You may choose. Your daughter I will help find a good man for…
someone she likes, I promise, someone who will treat her kindly. A rich man. She will want for nothing. Your brothers and their families will receive an annuity each year in gold and camels. Even in your most vivid dreams you couldn’t have hoped for this much.’

Horz shook his head sadly. ‘This is true.’

‘It’s how much I value what you will do for me. I pledge it. All this will occur if you’ll lie for me…and die for me. You are Elim after all.’

Again the man stayed silent.

‘And if you will not lie, Horz, then your family will die. Not just your children but both of your brothers, their wives and all their children between them. I hear the youngest is just a summer old. Pity. There is nothing you can do, there is nowhere they can hide. You should know,’ Salmeo said to the proud man who now gazed fearfully at the ground, trembling, ‘that I have already sent men to encircle your people.’

Horz looked up sharply, hate radiating from his dark eyes.

‘Oh come now, did you expect anything less? Of course I’ve already despatched men, killers too, but they will not act until they’ve heard from me. Does your family live or die, Horz?’

Ana was led in by two senior eunuchs and she immediately sensed that the Zar was not in the playful, chatty mood from the previous day. He
also did not dismiss her escort. This was a formal meeting then.

She eyed him through the slit of the charcoal veil she wore tonight over her creamy loose pantaloons and billowing chemise. Ana was glad that the veil hid her fear. The Zar’s grave countenance could mean only one thing: he had bad news for her. It was obvious. Lazar was not coming back in a hurry.

Why she had held such hopes that he would be striding through the marble corridors within days was beyond her. You didn’t have to be wise to see that Lazar’s injuries were so horrific it would take months for him to recover. And this was all her fault. Her selfish attitude had brought about his suffering. Remembering how he had looked at her before the flogging, she knew in her heart that Lazar had already forgiven her, but could she ever forgive herself? She doubted it.

Ana swallowed hard and reminded herself that this soul-searching was yet more self-centredness for she was already wondering how she would cope without a glimpse of Lazar or a chance to hear his voice. She loved him. She wanted to tell him. She had tried but he had not been able to see her mouthing the words behind her veil; she could only hope her eyes conveyed her feelings truly. He would laugh and perhaps rightfully so. She was a child in his eyes but he had sold her into the harem for an adult’s role. If she could make love to the Zar, she could make love to the Spur.

Oh shame on you, Ana,
she chided silently as she watched Boaz approach.
Your wicked thoughts will dismantle you,
she warned herself.

Ana watched Boaz approach and then fell to her knees and flattened herself as she had been taught, arms spread wide in supplication.

‘Please stand, Ana,’ Boaz commanded graciously.

She did so, straightening her robes but not giving him eye contact until she was given permission. She intended doing everything the right way from now on, and then she would earn the palace’s affection and hopefully Lazar’s respect.

‘I wish to talk with you privately but I’ve asked the Elim to remain. Let us move here so we may not be overheard.’

She nodded, wondering at the secretiveness or why Boaz needed the Elim today when he hadn’t needed them yesterday.

‘You may look at me, Ana. It would please me,’ he said and she heard the struggle in his voice.

She decided to help him. ‘My Zar, I believe that you have called me here this afternoon to give me news of the man who so generously offered his own skin to save mine. Thank you for keeping your promise.’

Boaz didn’t look any happier for the aid. ‘Your intuition serves you well, Odalisque Ana. Yes, this is about Spur Lazar but first I must ask you something.’

‘I’ll answer whatever you wish to ask, Highness.’

‘I want your truth,’ he counselled and she could see how determined he appeared. ‘The man called Horz, do you know him?’

‘He is the Head of the Elim, Highness,’ she answered immediately but carefully.

Boaz’s serious expression did not waver. ‘I know this. I want to know if you know him outside of this role.’

Ana blinked. ‘He is my uncle,’ she said softly. ‘I hardly know him but I have seen him once prior to the palace, when he came to visit my father and our family. It was a long time ago but I don’t forget faces, Highness.’

‘I see,’ Boaz replied and she could see a swell of disappointment overcome him. Was this not the honest answer he cautioned her for?

‘My Zar,’ she began, leaping to the wrong conclusion, ‘he has shown me no special treatment. I have hardly seen him since my arrival other than to be presented with the other odalisques and he was in the Choosing Room. He also was in charge of me at the flogging but we did not exchange so much as a word. He pretends not to know me and I him.’

Boaz sighed, knowing Ana could never understand why he had asked this question. ‘I thank you for your honesty.’

‘You look so unhappy, my Zar. I am sorry for this. Please unburden yourself and give me the tidings of the Spur—the pain is mine, for the
fault is mine. I know he was badly hurt and I suspect you are disappointed that he will be out of service for a long while.’

She saw Boaz’s eyes widen slightly. There was deep grief hidden in that startled expression and there was pain in the way his mouth twisted, urged itself to say the words.

‘Ana, it is my sad duty to tell you that Spur Lazar will not be returning to the service of Percheron.’

She heard him clearly but what he said didn’t make sense to her. ‘Has he gone away?’ she asked, feeling injured that Lazar had not sent word of farewell.

‘Yes he has gone away for good you could say,’ Boaz admitted. ‘He has gone to his gods, Ana.’

She cocked her head slightly as if listening to an inner voice. She couldn’t seem to grasp his meaning.

‘Spur Lazar died in the early hours of this morning, Ana. It was confirmed by an old priestess from the Sea Temple.’

‘Zafira?’ she whispered, hardly knowing she uttered it.

‘Yes. He died in her arms. She has disposed of his body as he requested.’

Ana was trembling. Boaz signalled to the Elim, who were at her side in moments, preventing her from falling.

‘He died from his wounds?’ She began to wail softly. ‘How can this be?’

‘I have no further information,’ Boaz lied, not willing to discuss poison or murder at this stage.

‘He can’t be dead,’ she groaned. ‘He can’t. Have you checked with Jumo, my Zar?’

‘Jumo was here with me this morning, Ana. He is as upset as you and has agreed to find Lazar’s family and pass on the news with my deepest regrets.’

‘Jumo’s gone to Merlinea?’ she stammered, no longer thinking straight, just talking, saying anything to keep the horror at bay.

‘Yes. Ana, you need to lie down. This is a shock for you. The Elim will take you back to your chambers and something will be given to help you sleep. We shall talk again soon.’

‘Boaz, no!’ she shrieked, ignoring all protocol. The Elim gripped her hard, angry at her manner with their Zar.

‘Stop,’ he ordered them. ‘Be gentle with her. Carry her back to the harem and if I hear of a strand of her hair so much as pulled from her head you will both pay.

‘Ana,’ he said, gently, not wishing to touch her in front of the Elim but wishing he could cup her face or hold her hand, ‘go now. We will know more soon. He would want you to be as brave as he was.’ He looked to one of the men. ‘Ask her maid to ensure a soporific is given immediately. She must sleep off her shock and someone must be with her the whole time. Pez will do.’ He saw their puzzlement. ‘He’s mad, yes, but he’s also
company and he can soon alert the harem when she wakes or if she needs anything. Do as I command. Find him and tell him I said he’s to stay with her.’

He looked away as the baffled men, unsure of how to order Pez to do anything, ushered the silent, grief-stricken figure away.

Pez took one look at the tear-stained face and understood immediately that Ana had learned the shocking news.

‘…and you’re to remain here with her, dwarf, do you understand, you fool? Zar’s orders,’ an Elim was saying.

He ignored the man, humming to himself, but made sure that as the Elim bent down to make his point that he sneezed into the man’s face. And then kept sneezing, much to the man’s horror and disgust. Pez could see the man’s fingers twitching into a fist, desperate to make the dwarf pay for such insult.

‘Don’t,’ the Elim’s mate cautioned. ‘It’s not worth your own skin. He’s mad, you know.’

‘Sometimes I feel as though he knows exactly what he’s doing,’ the first one grumbled, wiping his face. ‘Come on, let’s go.’

Mercifully, they left and Pez was able to turn and lay his hand on the slightly feverish forehead of the restless young woman who moaned softly in a drug-induced sleep. Pez felt it immediately, tingling through his palm and
travelling up his arm until it entered his body proper and warmed him throughout. It was such a strange sensation—as though her fever had been passed into his body—and yet it was a comforting feeling. As long as he kept his hand there, the sense of glowing within remained. The sensation no longer disturbed him; it intrigued him instead.

She stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open but she wasn’t seeing anything. The warmth running through Pez intensified. He half expected Ana to sit up and then walk in her sleeping state—he had seen others do this—but she didn’t. She began to murmur instead. At first he realised she was speaking a language he did not understand and then the words issuing appeared to dissolve into Percherese. He still could not decipher most of it, for she was mumbling.

Then everything changed. Her grip on his hand became intense and there was a sense of urgency; her body was rigid although her eyes remained unfocused.

‘Pez.’

Her voice sounded distant, odd. Now he did feel the crawl of fear. ‘I’m here, Ana.’

‘Tell Lazar I’m sorry.’

He did not want to lie but did anyway so that she could feel safe. ‘I will, although he needs no apology.’

Pez frowned as warmth through his body increased.

‘The owl is yours.’

‘What?’ he muttered, close to her ear

‘Get the owl, Pez.’

A sudden chill shivered through him, despite the heat he was experiencing. ‘The owl?’

‘Zafira has it. Get it now!’

‘I will, I promise,’ he replied, baffled.

Pez watched Ana’s grip relax from his wrist, her body became limp again and she slumped into deep sleep, her lips slightly parted, her expression no longer troubled but serene.

‘The owl’, he said quietly to himself, not understanding any of it. What should he do? He had orders but if he sneaked away now the Elim would just think he was being his usual contrary self. However, these orders came from Boaz and that made it more awkward. Somehow Ana’s need felt more desperate. He could claim she would not calm herself until he left her side, or something similar that could not be disputed.

He made his mind up. That searing heat through his body was too strange and frightening to ignore. And anyway, he had good reason to visit Zafira. She was going to tell him one way or another how he would find Ellyana. He had an oath to keep to Jumo.

Boaz had spent the last hour steeling himself for this confrontation. It hurt him to think that he might have to deal severely with a man he admired whilst ignoring the one he despised.
Boaz couldn’t fully believe Salmeo—not knowing his history as such a cunning man—and yet he could not disbelieve him outright. The fact of the matter was, however, that if Horz admitted to this shocking deed then Boaz would have no choice but to bring the full weight of his crown behind the punishment. It was treachery of the highest order—not just the slaying of a man of rank but a man close to the Zar, his absolute protector in fact. The people would demand no less than death and nothing honourable about it either. More serious than all of this, of course, was the betrayal from within. That Boaz could be treated so traitorously by one of his own, especially one so close in the prestigious Elim, demanded the most punitive retaliation. If he did not act with the utmost severity it would set the tone for his reign that he was spineless.