Answering To Ana: Chapter Seven

Skialla held a straight course as she sped South towards Berloi. The flight of Riders was now thirty strong, as each group finished their work and answered their Leader’s call. For the most part, the dragons navigated themselves, lending some of their energy to their Riders to keep them from falling from the saddle. Flami and Naru were not the only ones to have run out of magic.1

It may be wise to have some numbers ready for Aisang, Skialla told Will quietly. Should the Emperor wish to know exactly how many people we have helped, it would be advisable for you to have the answers ready for him. Besides, even if he doesn’t ask, I would be interested to know how much of a difference we have made here.2

At Will’s request, Naru wove his way between the Riders, asking each group how many towns and villages they had visited. New groups joined the flight every minute, and within half an hour, the flight was complete. Naru checked his figures with the last group leader, and reported the information back to Will.3

“There’s an average of two towns and four villages per group, a total of three-hundred and sixty settlements, not including the work that we did. The only group to manage the same amount as us was Lady Larshia’s, and they helped only villages, two of which were hosting strong mages from the cities.”4

Will smiled. “Is there something you are trying to tell me, Naru? It sounds like you believe our good Riders have not achieved as you expected them to.” 5

Naru scowled. “I don’t mean that at all, cousin. I merely wondered how we could have brought aid to so many compared to our fellows. Yes, we are strong, the Riders are, by their very nature, the best of the best. But I don’t see how, in the same space of time as us, groups of truly accomplished mages can achieve a little over half of what we can. We have done something wonderful here, that I cannot deny, and I have no desire to. But…I am drained of magic. I helped save eight settlements, a respectable amount, indeed. The Prince bettered me, reaching nine. But you, Willano, you helped Larshia’s team with a tenth village, and still your aura shines bright.”6

“You heard what Iasyn said earlier, Naru,” Will whispered to his cousin. “In my veins runs the blood of the Gods, and in yours, and in the Prince’s. That is why our magic surpasses that of our fellows. I cannot say how my magic is stronger than yours when I am only distantly descended from the Gods and your father is a Great God, but that is how it is. We have achieved something truly magnificent here, Naru, something that no mage would have dreamt of. Every Rider here has worked to the best of their abilities. It just happens that for some of us those abilities are better than for others.”7

“I see,” Naru said softly, though he still looked confused. He dropped back to organise the flight, and fell into his position near the back of the huge group.8

Idiot! thought Flami fiercely. He is so blinded by his power that he cannot see the wonders of what others can do. Is this what all mages are like? Is this what I shall be reduced to, scorning the work of those weaker than me, simply because I could better it? Are we to strike down a farm boy who strives all his life to perfect his skills, simply because we could do what he must work hard for with a snap of our fingers? We should honour those who must worker harder than us to achieve the same ends, for they show themselves to be stronger by doing so!9

Peace, Flamaro, muttered Skialla. Do not allow your fiery temper to better you. Naru did not understand, and it is understandable. He is probably angry that he once had to strive for things, before he discovered his magic. Now that he can have almost anything he wants immediately, he cannot understand why others can’t. If he, the poor boy he still sees himself as, can achieve such wonders as he did today, then why can’t others?10

Flami bowed his head as Krova growled in agreement. I’m sorry, I just hate to see those in a position to change things acting as though those who can’t are lazy, because they lack the abilities he has. People like us have a responsibility to protect anyone who cannot protect themselves. Naru is behaving as though he believes he is better than that – above helping others, because he is special and they are not.11

You forget that he is my cousin, Will interrupted. In a way he is your cousin, too. If he cannot see what is right and what is wrong, then we must teach him, before Iasyn’s prophecy comes true and he takes a throne for the wrong reasons, your throne as likely as not. Put your differences behind you, and he will do the same, but hold him with this prejudice and he will follow your lead. Nobody is better than anybody else is, save the good against the evil, and even then, both sides will believe themselves in the right.12

“Such wisdom from a boy-child!” laughed Flami, and Skialla turned to blow a ring of smoke at him.13

“Don’t push me, Prince!” warned Will playfully. “I outnumber you in years and experience! Besides, a man of my charm and talent is the perfect Leader – you would only make a mess of things!”14

Even as the two young men laughed, they knew that a boy-child was exactly how their enemies would view Will. They would see their opponents as children, not fit to command an army of any sort, let alone The Realm’s greatest asset. Underestimating the enemy was often a fatal move, but neither Will nor Flami knew whether such a view really was underestimating. For all they knew, Will would fulfil Liranth’s expectations of him, and fail in battle, either making mistakes that an older man would easily avoid, or losing the loyalty of his troops as they feared his inexperience and youth would let them down. The mood quickly darkened, and neither humans nor dragons could say anything to lighten it.15

“The Palace!” Sir Karao gave the cry, and the flight plunged downwards towards the huge building below them.16

Will’s dark mood grew even more intense as he remembered what had happened the last time he had visited the Imperial Palace. He had kept an appointment with the Emperor then, only the Emperor had not survived the meeting. Would this Aisang suspect anything? Is that why he had called the Riders to his home, to punish their Leader? Or did he want to laugh at the child who fancied himself Idano’s right-hand man? He shivered, and Skialla touched down onto the huge grassy expanse in front of the Palace gates. 17

The firm patter of heavy bodies and clawed feet carried on for several seconds, then, as the last Rider landed, silence took hold. The Riders looked around nervously, wondering if they had somehow stumbled into a trap, but nobody spoke. Will raised a hand slowly, then gave the sign to dismount. The silence broke, and the wave of unease washed off as quickly as it had come, as the squeak and scratch of leather filled the air.18

Will watched a dark figure hurry down from the Palace doors, slip through the gates and approach the Riders. He sensed the people around him looking up, seeing the figure approaching, and waited. A boy came into view, old enough to have left childhood, but not yet a man. His eyes darted across the dragons and their Riders, and eventually fell on Skialla. Recognising the golden shine of Skialla’s scales as a sing that she was the Leader’s dragon, he approached Will, and bowed.19

“Do I have the honour of addressing Leader Willano of the Riders?” he asked, his voice wobbling slightly.20

Will bowed back, aware that he had finally perfected the strange movement, and gave his reply. “Indeed you do. I am Sir Willano, Leader of the Riders, Lord of Crasira and heir of Borm, credited Sago of battle, healing and wild magics, son of Lady Martia, sister of the Wildwitch, and Sir Aaronoa, the late Leader of the Riders.”21

His green eyes twinkled with amusement as the boy took a tiny step back, awed. As the boy gaped, he felt a slight twinge of guilt at charming the boy so intensely, and asked, “Is the Emperor expecting us?”22

“Y-yes, my Lord, sir, umm, Leader Willano,” the boy stumbled over his words, his cheeks clearly turned red even in the pale moonlight. “Emperor Aisang has asked me to show you to his Palace, where he awaits your audience, wishing to thank you for the great kindness you extended to his people, and therefore to him, this night and past day. If it pleases you, he requests that you leave your dragons here, where they will not be bothered by anyone, and follow me with the greatest urgency to speak to him.”23

Will smiled. “As you can see, we stand over two hundred strong, and many of us are exhausted. Does the Emperor wish to speak to us all?”24

“Those men whose presence you do not deem necessary may wait here, and I shall return once you are seen to, Leader Willano. They will be found rooms, and may stay here as long as you desire – food and drink shall be provided, along with anything else you may need.”25

Will smiled again, deciding to test the boy, to whom he had taken an instant liking. “You may also have noticed that my Riders are not all men. Indeed my men will appreciate the kindness that your host is extending to us, but what of my women?”26

“The same courtesy is shown to them,” replied the boy, looking at Will with a curious expression on his face. “Now, we must go, if it pleases you, for his Imperial Majesty the Emperor does not like to be kept waiting. Bring any men, or women, you wish, and follow me to the Palace.”27

Will turned to face his Riders. “Larshia, Minaro, Flamaro, Krino, Karao,” he paused, “and Naru, please come with me. The rest of you, go and get some rest. You all look as though you need it!”28

The men and woman he had called hurried to his side, along with another, whose name he had not called. He looked at Gari in surprise, wondering what his friend wanted.29

“Forgive me, Leader Willano, for my impertinence,” Gari began, and Will suddenly realised what the one-time serving boy wanted. “I merely wondered, may I accompany you on this venture?”30

Flami took a sharp intake of breath somewhere behind Will’s shoulder, and his angry thoughts crashed in Will’s mind. Will ignored them, trying to make a decision on his own. He did not wish to anger the Emperor by taking commoners before him, for he didn’t know how Aisang would react to that, but at the same time, he valued Gari as a friend and as a Rider, and without the pressure of needing the please the Emperor he would have agreed straight away.31

“Why do you think I should let you come with me?” he asked, making his face unreadable.32

“Well, the two other members of my group are present, and I contributed to their success. I know Aisang may not wish to see the likes of me, but Naru is of equal birth to me, and if my presence would anger Aisang, so would his.”33

Will pursed his lips, afraid of the other Rider’s reactions. Already Flami was cursing him for being weak. “Very well, then, Gari. But please, if you would come with us, know this. It is not because you asked that I conceded, but because you have proven yourself today, your joint feats with Lady Larshia and Sir Krino exceeding those of anybody but my own team. I only left you out of this party originally because I was not sure that you would want to be included.”34

Gari smiled. “Thankyou, Sir Willano, I will not be so rude again. However, for future reference, I have no aversion to being picked out for anything I have done, whether it is good or bad. I would like to be recognised for my actions, whatever those actions are.”35

Will tried to puzzle out what Gari meant, whilst also trying to calm down the Prince. His chosen Riders followed the boy through the gates and up to the Palace, wondering what kind of reception they would receive. The Emperor waited for them before the huge doors.36

“Welcome, my friends,” he boomed, his voice carrying across the open space. His skin was tanned, a fact that was accentuated by his white tunic. White earrings peeked out from his long black hair, and several other ornaments decorated his clothes and body. His face was serious but his eyes were merry.37

The Riders bowed, all in the Eastern fashion. Emperor Aisang nodded to the boy, who turned and ran back towards the other Riders. Aisang waited until the boy was out of sight and earshot, and spoke to Will.38

“There are many things we must discuss, Rider,” he said, and he pushed open the doors to reveal an immense hallway lined with armed guards. Flami flinched. “But please, come inside out of the cold and the dark. When we are seated, you must tell us who your companions are.”39

Will walked into the hall and followed the Emperor down hallway, magically lit by purple torches. When they reached the end, Aisang nodded to the two guards who stood by a huge doorway, and they pushed open the doors into the Throne Room. Aisang led his guests into a huge room, elaborately decorated with gold and jewels. He eased himself into a magnificent, ornate throne and gestured to the Riders to sit.40

Will balanced himself on the edge of a golden chair, afraid to rest his entire weight on it, lest it break. He watched the others sit down, but noticed, with surprise but contentment, that Gari remained standing. Aisang noticed as well, but said nothing, waiting for Will to introduce each of the Riders so that he could understand.41

“Your Imperial Majesty, may I introduce the son of your Royal cousin, Prince Flamaro, heir to The Realm, credited Sago of battle, healing and wild magics, a Rider. This is Lady Larshia of Rynne, credited Saga of battle magic, a Rider. Sir Minaro of Ralorm, credited Sago of battle and healing magics, a Rider – and uncle of Prince Flamaro’s wife. Sir Karao of Salton, credited Sago of healing magic, a Rider. Sir Krino, heir to Phrynne, credited Sago of battle magic, a Rider.”42

Aisang’s eyes narrowed. “And the other two?” he asked, looking at Naru and Gari.43

“They are Riders Naru and Gari,” Will said simply, waiting for Aisang’s reaction. He knew that the man had noble roots, although he was originally from a minor family. He wondered if that would make the Emperor more or less hostile towards commoners.44

“Am I to assume from this introduction that these two Riders have no titles to their names?” Aisang asked, not unkindly.45

“Yes,” Will replied. “Although Rider Naru is the son of the Wildwitch, and therefore my cousin by birth. The fact will be declared soon after our return, and Naru will join the nobility.”46

Aisang looked at Naru curiously. “You say he is the son of the Wildwitch. Who is his father? Commoners in my presence are acceptable – a bastard is not.”47

Will frowned. “My aunt was not married, indeed, therefore Naru is a bastard, of sorts. However, his father is known to him, and, indeed, known to you. Saga Jata, the Wildwitch, was tricked into conceiving my cousin by your patron God, Vetaro the Trickster.”48

Aisang watched the other Riders’ reactions before he spoke, noticing that this was news to them. “In that case I welcome your cousin, Willano, for he is my kin as well as yours. Perhaps this Gari is also the son of the Gods?”49

Will paused awkwardly, then decided to tell the truth and hang the consequences. “Gari is an old friend of mine, and a good Rider. He was adopted by the priest in Crasira and raised in the Church – he does not know his parents. However, Gari has proven his worth today, assisting in our aid effort, which I am sure you know about, and helping Lady Larshia and Sir Krino to rebuild ten of your villages, and save the lives of hundreds of your subjects.”50

Aisang stared at Gari for a long time, then bowed his head. “I must not let the prejudices of men of my rank sway my mind,” he said slowly. “We called you and your Riders here to thank you, Willano, and thank you we still intend to do. Gari, if what your Leader has said is true, you may sit in our presence, for your deeds are as noble as the blood of your companions.”51

“Thankyou, Imperial Majesty,” said Gari, and he eased himself into a seat, taking extreme care not to damage it.52

“Now then, as we said, we wish to thank you for your kindness,” Aisang told Will. “But first we must establish why you decided to help our people. Not long ago The Realm and The East were at war – a short war, I accept, but still war, still with fighting and bloodshed. Now, only three years on, you have extended the hand of friendship to our people without hesitation, when your own must be suffering. Why?”53

Will licked his lips, thinking, then replied quietly, “Because we need your help in return.” As Aisang stiffened, he hurried to explain. “The epicentre of the quake was here in your own country, near the villages and towns that we helped. It should not have been there – it should have been over 200 miles away in Liranth. Your own patron, Vetaro, has plotted against you, hoping to ensure your loyalty by scheming and double-dealing.”54

“Against my better judgement I am afraid I must hear you explain,” Aisang murmured. “Please, elaborate, that I may choose whether to strike you down as my conscience now begs me to do, or to take your hand and give the help you require.”55

“The Realm will soon be at war,” said Will bluntly, aware of how intensely his Riders and the Emperor were listening. “The earth was going to move in Liranth, which would mean war would not happen, so Liro, the patron God of Liranth, and a Trickster like your own, sought Vetaro’s help. Together they moved the quake here, so that Liranthi soldiers could help rebuild your cities, and Vetaro could convince you to fight for them. We heard of their plans, and beat them here, but our kindness was genuine. We did this as much for you as for ourselves, honouring our treaty and smiting the God who thought he could treat his country like dirt to get what he wanted.”56

“How do I know this is true?” Aisang asked angrily. “You could be lying!”57

“Because I would not lie about something like this!” Will replied. “And because the God has come to confess. Look behind you, and behold your patron!”58

Aisang sprung from his throne and turned to stare into Vetaro’s eyes, his own blazing with fear and anger. “Is this true?” he demanded. “Are you, patron of The East, the cause of so much suffering?”59

Vetaro laughed coldly. “I was the cause, until my dear friend Willano came to put everything right. I did not think he would dare to tell you, dare to face my wrath when I found out, which he knew I would! Anyway, what does it matter if I caused a quake here? Your people are my people, and the Liranthis were on their way. The people would be healed and the buildings rebuilt – the suffering would have ended soon enough. You would have followed my command blindly, forming an alliance between two great countries, Liranth and The East. Instead, Willano had to interfere, to foil my plans. The offer still stands. You can join Liranth and destroy The Realm, or you can side with The Realm and be crushed!”60

Emperor Aisang turned to face Will, his face set with stern resolve. “Willano, in return for the kindness you have shown to my people, whatever your reasons, I would like to offer my allegiance in return. In any conflict with Liranth, The East will stand by your side and fight for your cause as strongly as if it were our own.”61

Vetaro cursed and disappeared with a flash of fire that left everyone blinking for several seconds.62

“Thankyou, Emperor Aisang,” Will replied. “I am sure my King will accept your offer graciously.”63

Aisang paused. “I have another proposition, if you care to hear it,” he said quietly. When Will nodded he went on, “I heard your wife died soon after childbirth. My daughter is approaching her third birthday – perhaps you would consider arranging a second marriage, to strengthen the tie between our two countries.”64

Flami tensed suddenly, and every eye turned to Will to see his reaction. He forced a smile, and said, “I’m sorry, your Imperial Majesty, but I don’t think I could remarry. My first wife was truly devoted to me, and I cannot give my love to anybody now. Besides, whilst in The East the age difference may be the norm, it is not in The Realm. I would be uncomfortable marrying somebody who was not even born when I married my first wife.”65

Aisang nodded. “In that case perhaps you would consider the marriage for your son? They are of an equal age, and both of them are young enough to have hearts to give away freely.”66

Will pondered for several seconds. The offer was an excellent one, and the marriage would make a strong bond between the two countries, but it unnerved him somehow. “I am sorry, indeed, but again I feel I must refuse. My son will be Leader after me, and the occupation of Rider is not suitable for the Crown Princess of The East. I would not advise marrying outside the Riders to any of my men or women, especially not to my son.”67

Aisang frowned. “If you are sure,” he began, and Will nodded fiercely. “Prince Flamaro, will you consider the prospect of marriage for your son? If I have no son of my own, your son will become my heir, and I am sure the children of our royal families will be great rulers for many generations to come.”68

Flami didn’t need the encouragement Will gave him silently to make his reply. “I must consult my own father, of course, but I am sure he will be delighted by the offer. Prince Idino and Crown princess Aisanga will make a wonderful couple.”69

Aisang smiled. “If all is settled, I will have rooms provided for you, and you may rest. Tomorrow we have many things to arrange, and though war is a disturbing prospect, marriage is a joyful one! Please, sleep well, eat well, and be merry, for our union is coming!”70

* * *71

Will sent a group of Riders back to The Realm to summon the King and his ambassadors. He would have gone himself, but Aisang wanted to begin talks as soon as possible, and Flami was staying behind. The talks were long and complicated, and Flami did not want to grant too many concessions to the Easterners until his father was present. Emperor Aisang had few demands, and had the negotiations been between he and the Riders alone, a suitable agreement would be reached very quickly. However his advisors, some of whom had advised the late Emperor, were eager to get as much as they could from The Realm.72

When Will returned to the room he had been given late in the evening he felt just as tired as he had the previous night. He had slept like a rock for the few hours of darkness he had left, but after the work he had done he needed more than four or five hours in bed to recover. The only good thing he could glean from the talking that day was that Aisang had agreed to delay negotiations until King Idano arrived. Will could have a few more hours in bed the following morning, and then practice his swordplay with the Easterners.73

Flami, I need to talk to you, he called. 74

Flami’s tired reply came back almost instantly. We’ve spent all day doing nothing but jaw, and now you want to talk some more! We’re talking now, anyway!75

Will sighed, letting his own tiredness ebb across their connection. I want to talk to you properly. There are a few things we need to sort out before your father arrives tomorrow – how much are we going to tell him? Besides, I haven’t been alone with you for a while.76

A few minutes later Flami’s magic brushed the wards at Will’s door, and he let them drop. The door opened, and the Prince walked into the room. He closed the door behind him quietly, and rushed to his Leader, pressing his lips firmly against Will’s.77

“So what do you want to tell my father, Sir?” he asked playfully, some of his tiredness evaporating. “We can tell him that Aisang has agreed to negotiate with us – and will negotiate a treaty quite pleasing to The Realm. He’ll be delighted to hear about the marriage proposal in particular – although any marriage is a long way off, it will really strengthen any bond.”78

“I know we’ve got to tell him about that, silly. Actually we won’t need to, seeing as he already knows. I was thinking more about the fact that Vetaro has spoken to us – twice. I don’t exactly want to go into any detail with him, but if we don’t tell him, he’ll hear it from somebody else. This whole Palace is already buzzing with information that the Trickster visited Aisang when we were there.”79

“Talks with Aisang, talks with father, the whole world is going mad,” Flami muttered. “I know we should tell him, but I really don’t want to. What if he starts asking awkward questions?”80

Will thought for a minute. “The only thing we really need to say is that Vetaro told us to stop interfering with his plans whilst we were in the north, if we say anything about that visit. We can tell him everything that happened with Emperor Aisang – he will probably find the information very useful. I’m just worried that he might think we are more involved with the God than we are. Even if he doesn’t suspect it now, he’ll want to know how we met – not many people fall under the Trickster’s influence.”81

Flami grimaced. “I’m not sure how to answer that. I don’t even know how we met! The first thing I knew of the Trickster – other than that he existed, of course – was a few hours before we came here last time. Even then it wasn’t until we got back that I actually met him. The thing is, it seemed to me that you had known him for a lot longer.”82

Will smiled. Flami had inherited diplomacy from his father. Will answered the question that remained unspoken in the Prince’s mind. “I had no desire to get caught up in his plans, and I have no desire to help him with any wrongdoing,” he said, holding Flami’s hands and looking him in the eye. “I first met him when my magic showed itself, and he told me to inform my mother. Then I heard him when I arrived at the Palace, and since then I have spoken to him regularly. I don’t know why he chose me, other than my Blood, obviously, but he’s had his eye on me for a long time.”83

Flami squeezed Will’s hands. “What did you really want to talk to me about? I sense we’re getting to it now.”84

“Why did he choose me? How did he know, when I was just a child, that I was right? Why did he use us to join the Bloodlines, instead of waiting for a marriage between our children? But it’s more than that. My father spoke to me of the Bloodlines – he said that I would combine them. He said that I had seen the one I would come to love, and that because of my love the Bloodlines would be combined. I didn’t know it meant you until we got back to The Realm, during that wonderful night, and I suddenly realised what I had to do. It all made sense. But now the image is blurred and I can’t see clearly once more.”85

“How did your father know?” Flami asked.86

“He didn’t know exactly – he was just repeating what he’d heard, from a hermit somewhere in the North. She told him that he must marry my mother and give her a son, so he did – but he was in love with Jata, and I think it must have broken her heart, and his as well. The hermit told him my future, or a part of it. She was some sort of seer, I think.”87

Suddenly something slotted into place. Will leapt up from the bed, startling Flami. “Of course – Iasyn! She said her mother lived somewhere in the North of our Realm, didn’t she? Well, she must be the seer’s daughter! How else would she have such power?”88

Flami grimaced. “It seems the fates are playing with our lives. We must go to this hermit as soon as we can, take Iasyn back to her mother and ask for clarity of the future in return. Only, I fear what wisdom this woman may impart. Perhaps the Trickster is being played like a puppet by fate too, or perhaps he is the one tweaking our strings, using us merely for his own amusement. They say that the Gods know everything, and whilst that is not true, it would be fair to expect that hey know as much as any seer. Perhaps Vetaro used the hermit’s information for his own means, forming his plans independently.”89

Will’s mouth twitched. “Vetaro has been forming these plans for a long time indeed, whichever way the cards are being played. Since his life is eternal, it is only fair to expect that he sees time differently. Our lifetimes must fly past for him, like the fluttering of leaves on a breeze. What happened before I was even born was only yesterday to him, and if that is the case, when might his plan finally be complete? Not in my lifetime certainly, but in the next? Or the next? We are just part of one big game being played out by a genius, with no idea whether to go with the tide or against it. No God can do something entirely for the bad, so there must be some benefit to what Vetaro is doing, but unless we discover what that is, there is no way that we can help turn the tables.” He noticed Flami beaming at him. “What?”90

“That,” the Prince said dramatically, “was pure wisdom!”91

Will smiled and threw himself at his friend, suddenly full of energy. The two young men let down any barriers they had built up between their minds, losing themselves completely in one another. Confusion, fear and raw determination crackled like electricity, but were overwhelmed entirely by the flood of desire that sped between their two bodies. All their problems, their fears and their struggles dissipated, their place filled with love.92

A knock at the door startled them out of their heaven, and they sprang apart, heads aching as all the woes and worries came rushing back. Straightening his crumpled tunic, Will walked to the door and opened it.93

A lady, dressed, in the Eastern fashion, in a crimson silk tunic-dress, low-cut across the chest and stopping just above the knee, smiled dazzlingly. The unusual shape of her eyes was accentuated by thick black pencil, and her lips shone in the same shade as her dress, perfect white teeth glittering between them. Her long black hair was wound into a ball on top of her head in a curious arrangement that Will had never seen before. A sweet, floral scent filled Will’s head with strange fancies.94

“Hello, I am Iyndal,” the lady said, curtseying, meeting Will’s eyes, then dragging her gaze away.95

“Hello,” Will replied stupidly, staring at the woman’s every curve. As his eyes ran over her, he realised that her dress was far shorter than was suitable for any noble lady, as was the amount of paint on her eyes and lips. Flami appeared behind him, as he understood that the woman was a prostitute, employed by the Palace to please guests.96

The lady flashed Will another smile, then looked over his shoulder at Flami. Her smile broadened. Will cleared his head of the intoxicating scent, and hurried to control the situation.97

“Madame Iyndal, thankyou very much, but I do not require your services.”98

The smile flickered, and shrank slightly. “Am I not good enough for you, Siyr Willano?”99

“No, no, it’s not that!” Will said hurriedly. “You’re very, very beautiful, magnificent in fact. It’s just that I recently lost my wife,” he hung his head slightly, blocking the uncomfortable memories of his feelings for Sara from Flami.100

Iyndal looked at him curiously. “Perhaps your friend would appreciate my company?” she asked, flashing Flami a brilliant smile.101

“No, thankyou,” Flami replied. “If you don’t mind me asking, who sent you?”102

Iyndal looked worried. “We are sent at Emperor’s command. Only women approved by the Palace may work as I do. All Riders are sent women tonight, Siyr, and every night after this, if they want.”103

Will smiled, imagining Lady Larshia’s response to a prostitute calling at her room. “The Emperor is too kind to his guests,” he murmured. “Madame Iyndal, will you be punished if you return now, dismissed by your customers?”104

The prostitute blushed and nodded. “We are told to please our guests – if I return with no custom I will be beaten. It has not happened for a long time – Madame Iyndal is famed in the Imperial Palace for her looks and moves. That is why I was sent to your room – the best women were sent to you and to the Prince. Emperor Aisang values you. Please, Siyr, do not subject me to such embarrassment.”105

“It seems Aisang values our pleasure,” Flami muttered, and Iyndal looked at him.106

“But you are the Prince!” she cried, and she curtseyed clumsily. “I am so sorry, your highness, I did not know! Please forgive my rudeness.” 107

“Of course. There is nothing to forgive – you have never seen me before, and there is nothing for you to recognise me by. It is I who should be apologising, turning away a beautiful lady like yourself.”108

Will smiled, as an idea suddenly came to him. “I know somebody who would probably be glad of your company, Madame Iyndal,” he said quietly, stepping out of his room. “In fact, if the Prince’s maid were to go with you, I think you could make some friends of mine very happy.”109

“Of course, Siyr Willano,” Iyndal replied, blushing beneath her face paint. “I shall find Ianyl now. But, are these friends of yours Riders? They will have women with them if they are, or my employers will be angry.”110

Will felt in his pocket and produced a gold coin. He pressed it into the woman’s dainty hand. “Trust me, even if they have women with them already, you will still be very much appreciated.”111

Another young woman appeared, almost identical to Iyndal. Will guessed the two were related, cousins, if not sisters. The two spoke to each other very quickly in their own language, then Iyndal turned back to Will.112

“This is Ianyl,” she announced. “She is my sister. She says that she will be delighted to do whatever you want, and is very sorry that neither you nor the Prince are in the mood for entertainment today. She says that perhaps another night you will welcome her presence?”113

Will shook his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t think either of us will require entertainment whilst we are here. I will take you to my friends – if the arrangement suits you, they will see you every night for the duration of their stay here.”114

Ianyl and Iyndal smiled, and Ianyl whispered something to her sister, too quietly for Will to hear. The two girls looked from him to Flami curiously, then laughed. He guessed what they had said, and offered Iyndal his arm. Flami did the same for Ianyl.115

Will knocked on the door and heard a familiar voice cursing, a flurry of movement and heavy footsteps before the door opened an inch. Ballri peeked through the crack, recognised his visitors, and grinned. He opened the door fully, to reveal Shaunu lying on a bed, two women massaging him.116

“I see you’ve brought us some more women!” he said loudly, clapping Will on the back as Ianyl ran her hands across his bare chest. “You know, there’s room for the two of you as well!” He roared with laughter as Will fixed him with a stern look. “It was only a suggestion.”117

As Will closed the door, Flami grinned and said, “You know, it could have been worse!”118

“Yes?” Will asked, smiling.119

“He might not have been wearing any breeches!”120