Free Kings of Morning by Paul Kearney Page A

determined that the creature should survive.’
    ‘She was always like that. I’ve learned to let her have her way in these things. It’s not often Roshana digs in her heels, but when she does, Bel himself could not move her.’
    ‘It is always a pleasure doing the bidding of the lady Roshana,’ Barzam said, somewhat stiffly.
    Rakhsar took his hand and placed into it a small pouch of doeskin that clinked as it left his fingers.
    ‘Your patience is much appreciated, Barzam. And your discretion, also. She means no disrespect.’
    ‘Roshana could not offend me. I delivered her,’ Barzam said, unbending a little.
    ‘I know.’ Rakhsar winked. ‘I was there.’
     
     
    H E COULD MOVE extremely quietly when he set his mind to it. He eased the door shut behind him and stood with Roshana’s slim back within arm’s reach. Cocking his head to one side, Rakhsar considered his moment.
    ‘Do not creep about like that, Rakhsar,’ Roshana said without turning around.
    ‘I could have been an assassin.’
    ‘Then he would have the same garish taste in perfume as you.’
    He joined her before the bed. They touched hands.
    ‘Sister, you pick a strange time to take in a stray. One might almost think Kouros planned it this way.’
    ‘He does not have the forethought.’
    ‘His mother does.’
    ‘No – this is all his own work. He has not changed since we were children. Even then, he was happiest off alone torturing something.’
    Rakhsar bent over the boy. ‘He’s a pretty one. I can see how he has stirred that soft heart of yours. What exactly –’
    ‘He was raped and castrated. I think Dyarnes had a hand in it. It is why he left last night’s dinner.’
    ‘Noble Dyarnes, father’s loyal shadow,’ Rakhsar said dryly. He lifted the coverlet, peered below, and winced. ‘When my time comes, I hope to God they take my head off first. Poor little bastard. Well, I suppose we can find some corner to tuck him into before we go.’
    ‘We take him with us.’
    ‘You jest, sister. This is not some nightingale you can carry in a box. What purpose would it serve?’
    ‘I will not give Kouros the satisfaction.’
    Rakhsar laughed. ‘Were you of a less fastidious nature, you could have had Kouros eating rice from your hand from before his own balls dropped.’
    ‘Do not be crude, Rakhsar. And I’d rather be dead than flirt with that murderous oaf.’
    Rakhsar sighed. ‘My sister, so brave, so honest, as straight as a spear-shaft, and as likely to bend.’ Something like asperity crept into his voice. ‘How lucky you are to have the conniving Rakhsar as a brother, to dirty his hands so that yours stay clean. We can not all afford your scruples, Roshana. The little catamite stays here.’
    ‘You know better than to argue this with me, Rakhsar.’
    They glared at one another. Finally Roshana touched her twin’s shoulder. ‘When are we to leave?’
    ‘Tomorrow night. I have arranged for a party in the grounds. We will slip away during it, under the noses of the Honai. I have briefed some slaves to provide distraction.’
    ‘And then?’
    ‘And then, sister, we must brave the passages of the undercity. I have a useful Kefre in our pay, a kitchen-master. He was questioned by the Honai last night and I thought the jig was up, but it turns out it was only to do with some errant slave.’ He frowned, looked at the boy in the bed. ‘Bel’s blood, I hope you are right about Kouros. If this is all connected, then it’s over for us before it begins.’ He turned to one side, deep in thought.
    ‘If Orsana suspected, we would be dead already,’ Roshana told him. ‘The boy’s coming here is a coincidence.’
    Rakhsar stood up, as brisk and serious now as a soldier. ‘When he wakes, I should like to talk to him. He’s a creature of the undercity himself. Perhaps he will not be dead weight after all. You have your people warned?’
    ‘Three. Maidek, Saryam and Ushau.’
    Rakhsar nodded. ‘I know them. Ushau for strength,