Free Student of Kyme by Storm Constantine Page A

tribes.’
    ‘ They would say they have no need of it,’ Malakess said. ‘I
can’t put that kind of pressure on them, Chrysm. It’s up to you to
seduce them.’
    Chrysm
pulled a wry face. ‘Perhaps that is the only route. Literally.’ He
regarded Malakess steadily. ‘You want things from me, Kess. Maybe
I’m prepared to trade for them.’
    Malakess
rested his elbows on the table, his chin upon his bunched hands. ‘I
see. Now we get to the main course!’
    Chrysm
was unabashed. He made a languid gesture with one hand. ‘There’s no
point in dissembling. You want our students and our endorsement. I
have persuasive power in the Hegemony. Many of them are unconcerned
with the Arts and consider it of minor consequence. I usually get
my own way, simply because nohar else is interested in my
aims.’
    I was
surprised Chrysm spoke so openly in front of Huriel and me, even if
his fellow Gelaming were already aware of this situation. Chrysm
considered us of minor consequence too, it seemed. I caught
Huriel’s eye and he raised his eyebrows, took a drink of wine. I
sensed his frosty disapproval. It was insulting to imply the Sulh
could be bought.
    ‘ I will arrange a dinner,’ Malakess said at last. ‘The rest is
up to you.’
    Huriel
sighed, shook his head once, almost imperceptibly, and reached for
the wine bottle. Chrysm ignored him, if he’d noticed the gesture,
and I have no doubt that he had. ‘Excellent, Kess!’ He nodded
towards me. ‘Make it an intimate affair. Bring your beautiful
protégé. I noticed tiahaar Haruah took a shine to him.’
    That was
beyond propriety, but Malakess did not react badly. ‘Gesaril, what
do you think of that?’
    ‘ I can dance on my hind legs and balance a ball on my nose,’ I
said. I couldn’t resist it.
    Chrysm
laughed. ‘That’s the spirit!’ he said. He raised his glass. ‘To
mutual success and satisfaction.’
    For all
his brashness and sometimes inappropriate directness, Chrysm Luel
does have a certain appealing manner. He makes you feel included,
somehow, part of something important. I don’t think Huriel felt
that at all, but then Chrysm paid him little attention and clearly
considered him of little use other than providing accommodation
that might bring him nearer to the Nagini. Chrysm’s personal staff
would bring his luggage over to Huriel’s house tomorrow. The
Gelaming were being entertained by the phylarch, Poltenemy that
evening.
    Once
business was concluded, as far as Chrysm was concerned, the
conversation turned to idle chat. Chrysm made us laugh a lot. He
was quite rude about some of other Hegemons, mimicking their speech
and actions. His coterie of artists and writers clearly delighted
in this and sucked up to him appallingly.
    As the
hotel staff cleared away the remains of our meal, Chrysm turned to
me. ‘It would please me greatly if you’d show me around Kyme this
afternoon,’ he said.
    I knew
immediately he had other things on his mind as well, and wasn’t
sure what to say. Should I accept? There was a huge obstacle I had
to jump over in my head and this might be the helping hand I
needed. ‘Well…’ I began.
    ‘ I’m sorry, I must deprive you,’ Malakess interrupted.
‘Gesaril has work to do today.’
    ‘ What about my sketches?’ Sabarah demanded. Everyhar ignored
him.
    ‘ Oh, have a heart, my friend,’ Chrysm said. ‘Give the har a
day off.’
    Malakess
maintained his sweetness. ‘I wish I could, but you do want us to
make arrangements with the Nagini for you, don’t you?’
    ‘ You know I do,’ Chrysm said. He sighed and smiled at me. ‘A
pity. Oh well, another time. I expect to remain in Kyme for some
days.’ He stood up and bowed to Malakess. ‘Send me word when the
arrangements are confirmed. Will it be tonight?’
    ‘ I think perhaps tomorrow at the earliest,’ Malakess said.
‘Give me some time.’
    ‘ As you wish.’ Chrysm turned to Huriel. ‘My staff will bring
my effects to your house in the morning.