Free Liar's Island: A Novel by Tim Pratt Page B

“I am Nagesh, an advisor to the thakur. On his behalf, I welcome you to Niswan.” From the fierceness of his countenance, Rodrick had expected a harsh voice, but it was smooth as oil, and the man smiled ingratiatingly, though his dark eyes never changed. He gave a slight bow, which Rodrick returned as naturally as he could manage. He’d always been adept at picking up local customs. Part of the tendency toward helpful camouflage that probably wouldn’t be so helpful here, where he stood out so much physically.
    â€œI’m Rodrick. And the fellow on my hip is Hrym.”
    â€œMay I … see him?” Nagesh said.
    â€œIf I won’t get in trouble for drawing a sword here.” There were some cities where showing bare steel (or bare enchanted ice) would get you arrested.
    Nagesh waved his hand, unconcerned. “No, no. Many of the most dangerous people in Jalmeray have no need of weapons, and can defeat your armored knights of Absalom with their bare hands—the Houses of Perfection are very thorough in their teachings. We do not worry about the display of weapons on the streets, as long as you don’t seek to threaten our citizens.”
    Rodrick reached down and drew Hrym from the scabbard, displaying the blade in all his glittering glory. “Say hello to the nice man, Hrym.”
    â€œHello, nice man,” Hrym said.
    â€œThe stories are true,” Nagesh murmured. He bowed again. “I am honored to meet you, Hrym.”
    There’d been no mention of honor when it came to meeting Rodrick, but he was used to being outshone by his more sparkling companion. He put the sword away, though Hrym squawked at being sheathed again. Too bad. Rodrick had a pack on his back, and he wasn’t going to walk around holding an obviously magical blade in his hand, no matter what this advisor said. “Nagesh, I was humbled to receive the thakur’s invitation. I can’t imagine why he went to such trouble to bring me here. May I ask the purpose of this summons?”
    â€œAll will be explained when you meet him. If you are tired from your journey, I can have you taken to the palace in a litter. Unless you’d like to see a bit of the city first? Many find it worthy of attention.”
    â€œI wouldn’t mind the chance to walk on solid land for a while. Bobbing around in a litter might be too much like bobbing around on a ship, and I’ve had enough of that. If there’s no hurry, that is.”
    â€œThe thakur will receive you this evening. There is time to walk, and rest, in the meantime.” He gestured for Rodrick to follow, and began moving along at a brisk pace.
    â€œYou speak the common tongue of my homeland very well,” Rodrick said, falling into step beside him. “The crew on the ship does, too. Is it spoken widely here?”
    â€œNot by everyone, no. Those who sail must be able to trade with those they meet, of course. And I have spent enough time abroad to learn several languages. Many at court speak only the tongues of the Vudrani, and though the thakur knows your speech, he prefers our own; he says yours is ill-suited to poetry. Here.” He reached into a pocket and drew out a silver chain with a dangling medallion, etched with the face of a figure with two eyes, one nose, and four mouths, all open. “This amulet will aid your understanding, and allow you to speak the most common of our dialects.”
    Rodrick slipped it over his neck. He’d used translating magics before. “Can you comprehend me?” Nagesh asked, and apart from a faint echo of unintelligible speech, he sounded as clear as before.
    â€œI can.”
    Nagesh grunted. “Your accent is not perfect, but it will serve.”
    â€œTo be serviceable is my greatest aspiration.”
    The man frowned at him, but Rodrick just kept blandly smiling. Something about the man rubbed him the wrong way—perhaps just his excessive dignity, which Rodrick