Free Soldier of Sidon by Gene Wolfe

saying that she is here on your ship and might be found."
    "I searched it. So did Lewqys."
    Qanju sighed. "You did not know where to look. I do, and may tell you later. If the woman were not accompanied by the cat, your men would not fear her."
    Muslak and Azibaal nodded.
    "They would offer her money, and if she would not take it, they would take her by force. Thus we need not rid ourselves of her, only of the cat."
    I said, "I would protect her."
    Azibaal frowned at me. "If she were gone, her cat would be gone too. That's what I think."
    "Perhaps, but I doubt it." Qanju turned his head. "You seem eager to speak, Thotmaktef."
    "As the Most Noble One wishes. We will soon be in sight of a great temple, the Mortuary Temple of Sesostris."
    "A suitable venue?"
    "I believe so, Most Noble Qanju."
    Qanju smiled. "And what does Sahuset say?"
    The wise man of Kemet shrugged.
    "The cat must cease manifesting itself on this ship--or so the matter appears to me. Who among you disagrees?"
    No one spoke.
    "My scribe has suggested a means that may prove effectual. Has anyone some other means to suggest? Learned Sahuset?"
    Sahuset shook his head.
    "Then let us follow my scribe's suggestion."
    That was everything of importance. We tied up in the canal that feeds the sacred lakes. Qanju and Muslak went to the temple and talked with the priests, then withthe chief priest. When they returned they said we must wait.
    Myt-ser'eu points to words, presses herself close, and tickles me, asking what those words mean. Sahuset frightened her, I think. She would endear herself to me more than ever; that is plain. Women are ever affectionate where there is danger, and there would be less danger if it were not so.

9

WE LINGERED HERE

    SAHUSET CAME WHEN we had been lolling here for some time. He brought cups and a skin of wine, which we shared with him. I do not like unmixed wine, but I drank a cup of it, slowly, so as not to offend him. Myt-ser'eu feared his wine was drugged (as she has told me since) and only feigned to sip until he had drained his own cup.
    "I am the outcast of our ship," Sahuset said. "You need not agree. I know it, and know you both know it. That is enough."
    "Everyone respects you," I told him.
    He shook his head. "Everyone fears me, except you, Latro. When a man is respected, no one wants to plant a dagger in his back. When he is feared, everyone thinks upon it, and tests the point."
    Myt-ser'eu turned down her empty cup and spoke boldly. "I fear you because I remember all that happened when we went to your house. Latro has forgotten those things or he would fear you too."
    "In that case, I am glad he has forgotten. I want his friendship, not his fear. I want yours, too, Myt-ser'eu."
    "Go to the priests of Hathor. They will find you another. I'm engaged."
    Sahuset laughed. "So you are, Myt-ser'eu. Some other time, perhaps. Latro, your little cat is most appealing."
    Although there had been an unsettling note in his laugh, I smiled and agreed.
    "That is what her name means. Did you know? A cat that is not yet grown."
    I shook my head. "I know she wears a cat on her headband."
    "Not the cat you saw."
    "No," I said. "Certainly not."
    "What will you do if these priests tell the Man of Parsa that Myt-ser'eu must be killed to rid our ship of the phantom cat?"
    Myt-ser'eu sat up straight. "You didn't tell me about this!"
    "It has nothing to do with you," I said, "and I didn't want to frighten you."
    "Will they really want to kill me?"
    "It doesn't matter. I won't permit it. We'll leave the ship."
    Sahuset nodded. "Good. Will your men obey if you tell them not to strike?"
    "They will."
    "There are three of Parsa and five of my own nation. Our five may side with you. It would please me but not surprise me. The three will surely obey Qanju."
    "They will obey me," I insisted.
    "I hope we won't get to find out. The priests may say no such thing, though priests are often malicious and meddling. Cats are sacred animals, after all. Did I shock you,