could not have such things coming to the ear of the queen. Those not of his own making which he had allowed through the filter were minor quarrels between neighbours someones pig had eaten someones vegetable patch and nothing at all to do with the way Humbold ruled the castle city state. Has anything unusual happened recently? asked the queen. While I was asleep. While you were in the thrall of your ugly lunacy, thought Humbold, screaming fit to bring down the walls of the castle. No, not really . . . oh, yes, there was a stranger - he came to the city with one of our hunters. Apparently the hunter found him on a hill. The man was convinced he had been involved in a battle just prior to meeting the hunter. Indeed, he looked like a soldier, though his uniform was in rags and his sword sheath was empty of a weapon. Why do you mention this trivial account to me? Why? frowned the chancellor. I dont know. Theres something about the way this man was found or found himself - that is troublesome to me. Just a feeling, nothing more. The manner of his coming worries me. I sense more importance in it than just happenchance. I fear this stranger, who calls himself Soldier, may be bad for us. But Im not entirely sure. I feel it best to keep him under observation before executing him. The queen, now dressed in regal fashion, in great swathes of light cotton with silk trimmings, started. Is he out to destroy us, do you think? Humbold raised the palms of his hands. Its just a feeling, your majesty, and I am having the man closely watched. If he remains within these walls I intend to invoke an old law of Zamerkand. I found it the other day, in one of the books in your library. It states that a stranger requesting hospitality must be given such, but for one lunar month only, after which if he has not left the city the Lord of Thieftakers, our highest judge, may have him arrested and put to death. The queen said, Are you sure you didnt just write that law yourself? Humbold smiled. Your majesty jests. And you think this is necessary, to have the stranger put to death? Perhaps your feelings are mistaken? What if he is some kind of messiah, come to save us from destruction? Thats why I have allowed him to live for a while. If he is such then he will reveal himself before the month is out. However, if he has nothing to offer us, or is simply a lost stranger, then we can dispose of him. No, no, your majesty, if this man is any sort of threat to us I will have him executed after the full moon has passed. As you will, Chancellor Humbold; now what of the rest of the day? I am afraid, your majesty, that we have rebellious elements in our midst. Traitors? She breathed the word. A traitor. Fear not, your majesty. I have had the man concerned arrested. He was preaching sedition in the taverns of the city. This is one Frinstin, Keeper of the Towers ... Frinstin? He speaks against me? There are several witnesses. They shall be called at the trial. Vanda stared as if into a room of darkness. Trial? There will be no trial. Execute him. Humbold altered his facial muscles a little into something that might, in some quarters, be recognised as a smile. But, you may require proof, your majesty. I need no proof, Chancellor Humbold. Your word is good enough, is it not? You have heard the case against him? Indeed I have. Then cut off his head, today. A nod from the chancellor. And his successor? I leave that to you, Humbold. As you wish, your majesty. Later, the queen was in her throne room, ready to hear supplicants and make judgements. Humbold, as ever, was by her side, gently guiding her. He was subtle, had to be, for she was not an unintelligent person. Long hours of studying his queen had enabled Humbold to make just the right noises at the right times. He knew just when and where to intervene and when to stay silent. Sometimes he remained aloof even when he wished the judgement to go the other way, knowing that in this particular instance, on this particular
Similar Books
