“Such has never before been demanded of us!” This was becoming ridiculous. She’d have him tricked out as a traitor to the Emperor if this went on! “Oh, it is true that the Imperium does at times request items of import from private persons-but never from the temples or the clans! Precedent-”
Voices drowned him out. There were others whose ships would founder if the woman brought this one of hers into port! The chamberlain clacked his billets once, twice, thrice, before silence was restored. Ignoring those who had spoken before, he pointed now at the occupant of the green and purple dais in front of that of the Goddess Dlamelish: a woman little more than a girl, Misenla hiQurrodu, High Priestess of Hrihayal, the Dancing Maiden of Temptation, Dlamelish’ Cohort.
Like the Lady Timuna, she was clad in a girdle of silver chain, but her diaphanous skirt was of emerald and purple. Her face was round, fine-boned and small-chinned, with high cheekbones and long eyes made even longer by the artful application of black Tsunu- paste. Her small, hard nipples were brushed with irridescent green powder. A line of tattooed glyphs ran down each sinuous arm from shoulder to wrist, and similar lines followed her youthful curves from bare hip to braceleted ankle.
“My Lord, let me show Lord Durugen that we of the ‘fleshly persuasion’ can con these casuistries as well as he.” She extended a delicate hand, thumb touching index fingertip. “Firstly, the issue begins with certain relics found in a tomb bearing the icons of one of the Greater Aspects of Lord Hrii’ii, and hence under his protection.”
Thumb to middle finger. “Secondly, they are discovered by those who serve Thumis. His priests-and their allies-make their case for retention upon grounds of theology and precedent.”
Thumb to ring finger. “Thirdly, — and now I mince no words but say plainly what our sources report to be so-the temple of Thumis has winnowed its harvest for someone who can comprehend the use and meaning of these relics, and all they have come up with is a beardless boy from their monastery in the Chakas.” She flashed a cool glance at Lord Durugen. “Scholars there are aplenty in other temples, but the wise men of Thumis entrust this task to a youth who has just submitted his Labour of Reverence for admission to the Second Circle.” On the grey-draped dais of Thumis faces turned up to look at Lord Durugen. He sat impassive and silent; she must come out into the open before he could pounce.
Thumb now to little finger. “Fourthly, we are also informed-as all of you must be, if your agents are not as brainless as Chlen- beasts-that the Baron Aid of Yan Kor intrigues with the Red-hats of Mu’ugalavya and with the Ebon Palace of Salarvya to invade this land, and his spies are as thick as Chri — flies upon a honeypot. Have we not heard rumors of his ‘Weapon Without Answer?’ Indeed, which faction here has not had reports of the great black-swatched box being trundled along the Makhis roaii from the Baron’s fortress of Ke’er to the city of Hlikku? Might not his servants seek to purloin such items as hold ancient powers of use to us? — And the temple of Thumis is no guard-girt fortress immune to such as they may send: men-and others- who can scale its walls like a Chnehl, or wriggle through holes like slippery Nenyelu-fish."
Misenla spread her hand, tapered fingers outstretched. “No, my Lord; agree with the Lady Timuna and command the giving over of these relics to Avanthar.” She resumed her seat, smoothing the swinging strips of her skirt about her thighs.
It was now as clear as Lord Hnalla’s Purest Light. Lady Timuna had been well schooled in her little song; it was no more than a prelude for Lady Misenla’s concert. And why? Lord Durugen had to admire the pretty melody-and the choice of musicians! This Misenla hiQurrodu was mistress to Prince Eselne, the Emperor’s second son, the shining protege of the Military Party and of the temples of the war-gods, both Lord Karakan of Stability and Lord Vimuhla of Change.
The generals, the war-gods’ clergy, and the old aristocratic clans had their hopes set upon Eselne’s becoming Emperor-and upon the glorious conquest of Yan Kor, Milumanaya, and the rest of the smaller states of the north, lost hundreds of years ago through the foolishness of a weak ancestor of the present Emperor. If the relics discovered at Urmish were weapons (and Lord Durugen had seen nothing yet to indicate that they were), or if they led to further caches containing weapons of the ancients, then Prince Eselne and his Legions would desire them more than any other faction here. If given to the Imperium gracefully, they might gain the Temple of Thumis some consideration from the Prince’s adherents. But to hand the relics over as meekly as a clan-girl gives her hand in marriage violated every tradition, every precedent!
Perhaps it would be best to compromise, at least for now. The Temple of Thumis bore no ill will toward the adherents of Karakan-nor toward Prince Eselne-although certain political manoeuverings must come later, and these might not sit so well with the Prince! Lord Durugen could not help but glance down at his entourage. His master-sorcerer there turned to face him and shook his head; no spells or mental probings were being attempted-or if they were, his wardings still held. Lord Durugen smiled with outward cordiality. He signalled to the chamberlain that he wished to say no more.
No more speakers arose. Several conferred with those below them; some looked to the occupants of other daises. The buzz of conversation drowned out the humming of the Cfcn'-flies. Attendants sped from dais to dais bearing hastily scrawled notes. Outside, the great droning boom of the Tunkul-gong of the temple of Karakan announced the midday rituals, and this was answered from across the river by the higher, sweeter note from the Tmkul-towe. T of the temple of Avanthe. On his dais Lord Muresh spoke with earnest hand gestures to his chamberlain. At length the latter turned back to the room and called for quiet with his clappers.
“Worthy priests! The Ever-victorious, Ever-living Emperor, Seizer of Kingdoms, Follower of the Paths of Glory, He of the Petal Throne, the mighty Lord Hirkane hiTlakotani, speaks through me, his humble mouthpiece in this place!” He paused to clear his throat. The long Classical Tsolyani formula demanded stamina as well as eloquence. “It is our decree that the items found at Urmish shall remain within the precincts of the Temple of Thumis, for such is ancient custom and precedent.” (This was much better than might have been expected after Misenla’s charming performance. There were smiles and soft finger-snappings upon Lord Durugen’s dais; silence upon the purple.) “Yet here do we break with tradition. We further command that these articles shall be guarded by soldiers of the Imperium, men of the military arm of our Omnipotent Azure Legion. Furthermore, these relics shall be open to study by those properly deputed by the other temples of this realm.” (Now it was Lord Durugen’s turn to be still, but there were excited whispers among the black-masked priests upon the purple dais.) “As we have decreed, so let it be.” The chamberlain struck his clappers together.
Lord Muresh arose and swept down from the blue and gold dais, followed by his retinue of scribes, servants, and officials.
Lord Durugen, frozen-faced, descended from his seat too, briefly saluted the priests of Hnalla and the High Priestess of Avanthe, who would have stayed him, and slipped away through the rear passage. Across the room, the knot of purple around the dais of Hru’u mingled first with the black and silver of Ksarul, then the flame-orange of Vimuhla, and finally with the brown of the priesthood of Sarku. The centre of the chamber was bedlam as scribes, priests, and attendants all strove to gather up their papers and paraphernalia and depart. Of the emerald of Dlamelish and the green and purple of Hrihayal there was no sign, for those delegations had left immediately in the wake of Lord Muresh.
It was clear that the compromise had settled nothing and pleased no one.