UNINVITED COMPANY
Sachaka traded mainly with lands to its north and east, across the Aduna Sea, and this was more apparent at the docks than anywhere else in the city. Dannyl was startled by the size of the exotic ships moored there, and the sheer number of them. Masts waved like a great leafless forest, stretching from the shore out into the broad bay of Arvice.
The Guild House slaves were unlashing travelling trunks from the back of the carriage and lifting them down with the help of Achati’s two personal slaves. Dannyl noticed how Achati was following the procedure closely. A Kyralian magician would have moved the trunks with magic, but Sachakans did not lower themselves to such menial work. The slaves were using ropes and a winch built into the back of the vehicle for the purpose, but from the way the four thin men were having little trouble lifting the heavy trunks, Dannyl suspected they were getting magical help from their master anyway.
Achati’s trunk required two men to carry it. Tayend’s was of about the same size. Dannyl’s was considerably smaller. Sometimes having to wear a uniform for most of your life has its advantages, Dannyl thought. But he had also brought an additional trunk – more like a large box – containing writing implements, notebooks, and space for any records or objects he might acquire.
A sigh drew Dannyl’s attention away. He glanced at Merria, whose scowl softened only slightly as she met his gaze. His assistant was still angry at being left behind. She had barely spoken to him since learning that Tayend was going on the research trip as well.
He resisted the urge to look at Tayend. The Elyne Ambassador was standing beside Dannyl, rocking gently in his elaborate, expensive shoes. Dannyl had barely spoken to Tayend after returning from Achati’s house and asking his former lover why he wanted to travel with them.
“Oh, as Ambassador I really ought to learn as much as I can about this country,” Tayend had replied. “I’ve seen plenty of Arvice. Time to see something beyond the city walls.”
Dannyl hadn’t heard Tayend and Merria conversing, either. With most of its occupants not talking to each other, the Guild House had been very quiet.
He considered Tayend’s excuse. Was that all there was to it? I doubt he’s coming because he’s interested in my research. Or is he? If he knows about the storestone he might be as concerned as Achati and I are about the possibility another may exist or be created. But how could he know about the storestone? I haven’t told him. Surely Achati hasn’t …
Maybe there’s another reason Tayend wanted to accompany them. He had already shown he was aware of Achati’s personal interest in Dannyl. Was he trying to ensure Dannyl and Achati did not become lovers?
Dannyl frowned. Why would he do that? Jealousy? No. Tayend was the one to point out that he and I are no longer a couple. He never said he wanted to change that.
Beside him, Tayend cleared his throat. He paused, then drew in a breath to speak.
“Ambassador?”
Dannyl reluctantly turned to look at him.
“Are you sure you don’t mind me coming along?”
“Of course not,” Dannyl replied.
He returned to watching the slaves. Achati’s pair were not the same two as those who had accompanied him on the search for Lorkin. Dannyl wondered what had happened to Varn. Then his thoughts slipped back to his companions as he sensed that Merria was staring at him. He turned to look at her, and she smiled. This struck him as odd. There was amusement in the smile, and he couldn’t help feeling it was at his expense.
“Here is the captain,” Achati announced. He waved at the ship the slaves were carrying the trunks toward. It was smaller than the exotic trading vessels surrounding it, intended to transport only passengers – important passengers. On its cabin had been carved the name Inava, inlaid with gold that sparkled in the sun. A Sachakan dressed in all the finery Dannyl would expect of an Ashaki was standing on the deck, waiting for them to come aboard along the narrow bridge strung between wharf and ship. The slaves carried the trunks toward a second bridge further down the vessel. “Time to say your goodbyes,” Achati added.
Dannyl and Tayend turned to Merria. She smiled brightly.
“Have a good trip, Ambassadors, Ashaki,” she said, nodding politely. Then a knowing, slightly smug look entered her eyes. “I hope you don’t get on each other’s nerves.”
So that’s what she’s finding so amusing, Dannyl mused. “Goodbye, Lady Merria,” he replied. “I know I am leaving the Guild House in capable hands.”
Her smile faded to a resigned look. “Thanks.” She backed toward the carriage and made a shooing motion. “Don’t keep the captain waiting.”
Turning away, Dannyl followed Achati to the bridge, and across it onto the ship’s deck. Introductions were made, and the captain welcomed them to his vessel.
“Are you ready to set sail?” he asked of Achati.
“I am. Is there any need to delay?” Achati replied.
“Not at all,” the captain assured him. He walked away, calling out orders to the slaves. Achati led Dannyl and Tayend to a safe position from which to watch proceedings.
“This will be a nice change from city life,” Achati said as the ship moved away from the wharf.
Dannyl nodded. “It’s been too long since I’ve travelled on a ship.”
“Yes. An adventure for all of us,” Tayend said, his voice a little strained. Dannyl noted that his former lover was already looking a little pale.
Achati smiled at the Elyne Ambassador. It was an indulgent smile. Almost a fond one. Suddenly the possibility that Achati wanted Tayend with them occurred to Dannyl. He had assumed the Ashaki had been politically and socially cornered by Tayend. He turned to the Elyne.
“Let me know if you need any assistance,” he offered.
Tayend nodded in thanks. “I have the cures Achati recommended.”
“As your guide, I am obliged to ensure your journey isn’t too onerous,” Achati told him. “But remember: they may have other effects.”
Tayend inclined his head. “I haven’t forgotten. I … I think I will sit down now.”
He moved to a bench a few steps away. Dannyl resisted the urge to look at Achati and search for any signs of … he wasn’t sure what.
Maybe he’s interested in being more than friends with Tayend, too.
Maybe they already are. Maybe Tayend’s warning about Achati was spurred by jealousy …
Oh, don’t be ridiculous!
As the ship moved further from shore, Dannyl found himself wishing that Achati – or even Tayend – would strike up a conversation so that he had a distraction from the suspicions his mind was conjuring up. When neither spoke, he considered what subject he could raise himself.
He knew what he’d like to talk about, but with Tayend present he couldn’t speak of what he hoped to learn on this journey in case the Elyne didn’t know of the storestone.
Then Achati gestured toward the shore.
“See that building? That’s one of the few mansions over two hundred years old not built in the Sachakan style. It was built by …”
Dannyl let out a silent sigh of relief. Thank you, Achati, he thought. Though I think you’ve just condemned yourself to filling in silences with facts and history for the rest of the trip, at least it’s a solution to days of awkward silence.
Lilia had always assumed that imprisonment was meant to, among other things, give someone nothing to do but think about their crime.