Byzantium

64

Owing to the heat, we took to travelling at night, setting out at dusk and continuing until mid-morning when the sun's blistering rays became too hot. Fortunately, the moon was in a quarter to aid us, so we did not lack for light; the well-worn trail shone with a pale phantom glow allowing us to push a relentless pace towards Sebastea. It was here that the camels-truly disagreeable beasts in every way-displayed their chief, perhaps only, virtue: they could move quickly and with little need for rest or water, and this while carrying loads that would crush a horse.

Thus, we journeyed swiftly, pressing ever northward through the cramped and crooked valleys, more often than not in sight of the Tigris's murky waters. One night we passed a tiny, fly-blown holding on the riverbank and Faysal, after conversing with a few of the holding's inhabitants, returned to inform us that it was the last Arab settlement we would see. Sebastea, he was told, lay three days' journey to the north and a little east, and Trebizond a further seven days north and west. Beyond Sebastea, however, there was a good road, and Faysal assured me the journey would be less arduous. Sometime during the night we crossed the much-disputed border into imperial lands.

We did what little we could to make the amir comfortable. Ddewi remained steadfastly at Lord Sadiq's side, eating and sleeping nearby, and walking with the horses and sling. Kazimain always rode with them, and assured me that the young monk, though quiet and withdrawn, was constantly alert to his duty, performing many small tasks which, taken together, seemed to produce a beneficial effect.

For his part, the amir was not often conscious, and even when he woke seemed unable to rouse himself so much as to lift his head from his bed. I feared the worst, and we pushed as swift and relentless a pace as could be achieved without further endangering him.

Thus it was with a feeling of great relief that after three nights I glimpsed the white walls of Sebastea shimmering in the dawnlight of a day already hazy with heat. We proceeded to the city and adopted the amir's practice of establishing camp a short distance outside the city walls. While the rafiq and Danes prepared the tents, Faysal and I hastened to procure the services of a physician.

Arabs were a common sight in the busy streets of Sebastea so no one made bold to hinder us as we made our way to the marketplace. There, I selected the most prosperous-looking money-changer-a gold and silver merchant with a red-and-blue striped canopy over his stall-and asked him who was the most skilled physician in the city.

"Theodore of Sykeon is the man you seek," replied the merchant without hesitation. Regarding Faysal and myself shrewdly, he added, "I must caution you however, his services will not be bought cheaply. This, I find, is the rule with all men who ply their arts at the pinnacle of perfection, and the excellent Theodore is no exception."

I thanked the merchant, and inquired where Theodore could be found, that we might secure his services without delay. But the merchant would not send us away like errand boys. "Only tell me where you are staying and I will have one of my servants bring him to you."

I thanked him for his thoughtfulness, but declined. "The need is urgent, and we are anxious that there should be no delay. I think it best to arrange matters ourselves."

"Make no mistake," the gold merchant replied graciously, "it is not compassion, but self-interest that prompts me. For if you are men who do not shrink from engaging the very best for your ailing friend, then I think such men may require other services while sojourning in Sebastea," he allowed himself an appreciative glance at the Qadi's jewelled handle protruding from my belt, "perhaps the services of a money-changer. Should this need arise, I hope you will deem it necessary to look no further than your humble servant, Hadjidakis."

With that, he took up and rang a small brass bell, and a slender and barefoot youth appeared. "Now then," Hadjidakis said, "where are you staying?" I told him, and he relayed the information to the young man, speaking in a language I did not understand. The youth nodded once and darted away into the thronging marketplace. "You may return to your friend in confidence: Theodore of Sykeon will be with you shortly. Unless," he said hopefully, "there is anything else I can do for you?"

"A small matter comes to mind," I said. "We have business with the governor. I am told he resides in the city. Is this so?"

"Indeed so," he answered. "Even now Exarch Honorius occupies a palace in the street next to the forum. It is not difficult to find. Ask anyone, they will tell you the way."

I thanked Hadjidakis again, and we made our way back to camp, returning only a few moments before the physician himself appeared. A man of mature years, small-boned and neat-featured, he was dressed simply and impeccably in a white linen cloak and mantle. A gold chain hung heavily around his neck and a blue hat of soft cloth sat far back on his head. He arrived in a covered chair borne by four Ethiope slaves led by the youth in Hadjidakis' employ. Upon ascertaining that he had not been led astray, the physician paid the youth with a bronze coin, then ordered his slaves to lower the chair.

"I am Theodore," he said simply, making a small bow. "If you would kindly take me to the sufferer, I will make my examination now."

I conducted the physician to the amir's tent and entered to find Kazimain and Ddewi, as always, by his side. "Here is the physician," I told them, "he has come to tend Amir Sadiq. We will leave him to make his examination."

"There is no need," Theodore replied affably. "Please, stay, my friends, if you will. I may have cause to question you about his care."

This impressed Kazimain, who, when I had translated the physician's words, replied that Theodore put her in mind of Farouk, which she considered a very auspicious sign. Ddewi favoured the newcomer with a sharply appraising glance of his solitary eye, but said nothing.

As the tent was somewhat crowded, I elected to wait outside and instructed Theodore to come to me when he finished. Upon emerging from the tent, I met Faysal lingering by the entrance. "I believe we have done the best for Lord Sadiq," I told him.

"Pray Allah it is enough."

Leading him a few paces from the tent, I said, "Faysal, I would like your opinion of a thing I have been considering." So saying, I began to relate my suspicions regarding the governor's place in Nikos's treachery.

He listened, nodding now and again to himself. "You have learned something of subtlety, my friend," he said appreciatively. "If the governor stands at the heart of the mystery, then we must go to him and see what we can learn."

Theodore emerged from the amir's tent just then. Stepping quickly to where we stood, he said, "I have concluded my examination." He spoke with clipped efficiency. "The amir is in distress by reason of a head wound-as you know. The bone at the base of his skull has been crushed. It is my belief that bleeding inside the skull has brought about his unfortunate condition."

"Will he live?" I asked.

"The injury is severe," he said with smooth evasion. "That he remains alive even now is a credit to the young man who attends him." He looked from me to Faysal and back again. "Yet, I am puzzled."

"Yes?"

"The wound is in no way recent;" he said, "and I see by your camp that you have been travelling. Is this so?"

"We have come from Amida," I told him. "There was no help for him there, so we came north to obtain the best care for the amir."

Theodore shook his head in amazement. "Then the young man's skill is more extraordinary than I imagined. Together we will undertake the healing of Lord Sadiq." Placing his palms together neatly, he said, "I trust this meets with your approval?"

"As you will," Faysal replied. "We defer to your learning and judgement."

"Then, if you will excuse me, I must send for certain of my tools. This evening we must perform a most delicate operation. I need time to prepare." With that he hastened to speak to his slaves, two of whom departed on the run. Returning to the tent, Theodore bowed once in our direction and then entered.

"Come, Faysal," I said, "I think we must pay a visit to the governor."

We found our way to the forum quickly and easily; the many-pillared colonnade in the heart of the city could be seen from any of several approaches. Once there, locating the street Hadjidakis had mentioned posed no greater difficulty. The governor's house was large, with a single door opening almost directly onto the street, save for two steps rising between two ornate columns. A guardsman stood outside in the street, spear in hand, a shield slung over his shoulder. People passed him without a glance, however, and from this I deduced that he was a familiar feature of the place. Leaving Faysal to watch the house from across the street, I strode to the house.

"I was told the governor is in residence," I said upon greeting the guard, who regarded me with bored suspicion.

"He is receiving no one," the guard replied in a tone that suggested he had said this too many times for his own liking.

"That is truly unfortunate," I sighed. "I have travelled a very great distance to see him. Perhaps you might allow my name to be put forward."

Without bothering to reply, the guard motioned me on with his spear. Clearly, his was not the final authority. Once inside however, I was met by another, more formidable obstacle in the person of an official in a robe and mantle of faded green; he wore a braided thong around his neck on which was affixed a large metal box, and sat at a table in the centre of a spacious vestibule, writing on a vellum roll. He deigned not to notice me as I came to stand before him. Two more equally bored-looking guards stood either side of a door directly behind him.

"If you please," I said, "I was told the governor is in residence."

The official raised his eyes from the document before him and all but yawned in my face. "He is seeing no one. Leave your name and come back tomorrow."

"I have travelled a very great distance." Leaning close, I confided, "It is a matter of some delicacy involving a very great deal of money." Reaching into my sleeve, I pulled out one of the silver coins Faysal had given me and placed it on the table. "I would be most grateful if the governor could be notified."

Obtaining no response, I placed another coin beside the first. The official finally lay aside his pen. His lips curled in a smile, but his eyes remained cold. "Perhaps I may be of service. My name is Casius; I am Proconsul of Sebastea. What is the nature of your business with Exarch Honorius?"

Thinking quickly, I said, "It concerns property belonging to my betrothed wife."

"Property, you say?"

"Yes, it is a delicate matter, and I should not like to say too much about it to anyone except the governor. When do you think he might see me?"

"This is not a matter for the exarch's arbitration," Casius informed me flatly. "I suggest you place your matter before the magister or, better still, your local apographeus."

"Ah, yes, well, it was, in fact, the magister who suggested I come here." Once given to the lie, I became brazen. "He said that inasmuch as Honorius was a friend of my father's, the governor would want to advise me personally."

The proconsul-if indeed he was the proconsul-hesitated; I could see him calculating his next response. "Why did you not tell me the governor was a friend of yours in the first place?"

"A friend, as I say, of my father's," I corrected. "Would that have made a difference?"

"I will put your name forward," he said, taking up his long reed pen once more; he dipped it in the ink pot and scratched something on the vellum. "Perhaps the exarch will see you."

"All the better if that could be arranged," I said, laying a third coin on the table. "There have been rumours that the governor is ill, you know. I am certain Honorius's friends in Trebizond will welcome reassurances of his health."

He stopped writing and tapped his teeth with the pen. "These rumours-what are they saying?"

"Oh, one thing and another," I replied casually. "They think it strange that he should remain so long in Sebastea when he has such a splendid residence in Trebizond."

Casius made up his mind at once. Pushing back his chair, he rose. "Wait here." With that, he stepped to the guarded door, opened it, and disappeared into the room beyond-returning a few moments later. "This business," he said, "I believe you told me it concerns your betrothed also?"

"Yes," I lied, "so it does."

"Fetch her," the proconsul said. "Return with the woman, and the governor will see you."

I knew I had gained a prize. "Very well," I said, "I will do as you suggest." Thanking the man, I told him to expect us shortly, then departed before he could change his mind.

In the street once more, I hurried from the house, motioning Faysal to follow. "The governor is there," I told him as he fell into step beside me. I explained how I had convinced them to let me see him, and said, "I thought Kazimain might assist us."

"Undoubtedly," he agreed, "but will they allow you to speak to him alone?"

"That remains to be seen," I said, "but I have a plan."

We made quick work of returning to camp, apprising Kazimain of the difficulties, and proceeding once more to the city. We approached to within a hundred paces of the palace, where I paused and turned to Kazimain. "Are you ready?" I asked. "Once we have entered, we are committed. If you have any doubts, speak now. It is not too late to abandon the scheme."

"You need have no fear for me," she said. "I am well able to do my part."

"Good," I said, drawing a deep breath. "We begin."

Raising the hood of her mantle, Kazimain covered her head in the manner of Christian women, and offered me her arm; taking it, I pulled her close, and together we walked to the governor's house.

As before, I was met by a man at a table-a different man, this time, but as listless and bored as the first. I told him that Proconsul Casius had arranged for me to speak with the governor. The man looked at me, and then at Kazimain, and said, interest quickening his heavy features, "Yes, I believe he mentioned it. But he failed to tell me precisely why you wanted to see the exarch."

"It is a matter of some delicacy, as I have already explained," I replied. The fellow stared at me with insolent indifference, so I added, "But I suppose it would do no harm to tell you that it involves the property of my betrothed." I indicated Kazimain beside me. "Her brother refuses to relinquish her share."

"Why," asked the man, apathy seeping back into his face, "should this concern the exarch?"

"In light of my family's long friendship, and the particular injustice involved, it has been suggested that Honorius might be persuaded to at least give us the benefit of his counsel."

"You know Exarch Honorius?"

"Oh, yes," I replied, with conviction, "very well. He is an old friend of my father's. I have been many times in his house in Trebizond." That last was true at least.

Again, this produced the desired result. The fellow pushed himself up from his chair and said, "I will see what can be done."

As Casius before him, he stepped to the door and disappeared into the room beyond. The guards, after eyeing Kazimain from head to heel, turned their flagging attention once more to the study of the painted wall opposite, and we to a lengthy wait.

After a while, the inner door opened and I stood, thinking that we would be summoned. But a short, plump old woman emerged, carrying a bundle of clothing. The bundle was unwieldy and, as she reached the door to the street, she lost her grip and the load slipped from her hands. "My laundry!" she cried, scrabbling after it.

"Allow me, mother," I said, stooping quickly to gather it for her. Taking the clothes, the washerwoman sniffed at me, and proceeded on her way.

I sat down to wait once more, and had begun thinking that the man was not coming back, when the door opened and the proconsul addressed us. "The exarch will see you now."

We stepped to the door, and the man put his hand to my arm, stopping me. Fearing I had somehow been discovered, my heart lurched inside my chest. But the man merely said, "Exarch Honorius has not been feeling well of late. He requires rest. You must be brief and to the point."

"I understand."

"Also," the man tightened his grip on my arm, "I would say nothing regarding the rumours in Trebizond if I were you. It is a highly sensitive issue just now and I feel it would complicate your position unnecessarily."

"Very well," I allowed reluctantly, "if that is what you advise."

"It is."

"Then I will say nothing," I agreed, and the official opened the door and allowed us into the room.

Governor Honorius was a big man with a full head of white hair. His shoulders and hands were broad, and his features generous. But he sat slumped in his chair as if he lacked the will ever to rise again, and his eyes were dark-circled and sunken; his flesh had the unhealthy pallor I had learned to associate with captivity. He was sitting in a large chair, behind which stood two more guards with spears and short swords. Casius was present, standing at his right hand; the other official stepped behind us to close the door and remained there.

"Thank you for seeing us, governor," I said quickly, anxious to speak first. "I bring greetings from my father, Nicephorus."

At this name Honorius's eyes quickened with interest, much as I had hoped. He searched my face, but without recognition. "I fear you have the better of me."

"Forgive me, governor," I said. "I was but a small boy when last we met. It has been many years. I should not have presumed upon your memory."

He looked at me hopefully. "Of course, I do remember you now."

Before I could reply, the first official, Casius, spoke up. "I believe that you said it was a matter involving property," he announced. "I have already explained that it is not a matter for the exarch's involvement. Is that not so?"

"That is so," replied Honorius, his voice going strangely dead.

"So you see-" offered the second official hurriedly, "I fear you have-"

"A moment more, please," I said firmly. "The property in question is the inheritance rightfully due my bride, to be passed to her upon her betrothal and to be used as her dowry."

"Yes, yes," said the governor in a distracted way. "These matters can be very-"

"Her brother," I said-turning to Kazimain, I put my hand on her shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze-"refuses to relinquish her share, and our wedding is needlessly-"

All at once Kazimain began to weep. She buried her face in her hands and wailed. The official closest to the door advanced threateningly. "Why is she crying?" he demanded.

"She is very distraught," I explained, "as anyone might imagine. Our wedding has been-"

"Tell her to be quiet," he growled, "or she will have to leave."

"Please, my love," I said, squeezing her shoulder again, "you must try to control yourself."

Kazimain responded with a wail, and sobbed more loudly. "Take her out of here," ordered Casius.

The second man stepped closer and made to lay hold of her. Kazimain stepped aside, ran to the governor's chair, and threw herself before him. She wrapped her arms around his legs and wailed, tears streaming down her cheeks. The governor peered down in startled amazement. The two officials leapt forward and tried to pry her loose, shouting, "Stop that! Get up!"

I rushed to help them. "Here now," I said. "Here now. You must desist at once, my darling." I pawed ineffectually at Kazimain, stepping first this way and then that, entangling myself in their efforts.

"Get out of the way!" shouted the second official. Shoving me roughly aside, the two raised Kazimain to her feet and began dragging her away. "Guards! The door!" The two guards hastened to open the door.

Stepping quickly to the governor's side, I whispered, "We are here to help you, Honorius."

"Help me?" He seemed bewildered by the suggestion. "I am a prisoner here."

"We can free you. We will come for you tonight."

The old man clutched at my sleeve. "It is too late for me," he said. "No one can help me. The emperor-" His fingers raked at my arm. "Listen to me! You must warn him-"

"I have men with me," I told him. "We will come for you tonight. Be ready."

Proconsul Casius and one of the guards returned before either of us could say more. I stepped back abruptly, and said aloud, "Pray accept my apology, governor. My bride is overwrought. If the dowry is not forthcoming-"

"Enough!" the official said, almost stumbling in his haste to pry me from Honorius's side. "Get out! Had I known what a disturbance you would create, I never would have allowed you to waste the exarch's time in such a disgraceful way."

"I beg your pardon," I said, stepping smoothly away. At the door, I paused and turned once more to the governor. "I will deliver your greetings to my father. He will be greatly cheered to know that you are feeling better now."

Honorius gaped at me, his mouth working to speak words I could not catch. I was pushed through the vestibule and out the door so fast that I collided with Kazimain who was already in the street, a frowning guard at her side. "You need trouble yourselves no further," Casius called angrily from the door. "Should you return, the exarch has given orders not to admit you. There is nothing further he can do."

The guard watched us until we were out of sight. But once we had turned the corner, I grabbed Kazimain and hugged her tightly. "Excellent!" I cried.

She put her arms around my neck, smiling, and then remembered herself and abruptly pulled away. "Was it what you wanted?"

"You were magnificent!"

"Do you think they believed us?"

"It does not matter," I replied. "We have seen Honorius, and he is alive-that is all we need to know."

Kazimain gazed at me, her eyes shining. "Was I magnificent? Truly?"

"That you were, my love." Turning away, my mind was already leaping to the task before us. "Hurry," I called over my shoulder, "we have much to do before nightfall."