Ruel's finger moved down totrace the line of the statue's lips. "You must know her very well."Kartauk didn't answer, and when Ruel raised his eyes from the statue, it was tosee the sculptor's gaze fixed intently on his face. His finger dropped quicklyfrom the statue. "Of course, your statue of Kali is a good deal more powerful."
Kartauk shrugged. "Abdarliked it."
"But I prefer the serpenton the golden door."
He chuckled. "A tiny jestI couldn't resist. Our Jane was not pleased."
"She knew it would causeher great trouble," Li Sung said.
"Yes, I know, and I wasproperly repentant…for almost aquarter of an hour." He shrugged. "There was little danger. I knewthe maharajah wouldn't care even if he noticed the resemblance."
"But Abdar noticed,"Ruel said. "He called it an exquisite abomination."
"Truly? I can't tell youwhat pleasure that brings me. You know Abdar?"
"I've met him."
Kartauk's smile faded."Heisan abomination, you know. He claims he worships artistry buttwists it to his own purposes."
"Like the Kalistatue?"
"No, that's not what Imeant." He was suddenly grinning. "But he also has an excellent eye.I imagine he told you that you'd be a splendid addition to hiscollection."
"He did mention somethingto that effect."
"A statue?"
"A mask."
"How... interesting. Whatdo you think of him?"
"Not much. He found meequally unpleasant. I can't imagine why."
Kartauk slapped his thigh."By God, Idolike him."
"I knew you would,"Li Sung said. "I recognized several deplorable similarities in yourcharacters."
Kartauk's glance shifted backto Ruel. "Well, will you pose for me?"
"Can't you do me frommemory as well?"
He shook his head. "Toomany layers. Will you do it?"
"Perhaps." Ruel tookoff his slicker and strolled over to seat himself on a large square stoneacross the huge brazier from Li Sung. "If we can come to anagreement."
"He is here to rid me ofthe burden of your presence, not to pose for you," Li Sung said.
"It will take only a dayor so," Kartauk said. "Time doesn't matter."
"Jane would disagree. Shewants you safe."
"I'll be safe," hesaid abstractedly, his gaze dissecting Ruel's features. "What do yousay?"
"If you pay myprice."
"And that is?"
"How well do you know themaharajah?"
