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"Are you a slave?"
The woman nodded.
"Please do not fear me. I regret that I have to send you back to your mistress with another problem. Alas, I need to state my position clearly with her from the outset, for I fear that she wishes to enslave me too."
The woman nodded sympathetically. Her eyes were deeply intelligent, but sad.
"Where are you from, Folami?"
"I was born far to the south, a hot place where it seldom rained.” Her voice was soft and gentle, as was everything about her.
Elishiba had heard of such lands. It seemed that the Karseedians plucked slaves from everywhere. From Aleem too?
Folami left, and again they waited.
Time passed, the sun disappeared and Yoshi had to light all the remaining candles in the chamber.
When Folami returned, she did not shut the door behind her. “I am to lead you to a different chamber."
Yoshi stood to her feet with a pleased smile. Elishiba was not so trusting.
They followed Folami through a maze of corridors and into another chamber. The guards who had flanked the first chamber followed and immediately crossed spears behind them as they entered the newly designated chamber. It was marginally larger, although the balcony overlooked a closed courtyard, which was not what Elishiba was hoping for. Furthermore, on their arrival they found a meager meal awaiting them on the table.
"The Empress Mehmet asked me to inform you that this is your evening meal. She said she is sure you are tired after your journey and that you wish to prepare for your forthcoming marriage, which will take place shortly."
Elishiba smarted. “There will be no wedding until we have negotiated the terms of the treaty."
Folami shook her head sadly. “I cannot pass your response. The Empress is dining and stated she will not take any more messages."
Elishiba had to strongly resist the urge to insist upon a message, but she could see from Folami's eyes—it was pointless.
Taking pity on the woman, she walked over and rested a hand on her arm. “I appreciate your efforts."
When she touched her this time, Folami withdrew her arm, glancing nervously around her, a stricken expression on her face.
That confirmed it. She knew they were being watched, even though they had moved quarters, and she was afraid.
* * * *
The streets of Lhastari were in darkness by the time Kerr managed to get away from the palace that night, the houses quiet. He stood at the servants’ entrance, pausing only briefly to get accustomed to the gloom, then he hastened his footsteps through the dark narrow alleyways, breaking into a run, afraid that Amshazar might not have waited for him. He'd been ready on time to get to the designated meeting point, but the servants in the palace were a suspicious bunch and watched him whenever he tried to leave their quarters. And no
w, if Amshazar was gone, he would have missed his chance to see Kazeen again.
He turned the final corner, into a narrow street where the buildings almost touched, and peered into the darkened doorway where they had arranged to meet. He checked again. Above the doorway a wooden sign marked it out as a fortuneteller's place of work. But he saw no figure in the doorway. He was just about to turn away in frustration, when he heard his name being called from the other side of the street.
Amshazar gestured to him when their eyes met.
Kerr hurried over. “Forgive me for being late. The Karseedian servants were watching me. They trust me even less now since I am in the service of the Empress Elishiba. I couldn't take the risk until they bedded in for the night."
Amshazar nodded. “You did the right thing. We must be cautious. Are you sure no one followed you?"
"I don't think so,” Kerr replied.
Amshazar put one arm around his shoulder and began walking quickly away from the spot, talking all the while. “The palace in Suzin was very different, was it not?"
Kerr gave a gentle laugh. “It was. I would much rather call that country home, than this one."
"The Aleemites are a more fair and generous people,” Amshazar agreed. “Now I must ask my favor of you. When we return to the palace later tonight, I would like you to pass Empress Elishiba a message for me."
