City of Ruin - Mark Charan Newton [153]
‘I feel . . . it is the right thing to do.’ It was as if the very presence of this woman had intoxicated Rika. A true seduction by the gods. There was something about Rika’s manner, a glimmer in her eye now, which indicated she had regained her determination. Perhaps she felt this stranger was still a deity, and would do anything requested by her.
‘Hang on,’ Randur said. ‘What’s to say you’re not representing evil, in all of this? How can we trust you over the other lot, the Pith-wotsits?’
‘The Pithicus, the Akhaioí. And to answer your question, you’re still alive aren’t you? That should be sufficient indication. And, remember, across the outermost islands – our enemy, are they not wiping out your people?’
‘I’ve not seen it.’
‘There were intelligence reports, Randur,’ Rika offered. ‘Indeed there has already been genocide on Tineag’l. That’s why the Night Guard were dispatched to the north – it wasn’t a simple military mission. They were to investigate what could have destroyed the settlements.’
‘Good,’ Artemisia finished. ‘It is settled. Let us rest for tonight. You have, I feel, witnessed enough for the moment. Please, absorb what I have said. I will get a couple of the Hanuman to guide you two to some comfortable quarters. In the meantime, Jamur Rika, I invite you to my bedchambers to discuss the future.’ It was said so matter-of-factly, but Randur couldn’t help but think she had designs on Rika in some way, although he hoped she was sensible enough not to be swayed by such attentions.
‘Yes,’ Rika said, ‘it would be an honour.’
‘Rika!’ Eir exclaimed.
‘Easy.’ Randur held her arm, and whispered a reminder of just how many soldiers Artemisia had killed.
‘Eir, I will be perfectly fine,’ Rika said.
Artemisia and Rika strolled away from them, leaving Eir seething. Randur held her but she shrugged him off.
He raised his hands in despair and muttered, ‘She’s a grown lass.
Dammit, she’s older than you, and Empress, and can do what she wants.’
‘Not now!’ Eir snapped.
Two Hanuman fluttered down to his feet and began screeching something, and with little hands they waved emphatically for them to follow.
*
Through the night and through the walls, the groans of a woman filtered in gently. Eir lay there awake, trying to discern if it was Rika’s voice. A candle flickered in the bedchamber, casting a warm light across its wood panelling. There was a constant dull hum somewhere below.
‘Get to sleep,’ Randur mumbled into the pillow.
‘It’s her,’ Eir said. ‘She’s doing something to her. It sounds like they’re having . . . you know. Sex.’
‘Least someone’s enjoying themselves.’
She slapped his back and he grunted. ‘Not Rika. She’s never done anything like that. And, anyway, Artemisia isn’t even human. It’s wrong, and it sounds as if Rika’s in pain. What if she’s torturing her?’
Nothing was to be heard for a moment. Then Rika’s voice penetrated the night like a muted banshee, then a moan that was sensual and deep. Eir made to get up but Randur placed a restraining arm across her, then leaned nearer, squinting in the candlelight. ‘Eir, it doesn’t sound like torture. If it’s sex, then yeah, I’m surprised too, but I’m sure Rika knows what she’s doing. The fact that Rika is not yet dead suggests that Artemisia doesn’t hate the lass. And if they’ve developed some form of bond – then I reckon that it bodes well for all of us. Look at us – we were betrayed by that arsehole Munio. We were about to be dragged off and at some point executed, and then this . . . whatever she is, fell out of the sky and saved us. She needs us alive – or at least Rika. So as long as we’re on her side, we’re safe.’
‘Maybe you’re right.’
‘I’m always right.’
‘What about Munio?’
‘Well, nearly always.’
She softened at the sight of his face. He was trying to smile, but by now she’d learnt to see beyond his bravado. She turned over and attempted to sleep, but the noises her sister was making continued to disturb her.
Dozing off, Randur wondered, too,