Helliconia Summer - Brian W. Aldiss [438]
‘We should not quarrel, we both have our difficulties, I in Kace, you at home in Matrassyl, if the reports that reach me are to be trusted. But you cannot bring that creature into my court – the force of the opinion of the court is against it, whatever I personally may say.’
‘Why did you not say this when I arrived, two days ago?’
A heavy sigh from the Oldorandan king. ‘You have had two days’ grace. Think of it like that. The Holy C’Sarr arrives shortly, as you know. The honour of receiving him means much, but is a grave responsibility. He will not tolerate the sight of a phagor. You are too difficult for us, Jandol. Since you have exhausted your purpose here, why do you not return to your capital tomorrow, with your troupe of animals?’
‘Am I that unwelcome? You invited me to stay for the C’Sarr’s visit. What poison has SartoriIrvrash poured in your ear?’
‘The occasion when the Holy C’Sarr is present must pass off peacefully. Perhaps the alliance with powerful Pannoval is more important to me than to you, since my kingdom is nearer. Frankly, fuggies and fuggy-lovers are not popular in this part of the world. If you have no purpose here, then I suggest we give you godspeed tomorrow.’
‘If I have a purpose?’
Sayren Stund cleared his throat. ‘What purpose? We are both religious men, Jandol. Let us go and pray and be scourged together now, and part as friends and allies in the morning. Isn’t that best? Then your visit can be sweetly remembered. I will give you a boat with which you can sail rapidly down the Valvoral and be home in no time. Can you smell the flowering zaldal? Beautiful, isn’t it?’
‘I see.’ JandolAnganol folded his arms. ‘Very well, then, if that is as deep as your friendship and your religion go – we shall quit your presence on the morrow.’
‘We shall sorrow to see you leave us. So will our queen and daughter.’
‘I comply with your request, and poorly I think of it. In return, answer my question. Where is SartoriIrvrash?’
The King of Oldorando showed sudden spirit. ‘You have no right to think poorly of my request. Do you imagine my daughter would be dead today if you had not been espoused to her? It was a political killing – she had no personal enemies, poor girl. Then you come to my court with your filthy fuggies and expect to be made welcome.’
‘Sayren, I say truly, I grieve for the death of Simoda Tal. If I found the murderer, I would know how to deal with him. Do not increase my sorrow by laying that evil at my door.’
Sayren Stund ventured to rest his hand upon the arm of his brother king.
‘Do not worry yourself about – the man you mention, your ex-chancellor. We have given him a room in one of the monastic hostels which lie behind this palace and the Dom. You will not have to meet with him. And we will not part foes. That would not do.’ He blew his nose. ‘Just be sure you leave Oldorando tomorrow.’
They made each other a bow. JandolAnganol went slowly up to his quarters in a wing of the palace, Yuli following behind.
Indifferent tapestries hung on the walls here, the board floor was filthy. He knocked on his infantry major’s door. No answer came. On inspiration, he went along to Fard Fantil’s door and knocked. The Royal Armourer called to him to enter. The hunchback sat on his bed, polishing his boots; he jumped to his feet when he saw who entered. A phagor guard stood silent by the window, spear in hand.
JandolAnganol lost no time in coming to the point.
‘You’re the very man I want. This is your native city and you know local customs as I don’t. We leave here tomorrow – yes, it’s unexpected, but there’s no choice. We sail to Matrassyl.’
‘Trouble, sire?’
‘Trouble.’
‘He’s tricky, is the king.’
‘I want to take SartoriIrvrash with me, prisoner. He’s here, in the city. I want you to find him, overpower him, smuggle him into these quarters. We can’t cut his throat – it would cause too much of a scandal. Get him here, unseen.’
Fard Fantil began to pace up and down the room, clutching his brow. ‘We can’t do such a thing. It’s impossible. The law won’t allow. What has he