Silver Shadows - Elaine Cunningham [157]
Hhune's boots suddenly seemed rooted to the floor. Amid the changeful winds of Zazesspurian power, the Duke stood as unbending as a sycamore. His was an ancient family with vast wealth, and he himself was a grave, distinguished man whose impeccable sense of honor and duty extended to all he did. Therefore, Hembreon tended to view his position in the Knights of the Shield as noblesse oblige. He was also one of the most important leaders of the group, Hhune reminded himself as he shook off his immobility.
The duke stood as Hhune entered the room and gave him his hand. "You have performed a great service to the people of the city."
"I live to serve," Hhune said smoothly, but he cast a quick sidelong glare at his young apprentice. Hasheth gave him a subtle nod, as if encouraging him to play along.
"As you requested, Lord Hhune," Hasheth began, "in your absence I strove to ferret out who among your men might be in league with the Nelanther pirates. It was Achnib, as you suspected. Two of these pirates are even now hi the city's dungeons-men who have sworn that Achnib hired them, paying with information of shipping schedules and routes.
"Nor was that his only crime. He was stealing from you, skimming the profit from the caravans and hoarding coin. What he planned to do with such is beyond belief."
"Achnib was always ambitious," Hhune said in a sage tone, hoping this would fit into the incredible scenario the younger man was weaving.
"The scribe was not content with selling information to the pirates. He began to traffic in armed ships with a; warlord known as Buniap. Worse, there is a faint trail I which attempts to place this crime at your door."
"Indeed?" Hhune managed, marveling at the young I man's audacity.
Incredibly, Duke Hembreon seemed to swallow the absurd recitation. He rose and extended a hand to Hhune.
"By your efforts, the city has gained use of a fleet of some fifteen ships. All Zazesspur owes you thanks."
Hhune murmured a response and saw the duke on his way. Then he turned an ominous, narrowed gaze on his apprentice.
"Much of what I told the duke was true," Hasheth said earnestly. "Achnib was skimming, and he was in league with the mercenary captain. But he lost his nerve and hoped to scuttle away in the confusion after your involvement with Bunlap and his logging operation became known. He attempted to buy passage to Lantan. To protect your interests, I had both Achnib and Bunlap killed, and turned the ships over to the Lords' Council as confiscated goods. They would have found out about them, regardless. Better this way, and be a hero rather than a culprit."
"You seem to be unusually loyal," Lord Hhune pointed out suspiciously.
"What good would have come to me had you been brought low?" the young man said, reasonably enough. "Besides, the Knights were pleased by my initiative and permitted me to enter their ranks, and so, in protecting your interests, I served my own."
Hhune shook his head, apparently stunned by all this. "What of Duke Hembreon? How did you learn the identity of such a powerful man among the Knights?"
"Palace intrigue," Hasheth lied, thinking of the coin in his pocket. He wanted to impress Hhune with his many connections and his own importance. "One of the few benefits of being born a pasha's son. There is more that you should know. The Harpers have been inquiring into your affairs. I thought it best that this matter was concluded, and quickly. The Harpers would not be contented as easily as Duke Hembreon."
"Well done," exclaimed an amused feminine voice.
Hhune looked up; he had almost forgotten about Lucia Thione. "You have a talented new ally, my lord. Perhaps you would consider another? With three such minds, what could we not accomplish in Tethyr?"
Hhune regarded the beautiful woman and the hawk-nosed youth and decided that he could do worse.
"Meet my new apprentice, my dear," he said to Lucia. "And Hasheth, this is Lucia Thione. Surely you recognize her family's name and realize that