Pug shook his head and deemed not to answer.
‘What we have now is very little time. The Imperial Archivist is at our disposal, but for only three days. You must discover what we need to know in two, because if I am to break in and steal something, I need to plan how to do it the day before we leave.’ He sighed. ‘While I have little problem with robbing the Quegans, I do have a problem with needlessly starting a war, especially when soon we may need to fight a far more dire one. The Quegans are suspicious by nature, and you will be watched, so always remember there are eyes watching you and ears nearby, even if it doesn’t seem that way. Once we leave this cabin, we will be living our roles as noble and scholars. If you have any questions, now is the time.’
No one did; they had rehearsed their various roles for the full seven days of sailing time from Krondor to Queg. The necessity of arriving publicly by ship had given them a great deal of time to perfect and review their plan.
‘Well,’ said Jim, standing, ‘I think we’ve kept the Quegan nobles standing in the hot sun long enough. Let us go and be diplomatic.’
Pug and his two companions followed Jim up to the deck and found the sailors of the Kingdom ShipRoyal Dolphin securing their vessel. A long gangway had been run out to the dock below and Jim paused dramatically at the top of it before starting his descent. Pug had not visited Queg in more than a century and his first sight brought amazement at how little had changed.
The City of Queg, capital of the island nation of the same name, was really made up of two cities. Below them lay the docks, the poor quarter, and every manner of industry given to dirt, blood, and filth: the tanners, dyers, slaughterhouses, fish markets and forges. The air hung heavy with smoke and soot, odours that assaulted the senses and noise to deafen.
The streets thronged with workers, traders and fishmongers. Few travellers came and went; Queg was not considered a hospitable nation.
The upper city rose upon the hills behind the harbour, and was dominated by the Emperor’s palace. It shone brightly in the sun, for its walls had been faced with white marble over the years, and on clear days, this gleaming jewel of a building could be seen for miles out at sea. It was also, Pug thought, one of the finest examples of excesses and bad taste that could be found on Midkemia.
A delegation of Quegan officials waited for them on the dock, none of whom looked especially pleased at the duty before them, but all effecting broad smiles; their forced air of welcome that was less than persuasive. They wore the traditional white togas of office, each lined with a single band of colour that ran over the shoulder and along the hem. Those trimmed in red were city officials, while those in gold represented the Emperor. As only one person wore gold trim, Jim presented himself to him. ‘I am Baron James, of the King’s Court in Rillanon, and these are my companions.’
The official said, ‘I am Lord Meridious, Chancellor of the Imperial Archives; I have been given the honour of hosting your visit.’ He was a round-faced man, but broad of shoulder, heavy muscle was evident under his fat.
Jim shook the man’s outstretched hand and said, ‘I thank His Imperial Majesty for his courtesy and willingness to allow our scholars access to your archives. Especially in light of the abrupt delivery of the request.’
‘It was rather odd,’ agreed the Chancellor, ‘but his Imperial Majesty is always anxious to keep harmonious relations with our neighbours and it seemed a small favour to ask.’
Jim turned and motioned to his three companions. He introduced Pug, Magnus and Amirantha. Seemingly overawed by the presence of the official’s own majesty, all three magicians managed a fair imitation of a self-conscious bow.
‘We have litters ready to bear you to the palace,’ said the Chancellor.
Jim nodded and with a tilt of his head indicated that the others should follow. They walked along the docks between two lines of Quegan soldiers, four with herald horns which had been sounded when the ship had arrived. Now they stood motionless in the hot sun awaiting the order to return to barracks.
Reaching the quay, they found four litters waiting for them. The various city officials, who had not uttered a word, retired to their various offices and the Chancellor invited Jim to enter a litter. Pug shared another with Amirantha, and Magnus took the third.
The litter bearers were uniformly muscular young men, wearing only the heavy linen skirt of their trade, and heavy-soled cross gartered sandals. Their bodies gleamed with flower scented oils so their perspiration would not annoy their passengers. They picked up the litters and started off at a quick pace, while two soldiers marched ahead of them, clearing the citizens of Queg from their path.