‘Jidu would protest,’ Mara objected.
Now Nacoya leaned forward. ‘My Lady, he does not dare. He has his man’s pride; it rankles him to have been bested by a woman. Lord Jidu would rather avoid being the object of more street gossip than turn to you with complaint.’
The discussion of this point continued in depth, with Kevin listening raptly. The Midkemian was silent not so much out of deference as fascination with the intricacy of Tsurani politics. Lately, if he contributed an opinion, it was less from ignorant impulse and more out of insight lent by an alien viewpoint.
Mara weighed the counsel of her advisers and tried to avoid the looming distraction of how much she was going to miss her barbarian when she finally faced her neglected responsibility and chose a suitable husband. Unsettled as the current politics became, she cherished this moment, surrounded by people who cared for her, and the soft, familiar warmth of the summer night.
Lantern light fell kindly over the faces of Keyoke and Nacoya, softening the lines of adversity; it caught Saric’s eyes in a moment of fired enthusiasm; and it hid the weariness in Jican’s posture.
Not a day passed that the hadonra failed to visit the remotest field on the estate; since Dustari, he visited the city every morning, leaving before sunrise and returning before midmorning, enduring two hours of travel to gain earliest word of trade fluctuations from his factors. Few opportunities escaped his diligence, but Mara wished adversities would ease, that she need not lean so heavily on his resources. Jican had taught her much in the intricate world of finance. And her other advisers had rescued the Acoma from disasters invited by her inexperience in her first days of leadership. Silently she thanked Lashima for the guidance of good people. With her pledge to Clan Hadama binding her, and the Minwanabi blood feud against her, she dared not contemplate the loss of any one of those present.
The talk at last wound down. Mara reviewed the major points, a pensive frown on her face. ‘It looks as though I should send a message to Lord Xaltepo, setting a meeting that will most favour my safety. Jican, could you arrange to rent one of the guild halls in Sulan-Qu?’
But a dry voice interrupted before the hadonra could answer. ‘My Lady, with all due respect, a public place might not be the best of choices.’
Unnoticed, quiet as shadow, Arakasi had slipped into the garden; as he bowed, Keyoke’s lips stiffened. Annoyed with himself for missing the moment when the guards at the entry granted a newcomer entrance, the old warrior would never admit his hearing was growing less acute.
Arakasi bowed, his face veiled by the loose cloth of a priest’s cowl. He waited in his distinctively quiet manner for Mara’s leave, then added, ‘I should warn at once that this request by Lord Xaltepo is known to the Minwanabi. My sources indicate that Tasaio is personally intent upon finding out where a meeting between my Lady and the Hanqu might take place. If a guild hall is rented, I fear there may be spies in the walls. And if there are presently no niches for unfriendly parties to eavesdrop, you can presume such would be constructed in time for our mistress’s conference. Tasaio is that persistent when he wants a thing.’
The Spy Master hesitated, as if his own words were distasteful to him. ‘My source was emphatic, much more so than usual. Tasaio wants knowledge of this meeting quite badly.’
Mara’s fingers tightened on her cuffs. ‘By this, I conclude that the Hanqu’s interests go against those of our enemies.’
‘It lends weight to the notion that the Hanqu’s desire for alliance is valid.’ But Arakasi did not seem entirely settled. ‘Too many unanswered questions remain. Expansion of the Hanqu’s spice enterprise seems a motive, but that is speculation. Also there’s a vague rumour that the Nimboni have been approached by Clan Shonshoni.’ The Spy Master’s manner betrayed disquiet. ‘There are things here that are too clear, given how much is unseen.’
‘You worry?’
‘Aye, Lady. Something in his . . .’ he shook his head.
‘Perhaps I’ve grown wary of too much information gained easily.’ He shrugged. ‘Not having kept a close watch upon the Hanqu, it’s not unreasonable that their affairs would escape my notice. I urge caution, though, in the extreme. Meet with Lord Xaltepo somewhere easily defended; if not here, upon your estates; if not on home ground, then somewhere close at hand where we keep an advantage.’