With that there was a sharp pop! and Gundara vanished.
Instinct jolted Nerisa to her feet and without a word she threw herself at the window. She disappeared through it just as the door slammed open and four very large, very pale men rushed inside. Safar scooped up the idol, hiding it in his robes as he scrambled to his feet to confront the invaders.
"What's the meaning of this? he demanded.
The tallest and palest of the men answered, Any meaning I like, Acolyte Timura! Now, tell me where the thief Nerisa is! And tell me quick if you value your hide!"
Safar's heart climbed into his throat.
The man confronting him was Lord KalasarizWalaria's notorious spymaster.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Tall as Safar was, the spy master was taller and so thin and pale in his black robes and skull cap that he looked like a specter.
Safar should have abased himselfshould have fallen to his knees and knocked his head against the floor, begging his Lord's forbearance. But he had to give Nerisa time to escape so instead he brazened it out, rudely yawning and stretching his arms as if he'd been awakened from a deep sleep.
"Forgive me, my friend, he said, but I've been studying late. Exams coming up, you know."
"How dare you call me Friend! Kalasariz roared.
Safar peered at him in mock surprise, then shrugged. My mistake, he said. I can see from your attitude that few, if any, would care to make that claim."
"Don't you know who I am? Kalasariz thundered.
"Apparently not, Safar lied. Or I'd know how to properly beg you to please lower your voice. I'm of nervous disposition. Loud sounds make me ill and I find it difficult to concentrate."
"I am Lord Kalasariz, the spy master hissed. Do you know that name, bumpkin?"
Safar scratched his head, then pretended to jolt and gape. Forgive me, Lord, he said, bobbing his head. I had no idea that"
"Silence! Kalasariz commanded. I asked you a question when I entered. Answer it nowwhere is the thief, Nerisa?"
Safar put on his best look of puzzlement. Nerisa? Now, where do I know that name? Nerisa? Is she the wife of the baker on Didima Street? No, that can't be… He snapped his fingers. I've got it! You mean that child that hangs around the Foolsmire? Is that who you seek?"
"You know very well who I mean, Acolyte Timura, Kalasariz said.
Safar nodded. I do now, Lord, he said. But I don't know where she is. Except… have you checked at the Foolsmire? She sleeps there sometimes."
"I know that, Kalasariz gritted out.
"I suppose you would, Safar said. Being chief spI mean Guardian of Walaria and all."
"Do you deny you were in her company today? Kalasariz demanded.
"No, I… uh… suppose I don't deny it, Safar said. But I can't confirm it either. He gave a sheepish grin. I was taken drunk most of the day, you see. I don't remember much about it. Maybe I saw Nerisa. Maybe I didn't. Sorry I can't be of more help."
"I dislike your manner, Safar Timura, Kalasariz said. Perhaps you think you're safe from me because you are under the protection of Lord Umurhan. That I have no sway over University affairs."
"Forgive my rough mountain manners, Lord, Safar said. Sometimes I unintentionally give city people offense. I know quite well that you are charged with seeing the law is kept in Walaria. Quite naturally those duties would include the temple and university."
Kalasariz ignored him, peering about Safar's room, long nose twitching like a hunting ferret's.
To draw away suspicion, Safar plunged onward. Pardon my foolishness, Lord, he said, but why would someone of your eminence be looking for a common thief? And a child thief, at that?"
Kalasariz eyes swept and Safar suddenly felt very cold as he was confronted by the spymaster's glittering eyes. I was told you were the brightest student at the university, the spymaster said. Too bright for your own good, perhaps. And disdainful of rules and authority."
He paused, waiting to see if Safar would be foolish enough to answer. At last he nodded in satisfaction. At least you're bright enough to know when to keep your tongue still, he said. I'll answer your question two ways, Acolyte Timura. If you're so intelligent you'll know which one to choose for a correct answer.
"The first is this: I'm looking for the girl because an informant has reported that she is a vital messenger for a group of traitorous students."
Safar needed no acting help to make his eyes widen. Nerisa? he said, amazed.
Kalasariz eyes gleamed with renewed suspicion. Are you claiming you know nothing of these students?"
Safar knew better than to lie about something that was common knowledge in Walaria. I've heard, Lord, he said, that there are certain students at the University who are misguided enough to question the policies of the good King Didima. Then seeing that this bit of truth had been swallowed without difficulty he chanced a lie. I have no personal experience or knowledge about those foolish ones, he said. Just as I had no idea who you were when you came into my room. I have no interest in politics, My Lord. Nor have I ever displayed any."
Kalasariz looked Safar up and down, studying every crease in his costume, every twitch in his face. Then he said, The second answer is that the girl, Nerisa, is only an excuse. And that I'm here for an entirely different reason."
Kalasariz paused, fixing Safar with a stare. Then he said, I understand you are a close friend of Iraj Protarus."
Safar was too startled to hide his surprise. Why, yes, I am, he said. Or I was some time ago. I haven't seen him or heard from him in years."
"What if I told you I had different reports, Acolyte Timura? Kalasariz said. What if I told you that I have a reliable informant will to testify that you are communication with Protarus regularly?"
"I'd say your informant was a liar, My Lord, Safar replied, quite firmly. And I'd also say, who cares? Iraj Protarus has nothing to do with Walaria."
Kalasariz curled a lip. Are you claiming ignorance of Protarus activities? he asked. Are you saying you know nothing of his many conquests?"
Safar shrugged. I've heard the market gossip, Lord, he said. Some of it might even be true. When I knew Iraj he was determined to become leader of his clan. And I understand he's achieved this. That he's undisputed ruler of the Southern Plains."
"Oh, his claims are disputed, all right, Kalasariz said.
"You mean by his uncle, Lord Fulain, Safar said. And his uncle's allyKoralia Kan. Iraj told me about them years ago. He hated them with good reason, it seemed to me. The last bit of market gossip I heard was that Fulain and Kan were routed and have fled to Lord Kan's kingdom."
"You know much, Kalasariz said, for one who pretends no interest in politics."
"Iraj was my friend, Lord, Safar said. It's only natural I'd take an interest in any news I heard."
"Then how did you miss the news, Acolyte Timura, Kalasariz said with a sneer, that Iraj Protarus has been proclaimed an enemy of Walaria?"
Safar reacted, shocked. When? he said. I've heard nothing of this."
Kalasariz smiled. Actually, he said, it hasn't been announced yet. The king has entered into an alliance with the Lords Fulain and Kan. He suspects Iraj will not be satisfied with his southern holdings and will soon seek to extend his borders. This alliance will be announced tomorrow."
Safar had every reason believe everything Kalasariz said was true. He remembered quite clearly Iraj's dreams of grand conquestas clearly as he recalled his own vision of Iraj leading a great army.
Kalasariz harsh voice broke through his thoughts. Do you still claim, Acolyte Timura, that you have had no communication with the barbarian who now claims a royal title? He spit on the floor. King Protarus, he sneered. Such savage pretensions."