half of what's going on in Nlachi, if that. After our last talk-when you
were first coming up here-I thought it might be best to put some plans
in motion. In case an opportunity arose, you understand. It would be
very convenient for House Siyanti if one of their junior couriers became
the Khai Machi. It didn't seem likely at the time. But ..."
He shrugged and hit into the apple. Otah finished the chicken and took
one of the fruits himself. Even watered, the wine was nearly too strong
to drink.
"We put out men and women to listen," Amiit went on. "To gather what
information we could find. We weren't looking for anything in
particular, you understand. Just an opportunity."
"You were looking to sell information of me to the Khai in return for a
foothold in Machi," Otah said.
"Only as a last resort," Amiit agreed. "It's business. You understand."
"But they found me instead," Otah said. The apple was sweet and chalky
and just slightly bitter. Amiit pushed a platter of cheese toward him.
""That looked bleak. It's truth. And that you'd been in our pay seemed
to seal it. House Siyanti wasn't going to be welcome, whichever of your
brothers took the title."
"And taking me out of their tower was intended to win back their favor?"
Amiit's expression clouded. He shook his head.
"That wasn't our plan. Someone hired a mercenary company to take you
from the city to a low town and hold you there. We don't know who it
was; they only met with the captain, and he's not on our side. But I'm
fairly certain it wasn't your brother or your father."
"But you got word of it?"
"I had word of it. Mercenaries ... well, they aren't always the most
reliable of companions. Sinja-cha knew I was in the city, and would be
interested in your situation. He was ready to make a break with his old
cohort for other reasons, and offered me the opportunity to ... what?
Outbid his captain for his services in the matter?"
"Sinja-cha is the commander?"
"Yes. Or, was. He's in my employ now. With luck, his old captain thinks
him dead along with you and the other armsmen involved."
"And what will you do now? Ransom me back to the Khai?"
"No," Amiit said. "I've already made a bargain that won't allow that.
Besides, I really did enjoy working with you. And ... and you may yet be
in a position to help me more as an ally than a commodity, ne?"
"It's a bad bet," Otah said and smiled.
Amiit grinned again.
"Ah, but the stakes are high. Would you rather just have water? I wasn't
thinking."
"No, I'll keep this."
"Whatever you like. So. Yes, something's happening in Machi. I expect
they're out scouring the world for you even now. And in a day, perhaps
two, they'll find you floating down the river or caught on a sandbar."
"And then?"
"I don't know," Amiit said. "And then we'll know what's happened in the
meantime. Things are moving quickly, and there's more going on than I