“Yes. Or do you need it?”
“No,” Chavori said quickly. “I make these to sell. I sell them all the time. Well, not all the time – maybe a few each year.”
“Then can I buy it?” Kachiro looked up at the far wall of the room. “I think I will buy more, too. Perhaps one of every country, to put up on that wall. It would be good for starting conversations with guests, especially if Sachaka continues to reclaim the lands it used to rule. How much do you want for it?”
Stara felt a chill run down her back, and did not hear the price Chavori asked, or how much extra Kachiro offered. Does he mean Elyne? Well, of course he does. It was part of the empire, just as Kyralia was. They both were given independence at the same time. The thought of Elyne at war made her heart sink. So many of the wonderful things about Elyne rely on the freedom of her people.
Kachiro rose. “I’ll get it now.” He strode to the door. Pausing in the opening, he looked back at Stara and smiled at her, before disappearing.
The smile left her both amused and uncomfortable. It had a hint of mischief in it. A hint of challenge. Was he hoping she’d seduce Chavori right there and then?
I’m not that stupid, she thought. She turned to the young man.
“When will you be taking your maps to the emperor?” she asked.
He grimaced. “Just as soon as he grants me an audience. I’ve been trying to see him for weeks. I guess the war is taking all his attention. But the war is why he needs to see them.”
“Why is that?”
His expression became serious. “Because there are places in the mountains where an enemy could easily hide and live. Caves and valleys where they could grow crops and raise animals for food, and live independently of the rest of us. They could attack the Sachakan people, then disappear again. If the ichani found those places . . .” He shivered. “Once the war with Kyralia is over Emperor Vochira will be too busy establishing his rule over that country to deal with attacks from the mountains.”
Stara frowned. “That is a frightening thought. But if these places exist, why isn’t anyone living there already? Why haven’t the ichani already established themselves there?”
Chavori’s expression was grave. “Access is through a cave through which a river flows. I suspect the river path changed recently – I found signs of a dry bed where a landslide blocked the river some years back. The water must have created or widened the cave...”
“Here you go.” Kachiro strode into the room, carrying a small pouch that clinked in his hand. Chavori rose and smiled with embarrassed gratitude as Kachiro pressed the bag into his hands. “Now, there is something I want to show you.” Kachiro looked up at Stara. “I’m afraid you would not find it interesting, Stara dear,” he said apologetically.
She smiled. “Then I will return to my room, if you wish.”
He nodded.
“Thank you for showing interest in my maps,” Chavori said, looking at her a little plaintively. “I hope you were not bored.”
“No, not at all,” she assured him. “They were fascinating. I look forward to seeing more on our walls, and hearing how they are made.”
He beamed at her. Smiling, she turned away and walked out of the room. A moment later, Vora slipped out of a side corridor and fell into step behind her.
“How was our guest, mistress?”
“Surprisingly pleasant company.” Stara chuckled. “An intelligent man, though a little awkward socially. He will grow out of that in time, I expect.”
Vora hummed non-committally. They reached Stara’s room, and the slave closed the door.
“So, mistress, do you think he’s the sort of man who would admit to being the father of your child, if bribed or blackmailed?”
Stara laughed ruefully. “As subtle as ever, Vora. Yes, he would,” she said. “Whether at the threat of being discredited, or the temptation of having his work funded, he would do it. Don’t worry. I am not going to fall in love with him.”
“That is good. Though . . .” The slave frowned.
“What is it?”
Vora looked up at Stara and her eyes narrowed in thought. “The reason for you remaining childless may have been removed.”
Stara felt her heart stop for a moment, then start racing. “Nachira? You heard news? Is she...is she dead?”
Vora smiled and shook her head. “No.”
Sighing with relief, Stara sat down on the bed. “Then what?” As a possibility occurred to her she felt a thrill of excitement. “Is she pregnant?”
“Not as far as I know.” Vora chuckled.
“Then what?” Stara scowled at the slave. “Stop playing with me! This is serious!”
Vora paused, her gaze becoming thoughtful and, to Stara’s alarm, wary. Then she sighed. “Nachira has vanished. Either left or been taken from your father’s house.”
Stara stared at the old woman. “I see. You don’t appear as alarmed by that as you should be.”
“I am,” Vora assured her.
“No. You’re not.” Stara rose and moved to stand in front of the slave. “What aren’t you telling me?”
A hint of fear entered Vora’s eyes. “Do you trust me, mistress?”
Stara frowned. Do I? She nodded. “Yes, but there are limits, Vora.”
The slave nodded, then looked down. “There are some things I have learned through... through new connections with your husband’s slaves... that I cannot tell you because if I do, and your mind is read by your husband or your father, people will die. People who do good things. People they’ve helped, like Nachira.” She looked up at Stara. “All I can tell you is that Nachira is safe.”
Stara searched the woman’s gaze, which did not waver. Do I trust her enough to accept this? she asked herself. I believe she loves and is loyal to Ikaro, and therefore Nachira. I’m not as sure she loves me as much, but it would be reasonable if she didn’t since she does not know me as well. Yet I think she would try to avoid choosing between us. Which might mean keeping information from me.
I could try reading her mind. But I don’t want to do that to her. And is it worth the risk of endangering Nachira just to find out what happened to her?
“She had better be safe,” Stara said. “And as soon as you can tell me where she is, I expect you to do so.”
Vora’s eyes filled with tears, but she blinked them away quickly. “I will. I promise. Thank you, mistress.”
“Does Ikaro know yet?”
“That would be impossible. She only disappeared last night. No messenger could have got the news to him so fast, even if he knew where in Kyralia Ikaro was.”
Stara moved back to the bed and lay down. “Poor Ikaro. I hope he is all right.”
“I too,” Vora assured her. “I too.”
Who would have thought that horses could turn out to be so vital to the survival of the army? Dakon thought.