Sign of chaos

Beyond the fact that I didn't want to distress her, I couldn't very well tell her what had happened without its becoming apparent that her sister was indeed an illegitimate daughter of Oberon. At a time such as this, when I had been cautioned about saying anything that might strain relations between Amber and Begma, I was not about to confirm to the daughter of the Begman prime minister the rumor that her mother had had an affair with the late king of Amber. Maybe it was an open secret back in Begma and nobody gave a damn. But maybe it wasn't. I didn't want to disturb Random for advice, partly because he might be extremely occupied in Kashfa just now; but mainly because he might also start asking me about my own immediate plans and problems, and I would not lie to him. That could get me into too much trouble. Such a conversation might well also result in his forbidding my attack on the Keep. The only other person I could tell about Coral and get some sort of official response from, as to how far I might go in informing her family, was Vialle. Unfortunately, Vialle was completely occupied as hostess at the moment.

I sighed and returned to my dinner.

Bill caught my attention and leaned a little in my direction. I leaned a little, too.

«Yes?» I said.

«There were some things I wanted to tell you,» he began. «I was hoping for some leisure, some quiet, and some privacy, though.»

I chuckled.

«Exactly,» he continued. «I believe this is the best we're going to get for a time. Fortunately, voices don't seem to be carrying if one keeps them down. I couldn't make out what you and Nayda were talking about. So it's probably okay, so long as the musicians keep playing.»

I nodded, took a few more bites.

«Thing is, the Begmans shouldn't hear about it, on the one hand. But on the other, I feel that perhaps you ought to know, because of your involvement with Luke and Jasra. So what's your schedule? I'd rather tell you later, but if you're going to be tied up, I can give you the gist of it now.»

I glanced at Nayda and Cade. They seemed totally occupied with their food, and I didn't think they could overhear us. Unfortunately, I didn't have any sort of sheltering spells hung.

«Go ahead,» I whispered from behind my wine glass.

«First,» he said, «Random sent me a whole slew of papers to go over. They're the draft of an agreement whereby Amber will grant Kashfa privileged trade status, the same as Begma. So they'll definitely be coming into the Golden Circle.»

«I see,» I said. «That doesn't come as a complete surprise. But it's good to know for sure what's going on.»

He nodded.

«There's a lot more to it, though,» he said.

Just then the musicians stopped playing and I could hear voices from all around the table again. I glanced off to the right and saw that a steward had just taken the players a food tray and some wine. They were setting their instruments aside and taking a break. They had probably been playing for some time before I'd arrived and were doubtless due a rest.

Bill chuckled. «Later,» he said.

«Right.» There followed a funny little fruit dish with an amazing sauce. As I spooned it away, Nayda caught my attention with a gesture and I leaned toward her again.

«So what about tonight?» she whispered.

«What do you mean? I said I'd look for her if she doesn't show up.»

She shook her head. «I wasn't referring to that,» she said. «I meant later. Will you have time to stop by and talk?»

«About what?»

«According to your file you've been in a bit of trouble recently, with someone trying to get you.»

I began wondering about that damned file. But, «It's out of date,» I said. «Whatever's in there has already been cleared up.»

«Really? Then nobody's after you just now?»

«I wouldn't say that,» I replied. «The cast of characters keeps changing.»

«So somebody still has you marked?»

I studied her face.

«You're a nice lady, Nayda,» I said, «but I've got to ask, What is it to you? Everybody has problems. I just have more than usual at the moment. I'll work them out.»

«Or die trying?»

«Maybe. I hope not. But what's your interest?»

She glanced at Cade, who seemed busy with his food,. «It is possible that I could help you.»

«In what fashion?»

She smiled.

«A process of elimination,» she stated.

«Oh? That refers to a person or persons?»

«Indeed.»

«You have some special means of going about this sort of business?»

She continued to smile.

«Yes, it's good for removing problems caused by people,» she continued. «All I'll need are their names and locations.»

«Some sort of secret weapon?»

She glanced at Cade again, since I had raised my voice a bit.

«You might call it that,» she answered.

«An interesting proposal,» I said. «But you still haven't answered my first question.»

«Refresh my memory.»