Master of the Dance by T C Southwell Page A

searched. The assassin is a different matter. If Dravis hires a poisoner or crossbowman, he may succeed. I should return to Jashimari."
    "No. We need you here," Kerrion stated.
    "I am no good to you dead."
    "You are no good to us in Jashimari, either."
    "You could disguise yourself, My Lord," Minna suggested. "I know you wish to return to Jashimari, but I need you here. Once more, there is a threat to my life, and I do not believe you fear an assassin."
    "You are mistaken, My Queen. A skilled assassin could kill me. As for a disguise, that would be difficult. Donning a disguise for a few time-glasses is one thing, living in it for days, even tendays, is far more difficult, and fraught with peril. If I became a soldier, I would have to live in the barracks, where they have communal bathing facilities and large dormitories. If I became a handmaiden, the same problem arises, only worse."
    Minna looked disappointed. "Indeed. I had not thought of that. But even if you remain yourself, surely another assassin could not kill you so easily?"
    "I would not be an easy target for a man who kills at close range with a dagger or garrotte, but a poisoner has merely to tamper with my food, and a crossbowman could kill me when I walk in the gardens."
    "Then do not walk in the gardens," Kerrion muttered.
    Blade glared at the King. "Why do you not just lock me up in your dungeons again?"
    "That could be arranged, and -"
    "No." Minna shook her head. "No one is locking Lord Conash up."
    "There are too many guards in the gardens during the day," Kerrion stated.
    Blade sipped his wine. "If the assassin is good, the guards will not see him, even in the day. If he is very good, even you are not safe, My Queen. The fact that you share Kerrion's bed would not prevent me from killing you."
    "You are exceptional, My Lord. What do you suggest?"
    He gazed at the wine in his goblet. "If I am to remain here, then I shall have to take the risk. Now that they know I am in Jadaya, they will strive to find me."
    Kerrion frowned. "I will send as many spies as I can spare into the city, but Dravis and Jovan have many friends who will hide them. Jovan cannot describe you in any detail, only that you are Jashimari. Perhaps you could disguise yourself as a Cotti lord, and remain in your rooms."
    Blade pulled a face. "A disguise that I particularly loath. Not only does the damned wig itch, but the skin dye washes off in every bath, and I would require copious amounts of it to keep renewing it. It would also be rather pointless, since Dravis has only to send men to kidnap and torture Olan, or one of your maidens, to find out about it. It would be better to have several decoys. Find men who are of my build, dye their hair black and powder their faces, then give them rooms in the palace."
    "An excellent idea," the King agreed. "In addition, I recommend that you share our meals, and I will assign a bodyguard to you."
    The assassin snorted, shooting a glance at the Elder Queen. "I have suffered that indignity before, and I have no liking for it."
    "Nevertheless, you will suffer it again, My Lord. I will not risk losing you." Her tone brooked no argument.
    Kerrion looked at his daughter. "Fortunately, Kerra's identity has been kept a secret, but even so, I will assign her a bodyguard too."
    "There is no need, father, I sleep in Blade's rooms at night."
    "Really?" He eyed her. "During the day, then."
    Blade sighed and shook his head, then drained his cup in a gulp, clearly disgusted at the situation in which he now found himself.

 
     
    Chapter Six
     
    Jovan gazed at his brother in frustration, longing to wash his hands of the young upstart. Dravis lay stretched out on the tatty bed in a seedy inn, where they had taken a room, eyeing his older brother with ill-concealed disdain. Jovan stood by the window, and his familiar perched on the sill, munching an apple and watching the people in the street. Jovan had been arguing with his brother for almost a time-glass, trying to