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He and the guards found Basha, who was contemplating the purchase of a new decorative plant. There you are, she said. I thought I d have to call the police. My apologies, Your Honor. Marek handed her the fried bread. There was a long line. Yes, it s dreadful how they let anyone come to these festivals. You d think they d have a special day for the worthwhile families to attend without having to mingle with the rabble. Maybe we should pass a law to that effect. She turned away from the plant, apparently forgetting it in the excitement of a new policy initiative. Your Honor. Marek tried not to sound too eager. There s an artist whose wares you might like to see. Hmm? She gave him a distracted glance. What kind of artist? From Asermos. He makes carvings like the ones you have in your living room. Marek took a calculated risk. But these are better. What? Her voice went shrill. Impossible. Show me. They went to Arcas s stall. The Spider was the only person within the shade of the small tent. He displayed an ingratiating smile at their approach. Good afternoon, my lady. He glanced at the patch of red and gold on the shoulder of her white dress. Forgive me I mean, Your Honor. Entranced by the array of carvings, she waved off his apology. Are you the artist or just the vendor? Both. I m independent. I can tell. She shoved her plate at Marek for him to hold, then picked up the wolf and examined its many teeth. These are unlike anything I ve seen. You have your own style. She pointed to the carved wooden spider around his neck. I see from your fetish you re an artist by Spirit. Your magic is obvious. Thank you, Your Honor. He bowed. I am humbled by your appreciation. Yes. She set the wolf down. Are these for sale or merely samples? Arcas swept his hand over a table of wood carvings. For sale, Your Honor. These are all the animals I have here in Leukos. He looked at Marek, down at the table, then back at Marek, who caught his meaning and stepped closer. On the table sat a group of exquisitely carved animals: a wolverine, a bat, two horses, a wolf, a cougar, a spider, and great Spirits, yes a crow. Besides Rhia and Arcas, it must be Lycas, Alanka, Koli and perhaps Adrek but who were the two Horses? It took a moment to remember the name of Arcas s friend Bolan. He was probably represented by the placid grazing horse. The other Horse could be Filip. Had a Descendant come to help him? It would give them an advantage none of the other rescuers had possessed. Marek indicated the rearing steed carved from a light-colored wood. This one looks new. It is. Arcas pointed to the west. Its material comes from this region, in fact. So it was Filip. If he had Arcas s signal right, they were staying somewhere in the western part of the city. How lovely, Basha exclaimed. An amalgamation of the two cultures. Symbolic of things to come, I hope. She ran her finger along the blue cloth that covered the table. Hmm. No foxes. As if the word had awakened that wily part of him, Marek conceived an idea. May I suggest that you commission this artist to make you one? Her face lit up. Yes! But bigger than that little thing I have now. Life-sized. She held her arms far apart. Marek held back a derisive laugh. Your Honor, with respect, real foxes aren t that big. They weigh as much as a large housecat. She furrowed her brow. But I want a big one. He could make you a larger one, perhaps even human-sized. He looked at Arcas. Right? Comprehension dawned on the Spider s face. Certainly. There s enough driftwood scattered about the beach to make a human-sized fox. Basha s eyes narrowed. When could you have it ready? Arcas made a show of consideration. Marek hoped it would be soon, but not so soon as to rouse Basha s suspicions. Seven days. She scowled. I m hosting dinner on the festival s final night. That s in four days. To have this to show my rivals it would make them remember what they re dealing with. Four days? Arcas feigned dismay. Perhaps, if an extra fee were involved. It shall be. She waved her hand and started to turn away. Petrop, negotiate a price and give him a third as a down payment. Half, Your Honor, Arcas said. When she turned back to him, wide-eyed, he added, If you don t like [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |