Thraxas - The Complete Series by Martin Scott

Author:Martin Scott
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

The Assemblage is due to start in three days’ time. Already Sorcerers are arriving in the city, though there’s little sign of them in Twelve Seas. They’re either staying as guests of Turanian Sorcerers in Truth is Beauty Lane or else living in villas rented by the Guild in Thamlin. Some of the more adventurous among them may be visiting the Kushni quarter in the centre of town, where there’s a lot of diversion in the way of whores, gambling, drinking and dwa, but none ventures as far as Twelve Seas. This doesn’t mean we’re not interested in them. The local citizens read news of each new arrival in The Renowned and Truthful Chronicle of All the World’s Events, the cheap and poorly produced news sheet that brings the population of Turai its regular dose of gossip and scandal. Faced as we are with so many enemies, it’s comforting for Turanians to have powerful Sorcerers within our walls. When it’s learned that I’m to attend the Assemblage, most people are impressed, although fairly amused at the thought of me being some sort of government official.

“Of course,” as Chiaraxi, the local healer, points out, “it’s not as if our officials are all sober, responsible citizens. From what I’ve seen of these degenerates in the Senate, Thraxas would fit right in.”

“Only if they could make a special outsize toga,” replies Rox, who should stick to selling fish.

Bolstered by such support, I’m wrapping up all other business. The Transport Guild has paid me for the apprehension of Rezox and I’ve been to visit the suspicious merchant with regard to his wife. He’s a timber dealer by the name of Rixad. While I can’t say he’s the friendliest client I’ve ever had, he does seem to take my opinions seriously and he doesn’t quibble over payment. Rixad is around fifty, overweight and not the handsomest man in the city. I can see he might be suspicious of his glamorous young wife, but if he wants to use his wealth to scoop up a beauty in need of money, it’s almost bound to happen. His wife started off on the stage and might have thought it a wise move to swap the uncertain life of an actress for the luxury of an important merchant’s household, but she’s probably bored by now.

I report that as far as I can see she has no external interests save in beautifying herself.

“I checked out her visitors but there’s nothing suspicious. Standard crowd, cater for all the richest women in the city. I expect it’s costing you a bundle, but apart from that you’ve nothing to worry about.”

Rixad nods.

“The last bill from Copro was for more than a shipload of timber. I don’t mind. It keeps her happy.”

Copro is quite a well-known man in Turai. One of our finest beauticians. Since arriving in Turai he’s attained such a reputation that the female aristocracy fight for his services. Princess Du-Akan swears by him, I believe. He’s been a frequent visitor

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