Thraxas at War by Martin Scott

Author:Martin Scott
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fantasy, General, Fiction
ISBN: 9780748109029
Publisher: BookBaby
Published: 2003-07-02T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

A few beers later it’s time to head up to my office. The fight took it out of me and I could do with some sleep. Dandelion is collecting tankards from the tables.

“I heard some people in your office,” she says.

Viriggax glances over.

“Are you expecting anyone?”

I shake my head.

Viriggax rises to his feet and motions to a few of his men. I don’t protest. After being assaulted by eight armed thugs I don’t mind an escort. If anyone is lying in wait for me they’re in for an unpleasant shock.

“I thought you might have gone soft in the city, Thraxas. But I see you still get in plenty of trouble!”

I draw my sword as I put my ear to my office door. Inside I can hear faint noises. Dandelion was right. Uninvited visitors. I kick the door open and charge into the room, sword raised. Viriggax and his men follow with their axes aloft, ready to meet any danger. In my time as an Investigator I’ve confronted assassins, dragons and the worst scum the streets have to offer, so I’m prepared for anything. Even so, I have to admit I’m surprised to find that my office is full of women, who’ve tidied the place up and put a nice rug on the floor. There are flowers on the windowsill and sweet-smelling incense hangs in the air. A pot of deat, a herbal drink, is brewing gently in front of the fire.

“Thraxas,” says Makri, rising from the couch. “What are you doing here? You’re meant to be investigating.”

I’m speechless. I look round at the twelve or so women gathered here. The powerful Sorcerers Lisutaris, Mistress of the Sky, and Melus the Fair sit next to Ginixa, manager of the local public baths, and Morixa, the young baker. Two women in the robes of the senatorial class, one grey-haired and the other much younger, are perched on the arms of a chair. Next to them are a few other market workers and another woman who I think I’ve seen driving a wagon down by the docks. Sitting in the far corner is Hanama, Assassin.

I regain my voice.

“What the hell is going on here?”

“We’re having a meeting,” says Makri.

I find myself blinking in bewilderment.

“A meeting?”

Viriggax lowers his axe and gives me an odd look.

“You have women’s meetings in your room?”

“No!”

“I’m sorry about this,” says Makri, to her companions. “I thought we wouldn’t be disturbed.”

“It’s all right,” replies Lisutaris. “I’m sure Thraxas won’t mind leaving us in peace for a little longer.”

I glare at the head of the Sorcerers Guild.

“Is that so? Well, I’m not sure about that at all. Since when did my office become a meeting place for … for…” I struggle to find the word. “For women,” I conclude, lamely. And what are you doing here anyway?”

“Reading group.”

“Reading group? Are you telling me that Melus the Fair doesn’t know how to read?”

“We were discussing ways of broadening the programme,” says Melus. “Many women around the Stadium Superbius wish to join.”

“Then go to the stadium and recruit them,” I counter.

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