Siege (2010) by Hight Jack

Author:Hight, Jack [Jack, Hight,]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: John Murray
Published: 2011-01-14T19:14:32.593000+00:00

Halil sat alone in his luxurious tent, propped up by cushions and with a portable writing desk across his lap. He had been busy writing since early morning, letter after letter to nearby emirs and beys, in which he requested the delivery of food and other supplies. The sultan’s army consumed enormous quantities, and even after months of preparation, they would not be able to stay in the field for much over a week without fresh supplies. It was Halil’s task to acquire those supplies. The letters he wrote were, of course, a mere formality. If the lords refused to supply the sultan’s army at a fair price, then troops would simply take the provisions.

As Halil started yet another letter, Isa stepped into his tent. ‘Servants, leave us,’ Halil said. ‘Isa, you may sit.’ He gestured to some cushions on the floor, but Isa remained standing. ‘I had expected you back sooner. You delivered the poison and the bird?’

‘The monk has them both, and he promises that the city will not fall until Mehmed is dead.’

‘Did he say anything else about his plans?’

‘No, only that the messenger who brings the secret to conquering Constantinople will also be the one who brings news of Mehmed’s death.’

‘A riddle then,’ Halil said. ‘And one best left unsolved. The less we know of Gennadius’s actions the better. I have another task for you.’

Isa held up his hand, cutting the vizier off. ‘I grow tired of serving as your messenger. You promised me the release of my family if I did as you asked, and I have done all that you asked and more, these three years past.’ He pulled a small pouch from beneath his robes. ‘I am done with this. Release my family, or I will kill you here and now.’

A trickle of sweat ran down Halil’s spine. ‘Do not be rash, Isa,’ he said, managing to keep his voice steady. ‘If you kill me, then your family will die. You know that. Do not throw their lives away when you are so close to winning their freedom. I have but one more task for you, and then your family will be free.’

Isa hesitated, then finally put the pouch back beneath his robes. ‘What would you have me do?’

‘Go back to Edirne and kill young Bayezid, the son of the sultan,’ Halil told him. ‘Make his death look natural, but do it quickly. He must die before this siege is through, before the death of Mehmed.’

‘And if I do this, then my family will be freed?’

‘When my men hear that Bayezid is dead, then they will turn your family over to you, and you will be well rewarded for your many services.’

‘I do not want any more of your money, Halil, only my family,’ Isa said. His hand went back to the pouch of poison. ‘Do I have your word that they will be freed?’

‘You have my word.’

‘Very well. For your sake, you had best keep your promise,’ Isa said and left the tent.

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