The Quest

320

I

'You must sleep here with us tonight,' Fe

Sidudu's groans woke them at the darkest hour of the night. Fe

With fresh water and a linen cloth, Fe

When Meren had replaced the slab Taita said quietly, 'Mother Isis, take this soul into your care. It was conceived in pain and hatred. It perished in shame and suffering. It was not meant for this life. Holy Mother, we pray you, treat the little one more kindly in its next life.'

When he returned to the chamber, Fe

'It is gone,' he said. 'The bleeding will soon staunch, and Sidudu will be well in a few days. She has nothing more to fear.'

'Except the awful man who beats her,' Fe

'Indeed. But she is not the only one: we must all fear Captain Onka.'

He knelt by the sleeping mat and studied Sidudu's exhausted face. She was sleeping soundly. 'Stay with her, Fe

As soon as he had left the chamber, Taita sent for Nakonto and Imbali. 'Go back to where we killed the apes. Hide the carcasses in the forest, then find the pack horses and dispose of the hogs. Pick up the spent arrows and cover any signs we were there. Come back when you have finished.' After they had left, he told Meren and Hilto, 'Colonel

That said that his agent in Mutangi is the headman, Bilto. He will take any message to That. Go to Bilto secretly. Tell him to let That know that we have the girl Sidudu with us—' He was about to go on when they heard many horses galloping down the lane that ran past the front of the house. Loud hectoring shouts rang through the village, then the sound of blows, the wail of women and the whimpering of children.

'Too late, I fear,' Taita said. 'The soldiers are already here. I have no doubt that they are searching for Sidudu.'

'We must hide her.' Meren jumped to his feet. At that moment they heard hobnailed sandals on the paving of the stableyard, followed by pounding on the door. Meren half drew his sword from its scabbard.

'In the name of the Supreme Council, open up!' It was Onka's angry voice.

'Put up your blade.' Taita told Meren quietly. 'Open the door and let them in.'

'But what of Sidudu?' Meren looked towards the door of the i

'We must trust to Fe

'Ah, Captain Onka!' Taita greeted him. 'To what good fortune do we owe the unexpected pleasure of your company?'

With an effort Onka regained his composure. 'I beg your understanding, Magus, but we are searching for a missing girl. She is disturbed and may be raving.'

'What is her age and appearance?'

'She is young and pretty. Have you seen her?'

'I regret I have not.' Taita looked enquiringly at Meren. 'Have you seen anybody matching that description, Colonel?'

'I have not.' Meren was not the best of liars and Onka peered into his face suspiciously. 'You might have waited until morning before disturbing the magus and his household,' Meren blustered.

'I apologize once more,' said Onka, without any attempt to appear sincere, 'but the matter is urgent and ca

'I see that you will do so, whatever I say.' Taita smiled. 'But do it swiftly, then let us be in peace.'

Onka strode to the door of the i

Taita followed him and stood in the doorway. Onka went to the pile

of sleeping mats and fur blankets in the middle of the floor. He turned them over with the point of his sword. There was nobody beneath them.

He glared around the room, then crossed quickly to the cubicle and peered into the nightsoil pot. He grimaced, then returned to the sleeping chamber, and looked around it again, more carefully than before.

Meren stepped into the doorway behind Taita. 'It's empty!' he exclaimed.

'You sound surprised.' Onka rounded on him.

'Not at all.' Meren recovered himself. 'I was merely confirming what the magus has already told you.'

Onka stared at him for a moment, then switched his attention back to Taita. 'You are aware that I am only doing my duty, Magus. Once I have searched the rest of the house, I have been ordered to conduct you to the citadel where the oligarchs will receive you. Please be ready to leave immediately.'

'Very well. At this hour of the night it is not convenient, but I will bow to the dictates of the Supreme Council.'

Onka pushed past Meren, who followed him.

As soon as they were gone Taita opened his I

Fe

For a few moments longer, Taita held her eyes. He exerted all his powers to conceal from her his fears for her safety, and instead to convey to her his love and protection. She smiled trustingly and her aura took on its usual fire and beauty. With the talisman in her right hand she made the circular sign of benediction towards him.

'Stay concealed,' he repeated, and left the chamber.

Meren was waiting alone in the living room, but Taita could hear

Onka and his men rampaging at the back of the house. 'Listen well, Meren.' Taita stood close to him and spoke quietly. 'Fe