Ilario, the Stone Golem Read Online Free PDF Page B

threw down the slate in disgust.
    ‘You’d be the one going into danger!’
    The argument went on for an hour at the least, becoming increasingly
    mathematical. Rekhmire’ joined in, not disputing Honorius’s tactical
    assessments, but digging deeply into the same question – which my
    father declined to answer: How many of your men do you need to stay safe from danger on the roads?
    I stopped speaking and let them go at it, treasuring an idea that came
    into my mind.
    When both fell breathlessly silent, I spoke again.
    ‘The answer to “How many men?” is “All of them”,’ I said. ‘It has to
    be. I’ll tell you why. Father, your concern is that when Videric’s spies see
    you and your men leave, they’ll kill me—’
    ‘ No , you can’t come with me!’ Honorius interrupted. ‘I’ve seen the
    sewing-work on your belly: there’s no way you’re riding a horse or being
    strapped into a litter – or puking your guts up by sea! I know how long it
    takes men to recover from battlefield wounds; you’re still weeks from
    ready, no matter what the Turk said—’
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    ‘Yes, but I don’t think anyone else knows that.’ I walked across the
    room and rested my hands on his shoulders, standing behind his chair.
    ‘Go with all your men, banners flying. Ensign Saverico is about my
    height and build, although he’s fair-haired. Put him in my green
    travelling cloak and a skirt. Any spies will report to Videric that I’ve left
    Venice.’
    ‘A battle double.’ Honorius glanced up, the dawning of amusement in
    his gaze. ‘Well thought of! But not good enough. Am I supposed to leave
    my son-daughter and Onorata to that whoreson Federico, or any other
    ruffian who can make his way to Venice?’
    ‘You’ll lose your estates!’
    He looked away from me. ‘My reputation – which you and the
    Egyptian both seem to think I have – should mean I have no difficulty in
    earning more money, and buying more land. If it’s not in Taraco . . .
    then it’s elsewhere.’
    ‘You are the worst liar!’
    Honorius grinned, and reached for the seal on a wine bottle.
    ‘Honorius – Father —’
    It was my first experience of a long and pointless argument as a free
    individual rather than as a slave.
    It was no less aggravating, and I seemed equally powerless. True, no
    man threatened to whip me when I threw a shoe at Honorius’s head. But
    that was solely because it made him laugh, and then wipe at his eyes as if
    he were deeply moved.
    ‘Stupid soldier!’ I snarled.
    He crossed the room and put his arms about my shoulders. As ever, he
    seemed to have no hesitation in touching me. He wept a little.
    ‘Must have been hanging out with too many damned English
    mercenaries,’ he muttered, wiping his face. ‘All the English are far too
    emotional, always have been!’
    I stated it as plainly as I could. ‘If you have to fight to be paid again,
    you might be killed. I don’t want that.’
    ‘I am going nowhere until you’re safe!’ He scowled at me. ‘And – what
    is safe? If you and the child could travel, I wouldn’t take you with me.
    You and Videric in the same kingdom? There’d be men waiting at every
    corner to cut your throat!’
    ‘Then I’ll stay in Venice!’
    ‘That’s no better!’
    The tense silence snapped, broken by a diplomatic cough from
    Rekhmire’.
    ‘There’s Alexandria,’ I said, and translated for Honorius: ‘Constanti-
    nople.’
    ‘“Constantinople.” ’ Rekhmire’ wrinkled his upper lip at the Frankish
    name for his city. ‘I had wondered, if I can find Herr Mainz, or if the Pharaoh-Queen sends a new ambassador for Venice, whether I could
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    wait a month or so until the weather is clearer, and then take a ship down
    through the Aegean to Alexandria. But, such a long voyage . . . ’
    Honorius scowled. ‘Onorata is still very small. Travel might kill her.’
    ‘Alexandria is far enough from Taraco that Ilario should be out of
    Videric’s reach. And Ilario will have