Ten for Dying (John the Lord Chamberlain Mysteries) Read Online Free PDF Page A

slammed the door behind him and, muttering to himself, immediately refastened an array of security devices that resembled a display in a locksmith’s shop.
    It occurred to Felix he could use a few of the devices on his bedroom door to keep Nikomachos out when it was necessary to do so.
    There was a rattling and chinking as the man known as the Jingler finished his task and turned toward his unexpected and unwelcome visitor. Julian’s narrow, lined face bore its usual expression of extreme anxiety. His plain garments were virtually concealed beneath amulets and talismans dangling from short golden chains sewn to the cloth.
    “You hardly gave me time to recite the imprecations, Felix. For all I know there could be a devil under your cloak.”
    “I’m sure I’d feel its claws biting into my shoulder.”
    “You weren’t followed?”
    “No?”
    “You’re certain?”
    “Yes. I’m positive.”
    The Jingler shuddered and his protective decorations rattled faintly. The room was stifling. The shutters were all closed and numerous lamps produced more smoke than light.
    “They’re sly, you know,” the Jingler said. “They can conceal themselves in a wisp of shadow, or cling to the belly of a cat. If anything did get in, it could hide anywhere.” He gestured vaguely toward the jumble filling the room. Crates and sacks were stacked between and on top of expensive furniture. Vases, amphorae sat in corners. Painted icon panels leaned against the walls where there was space. Felix had never decided whether these were goods destined for sale or the Jingler’s own possessions.
    The Jingler walked around Felix, keeping his distance. He was jingling loudly today. That meant he was worried and wearing extra charms. Felix didn’t like what he was hearing and he hadn’t even questioned the man.
    He noticed two or three new amulets, including a tunic roundel depicting a mounted soldier spearing a monstrous creature, and a small bronze disc incised with what were no doubt protective incantations. A green gemstone carved in the shape of a scarab hung from one shoulder.
    “Felix, I do not think it wise for you to visit me here.” The Jingler’s tone verged on panic.
    “I learned about a disturbing matter today connected with our business. It would have been even more unwise to commit it to parchment and a messenger.”
    “You are right. Continue.”
    Felix rapidly outlined the events of the morning. He couldn’t tell whether his story was affecting the Jingler since the man looked uniformly terrified all the time. “You advised me to be on the alert for an important shipment. Assure me it isn’t this shroud of the Virgin that’s been stolen.”
    The Jingler made a dismissive gesture, causing talismans on his arm to clash together. “I know nothing about that. I’m only one link in the enterprise, and a small one. I receive wrapped packages and instructions and pass them on to you, with payment. I know nothing further. I don’t even know what the packages contain. Nor do I wish to.”
    “So you claim. How do I know you’re taking orders from anyone? Who is this person?”
    “Even if I knew I wouldn’t dare tell you.” Julian’s expression resembled that of a frightened rabbit.
    “I should think mere human beings would hold no terrors for a man who spends his days stalked by demons.”
    The Jingler shook his arms clamorously. “I can protect myself from devils, not from sharp swords.”
    “That armor of charms looks as if it would stop a lance. Think, will you? We’re not talking about some old saint’s tooth that spent life chewing the cud. A relic like this is far too dangerous. The emperor and Patriarch will both want it back.”
    “I’m afraid I don’t know any more than you do.”
    “I believe you when you say you’re afraid. At least tell me when I can expect this new delivery, whatever it is?”
    “Soon, as I told you already.”
    Felix could almost feel the man trembling. In fact, his own hand