The Byzantine Wager

Chapter 31 - A Discrete Task

Chapter 31

A Discrete Task

The walk from the spectator stands to the kasthima required Stephen to follow the page out of the hippodrome by one of the portals near the carceres. Stephen followed the page out into the fore-plaza only to immediately turn to the right by the Baths of Zexipus and re-enter the Imperial palace by a small side door guarded by a Verangian. Passing by bureaucratic offices they arrived at the octagon courtyard behind the kasthima. The page led him up the stairs and the final pair of Varangians let him enter. The Emperor was at the railing urging the Greens on to victory. His voice was booming and overwhelming. The same stentorian baritone which had been his introduction in the Anemas dungeon a quarter of a century ago when they first told their woeful histories to one another.

The Blue charioteers saluted the kasthima as they made their victory lap, horses snorting as they cooled, but still proudly stepping high in a dignified prance - they knew they had won.

"Basileus, you asked to speak to Stephen Hagiocharistophrites," the page announced.

Andronikos turned and graced Stephen with a warm smile. The other dignitaries in the box scowled. Andronikos pretended not to notice the missing nose - the macabre visage. Stephen was needed. Stephen received a smile and more importantly Stephan received Andronikos' personal attention. Andronikos relinquished his place at the railing to his young lady companion, murmuring a word to the master of the games to proceed with the execution without him. He and Stephen stepped back for a little chat.

"I have need of your services. Tonight... if you are free." So polite, as if Stephen was not waiting, day in and day out, for instruction.

"What would you have of me, Basileus?"

"I need a person - dangerous to the Empire - executed. This is someone special, Stephen, and I want you to take care of it personally."

An execution, but out of the public eye. Someone important then. "Tell me the name of this man and he will be a corpse before dawn."

"Not a man - a woman, and not any woman - a nun. Take some men with you. Have them clean out the convent so you can have it all to yourself. Take your time Stephen, and make her suffer. Only be sure to strip her of her habit. I will not have her sinner's blood on the cloth. Then come to me after, no matter what the hour, and tell me everything. The look on her face, her last words. Everything. While the memory is still fresh."