The Sultan's Spy

Chapter 40: Gone

Eliska poked her head into the usual room, but found Lizina absent. It had already been two days and she hadn't been able to get a hold of her sister. Frowning, she strolled through the harem courtyard, wondering where Lizina was. She really did want to find out about Sirhan. Though the situation wasn't yet serious enough that she would bother Mother Zorana about it. It had to be of highest priority before she'd dare do that, what with everything Mother Zorana had to oversee.

Not to mention if she thought that it wasn't important enough, she'd likely have some sharp words for Eliska. That was something Eliska had actively avoided since she was a child. Mother Zorana ruled the harem and the family with a fist of hardened steel.

A familiar figure spotted across the courtyard had Eliska altering her path. He saw her coming and slowed his walk, offering her a smile when she stopped in front of him. "It's been too long, Bright Joy."

Eliska smiled back at Ajani. "We've both been busy."

"Indeed. And while you're always kind to Old Ajani, I don't think that's why you've come to talk to me. What can I do for you?"

A tinge of ruefulness worked its way into the corners of her mouth. "I was hoping you'd know where Lizina is. I've been trying to catch her for the last little while now, but I haven't seen her."

"Ah, that I can answer. Lizina is travelling with her husband for his business. Or rather, we arranged his business so she has the opportunity to check in with our shadows to the east of here. She's very interested in what those in the ports can tell her. She should be back in a few days."

Eliska winced. She knew why her sister would be focused there and knew how important it was. She still wished Lizina was there, hated the faint fear and worry she always felt when her sister was away. Like something bad would happen and no one would be able to handle it, which was silly, because between Mother Zorana, Ajani, and the rest of the shadows they had more than enough capable people on hand.

"Is there something Old Ajani can do for you in Lizina's place?"

Hesitating for a moment, Eliska decided he was the best option for the moment. "I wanted to know if Sirhan is part of the shadow web or not. Tariq has come across some information that says he's told people that, and either way, it's something that needs to be addressed."

He rubbed his face for a moment, dark eyes narrowed. "I don't know, Bright Joy. I haven't heard of him being brought in or working with us previously, but I'm not one who knows who all of our shadows are."

Eliska nodded. "That's what I thought. Thank you."

"I'm always glad to be of service to you. Now, I have a favour to ask of you, if you have the time for it."

"Name it."

Ajani chuckled. "And that's why you're my favourite." His face sobered a moment later. "It would seem that one of our newest recruits may be up to some illicit business either with one of our girls, or someone from the palace proper. But this one is very nervy and if Old Ajani even looks in his direction wrong... Well, we'll lose our chance to find out what exactly he's doing. If, by chance, one of our pretty shadows were to approach, or better yet hide in a way only she could...That could wrap things up nicely, don't you think?"

She smiled slyly. "That could work very nicely indeed. I presume this recruit isn't yet familiar with us shadows or our extraordinary ways of working?"

"You presume correctly. The potentially naughty boy is called Diallo and he just so happens to have a solo shift on the northern gate of the harem tonight. It starts at sundown, so you won't be able to meet our friend Tariq, but I would be happy to pass along any messages to him as thanks for taking care of this matter."

His words made it feel like a cloud had suddenly covered the sun, dousing her in cool shade unexpectedly. Tariq wasn't nearly as good at hiding his emotions as he thought he was, and Ajani was very observant. There was every chance he'd figure out or at least begin to suspect that she'd told Tariq as much as she had. And that would be bad for both of them.

She forced her smile wide. "No, no message. He'll figure out I'm not able to come when I don't show up. And there's no need for thanks. I'm always happy to help you. You've always been there for me, even when I was little."

"It's my pleasure. You have always brought a smile to my face, as often on purpose as not."

"Thanks," she replied sarcastically, though her expression belied her tone. Ajani had every right to tease her as much as he wanted. Especially given the pranks she'd pulled that he hadn't gotten her into trouble for. "I'll look into your man tonight and let you know if I find anything. If it's serious, should I come find you immediately?"

"That would be best. I hope I'm wrong, he's very good in all other aspects, but I know that joining our brethren can cause many men scars both visible and not. And those invisible scars are often the type to make someone twitch at a time when it would be best to remain still. And some twitches aren't good for us or our girls, so I need to be sure. Anyone doing anything to hurt our girls will have me to deal with."

His face went fiercely dark for a moment, like a beast baring its fangs, before he put his usual smile back on. "But that's not something for you to worry about, Bright Joy. You just let me know what is happening and leave the rest to Old Ajani."

Eliska nodded then wrinkled her nose at him. "You're not that old."

That made him chuckle. "I'm old in the ways of the world and the ways of the harem. Now you run along and enjoy yourself while you can. You never know when more work will come to you, and you've had precious little time to rest up until now."

Mock saluting him, Eliska jumped back a step. "Yes, sir!" Then with a smile, she said, "And you take care yourself. Don't overwork yourself."

He flapped a hand in her direction, and with a grin, Eliska scampered off. It wouldn't hurt to laze in the sun while she thought about how best to approach this Diallo. The last thing she wanted was to spook him or let him know Ajani was looking at him. She glanced down at the tattoos peeping out from under her sheer sleeves, considering her options. It might very well be better to use them to be sure of things. She'd hate to disappoint Ajani.