The Sultan's Spy

Chapter 42: Everywhere

With the sun just below the horizon and the other scribes distracted by the unexpectedly good dessert with dinner, Tariq had been able to escape without the crowd. He supposed, given how much the scribes were paid, trying to sneak any leftovers was the only way they ever got good stuff consistently. That was something he definitely missed about the city. Here he had to eat whatever was served at dinner or risk his cover. There, he could eat whatever he wanted when he wanted it.

There were times he regretted getting involved with Eliska. But he knew if he hadn't, he'd never have gotten this close to finding out what had happened to his client's son. He'd still be in the city looking for slavers. Blood mages weren't something he had experience in, and to be honest, he didn't know too much about magic either. It had always seemed like a lot of work and mysticism to him and he'd always been happy enough to hire mages for the rare spells he needed done.

Tariq had barely made it through the first courtyard that lay between him and the usual meeting place with Eliska, when movement caught his attention. He slowed when he realized the man across from him was heading towards him. Tariq stopped when he noticed that the man's eyes were on him. It took him a moment to place the semi-familiar face. Khaliq, the Grand Vizier's other assistant.

"You there," Khaliq said once he was within earshot. "You're the new scribe, correct?"

Straightening, Tariq nodded. "Yes, sir."

The man halted in front of Tariq and studied him intently, Khaliq's gaze running from Tariq's shoes to the top of his head. "I've heard of you. From reports your work so far has been precise and well done. Which should be the bare minimum expected, of course. For those aiming higher, they should be taking on more work, striving to do the kind of work that stands out and brings them positive attention from those above them."

"Yes, sir, thank you." Tariq wondered if Khaliq had just stopped him to give a lecture. If it was, he hoped he'd finish it up quickly. He did want to meet with Eliska and see if she had anything new. He quashed the thought that he just wanted to see the face. She was a royal, and that was dangerous thinking.

Khaliq's lips thinned but he gave a sharp nod. "You at least know your place. That's something you would do well to remember. Too many other scribes try to push themselves into places they shouldn't, and that can end badly." He straightened the embroidered cuffs of his kaftan before looking back at Tariq. "I am here to enlist your assistance in some matters of a certain...delicacy."

That got his attention, and Tariq let a bit of his eagerness show. Khaliq probably expected it. "Anything I can do for you, sir, and I'll put all my effort into it."

"Good. I require your full discretion for this. You can't speak of this to anyone, no matter who they are or who you think they work for. Anything you learn you must bring to me, and only me, understand?"

Figuring he couldn't be too subservient with Khaliq's obvious arrogance, Tariq bobbed his head. "Yes, sir."

"Good. I need you to report any unusual behaviour you see among others to me. I don't care you they are, if they're behaving in a way that seems odd or out of place, if someone is asking strange questions or has very specific requests, I want to know. You'll be serving not only me, but Israr and the Sultan by doing this."

Tariq frowned, wondering if there was anyone who wasn't using the scribes as spies, and glanced up at Khaliq. "What do you mean by specific requests? I've been asked to make a certain number of copies of this paper or another. Is that what you wanted to know?" Let the Vizier's assistant think him just a little slow, someone who could be manipulated while still doing good work, and he thought he could get far more information than Khaliq would get from him.

A faint grimace rolled across Khaliq's face. "That isn't what I want to know. If someone asks about a document they don't have access to, or has you make changes to something, or has you make more copies than they would obviously need, then I want to know. Telling me what document the requests concerned is also something I want to know. This is work that will require brains and an excellent memory. Do you possess both of those?"

Standing straight up, like he was proud and just a little insulted, Tariq nodded. "Yes, sir! I'm happy to be of service."

"Good. If you hear any rumours or information regarding any other strange happenings, I will require you to pass those along to me as well. This is to be done secretly, of course. You may find me in my office when you have information. If asked, you may say that I've enlisted your help with some document copying. But abuse this, and I will have you thrown from the palace. Am I clear?"

Tariq was already tired of the words he was forced to say. "Yes, sir."

"Then I will leave you to your evening. I expect results from you, and should I find you not working at this with the appropriate vigor, I will ensure you never advance past being a scribe. Good night."

For several moments, all Tariq could do was stand there and stare after Khaliq's retreating back. Then he shook his head and turned left, taking the long route towards his meeting place with Eliska. This was something she needed to know, but at the same time, he definitely couldn't risk being followed there.

As he moved, Tariq couldn't help but feel like the palace was far fuller of poison and danger than he'd ever thought. Everyone spied on everyone, advancement was dictated through a combination of skill and being able to navigate dealings with those above you while leaving a good impression. For the first time, Tariq found himself well and truly grateful he hadn't been born in the palace. He really couldn't imagine surviving if this really was his life.