The Sultan's Spy

Chapter 45: Praise

Tariq loitered just within sight of the door to the scribes' dormitory. The look Fahim had given him as they'd all been finishing dinner had been as subtle as a shout, so Tariq had made his usual excuses about his nightly walk and then lingered. He wasn't sure what exactly it was Fahim wanted, but hoped it was something he could use.

The flickering light of the torches by the door made Fahim easy to spot when he slipped outside, head swivelling back and forth. Tariq wanted to tell Fahim that he was making it obvious that he was up to something, but knew the other man would react poorly. Not to mention it would certainly make Tariq's job easier if he found himself needing to spy on Fahim.

Raising a hand, it took Tariq waving it to get Fahim's attention. The scribe hurried over, with another glance over his shoulder. "You did a good job getting away without being seen."

Tariq shrugged and shifted his weight, like he was uncomfortable with the praise. "I was just lucky I guess." He leaned in close and then looked around, like he too was nervous. "Is there something you need my help with? Is it something to do with...that?"

Fahim nodded. "I got a request today to deliver something. I thought I'd take you along part of the way, so you know how things work and can step right in once I get moved up. It's supposed to be soon. He said that this might be one of his last tasks for me as a scribe."

Doing his best to look impressed, Tariq followed Fahim as the scribe took off walking. "I hope you won't forget about us when you move up."

The other man grinned. "I won't. And we'll still see each other, I'm certain. Especially if you'll be taking my place doing this."

"Would it be alright if I asked you some questions about this work then? Just so I'm ready to take over and can prove that your recommendation was a good one?"

"Of course. There are some things I won't be able to answer, as I gave my word that I'd stay silent, but I will do my best to help."

Tariq smiled, his expression almost hidden by the shadows that lay outside the circles of torchlight spaced along the buildings they were staying away from. "Thank you. What kinds of things do you usually deliver?"

"It varies. Could be a box, could be papers, or it could be a verbal message. Once it was flowers. None of them may seem significant, but I've been assured these are all really important. Small pebbles that can cause big ripples in the pond of the palace and the country."

"I hadn't thought of it like that. No wonder you were recruited!"

While Fahim preened a little, Tariq tried not to roll his eyes. It was almost sad how easy it was to manipulate the scribe, which certainly explained why he'd been chosen as a spy. Fahim at least seemed to be able to keep his mouth more or less shut. He hadn't told their whole little group, and only seemed to be telling Tariq as someone who'd be working with him. Still...

"Are there specific things I should be looking for? Is there anything that he seemed really happy to hear about?" Tariq was giving Fahim his full attention, everything being filed away in his mind to tell Eliska later. If he could prove that Sirhan wasn't all he seemed, she might finally be willing to look at her own family objectively. He ignored the thought that said he wasn't any more objective than she was.

"Well, he likes it when I tell him about any unusual requests we get. He also likes it when I tell him about any changes in the scribes or other divisions I'm aware of. Oh, and he was really pleased when I told him about the secret passage after we found it."

"So just keeping your eyes open and reporting is best? Or does he send you to look into specific things?"

Fahim frowned. "Mostly just keeping your eyes open is good. He's only asked me to investigate once or twice, and they were both small things. You'll learn more from just looking around and learning what's normal and not. You're smart, so you probably already have an idea, so just pay attention and you'll find out plenty of interesting tidbits."

"Thanks for the advice. You're really helping me out."

The smile Fahim turned on him had an edge of indulgence and benevolence. "You're welcome. And like I said, I doubt you'll be a scribe for long. And it never hurts to have friends in all sorts of places."

Tariq returned the expression. "No, I can't imagine it does. Especially for someone heading up like you are."

Fahim chuckled. "That's why the palace is the best place to be. Ambition is rewarded here. Within reason, of course. And you have to have a certain amount of knowledge of the games played here as well as good work, but you're not trapped in a position except by your own strengths. You can't say that about most other places. We're lucky to be here."

Nodding, Tariq stayed quiet, not sure he could respond properly. He couldn't deny that there was some truth to Fahim's words, but at the same time, didn't much care for the palace. He focused instead on the path the scribe was leading him down. They were well out of the areas the scribes typically spent time in, and were into the more elaborate gardens and larger buildings that were where those of higher rank lived.

As they passed by a large fountain, Tariq broke the silence. "Where are we going?"

"Ah, well to his rooms. Sometimes he calls me to his office or to Israr's, but tonight he said this required extra discretion so I'm to meet him at his rooms. That's one of the reasons I brought you along. Two people walking through the gardens at night is a lot less odd than one. People always notice someone who's alone. And if this is going to be one of my last tasks as a scribe, I thought I'd have you nearby in case he wants to introduce you to the work right away. I hope you don't mind waiting."

Tariq shook his head. "I'll be fine. I can keep a look out too, make sure no one sees you when you come back."

Fahim grinned. "That's good thinking. I'll just have you wait in the gardens near his rooms while I'm inside. There's plenty of places to hide there, if you need to."

"Thanks." The pleased expression Tariq wore wasn't entirely false. Not when he had a chance to slip in close and listen in to exactly what Sirhan was up to. This was information even Eliska wouldn't be able to get, and he thought she'd like his initiative, especially if he came back with something good.

And royal or not, she did have one damned nice smile. If only she'd been born into a different family, he'd have had no hesitation in luring her into his bed and maybe into the rest of his life. She was definitely not the kind of woman you met more than once in your life.