Private Tales Picking up the Pieces

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

It had been near six months since the tyrant had been removed from power and Rasoul was still as busy as ever. He could only consider it Maskat's blessing that he hadn't collapsed yet. The newly ordained sultan almost wished consciousness would leave him so he could get some rest. Night had long since given way to the desert sun, taking Rasoul's chance for sleep along with it. He therefore turned his efforts to the numerous reports and missives which required his attention. Much of the information that came his way was either entirely useless or purposely misleading. A symptom of a greater problem that he still needed to solve.

There had been more than a few gaps in his ability to properly manage the city in its current state. Rasoul had needed to get rid of most of his predecessor's officials. Even if they were not loyal, they had little merit about them. Thus there was a lack of personnel who could currently assist him. The people of Seluca were strong but it now lacked learned people, the tyrant had seen to that.

Annuk, however, had not completely abandoned his servant. Word had spread that Seluca was now a free, and welcoming city. A place for both the knowledgeable and faithful to call home. Many had simply sought to manipulate the city's fledgling ruler but not all. Some sought fortune, others renown, and then there were those looking for purpose. One such individual had found his way to Rasoul, and had proved their worth of the last month.

"Send for Sinuhe," the sultan ordered. His words weren't directed to anyone but he knew it would be done.

Not long after, a knock at the door of his study. "Enter."

Sinuhe

 

[Sinuhe]

The morning sun filtering through carved wooden shutters, Sinuhe sat at an elaborately painted desk that wasn't really his and wasn't anybody else's either. He had a number of reports in front of him, written in the lackadaisical hands of commoners, pouring over them to little avail.

The city must have been in dire straights, to accept the council of a stranger with nothing on him but a letter of recommendation written by a dead man, stamped with the seal of a dissolved kingdom. But by the gods, was that and excuse for their records to be this out of order? As far as Sinuhe could tell, no effort had been made to keep accurate count of the nobles and ambassadors coming in and out of Seluca's ports for the past three years, and in fact the guards seemed to have no greeting procedures in place at all. The Chause-bashi Mehil could show up tomorrow and they would have no escort ready for him, no place for his men to stay, no room for him to wait in to see the Sultan. It was an utter mess, and Sinuhe was not going to solve it in a night - but he was certainly trying.

The frantic shuffling of papers Sinuhe had committed himself to was interrupted by a servant's voice. He was being called upon, and of course, he would drop everything and answer.

Sinuhe stopped at the door for a moment. He had not yet been formally summoned by the Sultan, save for the expected swearings of fealty and such that he had undergone some month ago. What sort of conversation was he about to have? His late emir would clap him across the shoulder and begin every order with 'Sinuhe, my boy', but this new sovereign of his did not seem the type. Should he knock before entering? That seemed a good place to start.

Enter, came the response, and Sinuhe did so. He clapped his hands in front of him and gave a respectful bow. It was only then that he realized he'd left his reading spectacles on. The metal frame slipped off his face at the new incline and clattered to the tile flooring. Startled, Sinuhe broke his bow and leaned all the way forward to scoop up his glasses. He straightened, clearing his throat of the embarrassment.

"You had need for me, Your Highness?" he said, still clutching his spectacles in one big hand.

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

"That is certainly true," the Sultan responded wryly. He had looked up from his desk at the sound of the orc's glasses hitting the floor but made no comment. Embarrassment was already writ on the other man's face. Rasoul instead motioned towards the chair across from his desk. Whether Sinuhe took it or not was another matter. Some of those in his service still felt uncomfortable with that level of...familiarity. The Sultan respected their adherence to decorum but it could prove tiresome when there was business to be done.

"I wonder if you have not already begun to regret your new employment." Rasoul could see that his advisor's countenance was a reflection of the sultan's own. The man may have only recently arrived but his dedication was admirable. He could not say that he had the full measure of Sinuhe just yet but sensed he had not made a mistake in offering him a position. A letter of recommendation had come from an old acquaintance of Rasoul's father. The sultan had been hesitant initially but upon actually meeting the man, changed his mind rather quickly.

Rasoul finished signing one last report and sat back, turning his attention to his advisor in full. "I know you've been looking at the registrar of port entries as I've asked. Having only but glanced at them, I can only imagine there is still much left to do. The curiosity of outside parties has now exceeded whatever hesitation existed prior. Knowledge of our past dealings is vital."

The Sultan looked towards the window of his study, the sea just visible over the walls. "Were you able to determine who visited most frequently in the year prior to my ascension?" Rasoul was keen to know who had so readily ingratiated themselves with the tyrant. He wondered if their names matched those of recently received correspondences.

Sinuhe

 

[Sinuhe]

"The ledgers tell a broken tale - some accounts remain, but, well..." Sinuhe glanced out the window above his sultan's head, a poor habit of his when he didn't like what he needed to say next. "Supply counts don't match what has been ascribed to names and dates. It seems that many past dealings were done off the record."

Sinuhe hesitated in his report, not because he was unsure of what he had uncovered, but because of how it may be received. Guards and scholars throughout the palace alike spoke well of the Sultan, he seemed to be a man who cared for his people. However his appointment was still fresh, and many waters remained untested. A new ruler would want to be reassured about the security of their position, and Sinuhe was about to be the one to show Rasoul the gaps in his rule.

A sigh wracked his shoulders, but instead of relaxing the orc it made him more tense. With a grimness, Sinuhe strode forward, dragged the offered chair further out, and sat down across the table from Rasoul. Disrespectfully close, even though he had been invited.

Sinuhe placed his glasses back on his nose, and pulled out a metal quill from his pocket. "May I?" he asked, nodding at a blank pile of parchment nearby. Grabbing a sheet, he began to scrawl out names in a fluid hand as he spoke. "Through my searching, I have uncovered a handful of names that keep cropping up, despite a lack of official visitations."

Kubhet Ksecun, a bandit leader who has earned some clout in recent years with the tribes along the mountainside borders. I think he was being supplied with men and arms."

Eashan and Esha, twin prince and princess of Falahmat castle. Falahmat pledged its loyalty to the late Constantine, but has fallen silent in recent months."

Primus Volusenna Livianus, the Mirapoli architect responsible for many of Constantine's private residences."

"And..." Sinuhe stopped writing names down. Yellow eyes looked to the Sultan, this man he had pledged his life to not a month ago. "Basri, your chamberlain."

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

Rasoul simply sighed at Sinuhe's initial revelation. He knew that corruption had been rife during the tyrant's regime but to hear it told so plainly was far from pleasing. The greed of his predecessors had been boundless and surprisingly incompetent. He knew that his vizier would be able to discover these aberrations without much difficulty. Even a brief glance at the ledgers had been enough for Rasoul. The true task lay in finding those who had been most egregious in their avarice. Who had done the greatest damage to Seluca and her people? Whom among the foolish was willing to court the eternal wrath of the Six? The scales of the Pantheon were not easily weighed. Pagans may not have feared them but many Kalitis could be counted among the guilty.

He made no note of the Orc's breach of etiquette. Why restrict those he had chosen to advise him? Rasoul was far too tired to care about proprieties at this point. The sultan needed detailed information, that's all that mattered at the moment. Rasoul remained unmoved as the names were listed out but struggled to remain impassive at the final name.

Silence sat heavy in the study. A full minute passed before Rasoul finally spoke.

"I will leave Kubhet to Ishi and her men," Rasoul said calmly. The foreign warriors had proven their mettle and this would be their first true test after coming into his service.

"We cannot afford open confrontation at this juncture. Zafir should be able to provide some insight," explained the sultan in reference to his mysterious spymaster. Rasoul wanted to avoid any overt military action at this point, especially a siege. That being said, he was also not one to forgive. The twins had stolen from his people and the sultan intended to see that debt paid.

"The Primus has already met her deserved fate." An ignominous death in a cold cell.

Quiet sat between ruler and advisor once more.

"You are certain about Basri?" he asked, knowing full well what the answer would be. Still, it would serve his conscience slightly if he the details of the man's betrayal were known.

Sinuhe

 

[Sinuhe]

That minute of thought passed far too slowly for Sinuhe's liking. He did his best to keep from fidgeting as his Sultan mulled over the fates of the names he had listed, and, in that selfish part of his mind, Sinuhe dreaded his own fate. A short-lived bought of self-pity, as Rasoul finally spoke.

Out of habit, Sinuhe began dutifully writing down the Sultan's orders, already moving things around in his mind to account for the inevitability of the spoken solutions. Mercenaries against mercenaries in the mountains, a more quiet investigation of Falahmat, something discreet to avoid the ugly inevitability of war against one's own subjects. Even if they were only subjects on a technicality, at the moment. He drew a line of ink that did not hesitate or wobble as it crossed out the Primus' name, and then the pen went still once again.

You are certain about Basri?

It was Sinuhe's turn to fall silent. He leaned back in the wicker reed chair with a sigh. He took his spectacles off his nose, pulled up a corner of his black scarf and began polishing the glass. "Basri has served Seluca well over the years. Though I am a newcomer here, I have heard it said he earned his position through diligence and caution. Traits that can be turned to deception, I'm afraid. Nothing traces back to Basri directly. But his half-brother... is named as the proprietor of a guest house along the waters that Constantine's followers were known to gather at. I have records of meetings between interested parties as recently as a few weeks ago." Sinuhe stopped busying his hands with his glasses, mulling over his next words carefully. He couldn't stall for much longer without getting to some kind of point. "Your Highness, I sent someone to call on Basri's brother after discovering this. The boy is turning nine soon."

He risked another pause. I have been very lucky, Sinuhe thought with a sudden blink of realization. But he could not address the thought with much more than another orcish grunt, as he refocused back on Rasoul and the topic at hand.

"Matters of family are difficult to keep secret. It is unlikely that Basri is not involved somehow, even if he is merely allowing another to act without notice."

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

The Sultan remained expressionless throughout the orc's explanation. It was hardly an old scheme or an uncommon one. Rasoul was almost disappointed that his fastidious chamberlain had chosen such a pedestrian method. Part of him hoped that this was some elaborate ploy to harm the tyrant in some way. The Sultan knew better. Why look for obscure reasons when plain greed would suffice.

"I am of the same mind," Rasoul finally conceded. He could tell that his vizier had been nervous relaying the information. It was no easy thing to let a person know they'd been betrayed. A different man may have simply ordered Sinuhe's head to be removed, never entertaining the notion of deceit. The Sultan had been tempted for a moment. However, what was learned could not be unlearned. Rasoul also did not wish to live in ignorance, despite the hurt he now suffered.

A final sigh. "I shall leave Basri himself to another." One more suited to uncovering this great betrayal. He left the latter unsaid, so as to not offend his advisor. The Sultan highly regarded the orc's administrative abilities but this task now would require a darker touch. Best to keep such duties separated. Rasoul knew that Sinuhe would serve as the face to many of the Sultan's own initiatives. It was imperative that the man was remained disassociated with these particular tasks.

"Is there any indication as to intent of these meetings? I'm well aware of the value that being associated with the Grand Chamberlain can provide. Still, I'm curious to know what was sought." Basri was often at the Sultan's side and thus enjoyed unfettered access. Far easier to go to the one at the ruler's side than the person themselves. The chamberlain's purview was not small and Rasoul often trusted Basri to handle matters freely. What else had the man sold to enrich himself? Land? Trade rights? Rasoul needed to know more before he could act appropriately.

Sinuhe

 

[Sinuhe]

The expensive wicker chair creaked as Sinuhe sat up straight once more, looking intently at his new lord, yellow gaze not harsh so much as somber. "His majesty asks of me information that should not be mine," he said. "It is within my duties to send a servant to check on a host's family member, but to spy on private conversations is another matter."

I'm going to die. Despite his carefully formal speak, Sinuhe's shoulders slumped. His gaze fell, and a wistful smile crossed his tusks as he shook his head. He'd made it all the way across the desert, forded rivers and climbed mountain passes, only to stumble here in the lap of luxury.

"Let my next words be useful to you, then." Eye contact wasn't possible. He kept his gaze on the spread of papers between them. "These followers of the late Constantine speak of treachery. They believe that your rule will be a short one. Nothing more than the whisperings of cowards and scavengers, so far."

He let those last two words fall between them. The sultan had been kind to him, letting a stranger into his court. Why hadn't he just kept his mouth shut and quietly done his job?

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

Rasoul found himself somewhat bemused at his advisor's discomfort. He did not think himself a man with a unforgiving reputation. Likely it was less to do with the sultan and rather his position. Sinuhe was new to Seluca, an outsider to most. The man had been granted a position of influence, one that could be easily abused. Rasoul held the ultimate authority within the city, he could order the execution of any should he desire.

What the vizier had yet to learn was that the sultan valued initiative. For what other purpose did an advisor exist if not to bring him such information. The sultan's expression remained stern, not that the other man would have noticed. He let the orc's words wash over him, like sand over dune. Rasoul momentary allowed himself to be taken by anger. No ruler could be completely immune to hearing that other's actively sought their demise.

Reason quickly replaced rage, and the sultan returned to the matter at hand. "Sinuhe, your words have ever been useful since you've come into my service. I expect you to continue to speak them freely..." There was still a limit, but Rasoul knew his vizier was smart enough to understand that. "In any case, it would be odd if there weren't at least a few who were after my head."

He pondered further. "Your words seem to suggest the potential of treachery more significant." Whether it existed already or not, was yet to be discovered. "How do you suggest we handle these," the sultan searched for the right words. "Irreverents?"

Sinuhe

 

[Sinuhe]

The Sultan did not speak right away, and the ruler's face seemed a wash of wrath. The silence dragged on, and Sinuhe thought mournfully the imported cheese tart sitting in his larder that he wasn't going to be able to finish after he was tossed in prison. But, the anger was not for him. Instead, he was offered an admission and an opportunity. Oh, blessed, flaky crust and salty-sweet pudding baked to golden brown perfection. He would live.

Sinuhe let his chest fall and sighed out the heavy breath that he'd been holding. His relief, of course, was short lived as the Sultan gave him another test.

"How do you suggest we handle these... irreverents?"

Hesitation would not serve him well, now. "Your Majesty, I know that betrayal must be quelled quickly, but if I may suggest allowing the Grand Chamberlain to continue to act freely for the time being.... if he is working with others, we cannot waste the opportunity to find out who they are." Sinuhe's hand rose up to scratch the scar that ran along his jaw, even as he spoke. "I think I may be able to get close to Basri. I have no reputation in this city, and no strong loyalties. If I can gain his trust, then perhaps I can sit in on one of these secret meetings, and we can uncover more of this treachery."

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

The vizier's words were bolstered by the bastion of reason and that gave the Sultan pause. Since hearing of Basri's treachery, Rasoul had already made his decision. Still, he could not argue against the merits of Sinuhe's proposition. No doubt much trouble would be saved if they purged the entirety of this spoiled well. He had yet to learn the extent of their numbers but the Sultan doubted the count was insignificant. Basri was a man of many friends and even more acquaintances. How many had he brought into his traitorous fold.

"No," Rasoul said finally. "There will be no exception, despite the merits it may bring. Seluca must heal, that cannot be done with one of my closest aides plotting treachery. I will not deny that we have been provided a unique opportunity to uncover further conspirators. Yet, in this singular instance, I shall eschew the logical road." The Sultan had no need to explain himself to his subordinates but the man, Rasoul, wanted at least one person to understand reasoning in this.

He looked to the window, continuing to speak as he did so. "The downfall of Basri will not be-pleasant. There will certainly be some reaction among those with whom he colluded." Rasoul eventually turned his attention back to the vizier. "Knowing what little you know of the others, do you expect them to scatter to the six winds? Or is there a potential successor with whom you could still ingratiate yourself with?"

Sinuhe

 

[Sinuhe]

His proposed plan was denied, but Sinuhe still found his head on his shoulders, so he would count his blessings and merely nod at the Sultan's words. His brow cast a shadow over his eyes as he looked down, thinking about the Sultan's next question to him.

"No, I don't believe that they will scatter. Only lay low for a time." He hazarded a look up at the Sultan, yellow eyes gleaming with more conviction than Sinuhe had displayed this entire visit. "The next time these transgressors brave the light of day, I'll be waiting for them."

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

"Good." A satisfied nod followed. Rasoul could see the resolve in his vizier's eyes. "Better that their boundless avarice leads to ruin." It would have been far too difficult to track them down. Some grudges were simply too expensive to pursue. It appeared that the Sultan would be able to avoid such an eventuality. There would be an eventual reckoning but Sinuhe would need time for that and the Sultan was a patient man.

He made ready to dismiss the orc but instead remained silent. The vizier had given him much to think about and that in itself was reason for deliberation. Had any of his other advisors proven to be so efficient. Those of the old regime had mostly been expelled but had yet to be replaced. Therefore the Sultan had placed a great, if not unfair, burden on his newest vizier.

"You have done well in this matter." A calculated understatement. "Little have you asked for little since coming into my service. Whether you lack ambition or are simply being cautious, I cannot say. Still, I am of a mind to reward your efforts. Is there not something you desire?" The Sultan's intent was genuine but it was early days yet and not all had come to fully know his character. Would Sinuhe see this as a generous offer, or maybe another test, or something more sinister. A sparkle of curiosity was hidden behind Rasoul's otherwise even gaze.

Sinuhe

 

[Sinuhe]

Finding that his glasses were in his hands again, Sinuhe fidgeted as silence fell over them. He tried to do so as quietly as possible, so as not to disturb the Sultan's contemplation.

He stopped fidgeting when the Sultan spoke, a look of confusion crossing his face. Sinuhe wasn't sure if he was being complimented for his modesty, or condemned for a lack of ambition. But the comment came with an offer as well, one that he had to think about.

There were lots of things that Sinuhe wanted. He needed a new ink quill, as his current one was a pain to use. And there were all manner of imported trinkets and treats down in the dockside markets that he wouldn't mind taking home. Those things seemed too trivial to ask for, however. Noble men were supposed to have bigger aspirations than that. So, what could he say, to show that he had some self respect?

A huff of air escaped Sinuhe. "Yes, there is something." He nodded once, curtly. "I have walked all the way from the Baal-Asha split to your doorstep, and now I am tired of walking. I want a horse."

Rasoul Ibn Shahin

 

[Rasoul Ibn Shahin]

The Sultan unconsciously leaned forward in anticipation of the vizier's request and then sighed moments later. "You're no fun." He did not see Sinuhe's request as trivial in the slightest, but did feel a small sense of disappointment. The offer was very much congruent with what Rasoul knew of the orc. He supposed he should've considered himself lucky to have such a reasonable vassal. "I shall send word to Nahar," said the Sultan, referring to royal stablemaster. "See him tomorrow and you shall have your horse."

Rasoul gave the vizier a pointed look, indicating that their current audience was over. The both of them would certainly be meeting again in the near future.

Sinuhe