Kushiel's Mercy

my letters on the morrow, a task he readily agreed to oversee. I gave orders that my new slaves were to be fed heartily three times a day and provided Anysus with funds to cover all additional expenses that this expansion of the household would entail.
    Once that was done, I felt my plans were settling nicely into place. I dined alone and found that the villa’s cook was perfectly adequate. And then I retired to my private chambers and rummaged through Solon’s tribute-gifts until I found a ring that fit me nicely, a heavy band of gold set with a sapphire. Using the tip of my little belt knife, I was able to prize the gem from its setting.
    Perfect.
    With the last of my preparations complete, I took to my bed and slept.
    On the morrow, I rose feeling refreshed and full of anticipation. Anysus had already departed, bearing my letters. Kratos had accompanied him of his own initiative to enhance his knowledge of the city. I admired the gesture, although it set my plans back a few hours. So be it. I needed to practice patience. This was not a task that could be rushed.
    At length they returned. Anysus reported that a mere six of the lords were in residence, but that he thought they would be very pleased to receive Ptolemy Solon’s emissary in the next few days.
    “Excellent,” I said. “What of her highness?”
    He made an ambiguous gesture. “That I cannot say, my lord.”
    “Ah, well.” I raised my brows. “Is General Astegal so protective of his new bride that he forbids her visitors in his absence?”
    “Not exactly.” Anysus hesitated. “Let us say that his kinsman Bodeshmun serves as the gatekeeper. He is . . . selective.”
    I shrugged. “We’ll see. Tell me, since I find myself idle in the meanwhile, might you recommend a reputable gem-merchant?” I showed him the gold ring with its empty setting. “The stone was lost at sea, and I would feign replace it. The ring was a gift from a lady who would be angry to see I’d been so careless.”
    “Of course.” He recommended several, including Jabnit of the House of Philosir, which was what I’d been hoping to hear.
    “Very good.” I smiled at him and pressed a gold coin into his hand. “You’ve been extraordinarily efficient and helpful, Anysus. I can see why the lord and lady of the house place such trust in you.”
    A slight flush of pleasure touched his cheeks. “Thank you, my lord.”
    I made my first outing with my new bearers that morning. They did a tolerable job.
    Kratos might have been past his prime, but he was still as strong as an ox. The Carthaginians panted a bit, but they were determined and eager to prove themselves, and they’d gain strength on a good diet. Ghanim was as steady as a rock.
    Kratos led us to the jewelers’ district, and we located Jabnit’s establishment without any difficulty. A little bell attached to the door gave a merry tinkle as I entered. A young woman emerged from the rear of the building, her eyes widening at the sight of me.
    “Good day,” I said pleasantly. “I’ve come to see about replacing a lost gem-stone.”
    “Of course!” Her hands fluttered. “Please, my lord, sit. I will fetch the owner.”
    There were fine carpets on the floor, strewn with cushions and set with a low table. I sat cross-legged on a cushion, waiting, until the plump gem-merchant came waddling hastily to attend me. He gave me a startled look, as though he’d not believed the girl when she’d said a D’Angeline lord had strolled into his parlor.
    “Welcome, welcome!” he exclaimed, bowing. “I am Jabnit of Philosir. How may I serve you, my lord?”
    “Leander Maignard of Cythera.” I inclined my head. “Emissary of his eminence, Governor Ptolemy Solon.” I slid the ring from my finger. “This stone was lost, good Jabnit. I seek a replacement.”
    “I see.” With difficulty, Jabnit lowered himself to a cushion. “Sophonisba!” he called sharply. “Bring tea. And pastries, a tray of pastries.” He examined the ring while the girl complied, setting fragrant cups of sweet tea and a tray of honeyed pastries on the table.
    “What manner of stone?”
    I sipped my tea. “A sapphire. Deep, deep blue to match the eyes of the lady who gave it to me. She will be most wroth to find it missing.”
    “Ah!” Jabnit beamed. “A love-token. Fear not, we shall find its very likeness.” He clapped his hands. “Sophonisba! Tell Sunjata to bring a selection of sapphires.”
    “My thanks, good Jabnit,” I said.
    The