“A concubine and a diplomat?” Lucullus parroted as he finished his drink, and set the mug on his bed.

“That’s what I said,” Laylaa affirmed, all while Aurelian tried to keep the other three informed during the conversation.

“I wonder if that lizard he calls a wife is a Chaodite.”

“I doubt it,” Aurelian answered.

“I agree with Aurelian, Lucullus. That girl looked scarcely old enough to even be married. Not that such a union between her and that drunkard is valid in any capacity otherwise. Chaodites advance very quickly in power once they start on that dark path, but she is just a girl.”

“I won’t argue with that,” he conceded, “But what shall we do about Yasir? He obviously has powerful connections.”

Olivia tugged on Lucullus’s garment. “Is there a way we can use our new knowledge to gain diplomatic leverage on him?”

“If you would have been with Laylaa and I in his palace, you would know diplomacy with that idiot is out of the question.”

“But we know about his secret dealings with Bol’s noble houses. This would surely cause a scandal if it were to circulate.”

Lucullus turned to Laylaa. “Do you know if any of the other rebellious clans have ties to Bol?”

“Only rumors, Lucullus,” she answered, shaking her head.

“Olivia was thinking this could perhaps be some kind of leverage against him.”

“I suspected she would probably suggest diplomacy. Growing up in a king’s court can have that effect on a girl. But I think you and I both know how well such a course works with the Vizier.”

“It would seem to me,” Aurelian added, “that the sword is only option.”

“I am inclined to agree,” Lucullus admitted. “I can’t think of any clever solution. The information we have is enough to justify it, and his wife should be able to take over as a regent for whichever of Yasir’s children is appointed heir.”

Suddenly, a series of knocks rattled the door to their room.

“Who knocks?” Aurelian called out.

“Ismail. Do your companions require any further refreshments?”

He sighed to himself, “It’s just the innkeeper.” He walked over to the door and opened it partially. “We’re fine, Ismail. Thank you,” he said, closing the door.

Ismail wedged his foot against the door. “Sorry to disturb you, but Laylaa has a visitor. That is the main reason I came up here.”

“A visitor?”

“He said his master’s wife and Laylaa knew each other, and that he had a message on her behalf.”

“Laylaa never mentioned anything about getting visitors.”

“I’m sure her mind is still a little rattled by that terrible storm last night. Nevertheless, do tell her that she has a visitor.”

“Did this person give a name.”

He shook his head. “Quite a mysterious fellow. But I’m sure it’s just a simple desire of confidentiality.”

Aurelian shrugged, and closed the door.

“What did he want?” Laylaa asked.

“He said you have a visitor, milady.”

“A visitor?”

“A friend of a friend. Apparently this visitor’s master has a wife who knows you.”

“Ah, he must be the steward, or someone on his behalf.”

“The steward?” Lucullus questioned.

“I was going to tell you about it last night, but everyone was tired. And I would have said something, but when you mentioned Olivia’s suggestion, that brought me further distraction.”

“But who is the steward?” Aurelian pressed her.

“The Vizier’s steward. I asked Yasir’s wife — that is, his only wife in the eyes of Hikma — to send any information she had to us. She said she would try to convince the steward of our cause.” She stood up, and started for the door. “I shall return shortly. While I’m gone, you may want to better inform the others of the details.”

As Laylaa closed the door behind her, Lucullus let out a long sigh. “Hopefully that steward can give us a way into that palace. I’m in favor of just putting Yasir to the sword.”

“From my understanding,” Aela added, “it would seem the Vizier’s problem is spiritual.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“It’s simple. Lucullus. Exorcism.”

His eyes narrowed. “Exorcism? I don’t think there is a ritual that can make him sober.”

“I think Laylaa would agree with me. That man, given all of his faults — at least, the ones I’ve heard from you and Aurelian — makes the strongest case I’ve ever seen for exorcism. He commits adultery with multiple women — one of which is potentially connected to the Chaodites — and obstinately disobeys his rightful ruler, betrays any other oath or vow he has taken, and is drunk as often as he takes a breath. If I hear anything about him thrashing and screaming uncontrollably, then I will get Laylaa, and we will exorcise whatever foul spirit that infests his body.”

“Before we make any hasty decisions, I suggest we all wait for Laylaa to return,” Johannes advised. “I’m not sure whether he needs an exorcism, or perhaps just a swift execution. But what I do know is that this situation is to delicate to mess up. Remember, our mission is to avoid bloodshed. It is only when we have no choice that we go to war.”

“Having seen Yasir for myself, I can tell you that his subjects would be better under different leadership. A man who can’t temper his drinking, or who can’t control his passions, has no place as a leader.”

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The door to the room opened, and Laylaa walked in with a man behind her.

Aurelian stood up, and saluted her as she entered. “Milady, who is this man?”

The man took a small bow. “I am the Vizier’s steward.”

“Laylaa told us you might be coming,” Lucullus added.

“I can’t stay long. I’m on official business, but I figured this would be my only chance to get my message to you.”

“I’m sure Yasir is too drunk to notice anyone slipping out.”

“The Vizier is not always drunk like he was when you saw him. But more to the point, I have important information for you.”

“What sort of information?” Aurelian questioned.

“Decisive. I know you probably just want to kill Yasir, perhaps replace him with someone from Saladin’s kin, but this would be a fatal error.”

“What makes you so sure?” Lucullus challenged.

“Quite simple. You have only your disdain for him, and what you observed of him in a few minutes, as your basis for a decision. The man causing the problem is his marshal.”

“What does his marshal have to do with it?” Laylaa inquired.

“He is the one feeding the Vizier’s delusions, and his drinking problem. Hakeem, the marshal, is one behind this. He’s an ambitious man, and his ambitions don’t care what has to be done, or who has to be manipulated or killed. As long as it serves his pride, it’s all the same to him. I’ve seen how he pushes Yasir to rebellion and war at every chance. And I’m certain Emani being one of Yasir’s women, as well as her involvement in diplomacy with Bol, is all because of Hakeem.”

“Then it seems quite obvious what we must do,” Lucullus declared, drawing his sword. “Hakeem must die.”

The steward sighed. “Laylaa, as much as I dislike this Altum’s brazen attitude and declarations, I am inclined to agree. If you should desire to remove Hakeem permanently, I shall help. And I’m sure Lady Adhara will do what she can as well.”

“If what you say is true, then we have no other option. A militaristic mind like Hakeem will have no part in diplomacy with us. If he is as close as he thinks he is to having war, then he will not back out without an insurmountable army to oppose him. Nothing we say can convince him to change.”

“Assuming we are able to kill Hakeem, what happens after? Will he give up his adultery? I’m sure he has grown quite attached to Emani, and to wine.”

The steward chuckled. “Don’t worry about the wine. I’ll see to it that our wine supply reduced. But Emani is pregnant with Yasir’s child. It will be difficult to navigate this situation, however, I am certain I can handle it. Emani will be placed under house arrest, with guards at every hour if the need should arise. But I don’t think she will have much ambition without Hakeem.”

“Then it is settled,” Laylaa declared. “Aurelian, tell the others that we have changed targets.” As Aurelian worked to inform the others, Laylaa turned back to the steward. “Can you give us an opportunity?”

“That should be simple enough. At noon tomorrow, I can have Hakeem exposed, but I won’t be able to get you close. One of your friends will have to kill him with a bow.”

“Where exactly will he be?”

“I can bring him out to the east balcony. It’s rather spacious, and it should do fine for our purposes. Have your chosen bowman situated somewhere near there, but make sure he isn’t seen. Once we go through with this, failure means death for us all.”

“The Hellhautig man over there is the best among us when it comes to archery. Johannes is his name.” She turned to Aurelian. “Let Johannes know that he will the one to kill the marshal.”

“Then it is decided. I must be on my way at once. The someone might start asking questions if I tarry too long.” He bowed, and hastily left.

“That must have been some very important information,” Aela remarked.

“It certainly was,” Aurelian agreed. “Johannes.”

“Yes? I heard Laylaa mention my name. What’s this about?”

“She wants you to kill the Vizier’s marshal.”

“Me?” he said, pointing to himself.

“Yes, you,” Aurelian reaffirmed. “From what the steward said, it’s clear that our problem is with the marshal. With him gone, we could bring the Almuharibun Clan back into the fold.”

“The marshal is the one feeding stupid ideas to the Vizier, including any notion he has of going to war with Saladin,” Lucullus added.

“Is there no way of persuading him to cease his foolishness?” Olivia entreated.

Aurelian shook his head. “Warmongering types don’t bother with diplomacy unless it can ensure a greater victory in battle. I’ve seen plenty of the marshal’s kind. Any ground you think you’re gaining at the negotiating table is all just an illusion. Their guile could put the best spymasters to shame at times. Even if his tricks aren’t subtle, you can count on him greeting you with an army. Of course, all of this assumes he even entertains the idea of negotiating with you. He may just ignore you altogether.”

“But why me?” Johannes pressed further.

“You’re the only one of us who carries a bow, and the steward said he could only get us an opportunity close enough to hit him with a bow, but not to reach with a sword. Besides, it’s probably better that way. There’s less of a chance of one of us getting caught.”

Johannes sighed, “I suppose that is true. When are we going to do it?”

“You’ll need to find a good vantage point close enough to the east balcony of the palace before noon.”

“Why noon? The streets will be busy. Someone is sure to spot me.”

“Noon is when the steward said he would be able to get you a shot. Though you do raise a valid concern with visibility.”

“Aela,” Lucullus called out.

“What is it?”

“Do you know any spells that could give Johannes some cover?”

“What kind of cover?”

“Anything that keeps him from being caught when he kills the marshal.”

Aela pondered in silence for a moment. She cast her gaze down to her hands. “I can think of only one viable spell, as the rest would merely conceal his form, but draw more attention to him.”

“Can you use it?”

She sighed, keeping her gaze down, “No. I have tried to learn it for some time, but it has proven a great challenge.”

“When was the last time you tried it?”

“When I was still at the college.”

“Perhaps you could try it now.”

She shrugged. “I doubt it would work. And with so much at stake, I don’t think we should gamble with such things.”

“Before, you only called upon the Savra for help, right?”

“Yes,” she answered. “What are you suggesting?”

“I’m certain that asking for the help of Kamil and Hikma will give you all the strength you need. And I might be able to convince Laylaa to lend her strength, too.”

“I don’t know. It seems like a disastrous idea.”

“With all that Kamil, through the will of Hikma, has done for me, it should be a much smaller thing for him to grant you this.” He walked over to Laylaa. “Can you help Aela?”

“With what?” she inquired.

“Aela thinks there is a spell that can help to keep Johannes safe while he dispatches the marshal. The problem is that she has never been able to successfully perform the spell. Would you be able to lend your Mystiko for this, as well as pray to Kamil and Hikma for this?”

“My prowess in anything related to combat is limited, but if it is not an aggressive spell, then I should be competent for it.”

He smiled. “I shall inform Aela. But while we wait for the time tomorrow, what other preparations must be made?”

“Aurelian can give you details on where to be positioned. I shall simply recommend that you and the others join me in fasting and prayer. Both of these things will help bring success for this mission.”

“I don’t know how well I can do in fasting, but I’ll do what I can.”

“Fear not. Your piety in such actions shall yield great rewards. With Hikma as our protector, victory is assured.”