Justinian blinked, his borrowed body heavy, muscles clenched, blood running from his lip. He levered himself upright, took in the concerned gazes of Chenmo and Xi, and focused with hawklike intensity on the disgusted sneer of a man he knew only by reputation.
“The barbarian soiled himself, it is most crude and unseemly, is it not, Xi? I thought your peon was bringing a mighty lord, not a weak-bowelled old peasant.” batting his fan quickly, he strode to his chair and shifted his attention to Chenmo, as if disinterested totally in further speaking to Basil. He cleared his throat. “ And as to you, Inspector, I shall be composing my strongest recommendations to the Xichang Censor-in-Chief for your immediate dismissal, and furthermore—?
Hollow laughter, more redolent of the grave, echoed unnaturally from Basil's mouth, stilling the pampered courtiers tirade.
“Peasant, Sheng Yen? That is no way to address your betters. I was tending the imperial affairs of the state when your pig of an Emperor's fathers and great-fathers were primitive savages that marauded and pillaged a real Chinese empire.”
Justinian spat, the bloody phlegm from Basil's bitten lip nearly hitting the polished boot.
“Yes, I know who you are, who you serve. You see, being a specter, you become so very bored. I watched from afar, listening intently to every succeeding development in the East, even if my foolish and often downright incompetent descendants did not, to the eventual ruin to which Constantine here was party. Your “Great Ming” is nothing more than the bones of a greater barbarian dynasty clad in new,lesser flesh, but China, it is not.” He smiled, exposing bloody teeth below his stormy, turbulent eyes.
Sheng Yen grew pale, then scarlet in his apoplectic fury, jumping out of his chair and dealing a ringing blow to Basil's face with his fan, snapping his head to the side.
“YOU DARE, EUROPEAN SCUM! BARBARIC SAVAGE!” Calming himself somewhat, he lowered his voice and continued. “ I should have your tongue ripped out at the roots and your gonads fried in oil for such blasphemy.” His face grew sly. “Yet you claim to know much, which makes you both dangerous and potentially useful, for I know you not, for you are clearly not the bumbling idiot Basil, nor are you the middling competent regional warlord known as Constantine Dragases. Who are you, “specter”, to dismiss the one who rules a thousand nations so casually?
Justinian looked him dead in the eyes, his dark eyes bottomless as the Void. “ I am known among your people as Emperor Jiǎsītīng or Bǐdé of the Empire of Fulin, descended from the mighty Daqin.” He smirked, “some even called me ‘Dào sī zhě’, The Silk Thief.”
He stood, righting his stool and despite his state, sat upon it with equanimity. He was bemused to see the gaunt courtier laughing heartily , even slapping his thigh in the depths of his hilarity. “It would seem that I struck a blow for all of my people then! Let us proceed as if you are who you claim to be, it makes this whole mess far more interesting to me.”
“You doubt me, but that is only natural for people of such suspicious times. I shall prove to you my knowledge, and in surety, I pledge my silence upon it to any among the living or dead, including Basil himself. I shall endeavor also to persuade him by any means of which I am capable, to fulfill the task which you undoubtedly have for him, in exchange for his life and your support, overt or otherwise.”
He glanced disinterestedly at Chenmo for a moment before flicking his eyes back to Sheng Yen and Xi Jian. “ Oh, and that fellow there, he is currently a useless asset to you currently, is he not? Give him over into independent service, as handler and liaison with both of you and my Basil. Insurance, as it were.”
Sheng Yen leaned forward, eyes amused and yet curious. “That would depend greatly on your information and its veracity, Lord Bǐdé. Otherwise I am letting a dangerous person free with information about our operations here with merely an “I'll do my best.” You understand, surely.“
“I do. Bring a map of the area between the Ming Empire and this place, and pen or brush with which to write so we can have done with this. What I have done today will not please him, though I shall bind him to it. The dead are not meant to usurp the living. ”
At Sheng Yen's gesture, Xi left the room, returning with a large paper map and writing implements.
Justinian received the offered brush and ink and set to work, his flowing script quickly covering several parts of the map, most notably around the ancient passes of Bactria and the Vijayanagara Empire, in the south of the Indian subcontinent. Moving closer to the West, notations quickly filled every available space, troop numbers in Trebizond, the size of the garrison at Edirne, the growing capabilities of Ottoman territories, strategic resources, the latest news on the rapid re-conquest of Herat by Abu Sa'id Mirza of the Timurids.
New passes opened in impenetrable mountain ranges and goat paths littered blank,impassable ravines as the Emperor sought to buy Basil's freedom with knowledge. For what felt like hours,he wrote, until at last with a weary sigh he placed the brush back into the case. He took up a handful of sand, sprinkling the map, before blowing it clean and presenting it to Sheng Yen.
“I trust my knowledge meets with the Grand Secretariat representative's approval?” Justinian inquired facetiously.
Sheng Yen's head snapped up from his reading, shock writ large across his features. “How do you know these things? Not even Xi was privy to that knowledge.” Quickly changing the subject, he pointed to the map, selecting a newly drawn pass in the mountains in the extreme southwest of the Himalayas. “This, I was told this pass has been shut by a landslide since the days of the Yuan, yet you say it is clear?”
Justinian nodded affirmatively. “You are a victim of Timurid and Delhi propaganda, they cleared it out a century ago and use it to allow spies and fifth columnists to slip into your western provinces to foment rebellion. Furthermore, until the fracturing of Delhi's power, they stationed troops there as well.”
Xi Jian spoke up then, asking a question he knew troubled the minds of all in the room.
“How do you know this, and what proof do you offer that is immediate and verifiable? This map will take months to verify, and consume many resources better used in our own endeavors. I am, or at least was, a soldier, I do not like the idea of completely trusting a hostile source for information.”
Justinian nodded graciously, though he was growing weary and his hold on Basil's body could not continue much longer. “I believe that it was John that said ‘Jesus had done many miracles, which were witnessed by the multitude. But even then, they still did not believe in him.’ Shall I perform another feat with something more immediate then?”
“That would be preferable.”
“Then I require two things. First, new clothes and all that was promised to Basil by your representative Chenmo, regardless of whether or not you are satisfied. Second, if I should meet your test, you will agree to the bargain I proposed earlier.”
Xi turned to Sheng Yen, “Lord? Are these terms acceptable? Even if Chenmo is to be severed, his actions were within his authority at the time, and we do possess enough resources here to easily fill the required amount.”
“I'll allow it, this has to be the most entertainment I've had in an interrogation in years.”
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Justinian pointed to the harbor below, then out to four distinct points at the darkened horizon. “Within the next half hour, there will be four ships coming into port. The Genoese trade galley Pesce del Cielo, carrying wine and olives, the Venetian war galley Scudo, back from its patrol on the Bosporus, the Ming-owned Trapezontine brigantine Ostrieta Sigurnost, flying Bulgarian colors, under the command of Alexios Duphraxenes and his handler, Zhou Sha, and finally, an Ottoman transport ship, the Denizaygırı, bearing reinforcements for the garrison and a troop of Sipahis, most likely here to supplement Colonel Ateşin's forces in their chase.”
He turned, perceiving towards the west the faded sounds of hooves carried upon the ether. “Speaking of which. The good Colonel is no more than two hours behind us. I would urge you to send your men to the harbor so that we may conduct this trial as efficiently as possible.”
Xi Jian spoke to one of the guards, and soon after, six men in plain attire were moving adroitly through the crowds towards the water. Justinian turned towards Sheng Yen and bowed with exquisite grace in the Eastern fashion. “May I trouble you for the use of your bathing facilities and the clothes? I must tidy up before Basil catches an illness.”
Surprisingly, Sheng Yen returned his bow with the same formal grace and clapped his hands twice, summoning two Ming women who quickly guided him out of sight into the house. He beckoned Chenmo to stand before him, Xi Jian coming to stand beside his protege unbidden. “ I see you are insistent on not cashiering this reckless fool, Xi.”
“Of course, he is a good officer and a valuable asset. I do not believe in casting aside a powerful tool, simply because it may be difficult to use.”
“Would you be willing to compromise then? I am inclined to accept the proposal offered by this “Justinian”, it seems to turn our current liabilities in this region into major assets should they succeed, and should they fail, all we lose is a trivial amount of supplies and some silver.”
Xi Jian looked conflicted, but after a moment of consideration he looked up, his decision made.
“I cannot in good conscience allow for his dismissal, our families would lose much face,were it to be known at court. I will concur with you only if, should he complete his assignment, he should be reinstalled with full privileges to his current position, is this acceptable, Lord?”
Sheng Yen snapped open his fan, before closing it with a crack in his palm. “So it is agreed. He shall be restricted to only such privileges as needed to make contact with yourself and the local assets within the target area, is this clear?” He looked at them expectantly. Both bowed silently to him before stiffening to attention, awaiting further instruction.
“Agent, you will attempt to fracture the forces and powerbase of both the Aq Qoyunlu and Qara Qoyunlu principalities by any means available to you or your companion. Furthermore, should this mission prove successful, greater assets will be made available to you, towards the goal of expelling the Timurids from the Western passes and installing a local regime amenable to our control. If you fail in either of the stated objectives, your life will be counted forfeit within the Empire and you shall be executed to prevent the information you possess from falling into enemy hands. Are there any questions?”
Chenmo nodded slowly, taken aback by the herculean tasks before him. “May I inquire where your Excellency thinks I should start, given your superior access to information?” Sheng Yen snapped his fingers at the soldier holding Justinian's map, sending the man scurrying to his side. “Hold it open, fool. And you, over there, bring that lantern closer, we need light. “
This done, he went to the map, tapping an insignificant mountainous country below Georgia. “I believe you should start here, Armenia. It is full of dissenting voices against its Turkish Muslim rulers, despite recent piecemeal efforts by the Turks to appease their nobility. As well, Its population remains defiantly Christian despite nearly a millennia of Muslim rule and many purges, use this to your advantage. The roots of this country run deep, and its people are hardier than the stones, yet still possess eternal optimism that their time will come once more,that would flock behind a man such as “Basil”, with the proper preparation and messaging. A Christian savior to free them from the Turkish menace perhaps. I leave the details to your… hopefully, after the debacle of the harbor… better judgment.”
He dismissed the men, robes flapping as he went back into the house, fan flicking idly.
Xi Jian turned to Chenmo, face full of concern and regret.
“ I am sorry I could not do more to protect you, Cousin. I had assumed it would merely be a mid-level Military Inspector of the Censorate, not a Director of the Grand Secretariat.”
He looked aside, weighing his words,before turning back.
“Though it is probably cold comfort, it was not your actions that brought His Excellency here. It was the fact that the Chief Minister of the Grand Secretariat is currently trying to undercut our Patriarch’s position in the Imperial Court.”
Chenmo spat on the ground. “It's always about politics or taels, isn't it? Scant mercy does he provide me, a living exile unless I deliver him a quarter of Asia in a wicker basket. I should have joined the army, honored cousin, like you did.”
Xi Jian patted him on the back comfortingly. “That it is, cousin. Though I would hope you'd keep your treasonous statements to a quiet roar, especially when your head still lays between the jaws of a dragon. Prod not the sleeping tiger when you are trapped in its claws.” He surveyed his cousin from head to boot, tutted playfully. “Let us get you cleaned up. Your ghost has his wager to win.”
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Ateşin's arse ached. Two days in the saddle after months of processional and ceremonial duties made him feel every bit of his threescore years. His men looked better than he felt, but the rough, nonstop chase over the hills of coastal Anatolia had worn the energy from their talk and the precision from their maneuver. As they crested a hill, Ateşin spotted a mounted figure racing towards his position, a white pennant fluttering from a spear in the rider's hand.
He signaled his men to halt and spread out on the hilltop to await the envoy. The rider, the Seal of Solomon prominent on his surcoat, reined in at the bottom of the hill and planted his spearbutt into the ground, cupping his hands around his mouth.
“Hello the hill! Greetings and submission from my master the Emir, Kemâleddin Ismail. I bring news for the Colonel, and to act as guide, so that you may rest in Sinope tonight with minimal loss to your hunt. May I approach?”
“Approach, and be welcome, friend of the Sultan! I have tired and thirsty men who should be grateful to you if you can deliver such an outcome.” Ateşin shouted, a parade ground roar that effortlessly split the distance. He eyed the man professionally, noting his sword was devoid of adornment and its grip was well worn from use. He rode well in the Turkish fashion, and his horse looked well cared for.
The envoy bowed deeply from the saddle. “I am Banou Ersoy, scout and pathfinder. Your message was received and your wishes carried out most assidiously. The ship mentioned has docked and both persons of interest debarked two hours before twilight and regrettably were able to slip our observers, though they have not left the city yet, to the best of our knowledge.”
Ateşin nodded, stroking his moustache thoughtfully. “I require an audience with the Emir as soon as we arrive, there are measures which I would see taken to trap our wayward quarry within the city.” He signaled to his men, drawing them close around him. “Just a short ride longer, my good men, and we shall have rest, food, drink, and all the finest hospitality of our host, so ride swift as the wind and surefooted as goats, and Shaitan take the hindmost!” The men cheered, before falling crisply into formation, awaiting his orders. Ateşin looked towards the city, visible from his vantage point, and allowed himself to relax slightly, he would make it in time, praise be to Allah. Once this dirty business was done, he would be glad to return to yet another day of processional, of cool water and willing women…
“Lead on, Sir Ersoy.”
#######################
The group reconvened in a much more luxurious room than previously, replete with wall hangings and plush carpets, complemented by low Chinese tables in dark woods. As ever, a thronelike chair was present for Sheng Yen, while the others sat in finely carved chairs with deep cushions. Servants moved noiselessly through the room, lighting lanterns and setting cups of tea before them in fine red earthenware cups.
Chenmo looked to the man he knew as Basil, yet who was also Constantine Dragases, but somehow also a revenant out of myth and legend. It all sounded so preposterous, farcical even. Yet…the man sitting there was not Basil, but a deadly cobra, coiled and hissing…though he appeared to be failing, his energy ebbing away. His hands were shaking slightly, and his eyes seemed sunken deep into his face, pupils shot through with thin lines of black. Nevertheless, he was truly resplendent in a loose-fitting emerald green robe of raw silk, patterned with white checkerboard hems chased with silver thread. He sat in his chair as if he were born to it, ramrod straight and his mien pleasant yet distant.
Sheng Yen examined his hourglass, where it lay perched on the arm of his chair, then looked up, taking his tea in hand. “Well, Justinian, it appears that within moments we shall know whether or not you are as infallible as you claim.”
Justinian bowed his head courteously, raising his tea in agreement. “Not a moment too soon, Lord Sheng. In fact, I hear them approaching now.”
The six men entered soon after, arraying themselves to the side in order of seniority in two rows.
“Liang Wu, what were the results? Do they match the words given by myself and the man you see here?”
“Sir, they match in every particular. Our men were able to discreetly confirm the identities and cargos of the ships, and in the case of our ship, bring new intel about our operations. One additional piece of intel, if I may, Lord.” Sheng Yen nodded.
“The force of silahdars under one Ateşin have been seen entering the city in company of a member of the Emir's personal guard, a scout named Banou Ersoy. It is safe to say from our current sources that he intends to stay in the city, using it as a base from which to send out bands of the Emir's men led by his as search parties.”
“It seems you have your bargain. Also a choice to make, leave now, while his men are occupied and tired, or you may stay here until you are fit to trave, and as a token of good faith for our partnership , I shall have a suitable guide, who may stay with you or go as he pleases after he has delivered you to the borders of Trebizond, and a squad of escorts provided for you. What say you?”
Justinian's mouth worked, and he attempted to rise, as if preparing to leave. His legs folded under him , and he crashed to the floor with a meaty thud, spilling tea as his thrashing upset the table. Chenmo and Xi Jian checked his wild movements, grunting with effort, as Sheng Yen called for a physician to be brought and a room prepared in which he could be safely restrained. Gentle hands took him from the room, and as he left, to Chenmo it seemed as if he truly was dead, so pallid and cold was his skin, his pupils inky black.
They would go nowhere this night.