Ogier put down his wine goblet with a thump. «I do not advise telling the Izmir. He is an old man and has little use for his women, true, but he is very jealous of them all the same. I am not sure of the wisdom of this. What is this Valli to you. Blade?»

«That is my concern,» said Blade curtly, «a personal matter and nothing to do with the Izmir or politics or priests, I promise you. Will you do it, Ogier? In return you and your men shall have the run of my harem. Take your choice of as many as you can handle. I will issue orders to that effect.»

Ogier studied him, stubbled chin in hand. Finally he nodded. «I will do it. No great trouble in that, for I know all the guards and they will obey me. But I think it had better be kept from the Izmir. You are now as his son, Blade, but a father can be angry. And he would not understand why, with a harem of your own, you seek a woman from his harem. I myself do not understand it.»

Blade pushed his plate away and stood up. «You do not have to understand it, Ogier. You must only do it.»

Ogier half scowled. «It is a command, then?»

«No. It is a request. When I give commands you will be in no doubt of it.»

Ogier suddenly laughed and slammed the table with his hand. «I will do it-and hold you to your word. I will loose my men in your dovecote and you will have a happy harem, Blade. We have not had women lately, my men and I, and I think each of us good for six, at the least.»

Blade smiled. «Only when they are off-duty, Ogier. Be sure they understand that. Any man caught in the harem when he should be on guard will be severely punished.»

Ogier pushed away from the table. «You need not tell me that, Blade. I am a soldier. Where shall I bring this woman?»