Page 54 (1/2)

"You sound like Abban," Jardir h he knew she heard full well

"Enough," he said "It is done and there is nothing for it Now put on a decent robe and veil before you put ihts into the minds of my men"

"Bold as ever," Inevera said, but she s more amused than irritated "The Evejah commands women to wear veils so no man covet what is not his, but you are the Deliverer Who would dare covet your woh the streets"

"Nothing to fear, perhaps, but what advantage co of your sex like a whore for any htened, though her face reht ht be increased, for having suchmust be prepared to service you instantly"

"Another deception," Jardir said wearily, sitting upon the throne

"Not at all," Inevera purred, sliding into his lap "I am fully prepared to stand responsible for the lusts of Shar’Dama Ka"

"You make it sound a task," Jardir said "A tedious price of power"

"Not so tedious," Inevera said, tracing a finger down his chest She undid the fastenings of his pantaloons and moved to mount him

Jardir could not deny the lust her beauty roused in him, but he felt, too, the Skull Throne under him, and he looked up as Inevera sheathed herself upon hi the e froe to the next life

Did Inevera truly feel passion at his touch, or were her yrations just another mask, like the opaque veil she had cast aside? Jardir honestly did not know

He stood up, lifting her off hiames"

Inevera’s eyes widened, but she held her te his stiffened member

Jardir pushed her away "It does not rule ave hiht she would attack hied as if his refusal was nohypnotically as she descended

Hasik touched his forehead to the marble floor before the dais of the Skull Throne

"I have brought the khaffit, Deliverer," he said with distaste When Jardir nodded, the guards opened the door and Abban limped in When he drew close to the dais, Hasik shoved Abban forward,to drive him to his knees, but Abban was quick with his crutch and soed to keep his feet

"Kneel before Shar’Dama Ka!" Hasik roared, but Jardir raised a hand to stay him

"If I am to die, at least allow me to do it on my feet," Abban said

Jardir smiled "What makes you think I wish to kill you?"

"Am I not another loose thread to be clipped?" Abban asked "Like the Par’chin before htened on his spear as his eyes filled witha hand at Hasik and the other guards As they complied, Jardir descended fros best left unspoken," he said quietly

"He was your friend, Ah him "But then, I suppose I was once, as well"