Chapter twenty
Savage Kregen“Slay him, you fools, and have done!”
Ashti Melekhi pointed scornfully at the emperor, who fell back over his chair, twisting, knocking the golden cups of wine to the priceless carpets.
I stepped out into the light. The long dark cloak covered my face in shadow.
“Whoever he is, slay him also!” cried Melekhi.
The Chuliks advanced with grim purpose.
“You see, emperor,” I said. “There’s no telling an old onker the truth even if it’s staring him in the face.”
The emperor choked. He tried to struggle up. “Guards!” he got out in a strangled voice. “Guards! To me! To me!”
“What!” said I. “D’you want more of ’em to do your business for you? This b***h has bought them all.”
Ashti Melekhi drew in a sharp breath. Her face glowed with pleasure, her grey-green eyes
