Chapter 28

The Antonia would sail within the hour. Grizzled old Captain Polemus was happy to make this announcement, for his passengers had been on board nearly a week and were growing restless.

With plenty of time to reflect on his dilemma, Voldi had decided that the course he was taking was the right one. As a Councillor he would be completely at odds with Deran, and it would be of small service to Arabia if a Councillor and the King were in constant conflict. Besides, once he and Fara were in a strange country, relying more and more upon each other for companionship, he might persuade her to marry him. He faced the voyage and their new adventures with increasing interest.

Fara stood by his side at the rail as the sailors made ready to cast off. She slipped her arm under his and Voldi felt her trembling with excitement.

‘It will not be long now,’ she said softly.

Voldi did not hear her. His eyes were fixed on two horsemen, riding on the wharf. He identified them now. Museph and Raboth! Their horses were wet.

Leaving Fara abruptly, he ran down the gangway as his friends dismounted. He faced them with apprehensive eyes. What could have happened to bring them here? They straightened, and formally saluted him.

‘That was a close thing, sire!’ muttered Museph. ‘We weren’t a minute too soon.’

Voldi grinned at the ‘sire,’ and wondered why. It was a strange time to be teasing him.

‘Deran is dead,’ said Raboth, in a half-whisper.

‘Dead!’ echoed Voldi. ‘How?’

‘He was found beside a mountain trail with an arrow in his back,’ said Museph.

‘And I suppose you have come to ask me to return,’ said Voldi. ‘But I can’t now! I have gone too far with my other plans!’

‘But the King’s Council insists that you return—forthwith, sire!’ entreated Raboth in an unsteady voice.

‘And why is my presence in Arabia of such urgent importance?’ demanded Voldi. ‘And why, in God’s name, are you fellows “sire”-ing me?’

‘Because,’ said Museph, ‘you are the King of Arabia!’