Beneath an Opal Moon by Eric Van Lustbader Read Free Book Online Page B

world who covet this port city with its vast wealth and strategic location.”
    â€œSurely you are not suggesting—”
    â€œAn invasion from the north?” The Regent shrugged. “I cannot rule it out.” He sipped at his wine, barely tasting it. “I can tell you one thing for certain, my friend. This matter is about more than just a murder. Much more.” He put his goblet down. “Well, we have done all we can for the moment. I have sent for information on Kintai and that will take some time to compile. The newly formed Shōbai will be most helpful.”
    Moichi laughed. “They had better, by God! Without your aid those traders would have a tough time with the Sha’angh’sei hongs.”
    â€œThe trading guild is a fine idea but who knows if it will work? There are so many divergent members from so many lands, they may burst asunder with a very loud bang.” He rubbed his hands together. “It’s getting late. Will you stay for dinner?”
    â€œAnother time, Aerent. I am meeting Kossori—”
    â€œAch! What you see in that layabout I cannot understand.”
    Moichi smiled good-humoredly. “I think, perhaps, it is more his personality that rubs you the wrong way, Regent.”
    â€œHuh! I set no store by useless persons, Moichi. You know that full well. How they act is of no matter to me. This friend of yours does nothing with his time, helps no one. Tell me, of what use is he to others or to himself?”
    â€œHe is a fine musician,” Moichi said. It was not the first time he wished he could say more.
    â€œThat is as may be, my friend, but I have little respect for those lazy enough to loll about the squares of the city all day playing music. And at night—”
    â€œTonight he takes me to the Sha-rida.”
    The Regent turned abruptly away. “I will forget that I heard you say that.”
    Moichi was puzzled. “Is it so terrible then? There are many slave markets within Sha’angh’sei.”
    Aerent spun around, his face drained of color. “Do you not know?”
    â€œWhat?”
    The Regent touched his shoulder gently. “My friend, you still have a great deal to learn about this city. The Sha-rida is a very special kind of slave market. One I intend to destroy one day.”
    â€œWon’t you tell me what it is?”
    Aerent shook his head as if he were suddenly weary. “I will speak no more of it. Let your good friend, Kossori, answer all your queries.” He ran a hand through his hair, walking away from the table a little way. His legs clicked quietly. “But now, before you take your leave, we have an important matter to discuss. Azuki-iro’s ship, Tsubasa , is scheduled to dock tomorrow at the beginning of the hour of the cormorant. I trust that your late-night wanderings will not prevent you from meeting me promptly at Three Kegs Pier, eh?” He smiled.
    Moichi rose. “Have no fear on that score, Aerent. I will be there. And by that time I trust there will be news of the current happenings in Kintai.” He turned at the door. “By the way, what is the name of this girl, the Kunshin’s daughter?”
    â€œChiisai.”
    Now it was Moichi’s turn to smile. “A beautiful name, at least.”
    â€œWhat else did you expect?” said Aerent. “It is Bujun.”

Koppo
    Kossori lived on Silver Thread Lane, a crumbling, narrow alley that belied its name. There, it was always dark with the shadows of the surrounding, taller buildings, days of twilight, nights of perfect pitch blackness; the alleys of the city had no night lights as did the wider streets, avenues and squares. This perpetual darkness did not seem to bother Kossori. On the contrary, it amused him. He professed to love the darkness.
    With all that, however, he could rarely be found at home. He preferred, as Aerent had indicated, to spend his days in the wide sun-splashed squares of