Conan The Hero by Leonard Carpenter Read Free Book Online Page A

quarters.” Yildiz rolled onto his belly, positioning his back to be kneaded by two pairs of scarlet-nailed hands. “And the nobles too have their rightful powers and prerogatives. I certainly do not want a larger war in my capital than the one in Venjipur.” He grunted, adjusting his posture before his captive audience. “If I am indeed all-powerful, then does it not behoove me all the more to prevail by reason?”
    “By reason, Sire, or by any other means, as you wish! Now, if you have no further need of me…”
    “Nay, Abolhassan, linger a moment or two more. My dear General, I apologize for my thoughtlessness in taking my pleasure before you without offering you similar diversion. Just be seated, man, and feel free to call for any refreshment you may desire.” From his prone position on the floating mattress, with a snap of his fingers and a flick of his wrist, Yildiz brought a harem-girl scurrying from a curtained alcove to the bench at Abolhassan’s side. She was younger and slimmer than the emperor’s two companions, barefoot in filmy pantaloons and a brief, jeweled-embroidered vest. Her ruby lips and antimony eyes were half-concealed by auburn curls clasped in a circlet of purest gold. She seated herself beside Abolhassan, lavishing on him a lingering caress, which he shook off uncomfortably.
    Meanwhile Yildiz cleared his throat. “Now, General, back to business! In my efforts to explain and justify the southern war, I have come up against certain complaints which you, in your military expertise, might help me to address.” Although his handmaidens lavished careful affections on every part of his portly frame, Yildiz seemed to have no difficulty organizing his thoughts; in fact his concentration was quite remarkable. “One such quibble,” he began, “is an allegation of graft: that the bulk of money and provisions dispatched to Venjipur never even find their way there—or else, once they arrive, are diverted to profiteering and high living by unscrupulous functionaries in my service. Of course, you and I know that there is always a certain amount of graft necessary to keep the wheels of any state enterprise turning. I have tried to explain that, yet the critics seem to feel that substantially more is involved here.”
    “Outrageous, Sire! Who dares make such irresponsible charges? The lying traitor should be broken on the wheel! I can personally guarantee that no such abuses take place. But I will launch an investigation—” The general found himself momentarily interrupted as the harem-maid, sidling next to him, blew into his ear, fondling the short hairs at the back of his turban. Valiantly he pushed her off, continuing, “If such things are taking place, I shall have the offenders remanded for the harshest penalties.”
    “Excellent, General! Henceforth I will speak with more assurance on the subject. Another vexing charge—a related one, perhaps—regards the nature of the diplomatic ties we have formed in Venjipur. It is said that the factions we sponsor there are shallow opportunists or downright criminals, careless of our interests, who will be incapable of ruling the district competently once we secure it for them. What is your analysis of that?”
    “Impossible, Sire!” Abolhassan was still fending off his persistent bench-mate; finally he elicited a smothered sob from the girl by means of a remorseless pinch to the flesh of her upper arm. “I myself, of course, have never been to Venjipur. But I can vouch that our allies there are impeccably chosen. They are the land’s hereditary warlords, descendants of past conquerors, embodying the same sound principles of aristocracy and autarchy by which Your Resplendency rules our sacred empire.”
    “Very good, Abolhassan! I will remember that argument.” Supine under the intensifying ministrations of his harem women, Yildiz twisted around to flash the general an approving glance. “But I see that you do not avail yourself of the fleshly