Coldmaker(23)

‘Quite usable, sir,’ I said, eager to get out of the direct line of the Sun. I felt as if the sky had been nibbling my edges all day, and there wasn’t much time left before I fainted.

‘Fine.’ He snapped his fingers under my nose, directing me to look up.

I found a pampered face, desperate not to show its real age underneath its layers of caked make-up. He looked over his shoulder, making sure the High Noblewoman was still inside, and then adjusted his parasol so it completely blocked the Sun from the side of his face. Reaching into a discreet pocket in the pleats of his sun-shirt, he pulled out a piece of folded parchment. ‘I need you to pick up something heart-shaped and deliver it to this Noblewoman at this address. Knock four times, fast. She’ll know who it’s from, but make sure you tell her to meet in the alley behind Sistrum in the Bathing Quarter just after bell fourteen.’

I nodded. ‘What sort of heart-shaped item, sir?’

He backhanded me before I was ready, sending what little spit I had out of my mouth and cleaning my forehead of sweat.

‘Any heart-shaped item, you dolt.’ The High Nobleman’s powdered face contorted with rage, spittle ruining the perfectly applied gloss on his lips. ‘Any.’

Immediately, metal footsteps clanked my way, their heavy sound throbbing in my ears. Their pace was steady, each footstep thick with authority. ‘Is this slave giving you a problem, sir?’ Jadanmaster Thoth’s voice was controlled and smooth, the perfect match for his gait.

The High Nobleman adjusted his parasol, expression teetering on the brink of outburst. ‘Do you make it a habit of choosing idiotic slaves with which to populate your corners? Are you a sympathizer?’

‘Apologies.’ Thoth gave a slight bow. ‘From what I understand, this slave’s previous Jadanmaster was practically Jadan himself.’

The Nobleman waved a hand emphatically towards the tip of the Pyramid in the distance. ‘No wonder the Procession was such a disaster and the scum hasn’t been caught, if the Khat has incompetent Jadan-lovers running his Quarters.’

At these words, Thoth’s eyes lit with fire, as though the Nobleman was accusing him personally. He composed himself, his words dripping with guile. ‘Not as of today.’

The High Nobleman paused, painting Thoth with a curious look. ‘Very good. Because I need to be able to count on the discretion of these creatures.’

Dipping into something of a bow, the red knots rolled on Thoth’s shoulders. ‘Assurances. Allow me to demonstrate.’ He turned towards me, bending over so he could get a closer look. I could tell his eyes were searching for sweat, but luckily the Nobleman’s blow had dried me up. ‘Micah, tell me the errand which this distinguished High Nobleman has just entrusted you with.’

I gave a small swallow. ‘Yes, sir. The Nobleman wishes for me to—’

I couldn’t finish my sentence, as everything went black.

When I came to, I realized I was sprawled out, one side of my face pounding, pressed against hot stone. The sole of Thoth’s shoe was searing my other cheek, his weight crushing my skull downwards. The steel plate under his heel had absorbed the heat from the Arch Road, and I could feel the Sun living in the metal. I couldn’t help but try to squirm away as the searing spread over my skin, burrowing deep. Thoth pressed harder, bending my nose, and I struggled to breathe. Face on fire, I sucked in a mouthful of street dust and sputtered, trying not to choke on the grains and pebbles.

I was suddenly released, strong arms bringing me back to my feet and setting me in place. Instinct told me to bring a hand to my cheek to nurse the fresh sting, but from the look in Thoth’s eyes, I could tell that this instinct would have had me killed.

Thoth placed his rod under my chin and tilted it up. ‘Jadanmaster Geb may have allowed you to discuss your errands, but Jadanmaster Thoth expects complete and utter secrecy. Do you understand?’

I nodded, the burn blossoming across my cheek into a deep swell. ‘Yes, sir.’

Thoth nodded, a sanguine grin spreading across his face. ‘Micah, tell me about the errand this High Nobleman has entrusted you with.’

My stomach clenched. ‘I’m sorry, sir, I can’t.’

Thoth gave another satisfied nod, and then jammed the butt of his rod into my stomach, jerking the air clean from my lungs. I could feel eyes on surrounding corners being drawn to my oomph.

‘Tell me,’ Thoth said. ‘Or you get another one.’

I caught my breath, knowing this was all for show. Thoth had been waiting for an opportunity to make an example of someone on Arch Road, to prove his rule, and I just had to ride it out. ‘I’m sorry, sir, but I—’

The rod came harder this time, and I gasped for air.

‘Micah,’ Thoth said calmly. ‘Tell me what errand you have been—’

The High Nobleman stepped in, holding out a hand. ‘I get it. Lovely display. Normally I’m one to relish these little larks’ – he gave a nervous look over his shoulder – ‘but I’m afraid I must have this errand in motion. My appreciation, Jadanmaster, for proving your worth. You are no sympathizer, and I allow you to take your leave with honour.’

Thoth bowed, making sure to cast his gaze over the watching Jadans on the corners. ‘My pleasure.’ He then gave me a final look, his eyes ablaze, before marching away, his footsteps echoing from the fronts of the nearby shops.