Casca 34: Devil's Horseman Read Online Free Page A

advisor, a weasly looking man with shifty eyes and a smile that came too easily to his face, and went just as easily. The other was the governor’s wife, a woman given to putting up with a long-suffering marriage by the looks of things. She was in her early thirties, Casca judged. Mongolian or Chinese – he still couldn’t tell for certain – and wearing jewels and silks as befitting her status. She was quite attractive without being out and out beautiful. She kept on looking at Casca for long moments before returning her attention to her food. Casca caught her once with a legume in her hand, running her tongue along it slowly and looking at him from under her eyelashes. Casca smiled briefly and returned his attention to the governor.
    The governor was constantly praising the wisdom and other attributes of his master, Buri who had shown great understanding in sending his humble servant to this city to rule here in his name and that of his father, the great Khan, Ogedei. Never had Samarkand known such magnificence as it had under him and Buri. It would even come close to rivaling Karakorum, the glittering capital of all Mongolia and their Empire. Casca smiled behind his wine goblet. Karakorum was a collection of tents, yurts and one huge palace. He doubted this strutting peacock had ever been near it. He stole a glance at his wife, who was playing with the stem of her goblet, running her hand up and down it, looking at him intently. Casca held her glance for a moment, smiled again, then broke eye contact. Gods, she wants it badly. Is he such a poor screw she fancies it from me the moment I arrive? He sipped on his wine again and leaned back in his chair.
    He was pleased with his new outfit. Kaidur had done him proud. A silk shirt of blue with stylized chrysanthemums of white embroidered down the front hung past his waist loosely, and he had trousers of deeper blue made from horsehair, and the bottoms of these were tucked into high boots made of felt.
    The governor was still talking, not allowing anyone else to make any contribution to the conversation. Casca had the impression he liked the sound of his own voice. Certainly Kaidur and the chief advisor had said nothing so far; Kaidur because he was clearly uncomfortable and the chief advisor because he was in awe of the governor and would probably have jumped off the balcony if so commanded. The governor’s wife, whom he’d been told was called Sorghe, said little except laugh at the governor’s excruciating wit and agree with him when he sought her agreement on things he wanted agreeing with.
    But suddenly the governor caught him out. “Tell me, Old Young One, who do you think should be Khan once Ogedei passes onto the heavens?”
    There was silence. The chief advisor fixed him with a piercing look; Kaidur looked very wary while Sorghe smiled slightly and rested her head in one of her hands, her elbow on the table top. Her slanted almond eyes seemed to sparkle. It was as if she was daring him to say something that would piss her husband off. “As someone who rode with the great Genghis, I know how he thought and what he wanted above all else for the Mongol tribes.”
    “Which is?” the governor cocked his head to one side.
    “Strong leadership, the tribes united, and a common goal to be pursued by all.”
    “Then surely that means Kuyuk will be your choice!” the governor declared, sitting up straight. The chief advisor smiled and nodded but Kaidur scowled and Sorghe looked as if someone had broken wind next to her.
    “I didn’t say that and I don’t know if he’s the right choice,” Casca said calmly. “I’d need to see each potential candidate before making my decision. I would then recommend the Kurultai to vote for whom I believe would serve a united Mongol Empire the better.”
    The governor’s mouth turned down. “But you must see that Kuyuk is the obvious choice!”
    “I cannot say, governor. If his rival….” he looked at Kaidur for a