Swords From the West Read Online Free

a pyramid of the heads of the slain. Do as thou wilt. It is all one to me. I send this writing-I, SUBAI GHAZI, lord of the lords of Tamerlane's host."
    He loosed the parchment from his fingers, and it coiled itself like a snake upon the table.
    "I have heard it said," he mused, "that Tamerlane's Tatars make towers out of the skulls of their foes."
    "Aye," asserted Sir Bruce, "when they are angered."
    "But the meaning of the red cock-"
    "Fire."
    The merchant glanced fleetingly at the soldier. "You know something of these accursed Tatars?"
    "I have seen them in battle."
    "Then you know the peril in which we stand. Out yonder"-Messer Andrea motioned toward the dark line of hills behind the citadel-"they are riding to the south, God knows why, but"-he smiled bleakly-"I am no lover of ill chance. I shall send out tribute enough to satisfy them."
    "By the souls of the saints," Theodore muttered, "it will need a mighty ransom."
    "My agents have visited the horde," responded the Counter, "and they say that Subai Ghazi rides in haste. He does not wish to linger here. 'Tis said of him that he is a man of his word, for good or ill."
    He turned to the Scot and spread out his hands. "Will you venture beyond the walls with a woman?"
    "Aye, so," said Sir Bruce slowly. "Peril there may be, but the Seigneur Christ will guard a maid among pagan swords."
    The Greek prince threw himself back on his cushions. "Fool!"
    But the faded eyes of the Counter-eyes quick and shrewd to weigh men and their moods-gleamed approvingly. "Swear," he whispered. "Swear that you will safeguard the girl with your life."
    Sir Bruce smiled. "Faith, I passed my word to her father."
    Messer Andrea nodded swiftly as if closing a bargain. "Good! And now hear me, young sir. There is a path from Tana to the northern caravan road that should be clear of the pagan horsemen. It follows the coast. I am sending thither some men of mine, and they shall guide you. They will be horsed and armed after matins on the morrow."
    "Then, by your leave, missire, I will sleep." The Scot rose, stretching his long arms and turned on his heel.
    "A good night to you," Messer Andrea called softly, motioning one of his link-men to attend the knight. He listened until the firm tread of the mailed feet dwindled down the corridor; then he sent a slave for candles, a luxury he seldom allowed himself.
    "Nay," he observed to Theodore, "that is no fool, but a simple soul that will hold to his given word-like Subai Ghazi." Suddenly he laughed, stroking his cheek with thin fingers.
    "Body of Judas!" the Greek prince cried. "You have given the maid to him!"
    "Content thee-content thee! By this hour on the morrow night he will lie in his own blood. A cup, Theodore-the white spirits in the stone jar."
    The Greek drank deep, frowning as he watched the Counter clean a sheet of parchment and sharpen the pen of a quill. The candles were placed on the table, and the pen began to move over the parchment; but Theodore, peering across his companion's shoulder, beheld only meaningless curlicues-Arabic.
    "'Tis a missive to the Tatar!" Prince Theodore exclaimed.
    "True-the matter of the tribute."
    Theodore bent over the table. "Will you send gold?"
    "Gold! A mule's load would only whet the Tatars' greed. Subai Ghazi would give it to his bathmen."
    "Jewels?"
    Messer Andrea shrugged. "Will your Illustriousness contribute the precious stones?"
    "I have not-" Theodore's dark eyes widened. "Ah, you are sending forth Marie de Rohan to the Tatar."
    "A little wine sharpens wit," Messer Andrea muttered. "Drink, your Illustriousness."
    "Are there no other women in the market?"
    Messer Andrea finished writing, yet did not sign the missive. "Ehu-I am not so foolish as to send a slave to one who has had his choice of the women of the Circassians and the Golden Horde. And you forget the honest soldier who is surety of our-gift. This is his authority. Another cup, my lord?"
    Theodore seized his silver goblet feverishly. His head