Asmark’s Diary part 8: A Funeral & a Duel

In The Doom that Came to Amber

20^th Bull 3658

I got up early to attend the duel. I left in good time and took my time getting there to check if I was being followed. It was just possible that this had been arranged to embarrass me. On arrival everything seemed in order. There were eight of us all told, two duellists, each with two seconds, a referee and his assistant.

Algar’s opponent was Sir Nairesh Khan, the son and heir of Lord Miskatone. He seemed to recognise me (or perhaps one of his seconds did). Nevertheless I got the impression that he was surprised to see me. Jomes mentioned afterwards that he thought he hadn’t tried as hard as he might have. The referee stressed it was to first blood only, and they got underway.

It was bit of a lacklustre fight. Algar is always very solid and steady, waiting for his opponent to make a mistake. Khan seemed to be largely defensive but slipped slightly during one thrust putting him off balance. Algar stepped in and neatly slashed his left arm. It was nothing serious but it served. Jomes and one of Khan’s seconds did the final formalities with the referee. There was a suitably formal leave taking and we went to breakfast.

I was slightly amused by an exchange between Algar and Jomes, which suggested that it wasn’t entirely clear what the duel had been about. Jomes mentioned that it might be something to do with Algar’s wife. This did surprise me as I wasn’t aware he was married, albeit there was a rumour his family had someone in mind. Nevertheless I did not press the matter. Still I was sure that Jomes had been the real driving force behind the encounter and was well satisfied with the outcome.

We went to an inn for a breakfast. Jomes and Algar added some liquid refreshment, but with a full day ahead of me and the risk of being descended on by a Golden Circle ambassador or a summons by the Regent, I decided that I should be sober in the morning.

On reaching to OoGC, I was presented with a note from Lord Nathan asking to see me. I replied, inviting him, and read a letter from Raymond while I waited. It seems Jasper is a hot bed of spying. I wrote back to Raymond thanking him for his information, and encouraging him to send everything he thinks will be of value.

Nathan arrived and it seems that he met Khitan in Rebma when attending Queen Moire’s funeral. His re-accreditation seems likely, but clearly needs the Regent’s agreement.

Lunch: especially as I have not attended breakfast there, it seemed wise to lunch in the castle dining room. Prince Julian informed us that a meeting in Emeraldheart on the 24th is planned. I think this will primarily be handled by Lord Aylwin, but it isn’t clear who else will be going. It seems Peter Thrice is likely to be an advisor. I was mooted as an emissary at one point, but it wasn’t suggested this time. I have plenty of other things to do so I shall not be putting myself forward.

Khitan was at lunch, which was of more immediate concern. Discussing the situation with Nathan, we all decided to go to Cordoba. After lunch all of us and Khitan’s bodyguard trumped through to the Spice Market. On arrival we were nearly flattened by a carriage containing the Caliph’s son, Ibrahim. He is one of the Caliph’s legitimate sons, but not reckoned to be much use. It was a little odd seeing him in the merchant quarter.

I introduced Nathan and Khitan to Amed Na’tyr who will be useful for his contacts among the merchants. After an initial discussion, we went to the palace. The Caliph was not available. This was of no real significance, as the real business will be done with the Grand Vizier Ahmed-ibn-Daud.

I stayed a little while, but having made my introductions I trumped back to the OoGC.