Chapter 15: An Alderman’s Threat

As much as I want to keep a watch over Meghr’s progress, my other duties don’t always allow me the time to do so. Recently, my intervention has been required to resolve a long running issue between Ramiro and the meddling aldermen. The stand-off relates to the number of soldiers under the warlord’s command. The situation isn’t helped by Alderman Samvel refusing to talk directly to Ramiro because he is a slave. Samvel’s attitude towards me, as a woman and a former slave, isn’t much better. Fortunately the other four aldermen are more pragmatic, and at least listen to Ramiro’s and my views.

I’m surprised one afternoon to be informed that Alderman Samvel has come to Wadi Halaf to discuss resolution of the impasse. Samvel has been wisely avoiding me since my return to the city, even though there is little I can do to damage his influential position in city politics. Before his death, my father made it widely known that Samvel was the alderman who capitulated to the Grey Monks’ demands, and that Samvel offered me as a hostage to prevent my father and his soldiers from intervening.

As much as I would like to shun Samvel, I know that Ramiro is relying on me. I need to ensure Ramiro has enough trained soldiers in the garrison to keep bandit activity in check. On receiving news of Samvel’s arrival, I order refreshments to be made ready. I prepare to meet him in the meeting room Ramiro uses. Samvel must regard me as dangerous because he arrives with two burly henchmen. As is customary, they leave their weapons at the gate, although their robes could easily hide a dagger or two.

“Your guards are unnecessary, Alderman,” I say when Farai escorts Samvel and his two henchmen into the room.

“I will be the judge of that,” says Samvel with one of his usual sneers. “Your opposition to my proposal to reduce the size of the garrison is only delaying matters. The city guard can take responsibility for some of the garrison’s duties.”

“The city guard are nothing more than a rabble of thugs and failed mercenaries. They haven’t captured my father’s murderer despite the numerous witnesses. How do you expect them to deal with organised bandits?”

“Your father’s death was a consequence of his own folly,” replies Samvel. “Slandering a city alderman is bound to offend many good citizens. It’s hardly surprising that one of them decided to silence such foul words.”

To me, Samvel’s comment is effectively an admission that he is behind my father’s death. But I’ve no proof, and Samvel is head of one of the city’s most prosperous families. A prosperity that owes much to corruption and skulduggery that would make any bandit envious.

“You appointed Ramiro as warlord, and as his owner, I am required to oversee the exercise of of his responsibilities,” I say. “I see no justification for reducing the number of soldiers under the warlord’s command. Bandit activity is minimal along the main routes because we have sufficient soldiers assigned to the task of keeping the bandits away.”

“I disagree. This document requires your signature. It withdraws your objections to my proposal.”

“Why should I sign such a ridiculous document?”

“Because my men here will break your slave’s neck if you don’t.”

At first I think he is threatening Ramiro, but when I turn towards Farai I see that one of Samvel’s men has his arms around Farai and his hand over her mouth.

“You dare to threaten me in my own house?” I snarl at Samvel.