Not really. He just hasnt reasoned closely enough. Tortin indicates that the Quesani family did make a big deposit. It was used to purchase properties on the Auszura Littoral. Thats a stretch of seacoast north of Dunno Scuttari. Its a sort of elephants graveyard of deposed princes. The purchase makes it look like somebody at Al Rhemish is covering the Quesani bets.

Not Aboud. He doesnt have the foresight.

Farid, perhaps? No matter. That was only a small part of the flow, and not what was bothering Tortin. What did bother him came from two other sources. The loot Haroun mentioned without carrying his reasoning to the point where he mentioned that it hasnt been El Murid doing the pillaging. The depositors have been Karim, el-Kader, el Nadim and that bunch.

Nassef s bandits-turned-generals. Thats good news, Megelin. We could make the Scourge of God damned uncomfortable by spreading that around. In fact, the Invincibles might end his tale if hes been slipping something over on El Murid.

Radetic was not cheered by the opportunity. Our side is vulnerable too.

Abouds money? Its his. He can do what he wants with it. Besides, he isnt looting the realm.

Not Aboud. The priesthood. Theyve been sending out as much bullion as Nassefs gang. Which means theyre stripping the holy places and melting the gold and silver down. What would the faithful do if they found out that theyre being robbed by their own priests? El Murid can explain Nassef, more or less. Soldiers pillage their enemies. We cant shed ourselves of the priesthood.

A lot of people already damn Nassef without damning El Murid. They consider him the Disciples compromise with fate. They figure hell disappear if El Murids Kingdom of Peace becomes a reality.

Looks like Nassef is worried about it too. He and his boys are putting a little away for their old age.

Dont you think the priesthoods behavior will win El Murid a lot of converts?

Absolutely. Ill write Aboud.

Who is under the thumbs of the priests. Who will give you the same answer hes been giving you since this mess started. If he bothers to answer at all.

Youre right. Of course. Well just have to intimidate a few priests. Cover it up. Yousif closed his eyes wearily. Megelin, what do you do when your allies are more trouble than your enemies?

I dont know, Wahlig. I really dont. Stupidity and incompetence create their own special rewards. All I foresee is deterioration and more deterioration, and most of it moral. Maybe Hammad al Nakir needs the purifying flame of an El Murid.

Haroun gripped Radetics elbow. Dont give up yet, Megelin.

The boys face had assumed an expression of stubborn determination. It made him seem far older than his years.

Radetic thought it a pity that a child had to grow up in the fires of this particularly chaotic furnace.

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Into Strange Kingdoms