Unexpectedly, Faysal was first to reply. He stepped forward several paces, pressed his hands to his chest and bowed low. He then rose, declaring: "Wise basileus, allow me to present to your majesty, Lord J'Amal Sadiq, Amir of the Abbasid Sarazens, Servant of Allah, and Emissary of Khalifa al'Mutamid, Defender of the Faithful."
At this Lord Sadiq stepped forward. "May the peace of Allah be with you and with your people, Wise basileus." He made a slight bow of respect, touching his fingertips to his forehead. "Perhaps, with your majesty's indulgence, I may be permitted to offer an interpretation of events which I have myself witnessed," the amir said, his much-deprecated Greek not only flawless, but eloquent.
"Greetings, Amir Sadiq, in the name of the Lord Christ," said Leo, inclining his head stiffly. Extending his hand towards the eparch's body, he said, "Your arrival has taken us somewhat unawares, as have events." He glanced to where Nikos lay. "Nevertheless, it is our distinct pleasure to welcome you, Lord Sadiq, and we are most eager to hear your explanation. Speak, we beg you, and shed some light on this dark adventure."
"Basileus, to my considerable distress, I have this day discovered an evil treachery practised against my people-and yours," Sadiq replied. "A deed of devastating wickedness contrived to impede the treaty of peace which was negotiated by myself and Eparch Nicephorus in Trebizond, on behalf of Emperor Basil of Constantinople and the Khalifa al'Mutamid of Samarra."
I watched Leo closely for any sign of knowledge or complicity, but saw not the slightest twinge or flutter of recognition. Indeed, the astonishment which appeared on his elongated countenance was, I believe, wholly genuine. "Tell us more, we pray you, Lord Sadiq," said Leo, and with a gesture ordered his guards to stand at their ease; the spears were raised and swords sheathed.
"Only recently have I learned that the treaty of which I speak never reached Constantinople," the amir resumed, speaking with kingly poise, "by reason of Eparch Nicephorus' murder. Indeed, I myself was attacked aboard ship to prevent this unhappy news reaching your ears." Here, Sadiq turned and indicated the three Armenians. "I have no doubt you will obtain sufficient confirmation of my tale from these captives we have brought with us and now deliver to your care."
Leo's slow gaze took in the pirates, and then the host of barbarians, Sarazens, and monks. "These are most distressing tidings, Lord Sadiq," he remarked at last, his voice appropriately subdued.
"No less distressing, I believe, is the fact that the man responsible for these and other crimes was a courtier very close to the imperial throne."
It was all true, of course, but I marvelled at Sadiq's ability to colour the harsh facts with coolly disinterested oratory. Leo, too, appeared impressed by the manner in which the amir elucidated his revelations. The basileus professed himself ignorant of the events, and beseeched the amir to continue.
"It is my special pleasure to offer your majesty the agreeable report that the criminal responsible for these and other iniquitous transgressions was apprehended and did condemn himself out of his own mouth." He gazed impassively at the body on the floor. "Judgement is now in the hands of Almighty God, before whom all men must one day stand."
Nodding slowly, Leo looked once more upon the bloody corpse before him. "It may have been better," he observed dryly, "if the criminal could have answered a more mundane tribunal first."
"A thousand pardons, basileus," replied Lord Sadiq, "I can but express my deepest regret. Human frailty is the burden we all must bear as best we can, majesty, and events raced beyond our feeble ability to order them to a more acceptable conclusion. Nevertheless, I have the utmost confidence that the matter has been satisfactorily resolved, and that justice, ever the prerogative of the One True God, has been served."
Extending his hand towards the body, Sadiq concluded, "Allah's judgement is ever swift. Let us say that it was perhaps somewhat more swift in this instance than is commonly anticipated."
Emperor Leo turned and called an order to his guards, two of whom departed on the run. Turning back to us, he said, "The body of the offender will be dealt with in a manner consonant with his crimes." He moved to the doorway. "Yet, if we may prevail upon you to attend us further, we would hear more of the means and methods of the subjects introduced to us just now."
"Indeed, basileus," remarked the amir boldly, "I also believe there remains a claim to answer and debts to be settled."
With that, Leo turned and led the way into the throne-room. Amir Sadiq followed, attended by Kazimain; Jarl Harald came next, surrounded by the Danes; Justin and the gate guards followed. Brynach, Ddewi and Dugal, looking lost and confused, approached me, dazed expressions on their faces. "Aidan, why?" was all they could say.
