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.

How could I tell them what I did not know myself? I turned and followed the retinue, passing the body lying with its face in a thickening pool of blood. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Faysal stoop and retrieve something from the floor; he brought it to me.

"The Qadi has spoken," he said, and I saw that he had wiped the blade clean. Faysal tucked the weapon into my belt once more, saying, "All is as Allah wills. May Allah be praised."

May the peace of Allah attend you all your days, Wise Basileus," said Amir Sadiq. "Truth is more often bitter than sweet, yet it strengthens all who partake. Taste then, if you will, that your judgement may be seasoned with discernment."

Thus spoke the amir, relating all that had happened: the embassy to Trebizond and the long season of negotiation leading to the initial peace agreement; the hateful tribulations that followed-including the brutal massacre on the Sebastea road, the murder of the governor, and the enslavement of the survivors in the mines.

Leo listened, sitting not on his golden throne, but on a simple camp chair of the kind military commanders often employed. The image of a general ordering battle was furthered by the double rank of Farghanese bodyguards ranged behind him. The imperial frown had returned as Leo contemplated the story Sadiq unfolded before him.

When at last the amir finished, he said, "The accord which we offer has been secured at a fearful price. Few were brave, fewer still knew the reason for their torment, but such sacrifice as theirs should not be dishonoured by those who wield power and authority. The Sarazens stand ready to renew the treaty that has been so dearly purchased."

Leo, a thoughtful expression on his long face, nodded. "Peace between our peoples is a noble-and it must be said, costly-ambition, Lord Sadiq. With your approval, we will cause the treaty to be rewritten. Naturally, this will require your close participation."

"The successful completion of the peace treaty is of foremost importance," Sadiq said. "To this end, I have come to Constantinople, and to this end, I place myself at your service."

Basileus Leo next turned his attention to the Danes. Accordingly, Jarl Harald was summoned, and took his place before the emperor. He motioned for me to join him, which I did.

"Sovereign Lord," I said, "with permission, I will translate the king's words for your majesty's benefit."

Inclining his head in assent, the emperor said, "We give you leave to speak."

I gave a slight nod to Harald, who immediately proceeded to lay his claims before the emperor. "Most Noble Emperor," he said, his voice a low thunder in the great room, "I am Harald Bull-Roar, Jarl of the Danes of Skania, and servant of the Emperor Basil, who took me into his service to provide for the protection of his ships. This I have done with unrivalled skill and courage, to the cost of one ship and all save sixty brave men."

"You will forgive us, Lord Harald," replied Leo when I had relayed the king's words, "if we profess no knowledge of this agreement. Be that as it may, I am aware that my predecessor often pursued such arrangements. What were you to be paid for these services?"

"Great Leader," answered Harald, speaking through me, "the agreed recompense was one thousand nomismi for the king and his ships and eight denarii for each man, each month, to be paid upon completion of duties in Trebizond and safe return to Constantinople."

Harald, having thought of something to add, nudged me and spoke again. "Basileus, Jarl Harald respectfully requests the cost of one fine ship and the lives of one hundred and twelve loyal men to be taken into account." Harald thought of yet one more circumstance to add: "Not forgetting the hardships of slavery endured by the king and his men during the time of their service to the emperor."

The emperor's frown had deepened on his narrow face. He considered his answer before making his reply, chin on fist, regarding the hulking Danes all the while. This gave me good opportunity to observe the emperor; I was still undecided how much of Nikos's schemes he was party to. I think that some small part of me yet wanted to believe the best, so I watched him for any hopeful sign.

"Lord Harald," began Leo in his deep voice, "we are mindful of the enormous sacrifices you and your men have made on behalf of the empire. We are aware that provision is often allowed for the widows of soldiers killed in imperial service. Therefore, we propose to extend this compensation to you, in addition to a remittance for your ship. The logothete will call upon you tomorrow to agree on the amounts and arrange payment. We trust you will find this acceptable?"

"Great Sovereign," replied Harald, when I had translated the emperor's offer, "insofar as mere treasure can ever replace men of courage in the service of their lord and the hearts of their kinfolk, I deem your majesty's offer acceptable, and will receive your servant with all courtesy."

The magister officiorum, standing at the emperor's right hand, duly recorded the agreement on his wax tablet. When he finished, Emperor Leo stood and declared the proceedings concluded. I could not help but notice that nothing further had been mentioned of Nikos. While Amir Sadiq and Harald may have been content to allow the matter to end, I was not; I reckoned the monks of Kells and Hy still had a claim to be settled.

Even as the emperor rose to dismiss the assembly, I made bold to speak. "Lord and emperor," I said, stepping before him, "there is yet a debt to be reconciled."

He paused, glancing back over his shoulder to see who had called him. "Yes? And what is that?"

Indicating Brynach, Dugal, and Ddewi, standing a little apart from the Danes, I said, "My brother monks have also suffered much at the hands of those to whom authority had been given. They came on pilgrimage to make entreaty before the emperor. Thirteen left Eire, and only those survive who stand before you now."

The emperor appeared distracted. He glanced at the monks, and seemed inclined to sit down again, but thought better of it and remained standing. "We are sympathetic to your plight," he intoned, "and we are not unmoved by it. Be that as it may, we are persuaded that pilgrimage is wont to be a perilous undertaking, and any that would be a pilgrim must count the cost.