第86节

e Shogun's words but the knowledge of his own

treacherous intentions.

With just under a week to go, Steve still had several major hurdles to

clear. He had to see Clearwater again, he still had to solve the

problem of their travel stamps and papers, and he had to pick up the

last of several surprise packages that hadbeen delivered by AMEXICO

over the last four weeks.

The packages had been dropped into the pond behind the Heron Pool on

nights when the moon was obscured by cloud. To ensure accurate

delivery and avoid detection, the all-black aircraft made a power-off

approach, gliding on incredibly slim wings to within a hundred feet of

the surface before releasing the waterproof containers. The only sound

was a whispering rush of air that built to a swift crescendo, then fell

away in a dying sigh like a sudden gust of wind in the treetops.

Slowed by a drag-chute, the splash made by the containers was no louder

than that of a rising fish. Once on the bottom, a float disguised as a

stick was released to mark its position. To date, Steve had managed to

pinpoint them soon after dawn and then fish them out when everyone was

in bed.

Shielding the flame of a lighted taper, Steve ducked through the door

of his low-roofed shack and pulled it shut behind him. Kneeling on the

flattened straw that served both as floor and mattress, he lit the wick

of the light-bowl that stood on a small shelf.

As the flame grew and cast its dim orange glow over the dark interior,

he saw what he had failed to sense - a figure, dressed in black from

head to foot, sitting cross-legged in the far corner of the shack, with

a half-drawn short-sword across his lap. His right hand gripped the

hilt, his left the scabbard. A cloth was wrapped round his face,

leaving a narrow gap across the eyes, but it was so deeply shadowed

that even they remained hidden from view.

'How're you doing, sport?" It was the Herald, in his original

disguise.

'As well as can be expected. You been here long?"

'Long enough."

Steve shuffled round to face him and bowed low, trying to forget about

the killer blade that lay within striking distance of his neck. It was

all part of the Herald's act. 'Your illustrious presence greatly

honours my humble abode. May I beg to ask the purpose of your

visit?"

'Don't overdo it, Brickman. Bad things happen to people who try to

take the rise out of me."

'Nothing was further from my thoughts, sire." Steve straightened his

back. 'What can I do for you?"

'I want to know what your plans are. We're getting close to the

off."

'I know. Apart from a few minor details, everything's more or less

sewn up. The only thing you have to do is make sure that the

Consul-General turns up for his big ride."

The Herald snorted with annoyance. 'He'll be there!

What about the other half of your assignment?"

'I just told you. It's all sewn up."

'I want details, Brickman. C'mon! Spell it out. We haven't got all

night."

'The flying demonstration that's been laid on is not going to go too

well. In fact, it's going to be a total disaster. I don't know what

precautions you plan to take on the day, but I'm relieved to hear your

boss is not going to be here. Could have made things very awkward."

Toshiro's grip on the short-sword tightened. 'My...

boss?"

'Yes. The Shogun. His Exalted Highness Yoritomo Toh-Yota. He's what

... twenty-eight years old?

Unmarried but two of his four sisters are - correct?"

'Long-dog swine! How dare you utter his name?" It was only by a

supreme effort of will that Toshiro managed to restrain his sword

arm.

Steve appeared oblivious of the danger. 'C'mon, be reasonable. Have I

shown disrespect? If you and I are going to do business, we can't

stand on ceremony."

'Watch your mouth, Brickman. No one is indispensable.

Not even you." Toshiro paused. 'As a man who lacks any sense of

honour you probably think that's an empty threat. You'd be wrong.

Deal or no deal, I have my limits. Push me too far and I'll be obliged

to kill you regardless of the consequences. And in my case they will

be dire, believe me."

Steve bowed his head. 'Nobody knows that better than I, sire. My

masters are as merciless as yours."

The long-dog's reply served to remind Toshiro of the terrible risks

facing those involved in his own double-game. Regaining his composure,