Bedazzled (26 page)
“There are two younger brothers,” was the immediate reply.
“You would have to murder one of those children, too, lest someone else, some other faction, use that boy in yet another revolt,” the dey said in practical tones. “I suppose you could kill the next eldest, and place an infant upon the throne, thereby guaranteeing the janissaries a long rule, eh? How old is the youngest? Four? Five?”
“Such matters are for the corps to decide,” Hussein Aga said stiffly.
“Why come to me then?” Caynan Reis demanded. “I am the dey of the smallest of the Barbary States. I have no power other than that given me by the sultan, and it does not extend beyond my borders. What do you want of me, Hussein Aga?”
“Your support in this matter,” the agent of the janissaries replied. “Give us your loyalty. We will make you autonomous in El Sinut. You will be freed from tribute in perpetuity. Would you not like your son to inherit this little kingdom of yours?”
“I have no son,” the dey said quietly.
“But you are a young man, and you could have sons. When El Sinut is yours, you can free your harem women from the draught they are fed to keep them sterile. You might be the patriarch of many in time, my lord dey,” Hussein Aga tempted him. Then he smiled, reminding Caynan Reis of a ferret he had possessed as a boy.
“Have you spoken to the deys of the larger states?” Caynan Reis asked his visitor.
“You are the first, my lord,” was the response.
Again the dey stroked his elegant, short barbered black beard as if he were giving great consideration to Hussein Aga’s words. Then he spoke once again. “As the smallest kingdom, I have more to lose than the others, Hussein Aga. What if I agree to join you in your revolt, and the others do not? Both Algiers and Tunis have been seeking to annex El Sinut for years. I have recently taken a wife. I would not see her widowed and given to another man because I did not show caution. No. I will only consider joining you if the others agree first. If you fail, an example will be made. El Sinut might be considered expendable by Istanbul. I must protect my people. Understand, I care not who rules the empire as long as I am left in peace to do my duty to that ruler and oversee the well-being of El Sinut. I am not saying I will not join you, just that I would be reassured my more powerful and wealthier neighbors will be part of your scheme. When you can bring me that assurance, then I will give you my answer, Hussein Aga. The mouse is wise to look to the cat, eh?” Caynan Reis smiled in friendly fashion.
“I appreciate your candor, my lord dey, and I perfectly understand your position,” was the silky reply. “I shall leave tomorrow for Algiers, Tunis, and Morocco.”
“But tonight,” the dey said genially, “I insist that you be my guest.” He clapped his hands, and Baba Hassan was by his side.
“My lord?”
“Have Abu kill a lamb, and make a feast for our noble guest, Baba Hassan.” The dey turned to the janissary. “You will stay with us, of course, in the janissary barracks here within the palace walls?”
Hussein Aga bowed his acceptance.
“Aruj Agha, my friend, take our visitor to the baths, and see he is made comfortable. Baba Hassan will provide you with fresh clothing for this evening, and see that your travel-worn garments are cleaned and freshened for your departure tomorrow,” Caynan Reis said jovially.
Again the agent from Istanbul bowed. “You are a gracious host, my lord dey. I shall remember it.”
The two janissaries left the dey’s private chamber escorted by the chief eunuch. Caynan Reis sat alone contemplating what had just transpired. The ever-resourceful Baba Hassan had told him but two days ago of the impending arrival of this agent. The chief eunuch had built up over the years an invaluable network of informants that stretched all the way from El Sinut to Istanbul; from Algiers to Damascus. Whatever was important, Baba Hassan knew in advance.
The eunuch was a man of great talents, and deserved a larger venue, but I am glad he is mine
, Caynan Reis thought.
The eunuch was a man of great talents, and deserved a larger venue, but I am glad he is mine
, Caynan Reis thought.
When he had learned of the plot against the sultan he had spoken of it to India as they lay together, sated with their passion. She had been circumspect in her counsel, advising him to prudence and asking, “Has this young sultan been a bad sultan, my lord?” The dey had told his wife that their boy overlord was ruled by his mother, who so far had proven wise in her judgments and recommendations. The empire was calm and prosperous right now.
“I would avoid committing myself, my lord Caynan,” India said. “I think it dangerous, and has any revolt ever executed by the janissaries succeeded? Avoid giving your loyalty to these traitors.”
He had agreed with her, and told both Azura and his chief eunuch that he thought his wife very wise for one so young and beautiful. Now, however, he realized upon consideration that he had been offered an opportunity to gain the right to have his firstborn son inherit El Sinut one day. If he could reveal the plot against the sultan to the valideh before it could be enacted, would not the sultan’s mother be grateful? Caynan Reis smiled, well pleased.
Chapter
13
13
“
I
do not like Caynan Reis,” Hussein Aga said to Aruj Agha as they lounged in the heated bathing pool. He spoke Turkish.
I
do not like Caynan Reis,” Hussein Aga said to Aruj Agha as they lounged in the heated bathing pool. He spoke Turkish.
“Why?” the younger janissary captain asked the visitor from Istanbul. “He is a good public servant, and very loyal.” He answered his superior in Turkish, the language he had learned as a child, the language of the corps of janissaries.
“He is too clever by far, telling me to go to the other deys and then return to him. I do not trust him. He does not mean to support us. Those who do not support us are our enemies.”
Slaves bustled about the two men in the bath, preparing the massage benches for the bathers, bringing heated towels for them.
“It is his way to be cautious,” Aruj Agha defended Caynan Reis. “I have known him for ten years now. Not once have I known him to act dishonorably. What you have offered him—freedom from tribute, El Sinut for himself and his heirs—is an irresistible temptation. He has, only several months ago, taken his first wife. He will want the security you offer for his sons, but his is a little state. For years, his larger neighbors have hovered like vultures in the desert, seeking to annex El Sinut for themselves. It makes Caynan Reis a careful man.”
“Why in Allah’s name would anyone want this remote piece of earth,” Hussein Aga demanded scathingly.
“El Sinut has the finest deep-water harbor along the Barbary coast. That is why our tribute to Istanbul has surpassed that of Algiers and Tunis. And beyond the city are date orchards whose harvests exceed any in the region. The dates are plumper and sweeter than others. It is the soil, I am told. And we have salt mines, as well as a famous mineral spring at the Star Oasis where the wealthy from all over the east—even from as far as Damascus—come to be cured,” Aruj Agha said.
“I was not aware of how prosperous an area this is,” Hussein Aga replied more thoughtfully. “Perhaps you are right, and I am seeing
jiins
where there are none. Certainly your friendship with this petty dey is not to be discounted. I was impressed that he insisted you remain when I asked to speak to him alone. It shows a certain respect for the corps of janissaries.”
jiins
where there are none. Certainly your friendship with this petty dey is not to be discounted. I was impressed that he insisted you remain when I asked to speak to him alone. It shows a certain respect for the corps of janissaries.”
“He has always worked with us, Hussein Aga, and, frankly, he has been more than generous with the wealth we collect on our voyages. Are you aware that he even sends one ship of tribute to the corps each year, and has since he succeeded the previous dey, Sharif.”
“That is why I was sent here first,” Hussein Aga said. “It was believed Caynan Reis was a friend to us who could be trusted.”
“He can be!” the younger man swore. “I would stake my own life upon it. Certainly you now understand his discretion.”
“I will accept your word in this matter,” Hussein Aga replied. “I know you for an honorable man. I remember you as a boy in the prince’s school, and I know your uncle, who is one of our leaders. But remember, Aruj Agha. If this dey betrays us in any way, it will be your duty to kill him. You do understand that, don’t you?”
“I hear, and obey,” was the simple reply.
“Good! Good! Now, do you think you can find me a pretty girl to make my evening complete. Surely a young man as yourself knows a number of pretty girls,” the older janissary chuckled.
“She will be eagerly waiting for you in your quarters after we have dined with the dey this evening,” Aruj Agha said with a smile.
The two men exited the bathing pool to be enveloped in warm towels by the bath slaves. They were dried and massaged, and then dressed in clean clothing. Together they departed the baths to stroll in the palace’s public gardens before the evening meal was to be served.
Baba Hassan watched them briefly from his high window, and then turned to receive the mistress of the baths. “You have information for me, Oma?”
“Not I, my lord, but Refet.” She drew forward a slight young girl, who had been almost hidden behind the bath mistress.
“Speak then, my child,” Baba Hassan said in kindly tones to Refet, who looked half terrified to be in the august presence of the chief eunuch of the dey’s palace.
“I am Turkish,” the girl began. “The two janissaries spoke in that tongue, for it is their natural language. The older one does not trust the dey because he will not give him an allegiance, but Aruj Agha swore the dey could be trusted, thereby soothing the other man’s fears. Nonetheless, the visitor told Aruj Agha that if the dey betrays them, Aruj Agha must kill the dey. He agreed. Then the older man asked for a woman for his bed tonight. That is all, sir.”
“Thank you,” Baba Hassan said, and dismissed the two from his presence. Then he sat down to consider what he would do. Of course the woman who pleasured their visitor must be carefully chosen. As the dey was little interested in his harem currently, perhaps he would allow two of his own women to entertain the two janissaries. India, of course, could not be part of the evening, but Samara would be happy to be at the dey’s side. And sweet Mirmah, who had once belonged to Aruj Agha, would be his again for this night. The passionate flame-haired Sarai would certainly please Hussein Aga. Who knew what information the clever Sarai might extract from this man in the throes of passion.
Baba Hassan arose, and went to his master. The dey was with his wife, and it was obvious they had recently made love. The chief eunuch bowed low, hiding a smile. Then he told the dey what the bath attendant had overheard and the plan he had devised for the evening. “It is better, my lord, that the two women with the janissaries be those we can trust. If, however, you do not choose to share these two women from your own harem, then I shall send for two skilled courtesans from the town who I know are loyal.”
Caynan Reis laughed softly, and his eyes twinkled as he said, “Nay, Baba Hassan, my poor ladies have been most neglected of late, as I seem to be otherwise occupied with my beautiful wife. Send my own women, and let Hussein Aga believe I have honored him.”
“But why must Samara take my place by my husband’s side?” India demanded. “Would it not also do honor to our visitor from Istanbul that the dey’s wife ate with him?”
“If this were an ordinary evening, my lady,” Baba Hassan told her, “I should not have suggested Samara accompany our lord, but this is a dangerous situation. Outside of the palace, few know your face. It is better for you to be invisible to this man from Istanbul.”
“I agree,” the dey replied, “especially in light of the news my wife has given me this very afternoon.”
“My lord!”
Baba Hassan’s face broke wide with his smile. “Is there to be a child? Ahhhh! This is what we have all prayed for, my lord dey!” He turned to India. “May Allah rain blessings upon you, my lady India! May I tell Azura?”
Baba Hassan’s face broke wide with his smile. “Is there to be a child? Ahhhh! This is what we have all prayed for, my lord dey!” He turned to India. “May Allah rain blessings upon you, my lady India! May I tell Azura?”
India laughed happily. “I am not entirely certain, never having had a child, but as the eldest of my mother’s children, I believe I recognize the signs. Yes, Baba Hassan, you may tell Azura, and the ladies as well, for it will give them some hope of entertaining my husband again. It might also take the sting from my choosing only three of the seven this evening to entertain the janissaries. If it were I doing the deciding, however, Baba Hassan, I should give this agent of the janissaries two ladies to amuse himself with, for he will surely suspect if only one is sent that she is a spy. Two, though, bespeaks the dey’s generosity. I do not believe a fool would have been dispatched upon such a delicate mission. Why not give him Nila as well as Sarai? He will be so overwhelmed with their voluptuous pulchritude, he will not have time to consider anything other than how to gain the most pleasure from those two beauties.”
“You plot like a valideh,” the chief eunuch said admiringly. “With my lord’s permission it shall be done, my lady India.”
“Do as my wife suggests,” the dey agreed. “Is she not clever, Baba Hassan? What sons I shall have of her!”
“It might just as easily be a daughter,” India replied. “My mother had me before my brother, Henry.”
“A daughter would please me, too, as long as she is as beautiful as her mother,” the dey declared gallantly, and, catching up India’s hand, he kissed it passionately. “However, I hope this first child will be a son, my precious, not just for me, but for El Sinut.”
“Mama has five sons,” India told him with the hint of a smile. Then she said, “You must be prepared for your evening, my lord. A bath, I think, for the day has been hot. If that vixen, Samara, attempts to seduce you, though, I shall have her bow-strung!”
Baba Hassan withdrew chuckling, and made his way to Azura’s apartments where he shared the happy news that India was with child.
“Praise Allah!” Azura said, clapping her hands together. Then she smiled at the chief eunuch. “We have been so fortunate, Baba Hassan, haven’t we? India is the perfect first wife for Caynan Reis.”
“Now, let me tell you the rest,” he replied, and went on to explain the decisions that had been made regarding the harem ladies.
“I will instruct Sarai and Nila myself,” Azura said when he had finished. “Mirmah will be told only to keep Aruj Agha content. I think she retains a weakness for him yet, despite the fact she has been in the dey’s household for several years. As for Samara, you must deal with her yourself. I lose my patience with her, Baba Hassan,
and
she will not be pleased that her evening is to end when the dey withdraws for the night.”
and
she will not be pleased that her evening is to end when the dey withdraws for the night.”
“I know how to handle her,” the chief eunuch replied with a smile. “As long as her dignity is not trampled, she will obey.”
The two janissaries arrived in the dey’s dining chamber to be greeted by Mirmah, Nila, Sarai, and Samara, richly appareled in fragrant silks, their faces quite visible beneath diaphanous veils. The dey appeared immediately thereafter, smiling and gracious. He beckoned Samara to his side on the cushions. Aruj Agha, recognizing Mirmah, who sweetly snuggled against him, realized that these two women were from the dey’s own harem, and was surprised.
“I considered that perhaps you would enjoy female company this night, Hussein Aga,” the dey said. “These women are from my own household,” he confirmed. “The flame-haired beauty on your right is called Sarai. She is extremely skilled in a variety of exotic arts. The golden-haired girl on your left is my own Nila. She is tireless, and will give you exquisite pleasure. My sweet Mirmah is Aruj Agha’s companion. He gave her to me several years ago, and I thought he might enjoy her company again.”
Hussein Aga was almost speechless. The two women sent to be his companions were a pair of the most luscious and sensual beauties as he had ever seen. Their romantic perfume assailed his nostrils.
Lilies and roses
. Unable to help himself, he ran a finger down Sarai’s bare arm. Her skin was like Bursa silk. She smiled seductively at him, showing strong white teeth. Nila, vying for his attention, smiled into his eyes, running a pointed little pink tongue over her full lips. The janissary agent felt suddenly light-headed, and his male member hardened beneath his robes. Were these women spies who would attempt to extract secrets from him? He realized he didn’t care, particularly when Sarai pressed a plump breast against his arm. “My lord dey,” he finally managed to speak. “You honor me far more than I deserve. I have never known such fine females as these two. They are incomparable!”
Lilies and roses
. Unable to help himself, he ran a finger down Sarai’s bare arm. Her skin was like Bursa silk. She smiled seductively at him, showing strong white teeth. Nila, vying for his attention, smiled into his eyes, running a pointed little pink tongue over her full lips. The janissary agent felt suddenly light-headed, and his male member hardened beneath his robes. Were these women spies who would attempt to extract secrets from him? He realized he didn’t care, particularly when Sarai pressed a plump breast against his arm. “My lord dey,” he finally managed to speak. “You honor me far more than I deserve. I have never known such fine females as these two. They are incomparable!”
“My long friendship with Aruj Agha has always made me favorable toward the corps,” the dey said sincerely. “I shall anticipate your return from the other states, Hussein Aga. Enjoy my women. I fear I have ignored them since my recent marriage.”
“Indeed you have,” Samara said boldly, her red lips pouting. “Has he not, ladies? It is difficult for us to compete with the lady India. She is most beautiful, accomplished, and charming. Even we cannot dislike her. Still, now she is with child and we shall soon have our chance with our good lord again, eh?”
The other women giggled, and nodded eagerly.
“Your wife is to give you a son then?” Aruj Agha smiled warmly at his friend. “Allah has surely blessed you, Caynan.” Then he chuckled. “When I think of the first day she arrived in El Sinut! May I tell Hussein Aga the tale? It is a most amusing one.”
“Of course,” the dey replied, smiling himself with the memory of a fiery and defiant India. As Aruj Agha began to speak, the dey signaled to his servants to begin serving the meal.
There was a wonderful thick soup of lentils, which was accompanied with a hot seasoning of red pepper, salt and garlic; a couscous covered in a spicy sauce filled with vegetables and chunks of beef; a lamb that had been grilled on a spit, as well as three chickens stuffed with almonds, raisins, and rice. There were bowls of purple, black, and green olives in herbed oil, and cucumbers in vinegar. Flat bread, warm from the ovens, was offered the guests. There were bowls of yogurt with peeled green grapes, and a platter with a steamed bass, caught that very morning, lying amid a bed of fennel and carved lemons. Finally a dessert called
khtayef,
consisting of nuts, honey, and sugar in thin layers of pastry was served along with cups of mint tea. A large silver salver of fresh fruit, consisting of green and red grapes, sweet cut pink melons, peaches, apricots, pomegranates, figs, and sugared dates, was set upon the table so the dey’s guests might help themselves. There were bowls of shelled almonds and pistachio nuts.
khtayef,
consisting of nuts, honey, and sugar in thin layers of pastry was served along with cups of mint tea. A large silver salver of fresh fruit, consisting of green and red grapes, sweet cut pink melons, peaches, apricots, pomegranates, figs, and sugared dates, was set upon the table so the dey’s guests might help themselves. There were bowls of shelled almonds and pistachio nuts.
When all but the fruit and nuts had been cleared away, the dey clapped his hands for the entertainment to begin. A snake charmer came with his reed baskets of reptiles. He was followed by a troupe of sensual female dancers, who writhed and twisted themselves in a variety of movements to the high sound of a flute and the deep thump of drums, as they removed veil after veil in a teasing and tantalizing fashion until they were quite naked. Finally a young blind girl was led in, and seated, accompanied by three other women who played upon a rebec, reed pipe, and small drum as the girl sang sweetly passionate love songs.
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