Mirages
Part 4

"Watch your head." Madame cautioned as she passed through a low doorway. Solomon ducked just in time but ended up with more cobwebs in his hair. By now he was covered in grime and had given up all pretense at worrying about it. Madame du Rochefort was the one who'd offered to reveal the Rochefort family secret - she could certainly tolerate a little dirt.

After she'd admitted to poisoning her brother and his wife, Madame had calmly spent the next half-hour making conversation - asking about his time on the police force, his job as a private detective and even his family.

She'd excused herself to freshen up and had cleared away the remnants of the tea before asking him if he wanted to know the secret of the Rocheforts. With her son Florian bartered to a foreign businessman, the ancient noble line was ending. She herself would be leaving Paris soon, going to stay with friends in a remote castle in England. She didn't intend to return, or to let anyone else know that she was still alive.

"It's better for Florian this way," she'd insisted, her expression placid. Solomon thought the casual dismissal of her only child was even worse than the cold way in which she'd recounted murdering two people.

But then she'd smiled and told him about the man who had taken her son. John Romwell, Junior was a name Solomon had heard several times, usually in association with large business deals. He'd also heard rumors that the man had dealings with the Black Hand, the group responsible for the death of Solomon's sister. If he could learn anything about this Romwell from Madame Rochefort, it would be worth an afternoon of discomfort.

"Follow me then, and mind your step. This place is full of debris but it has its share of traps as well. The Rochefort family line didn't survive for centuries by being fools.

She took up a lantern and motioned for Solomon to pick his up as well. She led him through a door at the far end of the sitting room and down a series of corridors. They passed through nearly a dozen rooms before they reached the smaller, more cramped servant's areas. From there their movements were slower and more cautious.

"Hold this a moment please," Madame asked as she stopped near the left-hand wall midway down a corridor. She handed him her lantern and put her hands against the wall, feeling along until she let out a pleased hum and a section of stonework gave way with a click.

Blinking at the appearance of a hidden door, Solomon returned her lantern and followed along as she proceeded along the passageway. There were twists and turns in a seemingly endless maze with hints of rooms strewn with castoffs and ruined masonry. Another hidden door led them along several stairways as they descended down much farther than Solomon was comfortable with.

At last they reached one last, hidden door. Madame had already asked Solomon if he'd brought along the key he'd found in the Rochefort mansion ruins. When he admitted that he had, she smiled and promised that he'd have a chance to use it. He did so now, struggling a little with the rusty lock. A bit of extra force and it opened, letting them into a featureless room.

"There are only two people alive who have seen what I'm about to show you - myself and my son. Upon my husband's passing, I assumed responsibility for guarding this secret until Florian came of age. But now, with circumstances as they are, it falls to me to free him and put this to rest at last."

Madame's eyes glittered strangely in the lantern light and Solomon wondered once again if her madness was new, or an affliction she had suffered with for a long time. He was beginning to suspect it was an old complaint.

"I'm showing you this for a reason, Solomon Sugar. As a detective, you help those who have been wronged. I want to hire you to help my son."

"Madame..."

"Just promise me you will consider it. Once you enter this last chamber, you will understand why I make this request."

"I promise to consider your request, my lady. Nothing more."

"Accepted." Madame handed him the lantern again and repeated the process of pressing hidden latches to open yet another secret chamber, but this time the process took longer and appeared to be much more complicated.

At last there was a resounding thud and the door opened. Madame took back her lantern and entered. Solomon followed much more slowly, taking in his surroundings.

The room was no larger than his living room with what appeared to be a large column in the center. Around it were several chests, open to reveal jewel-encrusted swords, jewelry and other treasures.

He was so distracted by the glittering riches that it took him a moment to register the other two items in the room - one was a magnificent diamond as large as his fist set into a carved column. The other was the corpse of a man - most likely the recently deceased brother of Madame du Rochefort.

"You've heard of the Rochefort diamond?" Madame asked, stepping around her brother's body as if it wasn't there. She stopped beside the column and looked up at the diamond that was set into the carving of what Solomon suspected to be a goddess from an ancient religion.

"The diamond has been in the family for centuries. The truth of its origin faded into myth over time as have the details of its curse. Only the true Rochefort heirs were permitted to know the truth and we were encouraged to help perpetuate the myths to divert attention.

"The truth is that the diamond was part of the bridal jewelry for a Sultan's daughter who was promised to a Rochefort ancestor. It was a political alliance, as many marriages were - the bride and groom barely knew each other.

"A week before the marriage, the woman was attacked and killed by traitors in the groom’s own family, right here in this castle. The groom had the poor woman buried in her wedding gown, but removed all of the jewels for fear that they would attract grave robbers. Most of the jewels were kept in the vault but over time some became part of the family jewels and were eventually sold off.

"But this diamond was unique. It had been said that it had special properties, although there's no clear record of what they were supposed to be. The family records refer to it only as the Queen's Flame.

"To preserve the murdered woman's memory, the groom ordered that this column be prepared and the diamond placed within it. To ensure that no traitor or thief would ever violate that memory by stealing the diamond, he added a curse - both real and legendary.

“The legend kept most people away - fearful of angry spirits and cursed gems. The real curse was a poison hidden behind the diamond - one that is released if the diamond is even partially removed from its place.

"As more treasures were added to this room, another safety feature was added to ensure no one who was not a true Rochefort could remove anything from this room and live to enjoy his spoils. There are a series of hidden levers that must be pressed in the proper order to enter this room, and another set that must be used before leaving. If either one is not done correctly, the destruct is activated, and this room and the surrounding corridors are all destroyed. Given the state of this place, it's quite likely that activating the destruct would bring the whole castle down.

"I was tempted to activate it deliberately, but I think now I'll wait. There's one more betrayal that must be avenged in this room. And you," she turned to Solomon, her expression fierce. "You must help me in my final duty in preserving the Rochefort family honor."

She reached down into one of the five chests and withdrew a double handful of rare and beautiful treasures.

"These are yours as a down payment. You will receive one tenth of the treasure here when you bring Florian home safely. If you can also arrange for this John Romwell Junior to accompany him and manage to bring him here so that I can repay him for betraying my son, you will receive double the reward - one fifth of the treasure."

"Why?" Solomon asked, and then realized it was one of the least important questions. But still, he wanted to understand. "You said this treasure was here for safe keeping, that it wasn't to be spent. Why are you giving it to me? And why didn't you use some of it to pay off your debts?"

"As the head of the Rochefort family, I was responsible to preserve these treasures. But now, our family line, and family duty has ended with the betrayal of my son. It is my personal duty to avenge my Florian's honor. I've made my decisions, and accept the consequences, but Florian is young and deserves a chance to live free of these ancient obligations. Better that it ends with me, than have him forced to cling to a way of life that has become little more than an illusion."

Looking into her eyes, Solomon caught a glimpse of the burden this woman bore and realized that, if indeed she was mad, it was love and honor that had driven her there.

"I accept your request," Solomon told her solemnly. "I will bring Florian home to you. I cannot promise more than that."

Madame merely nodded.
 

+++++
 

The room was too quiet. Ray turned another page in the book he was skimming and stared at it for a moment. With a sigh, he closed it and shoved it aside with the others he'd already read.

Behind him and to the right, Azura was seated at his desk writing. He'd been sitting there all morning, tending to business matters. Occasionally he'd ring the bell and a servant would come in, receive a set of terse instructions and then leave again.

There was a page of scribbles and crossed out notes at Ray's right hand. He picked up a pen and added another random note, knowing it didn't mean anything. The copy of the translated riddle lay to his left, untouched.

He hadn't seen or asked about Florian, nor had he had the opportunity to speak to Laila in private. As a result, his imagination was running wild, creating a series of increasingly brutal scenarios. It certainly didn't help that he could feel Azura watching his every move.

Determined to get back to work, Ray rose and headed for the bookcase where most of the books he'd been using were stored. Florian had used a book yesterday that had been helpful; perhaps it would provide more clues.

He tried several familiar volumes, before discovering the one he wanted. Florian had been careful to reshelf them all, but he'd left small markers in the most useful ones. It made finding them again much easier – especially now that Ray was working alone.

Paging through the book, he turned to carry it back to the desk only to be stopped by Azura. Ray wondered how he could have been so distracted that he hadn't heard the man approaching.

"You're still upset," Azura said, taking the book and setting it aside. He placed a hand on Ray's face, caressing it lightly. "You take things too seriously, my friend. Everything and everyone has their place. It is our duty to remind those who have forgotten that. There would be chaos if we didn't."

In theory, Ray agreed. But only a few years ago, they had been in a position even more tenuous than Florian's. It was only happenstance or good fortune that had elevated him and Azura and not others. Even Florian, who had been born into a world of privilege, was not immune. There was no guarantee that the wealth and position Ray and Azura enjoyed now would last forever.

The position he held now, as a rich and powerful man, brought responsibilities Ray had never even considered. And it was his obligation to fulfill those responsibilities in a way that benefited the greater good.

Even when he, in his guise as Noir, stole jewels – it was only from those who could afford the loss. And a portion of the resulting profit was faithfully donated to charities to help those in need.

"A gentle reminder is more effective than a whip."

"Only for those who are willing." Azura slid his hand down to Ray's neck and leaned in closer. "Some who need reminding are too willful for soft words. They need something harsher to help them understand." Pressing his lips against Ray's ear, Azura added, "Florian is mine until you earn him. If you defy me, I will remind you both of your place."

Shifting back, Azura trailed his hand down the front of Ray's robe, sliding it inside the fabric until he reached skin. His other arm wrapped around Ray's waist, holding him still. Azura pressed his lips against Ray's in a kiss of possession, not passion.

Ray knew he should push away, that he could, and should, stop this before it spun out of his control. But he remembered this scent, this warmth, even the feel of Azura's hair dancing across his skin and couldn't find the will to refuse it.

He had lost his whole world when he'd been taken away to Paris. Gone were the lazy afternoons drowsing in out of the way places, with the drone of the marketplace as background music. There were no more nights spent piled together, laughing and joking with the other orphans that Azura had taken under his protection. Gone were the late nights spent in Azura's arms, stealing precious moments of tenderness while the others slept around them.

His aunt and uncle had loved him, Ray didn't doubt that. But they had never really understood him. At first they showered him with toys and trinkets that were too young for a boy who'd lost his parents at a young age and had been forced to survive by his wits. They made every effort to introduce him to others his own age, taking him to parties, the theatre and hosting afternoon social events.

He'd done his best at first to please them, enduring the tutors and the social events that he hated just to make them happy. But after one too many nights feeling like a bug under a microscope, he'd had enough. His shouting had shocked his uncle and driven his aunt to tears more than once, but finally they found a compromise.

It hadn't been perfect, but Ray had understood that they had his best interests at heart. He was also smart enough to know that the education and opportunities they could provide would give him a measure of safety he'd never achieve without them.

Once he'd reached that decision, his studies and the social events were much easier. He never formed any close friendships, but he did have a small group of peers that he was comfortable with.

It was a little easier in college, although his determination to excel did isolate him from many of the students. Still, there were several that he socialized or studied with. He'd even shared a drunken fumble with a couple of them, but it had never gone any farther. He still corresponded with a few, but hadn't seen them since graduation.

Azura tightened his hold, bringing Ray's thoughts back to the present. After everything that had happened in the last few days, he was sure this was a bad idea. And yet… he desperately needed more than a physical release – he could get that in any brothel. What he needed was this warmth, this closeness, even if it was more about possession than passion.

Paris society was a rigid and structured thing; full of arcane rules and artificial standards of proper behavior. Touching was kept to a minimum, even when dancing, and disapproving eyes were everywhere. Even innocent private encounters were likely to become the subject of rumors and gossip.

"So needy," Azura said as he directed Ray the short distance to a lounge chair. It was strewn with books, which he swept off carelessly before pressing Ray back. "No wonder the boy couldn't please you."

The mention of Florian sent a chill through Ray, causing him to stiffen. He turned his head away from another of Azura's kisses and put his hand on Azura's shoulder.

"This isn't right."

"It's closer than the bedroom," Azura replied with a smile.

"Wait," Ray insisted, pulling away. When he had Azura's attention he quickly added. "I haven't solved the riddle."

"The secret has been kept for centuries. It can wait another few hours." Azura was half amused, half irritated, and Ray knew he had to proceed carefully.

"We're not…" he trailed off as Azura pulled back, face twisting.

"What, Ray? Not lovers?" Azura spat the work out like it was poison. "No, we're not. Are you expecting flowers and candy perhaps? Do you want me to treat you like a virgin?"

"I want you to treat me like a friend!" Ray shoved the man aside and got up as quickly as he could. He practically collided with the desk before he caught himself and spun around, furious.

"We were friends, once. We took care of each other. You sacrificed your eye to save my life. I thought you were the one person I could trust, no matter what. But now you act like I'm little better than a servant. But thankfully I'm not because I've seen how you treat them!"

"I treat you the way you deserve when you come into my house and take advantage of my generosity." Azura rose and moved in on Ray, who moved back before Azura could trap him against the desk.

"I've done nothing of the sort. It was you who sent Florian to my bed."

"To be used, not coddled. Do you know how much work it took to break him?"

"Not enough, apparently. He's no more broken than you are. He chose you, Azura. He allows you to use him."

In the midst of the anger Azura suddenly started to laugh.

"Is that what you believe? Oh, Ray. Still as naïve as ever." Azura stepped forward and caught Ray's hand. Azura's tone was softer, almost gentle. "You were always a dreamer. The others learned, they gave up their childish belief in fairy tales. You never did. Sometimes I even envied you for it."

"Leave that for now." Ray waved off the painful sting of Azura's words, and his laughter, concentrating instead on what he'd said about Florian. "What's this about Florian?"

"Do you really believe I would offer to pay off the Rochefort family debts for no reason?" Azura leaned against the desk, a sign that the anger of moments before had gone to be replaced by his usual manner.

"He said he chose you out of all the men who offered."

"And he did. But he was strongly influenced by his Uncle Maurice. Maurice was happy to persuade the boy on my behalf in return for certain considerations. His sister had thwarted his attempts to find the Rochefort diamond for years and he was sure that the boy was more… persuadable."

"I thought that the Rochefort diamond was gone?"

"Which is what they wanted everyone to believe. But Maurice discovered the truth years ago when he saw some old family documents while helping his sister make arrangements for her husband's funeral."

"So the only reason you wanted Florian was for the diamond?"

"You've seen him. I never object to sharing my bed with someone pretty. It was only after I tried to persuade him to give me the diamond that I learned how stubborn he can be."

Ray considered everything he'd heard and became more determined than ever to solve Azura's riddle and win Florian. He still wasn't ready to give up on his friend, but he didn't believe that anything he said would change Azura's opinion of Florian.

"He was very helpful in researching your riddle." Ray drew the sentence out, trying to sound uncertain. He'd have to be very careful how he proceeded from now on - he couldn't continue to show too much interest in the man.

"He's in no state to help you today. Come to my room tonight and we'll discuss the possibility of his assisting you tomorrow." With one last kiss Azura swept out of the room, making it clear that he was claiming a victory.

Ray turned back to his desk mind full of riddles that had nothing to do with treasure.
 

+++++
 

Laila rinsed the cloth in warm water and continued to clean Florian's back. The fair skin was a mess of new and old lash marks. Dark bruises littered his arms, sides and hips. There were probably more on his legs, but she didn't ask to see and he didn't offer. His wrists had been bound with harp strings, which she'd had to saw off with a kitchen knife.

"I think I made him mad." Florian tried to make it a joke, but he was lethargic after drinking Laila's healing draught and the words came out slurred.

"Won't be the last time," she replied sadly. She owed Florian more than she could ever repay. The man had saved her a few months ago when she'd been running for her life from slavers. He'd been new to Morocco and had gotten lost on the way back from the marketplace when she'd run into him, literally. He'd pretended she was one of Azura's servants to chase off her would-be captors, and together they'd managed to find their way to Azura's mansion.

After making sure she was clean and well fed, he'd gone to Azura and asked him to employ her. It wasn't until later that she began to wonder what he'd had to do to convince Azura to let her stay.

Since then she'd had occasion to repay his kindness in small measure by treating his frequent injuries. This wasn't the worst she'd seen, but it was bad enough.

"Sleep," she urged as she finished treating him and gathered up her supplies. Standing at the bedside, she looked down at him for a moment and made a decision. Azura's deal with the visitor was common knowledge among the servants. She would do everything she could to make sure that the deal went through, even though it meant parting ways with the man she considered to be her friend.
 

+++++
 

The kitchen was busy with dinner preparations and Laila was glad for the confusion. It gave her the opportunity to slip away for a moment to the library where she knew the visitor, Count Courland, was working alone.

Carrying a tray with a pitcher of freshly made lemonade, she knocked lightly on the door and entered without waiting to be invited. Courland was sitting at the desk reading a thick book and didn't seem to notice her presence at first. It gave Laila a moment to confirm that he was alone.

"Forgive the intrusion, sir," she said as she set the tray down on a chair – the table was strewn with books. "Would you like some lemonade?"

"I've already had tea," Ray said absently, not looking up.

"It's freshly made, sir. Good for a hot day spent indoors."

This caught Ray's attention and he looked up, pleased to see Laila and a bit annoyed at himself for not noticing her earlier.

"Thank you. I am thirsty." He waited for her to approach, noting that she seemed to be moving with deliberate slowness as she set down the glass and poured the liquid.

"Have you seen Florian?" he asked quietly, not wanting to chance being overheard. "Is he well?"

"He's resting, sir." She said it in a way that left no doubt of his state of well-being. "May I speak?"

"Please, I was hoping to enlist your help in aiding Florian."

"You have it. I've treated and bound his wounds, but he needs time to heal. And he needs to leave this place."

"I agree," Ray said fervently. "But that's not possible until I solve this riddle."

"Then let me help you," Laila insisted. "I heard you discussing it with Florian yesterday. You were talking about Carthage."

"What do you know of it?" Ray asked, worried that Azura might be angry with a servant having heard about the riddle.

"I was born there, sir."

Ray stared at her for a moment before breaking into a smile. He turned and shoved aside several books until he got to one that was splayed open to reveal a map spread across two pages.

"Can you read?" he asked as he pointed to the map.

"Yes, sir," Laila replied, moving closer to see what he was pointing to. She quickly scanned the image and then the text underneath. She stopped abruptly, looking up in shock. "You're looking for the Queen's Quartet."

"What?"

"The Queen's Quartet. You know - the legend of the four treasures?"

"I've never heard of it," Ray said, shaking his head. He motioned for her to take the desk chair, deciding that this might take a while. He was going to get as much information from her as he could. He gestured for her to continue as he pulled over another chair.

Laila perched uncomfortably on the edge of the fine leather chair, knowing that if Azura saw her there he wouldn't be pleased. But Azura's guest, Count Courland did want her to sit there. Refusing his request would be an insult to Azura's guest.

She looked down at the map, feeling a strong sense of loneliness. She missed her family and her friends and the familiar sights and smells of her home. It had been months, but it felt like years since she'd been there.

"Please make yourself comfortable, Laila, is it?" When she nodded he offered her a smile. "I need your help, Laila. I must solve a riddle for your master. The riddle will point the way to a treasure. If I can help him find that treasure, Florian will be released from this household. I believe you are Florian's friend. If you are, I'm sure you would want to help free him."

"Would you be willing to free me as well?" she asked, knowing that this would be the best opportunity to leave Azura's household and return to Carthage. She wasn't actually a slave, but she owed a debt to Azura for taking her in and providing for her. When she left this house, she wanted it to be a clean break with no fear of reprisal.

"I will do what I can. You have my word." Ray said the words in a way that let her know how serious he was. Laila already believed he was a man of honor, despite the rumors that he was a jewel thief - she understood that the concepts of legal and right could be very different.

"Thank you, sir. You have my word that I will assist you in any way I can. And that I will do what I can to aid Florian." She tapped a particular item on the map.

"This temple is at the heart of the Legend of the Queen's Quartet. If your quest is for any or all of those items, it must begin here."

"I've never heard this legend. How do you know it tells of the same treasure as the riddle?"

"There is only one treasure in Carthage that would lend itself to ancient riddles. May I ask if you are certain of the reference to that ancient city?"

Ray hesitated for a moment, considering before he located the copy of the riddle under a couple of books. He scanned it as a reminder before handing it to her to read. The copy was marked with notes, arrows and scribbles indicating his attempts at translation. At the bottom, written in Florian's neat hand, was the completed translation.

Laila studied the text, frowning and tapping her fingers. After several long minutes she looked up.

"It's definitely The Queen's Quartet - the use of the phrase 'flow of life blood' confirms it." She watched as the man measured her words, comparing them to the riddle and finally deciding to believe her.

She used the time to weigh the full burden of her obligation to this man. How much of herself did she need to give him in exchange for her freedom? The memory of Florian, cruelly beaten and in pain, trying to comfort her tipped the scales. If this man could help Florian, she'd gladly trade a few of her secrets.

"Telling the story of the Queen's Quartet is a tradition in my family. Perhaps it is not as common now, but my people tend to cling to our traditions. It is a long and complicated story, made longer by songs and verse. The part you need to know is near the end." Laila cast up a silent apology to her foremothers for ignoring their teachings. She had been taught since she was a small child, the importance of this story - how it must always be told in full and exactly as it had been learned. She'd never had the occasion to tell the story before now, and her first time would be an intentional break with those teachings.

"Certain events that occurred saddened the Queen and she spent three full days locked in her private chambers speaking only with her closest advisors. When she emerged at midnight on the third day, she declared that the four artifacts that had helped to make her kingdom peaceful and prosperous must be scattered across Carthage. Each artifact was to have a hiding place in direct contrast to its purpose, weakening the power of the artifact. In addition, four wagonloads of treasure were to be hidden with each of the artifacts so that if their hiding place was discovered, the true importance of the object would still be concealed.

"The treasures were scattered and hidden as ordered, but one of the Queen's advisors did not trust the Queen's chosen method of remembering the locations of the artifacts. He crafted four riddles and concealed them from all but his assistant who managed to secretly copy two of them before being discovered. The assistant was executed, but no one knew if he had passed along the two riddles, and no amount of effort produced a confession from any of the assistant's associates.

"Years passed and one of the treasures was discovered. The men charged with safeguarding were unable to find the thieves or any sign of the treasure. More men were charged with safeguarding the other treasures, but the number of guards had to be small - a select group, each member hand chosen by the queen for their unfailing loyalty and trustworthiness.

"The three remaining treasures stayed hidden until the year after the Queen's death. The new ruler knew nothing of the artifacts until the guards reported that a second treasure had been taken.

"The new ruler wanted the artifacts brought back, but those who had been charged with safeguarding them refused to honor the request and went into hiding. Some say that they found new hiding places. Some say that they found a way to harness the powers of the artifacts to help protect them. No one knows for sure. But," she tapped the map again. "Your riddle says to start here. The only way to discover if the treasure you seek is still in place is to follow the clues and see the truth of it for yourself."

"You don't know which of the artifacts this riddle points to?"

"It's not clear." Laila chose her words carefully.

"You can at least tell me what the four artifacts are?" Ray was completely caught up in the excitement and mystery of the treasure, temporarily setting aside his concern for anything else.

"They are the Queen's Flame, Queen's Rose, Queen's Breath and Queen's Tears." She sat back, watching and wondering if he would understand the significance of the names. She could tell the moment that realization struck - his eyes lit up.

"The four Elements! Fire, earth, wind and water - basic elements. The names are likely to be a reflection of the artifact's power or purpose too." He leapt to his feet. "Laila, you've done it. You've provided the answers we need to find the treasure. We'll need to find some way to tell Florian - to encourage him not to despair."

"I'll tell him when I tend his wounds." Laila stood up, suddenly realizing how long she had been away from her duties. She'd be in for a scolding or worse from the cook.

"If I may be excused, sir." She picked up the tray with the pitcher of lemonade and the glass before turning to leave. Ray was behind her, gathering books. He looked distracted, but he called to her as she walked away.

"If anyone gives you trouble - tell them I asked for your assistance and they can take it up with me if they object."

"Thank you, Count Courland," Laila replied, leaving the room with a small smile on her face.
 

+++++
 

"Well done, Ray!" Azura lifted his wine glass in a toast to his friend's good news. "Tomorrow I'll make arrangements for our journey to Carthage."

"We'll need to take the servant girl along. She was born there and knows the land. She also knows the legend of the artifacts."

"I had heard a bit of it once myself, but I had forgotten it. I'm only interested in one of the artifacts anyway, the one she called the Queen's Tears."

"Do you know what it is? Laila only said that they were artifacts that may possess special properties."

"You mean they're magic." Azura laughed delightedly and drained his wine glass. "That's just more of your fairy stories, Ray."

"Truths are often hidden in those stories," Ray countered lightly. He wasn't looking for an argument, but he didn't want to back down too easily. "They simply assign mystical powers to things they don't comprehend."

"This is true," Azura conceded with a tone of voice that made it clear he was dropping the subject only because he wanted it to end, not because he agreed.

"Let's turn our attention to other matters for now. Are you still planning on joining me in my chambers after dinner?"

"If the invitation still stands," Ray tossed the reply off lightly, but he was dreading the thought of seeing Florian in his current state. He was even more afraid of what Azura had planned for them.

"But of course. After dinner you will change into something more comfortable and join me in my rooms." Satisfied that the matter was settled, Azura continued eating.

Helping himself to the wine bottle, Ray topped off his cup and then Azura's making small talk about a book he'd read on his way to Morocco. It was obvious that Azura was only half listening, but Ray kept talking.

When the meal was over, Ray excused himself to change and freshen up. He delayed as long as he could but finally gave in and joined Azura..

He wasn't at all pleased to see a half-naked Florian draped over Azura's knees obediently taking in the heavy, sweet smoke from the water pipe Azura was holding to his lips. Florian's eyes were dilated and he moved in a slow disconnected way that indicated he'd been smoking that substance for a while."

"Try some?" Azura asked, taking the pipe from Florian and offering it to Ray.

"No thank you. I prefer my cigars." He'd just had one in his room, but now he took another one out of his case and lit it, inhaling slowly and steadily. The familiar smell was a comfort, especially since he was beginning to feel a bit fuzzy from the smoke from Azura's pipe. He fought hard against the instinct to pull Florian away from the pipe and Azura .

"Sit, Ray. You look like you're about to faint. Opium smoke can have that effect on people the first few times they encounter it." Come sit down beside me and I'll give you a taste." As Azura talked, he shared the pipe with Florian, who tried weakly to refuse, but ended up being forced to smoke it.

"I think he's had enough. I wouldn't want him to fall asleep and miss the rest of the evening's activities." Ray sat down on the chair opposite Azura and tried not to look too interested in Florian – the man was limp and barely moving. His eyes were huge, dark and glassy, staring at Ray as if he had never met him.

"Florian's had it before. It helps loosen him up and dulls his pain. You'll appreciate my efforts later when he's servicing you."

"I'm sure," Ray responded, clenching his teeth so hard he almost bit his cigar in two.

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