Page 62 of The Ruler
She gave it some thought. “I like Peter’s Town,” she said.
“Yes, but Zobel’s Legacy has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”
It was funny to see the old man sit up straighter, stroking his chin in deep thought. “Will you remember to tell the villagers that the food came fromme?” he asked Finn.
“Absolutely, or you could just have your servants take it directly. If you want I know a contractor who can rebuild the town for you.”
“Is he an honest man?”
“Yes.”
“Good, because I once had an assistant who stole from me.” Zobel squeezed his eyes almost shut. “I cut both his hands off.”
“But how did he survive without his hands?” I asked, horrified.
Zobel lowered his brows and looked at me as if I was missing the obvious. “He didn’t survive.” Pointing to his wrist he started explaining. “It’s an effective way to kill someone; you see, the blood pumps out extremely fast once you cut the main artery. It’s quite messy, so you really should consider where you do it. I know my servants prefer that I do it outside because blood is sticky and it sprays far when you chop…”
I held up my hand, feeling close to losing my lunch. “I understand – no need to explain further.”
“Excuse me,” Erika said. “I would like to go and see if Lord Khan is alright.”
“Yes, of course.” Mr. Zobel stood up and excused himself to follow Erika out the room.
When Finn and I were alone, he looked at me. “You are incredible, you know that?” His tongue played at the edge of his slightly open mouth and he gave me a boyish grin. “You get men to do your bidding all the time, don’t you?”
I didn’t look away, but I didn’t answer either.
“No one is dying tonight, you say, and poof, fighting men split apart and listen to all your words. We should feed the hungry and rebuild their houses, you say, and poof, Zobel acts like a hypnotized puppet ready to open his treasure chest for the first time in decades.” Finn angled his head. “It’s fascinating to watch, really.”
“I think you overestimate my powers, Mr. Finn,” I said softly but that only made him chuckle.
“Do you?”
“Yes.”
“I can’t help wondering what words you used with Khan.” Finn crossed his arms and looked thoughtful. “My friend hasn’t been himself all day. What happened between you two last night?”
“I’m sure he’ll tell you if he wishes you to know,” I said calmly.
Finn’s face fell and he leaned in. “Did you curse him?”
“No, I didn’t curse him.” The thought was absurd.
“Good.” He leaned back again, nodding with satisfaction. “Then maybe he’s just fed up having to babysit you.”
“Babysit me? I’m his hostage,” I defended myself.
Finn shook his head. “I’m not so sure – sometimes Khan looks like he’s the hostage. Something isn’t right between you two. Is it one of those curses that takes effect if he asks for help?” He gave me a suspicious glance.
“Look, I didn’t curse him and the only thing that isn’t right is Khan’s being okay with sitting in this perversely golden room feasting on babies…” I pointed to the veal meat, “…as all the while people are starving not far from here. I can’t fathom why he’s unwilling to lift a finger to help them.”
Finn lowered both hands to the back of the chair in front of him. “You have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said. “Khan and Magni work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for everyone in the Northlands. People used to be homeless because of all the wars but now there are housing projects allowing destitute people to bounce back from hard times. There are hospitals that do pro bono work and in case he didn’t tell you, there’s a way for women to report their men if they’re being mistreated.”
“No, he didn’t tell me.”
“Then maybe he didn’t tell you that he raised the age of brides from fifteen to eighteen either?”
“Fifteen?”
