Equal of the Sun A Novel - By Anita Amirrezvani Page 0,135

remain empty, threatening our stability. They include the posts vacated by the tragic demise of the princes.”

“The delays have been inexcusable,” Pari replied. “You and your men may develop a list of recommendations in consultation with me. I will present the list to the new shah and urge a quick decision, especially where our borders are most vulnerable.”

“Chashm,” said Mirza Salman.

I could already see some of the men looking hopeful; they would be sure to petition her for their sons and retainers to be granted those posts. For Pari, it would be an excellent opportunity to put her own men in powerful positions, men who would then owe allegiance to her.

Morshad Khan, the noble in charge of the palace guard, asked to be recognized next.

“I am concerned about the treasury. Isma‘il’s men are still on guard, but with a change of shah at hand, they may not be trustworthy. In addition, if our enemies hear the news and suspect we’re vulnerable, they could attack.”

The treasury was located in a low, fortified building near Forty Columns Hall. It was hidden behind thick walls and guarded by soldiers. Very few people were permitted to enter, and every entry was recorded in a book.

Pari’s answer was immediate. “Shamkhal Cherkes, organize a retinue of Circassian guards and make sure they don’t stint in their duty to protect the treasury day and night.”

“Chashm,” he replied, smiling broadly now that he had been honored with such an important task.

“Princess, wouldn’t it be better if the guard consisted of several groups, including the qizilbash?” Mirza Salman asked.

“Don’t you trust us?” Shamkhal shot back.

“That is not the point. A mixed group will require everyone to take responsibility for protecting the country’s wealth.”

“Answer my question!” commanded Shamkhal.

“It is not a real question,” said Mirza Salman, holding his ground. “Moreover, it seems to me it would be easy to prove which one of us is the most loyal.”

“Are you threatening me?” Shamkhal’s eyes bulged with his overeagerness to do something.

“I am merely stating a fact.”

Two weeks before they had barely been speaking to Pari, and now they were ready to come to blows to prove themselves!

“Stop this unseemly sparring,” Pari commanded from behind the curtain. “Mirza Salman has a point. I will ask the Takkalu to join the Circassians in guarding the treasury.”

The Takkalu had become her allies, ever since the Ostajlu had returned to Isma‘il’s favor.

“That would be the only fair thing to do,” said Mirza Salman.

Shamkhal looked enraged; he had lost almost every battle so far. Mirza Salman smiled at him, taunting him. All of a sudden, I remembered how hard Mirza Salman had worked to take Mirza Shokhrollah down. It had started just like this, with a sneer at a meeting.

“The princess has closed discussion on this issue,” I told the assembly in a firm voice. “We will proceed to the next topic.”

“What about our revenues? Are we receiving the monies owed from the provinces?” Pari asked.

“We have a shortfall from the southwest,” replied the eunuch Farhad Agha, whom Isma‘il had put in charge of treasury revenues.

“Why?”

Khalil Khan asked to be recognized. He had a formidable nose and was known for playing backgammon with masterly deception. He would appear to lose for a long time into the game, then score point after point until his enemy was crushed.

“There has been an earthquake in my province, and many harvesters have been killed. We need time to recover.”

“It is granted,” Pari replied, “but I will expect a thorough report on the status of the harvest in the next month.”

Hameed Khan, a young nobleman, asked to be recognized next. “I wish to report a success. After Badi al-Zaman died in Sistan, we endured a full-scale rebellion in my province, but the conspirators have been unmasked and vanquished, and now our border is safe and strong. I thank the esteemed princess for understanding the severity of the danger we faced before anyone else did.”

“That is what a leader is for,” Pari replied.

“We honor you for it. You have been a lion where others might quake.”

“After this meeting, everyone should contact their retainers and ask if there are any threats of revolt or invasion in their provinces. Report to me as soon as you receive an answer. Don’t forget that our enemies will soon learn about the Shah’s death and will be eager to take advantage.”

“Chashm,” the men replied.

“I continue to be concerned about affairs in Van. Rumors abound that the Ottoman governor there, Khosro Pasha, is poised to attack us. Ali