Iron Winter

21

While the chaos inside the pavilion was sorted out, Kassu waited outside, in snow that was gathering despite the efforts of frantically sweeping slaves.

At last Himuili came striding out, blowing on his hands. ‘Shut up,’ he said, before Kassu could say a word. ‘Listen to me, soldier. You asked for my advice. Far be it for me to lecture you on the state of your marriage. My two previous wives will assure you I’m no expert on that. I’ll tell you this, though. Our laws on marriage here in Hattusa, and our customs too, are pretty civilised, at least compared to some shitholes I’ve fought in. The Germans, for instance — well, never mind. Civilised — you know what that means, man? Liberal. Practical. Fair to all parties.

‘Having said that, and I consulted a lawyer friend, I can tell you this. You do have a right to prosecute your wife and her lover for their adultery. If you can gather the evidence, and since they both seem to be admitting it that won’t be a problem, you’ll secure a conviction. And then you’ll be able to request the sentence.’ He said this last heavily, emphasising every word. ‘For that is the way we Hatti do things. And you know what the maximum is, don’t you? Tell me, man.’

‘Death. For either of them-’

‘Shut up. No. Not for either. For both. Both or neither, and that’s the law. If you want to punish your wife for spreading her legs for this Jesus-chaser — well, that’s up to you, but he goes with her. If you want to take revenge on him — fine, that’s your choice. But you can’t keep her, you lose her too. Understood? Good. Shut up.

‘Now here’s the next thing.’ He moved subtly closer to Kassu; he smelled of leather, woodsmoke, the expensive wine he’d been drinking with the queen. ‘Here’s why I’m bothering to speak to the likes of you on such a day as this. No matter what you may think of Palla, and I tend to agree with you that he’s a horny little bastard who needs his arse kicking, I dragged your sorry weight along with us today because I wanted you to see what he can do. Do you understand?

‘First of all there was the Rus. I can tell you this, it’s Palla who’s been the leader among the priests in our dealings with them. He’s worth ten of that flabby drunken fool Angulli. And then this business of the great walk. As soon as I floated the idea, he was immediately able to come up with the analogy with Jesus. He’s a sharp man, for all his mild looks — a man who knows how to use his religion for the good. I think he could be priceless in the months, the years to come. But you have his life in your hands, and he knows it.

‘I understand how you feel. Well, I don’t, it’s never happened to me. You want him dead. And you know what — I want him dead, in a way. Cheating on a serving soldier is despicable. But look, Kassu, you’ve done your duty in the past. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Not just in the lines, but taking on your farm too. If we had a thousand like you maybe we wouldn’t have to move at all. Now I’m asking you to think about your duty again, before you decide what to do about the priest.’ He stepped back. ‘All right? Good man.’ He clapped Kassu on the shoulder, and turned to walk back to the pavilion.

Kassu had to ask one question. ‘Sir — will the walk happen? Will we leave Hattusa? Has it been decided?’

Himuili looked back at him. ‘Ah. If we don’t have to walk you’ll be free to get the priest topped. Is that what you’re thinking? We resolved to wait until the spring. If it looks like a good season, we’ll stay and make the best of it. If it’s bad. .’ He grinned. ‘I suppose Palla will be praying to Jesus for the snow. Now get on with it.’

‘Thank you, sir-’

‘Shut up.’