Ross gave his host a level stare. "Then what—the Black Well, or will he execute me out of hand?"
"I cannot say." The nayeb frowned. "The situation is difficult, and about to become more so. You must have heard that there has been trouble between Bokhara and Kokand. Yesterday the amir decided to personally lead an army against his enemies. As chief of artillery, I will go with him. That is why I was busy last night—I was making preparations to go to war, for Nasrullah wishes to leave in ten days and there is much to be done."
"I see." Ross considered the implications as he ate pieces of melon; the Bokharans claimed their melons were the world's best, and they were probably right. "How will this affect me?"
"Since the amir did not have you executed last night, I think you will be safe until he leaves, for he will be too busy to think of you again." The nayeb paused to sip his tea. "If the campaign against Kokand is successful, Nasrullah will return in great spirits, willing to grant favors to all. But if the campaign goes badly, as I fear it will, his mood will be... dangerous. Very dangerous indeed."
"What do you suggest I do?"
Abdul Samut Khan glanced around again, then leaned close. "You should fly from Bokhara while the amir is away. Go to Khiva—the amir there is a friend to Europeans."
This was all very interesting, but Ross guessed that something more was coming. "The way to Khiva is long and perilous. It will be difficult for a lone ferengi to escape.
"Naturally I will do anything in my power to aid you, honored friend, even at the risk of my own life." The nayeb stroked his beard reflectively. "While escape is not impossible, it will be expensive, very expensive. If you have enough gold, I can arrange everything before I go. The amir will not learn of your flight until he returns, and by then you will be safe in Khiva." He spread his hands apologetically. "If I were a rich man, I would take care of all of the expenses myself, but, alas, I have not the resources."
In other words, the ferengi was to place all his money in his host's unreliable hands and hope for the best. Ross was not impressed with the nayeb's stated willingness to risk his life, for it was unlikely that the Persian would be blamed for what his ungrateful guest did in his absence. Perhaps if Abdul Samut Khan was well-paid, he really would help Ross escape; perhaps not. The only way to find out would be for Ross to place his life in the nayeb's hands, and that he was reluctant to do.
Concealing his cynical thoughts, Ross said, "You are very brave to make such an offer, but it would be dishonorable to flee when the amir has shown me such generosity."
His host gave him an exasperated look. "Honor is all very well, Lord Khilburn, but this is a matter of your life. Nothing can save you from the amir's wrath save flight."
"I will think on it."
Abdul Samut Khan's expression changed. "There is another alternative. Become one of us. If you convert to Islam, the amir will welcome you as a trusted adviser and grant you beautiful wives and great riches. Stay, Lord Khilburn."
Ross had the odd feeling that for once the nayeb was sincere, but becoming one of Nasrullah's advisers was not an alluring prospect and would probably be as hazardous as Ross's present situation. "You honor me, Abdul Samut Khan," he said austerely, "but that is not possible. I have a wife, a family, and responsibilities in my own country."
The nayeb sighed. "I do not think you fully realize the seriousness of your situation. Dead you will be of no use to yourself or your family. Alive and living in Bokhara, at least you will be of use to yourself."
Once again Ross said, "I shall think on all you have said. But now I ask you to excuse me. The imam of the Tekkie of Khalfa Husein graciously invited me to visit the Tekkie monastery this morning, and I do not wish to keep him waiting."
Abdul Samut Khan shook his head sadly. "That is not possible, honored Khilburn. The amir has given orders that you cannot go about the city anymore."
"I see." Ross masked his face to conceal what a blow the news was. "Can I send messages and receive visitors, or will I be held in close confinement?"
"You may write letters and have visitors, and you have the freedom of the compound, but except when you are in your own rooms, you will be guarded at all times," the nayeb said apologetically. His voice dropped again. "As you see, your situation is grave. Again I say that you must flee. Only give me gold and I shall make the arrangements."
"How much gold would be needed?"
A calculating gleam showed in his host's eyes. "Perhaps... ten thousand ducats?"
Ross shook his head. "I have no such fortune. It appears that my fate must stay in God's hands."