The Left-Handed God (36 page)

Stiebel and Franz gave it.

Moritz next reached inside his coat and brought forth a fine leather case. Opening it, he displayed a blue enameled cross of heavy gold, resting on a broad deep blue silk ribbon. This he presented to Stiebel. “His Highness wishes you to have this in recognition of your service to the country.”

Stiebel’s eyes grew large with pleasure. “Dear me, sir. I am speechless.”

Moritz smiled. “A conventional expression of appreciation will do quite well.”

“Oh, please convey my very humblest thanks to His Highness. Should I make my obeisance in person?”

“No. His Highness knows of your ill health and wishes you a safe journey.”

Stiebel fell into a small trance peering at the order. “I hardly deserve…‌what a very handsome thing it is! The golden lion of the Kurpfalz.”

“Yes. The order of merit. And well deserved. On the back are His Highness’s insignia. Wear it in good health for many years.” Moritz bowed and turned to Franz. “His Highness also wishes to express his regrets that you and your sister should have come to some harm from a member of his court.” He took a folded paper from his coat and presented it to Franz. “This draft may be drawn on the Kurfürst’s banker. Now, if you will allow me, I have some pressing business waiting.
Bon voyage
, gentlemen.”

The day before their departure, Franz returned from a trip to Schwetzingen. He had been so secretive about this that Stiebel thought he had gone to see his little actress.

Franz brought back a large covered wicker basket which he carried into Stiebel’s room with a look of smug pleasure.

Strange rustlings and soft clucking noises came from the wicker container, and Stiebel eyed it nervously. “What’s this?”

“My gift to you, my dear sir. Go ahead, take a look.”

Stiebel inspected the strange present. He undid the string that held down the lid and lifted it a little. Two beaked heads crowned with tufts of white feathers emerged from the gap and surveyed the room with bright eyes, chattering to each other.

“Oh, my!” Stiebel breathed. “Oh, my! What very beautiful chickens! Quite the prince and princess of fowls. How did you get them?”

“I persuaded the baron’s nephew to part with these two. They’re Dutch and quite rare. I thought you might like to raise a flock. A little family.”

Stiebel brought out a large white handkerchief, dabbed at his eyes and blew his nose. Then he peered more closely. “Just look at those feathers on their heads‌—‌for all the world like plumes. Such regal splendor.” Then he smiled at Franz. “Perhaps we shall have eggs with our breakfasts, Franz.”

About the Author

I. J. Parker was born in Germany. After a university career teaching English and Comparative Literature, she turned to writing. Her mysteries, set in eleventh century Japan, are partially the outcome of research into Asian literature. In 2001, she won the Shamus award for a short story, “Akitada’s First Case.” The Akitada mysteries have been published by St. Martin’s Press, Penguin, and Severn House and are translated into twelve foreign languages. The HOLLOW REED is a two-volume family saga set in twelfth century Japan, THE SWORD MASTER a samurai novel, and THE LEFT-HANDED GOD a historical thriller set in eighteenth century Germany. She lives and writes in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

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Also By I.J.Parker

The Akitada series in chronological order

The Dragon Scroll

Rashomon Gate

Black Arrow

Island of Exiles

The Hell Screen

The Convict’s Sword

The Masuda Affair

The Fires of the Gods

Death on an Autumn River