Too Many Pieces

Shanka stared into the dying embers of the fire.

“It’s not much of a plan at all, is it?” Malia asked.

“Rastaban’s a chauvinist pig. It won’t occur to him that I’m three steps ahead of him,” Shanka said. “Send runners out and tell the women to be ready.”

“Of course. The dancing was a nice touch, by the way.” And Malia faded into the shadows.

Shanka waited until Malia was out of earshot before she spoke again. “Are you amused, Old Master?”

“Immensely.” He slurped his soup loudly. “Have fun. Just don’t break his heart into too many pieces.”