Chapter 37 – An Invitation in Silence
Viki pointed toward the refined yet modest building across the canal with a subtle gesture of her hand. Its façade was clad in pale marble, windows adorned with elegant black iron railings. Above the door, a delicate golden letter "G" gleamed. A small pier reached into the canal, and the turning iron gate opening into the stone courtyard gave it a noble yet unassuming presence.
"That's the Gritti estate," she said, her voice rising just slightly with a hint of gravity.
Balibey examined the building carefully. As he glanced around its surroundings, he caught Viki's gaze for a moment. She looked away quickly. He didn't understand why. Then again, he didn't try to. Women had always seemed like a mystery to him. For over twenty years, he had lived in the shadow of a sword in the Janissary Corps. He had little dialogue with women. Their glances, silences, and subtle gestures had always felt like riddles he could never quite solve.
"Let's circle the area," Viki said after a brief silence. "You can conduct the reconnaissance you were ordered to."
Balibey gave a small nod. "That was His Majesty's command."
They moved around the estate together. A narrow passage led to the back garden. Watchpoints embedded in the high walls, guest entrances, and a small side door opening into the kitchen all drew Balibey's attention. He recorded every detail in his memory. When they returned to the front gate, someone emerged from inside.
A man in his fifties, tall and well-built with graying hair. He wore a refined but simple Venetian merchant's attire. Though his temples had started to silver, his eyes were sharp, and his features carried a familiar nobility. The moment Viki saw him, she smiled softly and called out a few steps away:
"Papa!"
Balibey first looked at her, then at the man approaching them. The man's eyes sparkled with joy as he walked up to Viki and kissed her on both cheeks.
"My sweet girl…" he said warmly, then turned to Balibey and extended his hand.
"You must be Murat. I am your uncle… Giovanni."
Balibey didn't take his hand. His stern gaze remained fixed. Just as he was about to correct him, Viki stepped in:
"No, Father. This isn't Murat. He's one of his men… Balibey."
Giovanni lowered his head slightly in embarrassment. "My apologies. So, you're Balibey… And where is Murat? I've been looking forward to meeting him. Is he still at the inn?"
Balibey responded in his usual curt and precise tone: "Yes. Our Sultan remains at the inn."
Giovanni narrowed his eyes with a smile. "Then it wouldn't be right to leave him there. I'll return home and prepare a proper dinner. You two go and bring Murat to my place. It'll be more private, a better place to talk."
Balibey remained wary. He narrowed his gaze and chose his words with care.
"I will deliver your invitation to the Sultan. He alone decides. I do not speak in his stead."
Giovanni's smile didn't falter. "Of course. Just convey the offer. I'm sure he'll accept."
At that moment, Viki leaned in and whispered something softly into her father's ear. Balibey couldn't hear it, but he noticed Giovanni's warm expression fade into a more serious one. His eyes flicked toward his daughter.
"I see…" he said quietly. Then, turning back to Balibey, he gave a slight bow. "Very well then… I'll be expecting you. I have a feeling I can be more helpful than you might have imagined."
With hands clasped behind his back, Giovanni turned and began walking in the direction opposite from which they had come.
Viki turned to Balibey, her expression conflicted. But this time, she wasn't smiling.
"Come on," she said shortly. "Let's not waste time. Let's go get Murat."
Together, they disappeared once more into the cooling evening air.
The shadows of Venice's towering spires filtered through the windows, falling over the maps strewn across Murat's desk. In the dim glow, parchment and the scent of ink mingled with carefully charted paths. Sultan Murat moved his gaze over the narrow waters of the Mediterranean, planning routes for their journey after Venice. He was mapping out possible escape routes, drawing strategic alternatives using compass, ink, and ruler.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted the silence.
"May I come in, my Sultan?" came the deep, familiar voice of Cafer.
"I'm free. Come in, Cafer. Have a seat," Murat replied.
Cafer entered, closing the door gently behind him before settling cross-legged on a cushion across from his ruler. His eyes immediately found the map. Murat spoke without pause:
"I'm calculating which routes we might use if things go wrong. I'd like your thoughts on the safest way to reach Rome. What do you think, Cafer?"
Cafer nodded, his expression thoughtful as he traced a finger over the map's lines.
"Traveling by land would be arduous, my Sultan," he said. "We can't know who or what awaits us. We'd need a guide, and avoiding attention would be difficult. Especially for an Ottoman traveler—it's nearly impossible not to leave a trail here."
He shifted his finger toward the sea routes.
"But the sea… it's faster, and arguably safer. It's easier to make contact with those who control the ports. I believe that should be our choice."
Murat nodded silently. "I was thinking the same."
As they continued surveying the map, another knock came. This time it was Balibey, followed by Viki. She went straight to the bed, sat down, and leaned back with one leg crossed over the other. Cafer looked at her, clearly surprised—a woman, a stranger no less, so at ease in the Sultan's presence?
Murat noticed Cafer's bewilderment and gave a faint smile.
"Let me introduce you. This is my cousin, Viki."
Cafer's eyes widened. A cousin? For a member of the Ottoman dynasty to meet a maternal cousin was rare. Viki noticed his reaction.
"Why do Turks act like meeting a cousin is a miracle?" she said with teasing sarcasm. "The poor man looks like he's seen a ghost."
Murat chuckled and shrugged. "It's a complicated thing, that's all. Try not to take offense."
Then he turned to Balibey. "How did it go?"
Balibey stood tall. "As you commanded, we inspected the Gritti estate. We circled the building. On the way back, we ran into Viki's father. He invited us to their home. He wishes to meet you in person."
Murat turned his eyes to Viki. She gave a small nod.
"My father's eager to meet you. Come on, get ready. Let's go," she said.
Balibey grumbled under his breath. Viki's casual demeanor continued to grate against his disciplined nature, but she seemed utterly unconcerned.
Murat thought for a moment, then turned to Cafer:
"Cafer, go fetch Kasım. Make sure you're all dressed in Venetian clothing."
"As you command, my Sultan," Cafer said, rising. As he moved toward the door, he gave Viki a brief glance.
Viki turned to Murat, exasperated. "All your men are gruff. Honestly."
Murat couldn't help but laugh. "You'll get used to them," he said, then began to prepare.
He looked to Balibey. "You and Viki wait downstairs. We'll join you once we're ready."
Viki jumped up eagerly. "Perfect!" she said, and left the room with Balibey trailing behind.
Left in silence, Murat returned to his thoughts.
"So… my uncle," he mused.
"The shadows grow thick… but perhaps, if there is a light from family—some of this darkness can be undone."