“Those handful of Berber politicians knew they had me over a barrel,” he said dryly. “And that they were the only game in town for what I wanted. I had to get guarantees and permission for their village to be used for anything I choose. As well as getting them to forbid any of the villagers to discuss what was going on to anyone.” He added, “And then we had to go into the bargaining phase so that they’d be sure that they’d have enough to support their villagers for some years to come, to make up for the loss of revenue from Masenak.”

Gilroy gave a low whistle. “They took you?”

“They took me,” Korgan said. “But they agreed to send word to Davidow, that trainer at Jubaldar, that they were sending two laborers to replace the ones who had been damaged and would expect compensation. They gave me their guarantee the villager they’ll send will give me full cooperation and see that any messages I need transmitted to Sasha will reach her immediately. That’s the main thing I wanted, so I guess it was a draw.”

“Not really. But I guess you did as good as you could considering. When do I leave?”

He stiffened. “I didn’t say you did. You’re not listening. This is a bit different than slipping into a tent in the middle of the night. I’ll have to set up a camp in the cliffs near Jubaldar and bribe or intimidate my way into the castle when the time is right.”

“And you think you’re qualified? Really, Korgan. Will you stop trying to be a hero? It requires a certain dramatic dazzle and pizzazz you’ll never possess. Leave it to me. I’m perfect for the role.”

“So you keep telling me.”

“And it pisses you off.” His smile vanished. “Particularly now when you’re feeling so rotten about Alisa and Sasha and wanting to set everything right. But do you actually believe you’re going to be able to keep Alisa away from Sasha if you’re not there to monitor what she’s doing? I got a little taste of what she’s going through night before last, and I don’t think you have a chance in hell. Besides, you know damn well that we’re going to have to take down Masenak and Reardon, and that means bringing in the CIA and our own crew and staging everything down to the last shot fired. I can’t do that, but you can.” He added soberly, “So let me be the hero again. I speak the language and I can pass for Berber with a little theatrical makeup. You know I’m right. I promise I’ll do my usual fantastic job.”

He was silent. “Damn you.”