I took advantage of the respite, recruiting two hundred men a day. I got the camp established in temporary form. The stonework of the fortress, meant to replace it, was well started. Id gotten some of the men through the first stages of their training. I had cajoled or extorted weapons and animals and money and materials from the Prahbrindrah Drah. In that area I had more than I needed.

I had stretched my talent considerably. I was still no threat even to Smoke but my progress excited me.

The big negatives were the dreams and an incessant mild nausea I could not shake. It might be the water at the campsite though it persisted when I returned to the city. Probably it was mostly reaction to lack of sleep.

I refused to yield to the dreams. I refused to pay attention. I made them something to be suffered through, like boils. Someday I would have the chance to do something about them. Then balances would be redressed.

I watched my messengers trot toward town. Too late to back down now.

Succeed or fail, I would get their attention.

Ram helped me don my armor. A hundred men watched. The barracks remained as overcrowded as ever, though I had moved five thousand men to the campsite. More volunteers than I know what to do with, Ram.

He grunted. Lift your arm, Mistress.

I raised both. And spied Narayan pushing through the press. He looked like he had seen a ghost. What is it?

The Prahbrindrah Drah is here. By himself. He wants to see you. He tried to whisper but men heard. Word spread.

Quiet! All of you. Here? Where?

I told Abda to bring him around the long way.

That was thoughtful, Narayan. Keep working, Ram.

Narayan fled before Abda brought the prince. I started in on the appropriate public courtesies. He said, Forget that. Can you clear this out some? Id like a little privacy. Fire drill. Something. You men, outside. Abda, see

to it.

The crowd started moving reluctantly. The prince eyed Ram. I said, Ram stays. I cant get dressed without him.

Surprised to see me?

Yes.

Good. Its time somebody surprised you.

I just looked at him.

He demanded, Whats all this bull about you quitting?

Quitting what?

Resigning. Going away. Leaving us to the Shadowmasters.

That had been the implication but not the substance of the messages Id had delivered. I dont know what you mean. Im going to make a speech to some priests. Just to straighten them out. Where did you get the idea I was deserting?

Thats the talk. Theyre all excited. They think theyve beaten you. That they just stood up to you, stopped letting you walk over them, and youre going to say good-bye.

Exactly what I wanted them to think. What they wanted to think. Then theyre going to be disappointed.

He smiled. Ive had nothing but trouble from them all my life. Ive got to see this.