The Radisha looked at me intently, unafraid, curious about my confident attitude here alone in a sea of enemies.

I said, Ill present a list of needs tomorrow. Manpower, drayage, animals, weapons, equipment. Half of confidence is the appearance of confidence.

Somebodyshouted from the stairwell. The Radisha signalled Mather, who checked it. He came back, said, Jahs kicking up a fuss. Wants to see you. Guess that means he knows youre here. I said, Might as well meet him head on.

Tell them to bring him, Mather.

Mather passed the word. We waited. The Radisha and I eyed one another like she-leopards. I asked, Why are you afraid of the Company?

She didnt bat an eye. You know quite well.

I do? Ive studied the history of the Company in detail. I dont recall anything that would explain your attitude.

Smoke whispered something. I think he accused me of lying. I was developing an intense dislike for him.

Jahamaraj Jah swept in like a king.

I was curious to see how the Radisha handled the handicap of her sex.

In a moment I was curious to see how Jah handled his handicap. He had made his entrance dramatically. He had looked us over. We hadnt responded to the gloriousness of his size, his wealthy apparel, the power he represented. Now he didnt know what to do next.

He was a fool. Croaker hadnt quite erred in ridding the Shadar of his predecessor. That man had been our enemy. But Jah wasnt much of an improvement. He was all appearance without substance.

He was impressive for a Taglian, six feet and two hundred pounds, half a foot taller than average and much more massive. His skin was fairer than most-a desirable trait from the Taglian perspective. Wealthy women often spent their entire lives hiding from the sun. He was handsome even by northern standards. But his mouth was petulant and his eyes gave the impression he was a moment short of breaking into tears because he wasnt getting his own way.

The Radisha gave him ten seconds, snapped, You have something to say?

Indecision. He was surrounded by people who had no use for him. Several would have cut his throat happily. Even Smoke found the nerve to look at him like he was a slug.

I said, Caught by a jury of your enemies. Id thought you were better at the game.

What game? He wasnt good at concealing his feelings. What he thought of me came through.

Intrigue. That was a poor move, running at Dejagore. Everybody will blame you.

Hardly. The battle was lost. I made sure a force survived.

You ran out before it was decided. Your own men say so, the Radisha snapped. If you give us any grief well remind the families of those men who arent coming home.

Pure hatred. Jah wasnt used to being thwarted. Im not accustomed to being threatened. I dont tolerate it from anyone.