I asked, Do you recall how you came to power? People might be interested in the details.

Among them, everyone there. The others stared, wondering. Youd be wise to go quietly, abandon the pursuit of arms and power, and content yourself with what you have. He glared daggers.

Youre vulnerable. You cant erase that. Youve made too many poor choices. Keep it up and youll destroy yourself.

He looked at us, found no sympathy anywhere. His only weapon was bluster. He knew what that was worth. This round to you. He headed downstairs. Blade laughed.

He did it knowing Jah couldnt tolerate being mocked. Blade wanted trouble.

I sent him a warning look. He stared back impassively. He wasnt intimidated by anyone.

Jah was gone. I said, I have work to do. We arent accomplishing anything. We know where we stand. I expect to finish the Companys work. You intend to let that go only as far as it conveniences you, then you plan to backstab me. I dont plan to let you. Blade. You coming or staying? Coming. Theres nothing here for me. Swan and Mather looked croggled, Smoke pained, and the Radisha exasperated.

As soon as we left the fortress, Blade said, Jah could try something desperate now.

Ill handle it. Hell vacillate till its too late. Check on your battalion. Once he was out of hearing, I told Narayan, Hes right. Do we wait for Jah? Or do we move first?

He didnt respond, just waited for me to answer myself.

Well do something when we know hes planning

something himself.

I surveyed the camp. The outer enclosure was complete. It would do for the moment. Id keep making improvements, mainly to keep the men occupied. A wall can never be too high or a ditch too deep.

I want the Shadar to know I need cavalrymen. Their response will show us what support Jah has. Pass the word amongst all the fugitives that those who join voluntarily will get preferential treatment. We need volunteers from the provinces, too. We need to spread our story before these idiots unleash the hounds of factionalism.

There are ways to get word out, Narayan admitted. But well have to send some of my friends across the river.

Do what you have to. Starting now. We dont mark time. We dont let them catch their balance. Go.

I climbed a platform that had been erected near what would become the camps north gate, surveyed the countryside. My men were as busy as ants.

Their industry hadnt communicated itself to anyone else. Only the builders across the river, and the Gunni women, were doing much.

Smoke curled up from one of the ghats. When the flames were roaring a woman threw herself in. I had to believe it now.

I retired to the shelter Ram had built, settled to stretch the limits of my talent. Id be needing it soon.

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

The dreams worsened. They were dreams of death.