Glittering stone. Khatovar. You are no unlettered peasant. You have read the ancients. You know the Shadar Khadi is but a pale shade of Kina, though Khadis priests deny it. You know Khatovar, in the old tongue, means Khadis Throne and is supposed to be the place where Khadi fell to earth. He who sent me believes the legend of Khatovar is an echo of an older, truer tale of Kina.

Smoke controlled his emotions and fears. He forced a smile. Youve given me a great deal to digest. A veritable feast.

Only a first course. Truly, he who sent me is desperate. He needs a friend, an ally, who has influence here, who has some chance to cut the weed before it flowers. He will do what he has to do to demonstrate his good faith. He has told me to tell you he will even bring you to him so you can judge his honesty for yourself if that is your wish. If you are able to feel safe doing so. Hell agree to whatever safeguards you feel you need if you wish to speak to him directly.

A lot to digest, Smoke said again, just wanting to get out of there before somebody turned vicious.

I expect so. Enough to overturn your world. And more to come. And you have been gone a long time now. We wouldnt want your absence to become an object of concern. Go. Think. Make decisions.

How should I get in touch?

The brown man smiled. We will find you. We will move from this place after you leave, lest you suffer some shortsighted inspiration to make yourself a hero. A bat will find you when it is time. Place yourself where you cannot be watched and these others will meet you.

All right. Youre right. Id better get back. He eased toward the door, still not sure where he stood. But no one interfered with his departure.

He had a lot to mull over. And the interview had been productive if for no other reason than that it proved the Shadowmasters had put new agents into the city after the Black Companys wizards rooted out those that had been there before.

The little brown man who spoke bad Taglian asked his leader, Will he take the bait?

The leader shrugged. The appeal was broad enough to touch him somewhere. His fears. His ego. His ambitions. Hes been handed the chance to destroy what he fears and hates. Hes been offered the chance to make himself big as a peacemaker. Hes been offered the opportunity to fatten his own power with potent friends. If he has any need to become a traitor weve touched it.

The man smiled. His companions did, too. Then all eight began packing. The leader was sure the wizards conscience would move him to report this initial approach.