Klitch ignored the dagger a fraction away from his footpaw. “Don’t worry, old one, I’m not going soft. I couldn’t give a split acorn whether your whole horde lives or dies. I just think that getting Farran inside the mountain could have been done easier, with a whole lot less killed.”

Doghead, a stoat Captain, was about to agree with Klitch when he saw the wicked smile forming in the blue eyes of the Assassin. Doghead looked at the ground and kept his comments to himself.

Ferahgo retrieved his knife, waggling it under Klitch’s nose. “It’s not important what a wet-behind-the-ears weasel like you thinks, my son. I’m your old daddy, Ferahgo the Assassin, and only what I think counts around here. Tell him, you Captains: won’t life be easier once the badger and his hares are dead from Farran’s poison and we’re lords of the mountain? Surely that’s worth the lives of a few ragtailed scavengers?”

Badtooth the other stoat nodded. “The Master’s right, Klitch. If Farran does the job proper then it was a good plan.”

Without another word, Klitch jumped up and stalked off in high bad mood.

Ferahgo winked at the four Captains. “It’s a sad thing, being young and thinking you’re clever like that. No one can outthink the old Master. Remember that if he ever starts talking to you behind my back. I’ll let him live because he’s my son, but anyone who plots with him I’ll kill stone dead—after skinning them alive, of course. Now, the next move! If Farran shows up and says they’re all poisoned inside the mountain, we’ll hack a way in and take over the place.”

Crabeyes the rat Captain held up a paw respectfully. “But he should have been well out of there by now, Master. What happens if he doesn’t show up?”

Ferahgo sheathed his knife and winked at Crabeyes.

“That means he’s still inside there. Oh, don’t worry. Farran has never let me down. He’ll poison them all, make no mistake. But then, I’ve become worried over Mister Farran of late. Maybe he’s getting greedy and wants all the badger’s treasure for himself . . .”

“Badger’s treasure?” Crabeyes sounded surprised.

Ferahgo patted his back and smiled broadly. “Badger’s treasure, friends. Didn’t I tell you? That’s why I made you Captains. It will be too much for one; I need four good loyal comrades to share the treasure with—you four. Keep it to yourselves, though. Don’t tell the others. When we take Salamandastron I’ll make you rich beyond your dreams. We’ll be five kings together . . .”

The Assassin watched the joyous greed shining from all four faces. He had them hooked. His tone dropped slightly. “There’s just one thing, however. Farran wants all the treasure for himself. The Poisoner has got to be removed.”