Drust hesitated, not at all sure where this was going. Such an arrangement had never been mentioned before. “A permanent position? Why would you suddenly want that?”

Stoon shrugged. “We’re just talking here. But if you were to offer, I would probably accept.”

Drust shook his head. “I don’t know that I’m ready for that just yet. One day soon, I think I will be. But for now, I am still trying to find secure footing with the Council.”

“A worthy goal. One I am sure you will attain.” He paused. “Unless someone more powerful than you decides you are becoming a nuisance that needs to be removed.”

Drust felt a chill run up his spine, and it took everything he had to keep from showing it. “What are you suggesting? Whom are we talking about?”

Stoon shrugged. “As I said, we’re just talking here. But you might want to reconsider my offer. Things happen. What if you don’t hire me now and someone else does? All things considered, I would prefer to work for you. You should think on that. But not for too long.” He paused again. “Failure to act in a timely manner can be fatal.”

Drust Chazhul saw at once what he was getting at and hired Stoon that very night. Within a week, another Minister, one who was rumored to be coveting the position of Minister of the Treasury, met with an unexpected accident that claimed his life.

Since then, Drust and Stoon had cemented their partnership, working together behind the scenes to advance the former’s career to the point that he was now Prime Minister and the most important person in the Federation government. It was Stoon who arranged for the position to become available when everyone else expected the serving Prime Minister to hold office for many more years. It was Stoon who found ways to eliminate any obstacles that Drust encountered, smoothing the way, opening the path, always being granted a voice in the decision making and a substantial share in the rewards. Stoon would never become a Minister of the Coalition Council himself; allying himself with Drust was the next best thing. What he lacked in prestige he made up for in coin and comfort.

And Drust was very careful to make certain that Stoon understood how highly he was valued. He supplied the assassin whatever he wanted in the way of possessions. He provided him access to his private chambers through secret passageways that had been shared by Ministers and their favorites in other times. As long as he did so without being seen, Stoon was allowed to come and go as he pleased. He was little more than a shadow to those with whom Drust worked, and that was the way they both preferred it.