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as a warrior but he has shortcomings in some areas of leadership."
Ky Dam then proved to be less than the totally inscrutable and eternally
patient old-timer you are led to expect in these situations.
"You came to warn me that he has chosen to lessen his problems by letting
southerners do his knifework, Standardbearer?"
"Huh?"
"One of my grandsons was in a position to overhear while Mogaba debated
tonight's actions with his lieutenants Ochiba, Sindawe, Ranjalpirindi and Chal
Ghanda Ghan. Because Taglian conspirators were present the Nar failed to
squabble in their native tongue though Mogaba showed limited facility with the
Taglian."
"Excuse me? Sir?"
"What your honor compels you to report to me, although you only harbor
suspicions now, is far worse than you fear. Overruling strong objections by
his Nar lieutenants, Mogaba set forth a plan for tonight which will allow
southerners who reach the ramparts and do not dally there to have their ways
behind the wall. Taglian legionnaires will discourage them from attacking any
direction but through our quarter into yours."
"You knew already? That what you're saying? Before I got here you had an
actual witness?"
"Thai Dei."
A young man rose. He was an unpleasant-looking skinny little guy who held a
toddler in his arms.
Ky Dam said, "He does not speak Taglian well but he understands it good
enough. He overheard the plot being hatched. He overheard the arguments of
those who found it dishonorable. He saw an angry Mogaba go so far as to
continue during the visit of a man believed to be an instrument of the
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Shadowmasters."
That hit me. It meant that, as of that moment, there existed a tacit agreement
between Mogaba and Shadowspinner good until me and mine had been obliterated.
"This is cruel treachery indeed, Speaker."
Ky Dam nodded. Then he told me, "There is more, Stone Soldier. Both
Ranjalpirindi and Ghanda Ghan are intimates of the Prahbrindrah Drah. Speaking
with the Prince's voice they assured Mogaba that, once the siege has been
broken and your band has been eliminated, the Prince will announce his
personal support of Mogaba's captaincy of your company. In exchange Mogaba
will abandon your previous Captain's quest to become chief warlord of Taglios.
With all powers necessary to prosecute the war against the Shadowlands."
"Man, that was some job of eavesdropping." Thai Dei almost smiled.
"And some job of treachery put together by Brother Mogaba."
I could see why Ochiba and Sindawe would argue against it. It was a betrayal
almost beyond comprehension.
Mogaba had, indeed, gone through some dark changes since Gea-Xle.
I asked, "What does he have against you people?"
"Nothing, Politically he should be indifferent to us. We have never been a
factor in Taglian affairs. But we mean nothing to him in any other way,
either. He is eager to spend us like found coin. If the southerners attack you
after fighting his forces, then us, huge numbers of his enemies and us
resource gulping undesirables will have been eliminated."
"Once I admired this man greatly, Speaker."
"Men change, Standardbearer. And this one more than most. He is an actor and
but one wicked purpose impels all his acting."
"Speaker?"
"This Mogaba is the center of, and the reason for, everything that Mogaba
does. Mogaba will sacrifice his best friend upon an altar to himself, though
probably not even a god could convince the friend that that possibility
exists. Mogaba's every wicked order draws another veil off the black blotch
devouring his soul. He has changed as the most perfect pomegranate will change
when the mold gets inside its skin."
Here we go, talking old-timer sideways again.
"Standardbearer! Though I know of the black danger to my people already I am
honored that you believed us worthy of a warning, however pressing your other
concerns. That was an act of generosity and friendship. We do not forget those
who have extended their hands."
"Thank you. I am pleased by your response." You'd better believe. "And if
Mogaba allows you to be attacked . . . "
"The problem is upon us already, Stone Soldier. Southerners are dying right
now, only yards away. Once it became evident that we were trapped here we all
learned every nuance of the ground upon which we might fight. This is not our
swamp but the principles of battle remain the same. We have been prepared for
this night for many weeks. It remained to be seen only who would chose to
become our enemy."
"Huh?" I could be stupid as a stone when I ran into something cold.
"You should rejoin those who look to you for leadership. Do so secure in the
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