“That’s right,” said Brockhurst. “So?”
“What do you mean, ‘So?’ ” Aahz exploded. “That’s it! Isstvan sent him to kill you. Either he was trying to cut his overhead by assassinating his assassins before payday, or he’s so unstable mentally he’s lashing out blindly at everyone, including his own allies. Either way he doesn’t sound like the most benevolent of employers.”
“You know, I believe he has a point there,” I observed, determined to be of some assistance in this deception.
“But if that’s true, what are we to do?” asked Higgens.
“Well, I don’t have a firm plan of action,” Aahz admitted. “But I have some general ideas that might help.”
“Such as?” prompted Brockhurst.
“You go back to Isstvan. Say nothing at all of your suspicions. If you do, he might consider you dangerous and move against you immediately. What’s more, refuse any new assignments. Find some pretext to stay as close to him as possible. Learn all about his habits and weaknesses, but don’t do anything until we get there.”
“Where are you going?” asked Higgens.
“We are going to have a little chat with Frumple. If we’re going to move against Isstvan, the support of a Deveel could be invaluable.”
“And probably unobtainable,” grumpled Brockhurst. “I’ve never known a Deveel yet to take sides in a fight. They prefer being in a position to sell to both sides.”
“What do you mean ‘we’?” asked Higgens. “Isn’t Throckwoddle coming with us? “
“No. I’ve developed a fondness for his company. Besides, if he doesn’t agree to help us, it would come in handy to have an assassin close by. Frumple’s too powerful to run the risk of leaving him unallied to help Isstvan.”