“But if you knew I was an imposter, why didn’t you say something?”
The General drew himself up stiffly.
“The King had not taken me into his confidence in this matter, nor had you. I felt it would have been rude to intrude on your affairs uninvited.”
“Weren’t you afraid that I might be a part of some plot to murder the King and take his place?”
“Lord Magician, though we met as rivals, prolonged exposure to you has caused my respect for you to grow to no small matter. Both in your convincing Big Julie and his army to defect from the Mob and join Possiltum as honest citizens, and in fighting at your side in the Big Game when you risked life and limb to rescue a comrade in peril, you have shown ingenuity, courage, and honor. While I may still speak of you from time to time in less than glowing terms, my lowest opinion of you does not include the possibility of your having a hand in murdering your employer.”
“Thank you. General.”
“… And besides, only a total idiot would want to assume Rodrick’s place so soon before his marriage to Queen Hemlock.”
I winced.
“So much for your growing respect.”
“I said ‘ingenuity, courage, and honor.’ I made no mention of intelligence. Very well, then, a total idiot or someone under orders from his king.”
“How about a bit of both?” I sighed.
“I suspected as much.” Badaxe nodded. “Now that we’re speaking candidly, may I ask as to the whereabouts of the King?”
“Good question.”
In a few depressing sentences, I brought him up to date on my assignment and Rodrick’s disappearance.