“I have come to determine for myself if I should consider accepting a position at the court of Possiltum.”
The phrasing of that last part had been chosen very carefully by Aahz. It was designed to display my confidence by implying the choice was mine rather than theirs.
The subtlety was not lost on the chancellor, who raised a critical eyebrow at my choice of words. “Now, such a position requires confidence on both sides,” I continued. “I must feel that I will be amply rewarded for my services, and His Majesty must be satisfied that my skills are worthy of his sponsorship.”
I turned slightly and raised my voice to address the entire court.
“The generosity of the crown of Possiltum is known to all,” I declared. “And I have every confidence His Majesty will reward his retainers in proportion to their service to him.”
There was a strangled sound behind me, from the general, I think. I ignored it.
“Therefore, all that is required is that I satisfy His Majesty . . . and his advisors . . . that my humble skills will indeed suffice his needs.”
I turned to the throne once more, letting the king see my secret smile which belied the humility of my words.
“Your Majesty, my powers are many and varied. However, the essence of power is control. Therefore realizing you are a busy man, rather than waste time with mere commercial trickeries and minor demonstrations such as we have already seen, I shall weave but three spells and trust in your wisdom to perceive the depths behind them.”
I turned and stretched forth a finger to point at Buttercup and Gleep.