As Odal spoke, the mist around them dissolved and they were standing in a spacious living room. Sunlight streamed through the open patio doors. Nearly a dozen men in army uniforms sat on the couches. But they were silent, unmoving.
“Now then,” said Odal, “you will show me exactly what happened. Every word and gesture, every facial expression.”
“Never!”
“That in itself is an admission of guilt,” Odal snapped. “You have been plotting against the Leader; you and a number of others of the general staff.”
“I will not incriminate other men,” Runstet said stubbornly. “You can kill me, but….”
“We can kill your wife and children, too,” Odal said softly.
The General’s mouth popped open and Odal could feel the panic flash through him. “You wouldn’t darel Not even Kanus himself would. . . .”
“Accidents happen,” said Odal. “As far as the rest of
Kerak is concerned, you are hospitalized with a mental breakdown. Your despondent wife might take her own life, or your entire family could die in a crash while on their way to the hospital to see you.”
Runstet seemed to crumple. He did not physically move or say a word, but his entire body seemed to soften, to sag. Behind him, one of the generals stirred to life. He leaned forward, took a cigar from the humidor on the low table before him, and said:
“When we’re ready to attack the Acquatainians, just how far can we trust Kanus to allow the army to operate without political interference?”
“I simply don’t understand what came over me,” Leoh said to Spencer and Hector. “I never let my temper get the better of me.”