“It is difficult for me to interrogate fellow army officers.”
“I suppose so,” Kor admitted. “But you have done quite wefl. We now know exactly who in the army we can trust, and who is plotting against the Leader.”
“Then my work here is finished.”
‘The plotting involves more than the army, Major. It goes far wider and deeper. The enemies of the Leader infest every part of our government. Marshal Lugal is involved, I’m sure….”
“But there’s no evidence….”
“I’m convinced he’s involved,” Kor snapped. “And Romis, tool”
Kanus wants control of the army, Odal knew, and you want to eliminate anyone who can compete with you for Kanus’favor.
“Don’t look so sour. Major,” said Kor, his smile broader and somehow more chilling. “You have served your Leader—and me—very well in these weeks. Now then … how would you like to return to Acquatainia?”
Odal felt a shock of surprise and strange elation.
“Spencer has left Acquatainia,” Kor explained, “and our plans are going well. But Leoh still remains there. He is still dangerous. You will destroy him.”
“And the Watchman too,” Odal said.
Kor jabbed the dagger toward Odal. “Not so fast. Leoh will be destroyed byhis own dueling machine, but in a very special way. In fact, he has already taken the first step toward his own destruction, in a duel with a simple lime man who thinks he will be Prime Minister of Acquatainia, once Kerak conquers the Cluster.”
Frowning, Odal said, “I don’t understand.”
“You will. Major. You probably won’t enjoy what you must do, any more than Lal Ponte did. But you will do our duty to Kerak and to the Leader, just as Ponte did what we told him to. You won’t become Prime Minister of Acquatainia, of course—but then, neither will Lal Ponte.” Kor’s laugh was like a knife scraping on bone.