“Cowards!” Romis spat. “Spineless, weak-kneed old women.”
He was pacing the length of the bookshelf-lined study in his villa, slashing out words as cold and sharp as knife blades. Sitting next to the fireplace, holding an ornate lass in his hand, was the captain of the star ship in which Hector was being held.
“They plot for months on end,” Romis muttered, more to himself than the captain. “They argue over the pettiest details for days. They slither around like snakes, trying to make certain that the plan is absolutely foolproof. But as soon as some danger arises, what do they do?”
The captain raised the glass to his lips.
“They back down!” Romis shouted. “They place their own rotten little lives ahead of the welfare of the Kerak Worlds. They allow that monster to live, for fear that they might die.”
The captain asked, “Well, what did you expect of them? You can’t force them to be brave. The army leaders, maybe. But they’ve all been arrested. Whole families. Your politician friends are scared out of their wits by Kor. It’s a wonder he hasn’t picked you up.”
“He won’t;,” Romis said, smiling strangely. “Not until he finds out where Odal is. He fears Goal’s return. He knows how well the assassin’s been trained.”
“Well, you won’t be getting Odal back from Spencer unless you give up the Watchman. And once he goes, you can expect Spencer to hover over us like a vulture.”
“Then what must I do? Kill Kanus myself?”
“You can’t.” The captain shook his head.
“Why not? You think I lack.. . .”
“My old friend, don’t lose sight of your objectives. Kanus is the monster, yes. But he’s surrounded by lesser monsters. If you try to kill him, you’ll be killed yourself.”