“You could have offered Macamo the cigar the moment we began talking. It would have saved time.” Malacoda said dryly.

“Of course, but then how would I sharpen my rhetoric, my ability to persuade? I may need my mental faculties honed, not dull. Reliance on the kebaac, whatever yours happens to be, is myopic. Kebaac reliance is the Achilles Heel of the Dahjaat.” Ghaelvord replied in his typical manner.

“By the way,” Ghaelvord added. “Are we really dealing with the King, the Mind’s Eye?”

“Yes, I am certain it was Rohjarrat. How could I possibly mistake it?” Malacoda hissed.

“It seems that no good deed goes unpunished. We should have left them in the pit with the treasure they sought.” Ghaelvord replied.

“How much trouble could one new Dahjaat and one half-breedcause?” Malacoda asked rhetorically.

“This certainly makes the situation more interesting. We cannot underestimate the wizard. He is cunning.” Ghaelvord replied.

“More interesting?” Malacoda said with a look of skepticism. “More dangerous.”

“Yes, more dangerous. I enjoy a good challenge.”

Malacoda smiled, showing his ferocious teeth, “I suppose I do as well.”

Ghaelvord grinned. He had expected the world to roll over for him. Facing off against the wizard without any support from the rest of the Dahjaat would be a thrill. They could go toe to toe and let the best win. Thinking about matching wits and skill with his long-time enemy got his ichor pumping.

As Ghaelvord and Malacoda conversed, Ghaelvord’s thoughts drifted. He considered the maps of the globe and the satellite photos. He considered the research on the military strengths of the various nations. He considered the risks of weapons of mass destruction, both the risks of using them and having them used on his army. He considered the resources that he would need to build his army and to continue to produce the drugs and viruses that he would need to keep them in line and grow their numbers. He considered alliances. He considered the ideologies and cultures that would need to be overcome. Throughout it all, however, he considered his ace in the hole. He considered the one report that seemed to contain all the answers. He discussed all of his considerations with Malacoda, except for the last one.

The door to Ghaelvord’s study burst open.

“Where is she?” Shenouda spoke with blazing anger in her eyes. “What did you do to her?”

Ghaelvord eyed her coolly and responded, “You seem perturbed. The look is unbecoming of you.”

“My friend. Where is she?” Shenouda went on.

“Dear god, you cannot be talking about the wench who got into my brew? Do you even know her name?” Ghaelvord responded.

“She was my friend. I entertained her. You had no right…” Shenouda stopped as Ghaelvord stood up and cut her off.

“I had every right. She belonged to the textile hall. If you insist on befriending them, then you must learn to let go of them.”

Shenouda opened her mouth to respond, but he continued on without letting her get a word in.

“Shenouda, we are building something here that is greater than you and me.”

She opened her mouth again and again he cut her off.

“Shenouda, all of this is a means to an end. If we cavil at the methods, then we do not deserve the rewards. You have a strong will. I know that you can endure this.”

“I never asked for this! I never asked for any of this!” She shouted.

Ghaelvord paused and appeared to contemplate that before responding.

Finally, he said, “There was no choice. I saved your life. With the current state of medical science; no doctor could have saved you. I could smell the infection when I found you. It would have taken your life.”

Ghaelvord said this in a straightforward tone without condescension. He said it not in an argumentative tone, but rather as a cold matter of fact.

“I cared for her!” Shenouda had been yelling, but now her voice waivered.

“And I care for you.” Ghaelvord said.

At some point during this conversation, Malacoda subtly slid out of the room.

Ghaelvord went on, “You need to get out. You have been cooped up in this humid, hellish jungle. You do not belong here and trust me when I tell you that we will not stay here much longer. Malacoda needs to go into town to conclude business of ours. I suggest that you join him. Take in the sights and smells. Experience the nightlife. I will continue working here. I could use the time alone to finalize plans for the first stage of the campaign.”

Shenouda stared bitterly at the desk. She could not verbalize her emotions. Ghaelvord strode over to her and wrapped her up in his strong arms. The touch comforted her somewhat. She felt terrified and awestruck at the same time. She owed him her life. She had no doubt that her leg would have killed her, but what kind of life had he given her?