Kur of Gor

Chapter, the Sixty-Second: THE CONVERSATION IN THE REDOUBT

"We may speak here,” said Flavion.

Cabot was on watch, at one of the forward outposts. He had a power weapon at this place, but it was not assigned to him but to the post itself.

It was four days following the accosting of the human female, the Lady Bina, in Lord Grendel's camp.

"Yes,” said Cabot.

They were alone in the small redoubt, but the ground they surveyed also fell within the purview of two similar redoubts.

Each watch in each redoubt contained either a human and a Kur, or two Kurii. Flavion had arranged to be posted with Cabot this night.

"I still have much to offer,” said Flavion.

"Oh?” said Cabot.

"You were very troublesome earlier, in the camp,” said Flavion.

"What need would you have had for me,” said Cabot, “if you had had the war won in a night, with the ambush amongst the habitats?"

"You are very clever,” said Flavion.

"I fear far less clever than you,” said Cabot. “Had the secret march been undertaken, victory would have been Agamemnon's. And, if it was not undertaken, many in Grendel's forces would be convinced that it should have been undertaken, and thus the standing of the generalship of Grendel is reduced."

"Your subterfuge of omens was transparent,” said Flavion, “an obvious stratagem to buy Grendel time."

"You are certain it was a subterfuge?"

"We consulted with several of the men of Peisistratus,” said Flavion.

"It proved useful at the time,” said Cabot.

"That must be admitted,” said Flavion.

"It seemed to me wise to appear to favor the cause of Grendel,” said Cabot.

"You are aware that many favor a frontal assault on the habitats?"

"That would be madness,” said Cabot.

"Perhaps,” said Flavion, “but many feel that it is now the only chance for victory, and despise Grendel for not ordering the assault."

"And in the abeyance of such an order seeing him as timid, even cowardly."

"Certainly,” said Flavion.

"You have done your work well,” said Cabot.

"It would be useful if Grendel were removed,” said Flavion.

"Have you not planned for that,” asked Cabot, “by demonstrating his concern for the welfare of the much-hated traitress, the Lady Bina, his defense of her against the human, Cestiphon, and urging her trial, conviction, and execution, confident that Grendel would defend her, and thus die with her?"

"He delays the trial,” said Flavion, “and he is still too much respected in the camp to be gainsaid in the matter."

"But this does further undermine his stature,” said Cabot.

"Certainly,” said Flavion. “But it is too slow."

"Agamemnon is impatient?” said Cabot.

"His patience is not endless,” said Flavion.

"And how may I figure in your plans, and for what recompense?"

"When the forces hesitate to acclaim me commander,” said Flavion, “I want your support."

"I am so important?” said Cabot.

"You are more important than you know,” said Flavion, “with humans, with Kurii. Too, you are close to Grendel, and if you turn on him, this will weigh heavily with many."

"I see,” said Cabot.

"Only you know my allegiance to Agamemnon,” said Flavion.

"Your treachery might be broadcast,” said Cabot.

"None would believe it,” said Flavion.

"I suspect that is true,” said Cabot.

"Power on Gor would be yours, and palaces and cities, and armies, and gold."

"I must trust you on this?"

"Perhaps you would like a token, of good faith?"

"Perhaps,” said Cabot.

"One, say, cast naked, in chains, to your feet?"

"That is a small token,” said Cabot.

"Perhaps such a one with a sack of gold tied about her neck?"

"I wonder if you could find her."

"One can always try."

"I had thought,” said Cabot, “that you might be interested in something other than my support in some coup. I had supposed you would be interested in something other, something as simple as an assassination, a knife in the night, plunged into the heart of a commander."

"That will not be necessary,” said Flavion.

"Oh?” said Cabot.

"Arrangements have already been made,” said Flavion.