"The Scot will be in amuch better position to defend himself by that time. The island can beconquered only by an assault on the harbor, and if he has the means to fortifyit, we may not—"
"I know. I know,"Abdar said impatiently. "Do you think me a dullard? He must not be allowedthat time." He turned and moved toward the statue of Kali. "How muchlove do you have for me?" He could sense Pachtal's sudden tension, and histone became wheedling. "Will you not help me in this small matter?"
"What do you wish me todo?" Pachtal asked warily.
"He is old and sick. Heis going to die anyway."
"He is themaharajah," Pachtal said hoarsely. "You know what the punishmentwould be if anyone learns I did such a thing. They will burn me alive on hisfuneral pyre."
"No one would suspectanything if he died a little sooner than expected. Who would have reason tokill a dying man?"
"It is toodangerous."
"I'm not suggesting adagger. There are other, less obvious methods. Perhaps poison administered overthe period of a week or two." He turned to smile at Pachtal. "Youhave such a talent for poison. Why else were you given such a gift if not touse it?"
"I don't know if I—"
"I need that gold toserve Kali. If you have love for me, you will do me this service." Hisindex finger caressed the golden dagger of the statue. "You will do Kalithis service."
"I will... think aboutit."
"You have never failed mebefore." He added with soft emphasis, "I have faith you will never doso."
Abdar heard the pad ofPachtal's departing footsteps as he hurriedly left the chamber.
He was frightened, Abdarrealized. He had never known Pachtal to rebel against his will, but it mighttake further efforts to persuade him to do this deed. However, he had no doubtPachtal eventually would comply with his demand.
Kali always prevailed, and hadhe not been appointed Kali's guardian on this earthly plane?
"Ruel is here." LiSung nodded at the tent several hundred yards from the track. "He's cometo check on our progress."
"Again?" Jane wipedher perspiring brow on her sleeve. "He'd do better to tend to his ownconcerns and leave us to get on with ours."
"It's only the fifth timehe's come since we left the mountain and started through the jungle," LiSung pointed out mildly. "It is to his interest to make sure hisinvestment is flourishing."
"Or not flourishing.Well, he'll be disappointed. We're ahead of schedule."
"Why should he bedisappointed that we are doing so well?"
She hadn't meant to blurt outthat thought, blast it. Her nerves were so raw, Ruel had only to appear to makeher tense and defensive. Li Sung knew her too well not to pick up on anycareless word, and he was already suspicious. "He loses a good deal ofmoney if we reach Elephant Crossing on time."
"I don't think money isthat important to Ruel."
She suddenly exploded."Are you mad? If you think that, then you don't know him. Why do you thinkhe wanted to own his own kingdom? Of course money is— what are you doing?"
His hand was on her forehead."Hot. You have the fever again. I thought you looked unwell."
She stepped back. "Notmuch."
"Enough," he saidgrimly. "How long?"
She avoided the question."It doesn't come every day."
"And at night?"
She didn't answer.
"Every night?"
