A few days later, Sheltath sped toward the island of Chaminus in the distance and it was a welcome sight. Long hours of journeying under a beating sun had seen them all become tired, though Narcissa looked just fine. Nagos did not look fine, but he was taking it in stride. He was lying on his back, admiring the clouds without apparent investment. Sahshir was polishing the Sword of Order, while Narcissa was doing the same for her axe.

Sahshir wondered how Nagos stayed so calm and casual about everything. This great quest, narrowly achieved, had hardly thrown him off. On the surface he seemed too friendly, inexperienced even. But it was obvious that Nagos had seen far more than Sahshir or Narcissa had.

All without any skill with a weapon.

It would have been impressive if it hadn't been so foolish.

"I still can't believe this actually worked," blurted Nagos as he sat up.

"This was your idea, Nagos," noted Narcissa. "Why would you go for it if you didn't think it would work?"

"Honestly, I just wanted to get off Chaminus," said Nagos with a shrug. "It's a nice place to live, but it can get old. And anyway, it wouldn't have been any fun at all sticking around there with all those legionnaires."

"They might cause trouble in your absence," noted Sahshir. "If they did, and we'd failed, things could have gone awry for naught."

"But we didn't fail, and the island is fine," said Nagos. "Sahshir, you can't plan things out past a certain point. The only way you can enjoy things is if you let go of the illusion of control.

"You never can tell what's going to happen next, so you've just got to go with the flow."

"I know that when I hit someone in the neck with my sword, the head will come off," replied Sahshir, disliking his casual approach. "When I give an order to a loyal subordinate, I can expect it to be carried out to the best of that subordinate's ability.

"Control is possible."

"Sure, but you'll never know whether the subordinate will succeed or not," said Nagos. "And if you plan for one and the other happens, you won't be able to react."

"But if you plan for both, you will be in a position to deal with all possibilities," noted Sahshir, though he himself had not done so.

"Sahshir, there are infinite different possibilities in the world," said Nagos. "No matter how many plans you make, all of them will end up being dead wrong. At best, you'll be able to adjust one of your existing plans to work.

"So I just don't plan at all. I'm nice to people and try to figure out a way things can work as I go."

"Have you ever tried building a house while 'making things work as you go?'" asked Narcissa suddenly.

"No," admitted Nagos.

"Well, I've seen it happen, and it's impossible," said Narcissa. "Constructing a house takes time and planning. If you don't plan, it will collapse in on itself, or the area will be wrong."

"Fine, fine, so maybe some planning is good," said Nagos as they neared the island. "Now can you guys relax, we've got the fleet we needed. Garrick lost his storm, we're all good." He stood, leaped off Sheltath, and waded ashore. "Thanks a bunch, pal."

"I live to serve," said Sheltath.

Sahshir and Narcissa stepped off onto the land as well. Nagos led them onto the docks, stretching as he did. "Now, what say we head to the palace and...." He paused. "Where is everyone?"

No one was about. That much could be seen, despite the waning light. But Sahshir felt a sense of unease and fear about the place.

"I don't know, but I don't like the looks of this," said Narcissa. "We should-"

Nagos walked up to a nearby door and started banging on it loudly. "Hey, open up Serna! Open up! It's Nagos! King Nagos!"

The door opened, and Serna looked out frantically. "Quiet, there are legionnaires about! Nagos, what are you doing here?"

"This is my island," said Nagos, looking a little annoyed.

"I know, but I mean, I wasn't expecting you back for a while," said Serna.

"What are you even doing here?" said Nagos. "I'd thought you'd be working on that steam canon whatchamacallit." He was feigning ignorance, wasn't he? Nagos wasn't that dim.

"I left the palace. I didn't think it was safe," admitted Serna.

"What do you mean it's not safe?" asked Nagos, looking to the ships all around them. "We've got an entire fleet here and three more on the way."

"One moment," said Serena. "You three come in here."

Then went in quickly, and Serna led them to a table. Servants quickly brought tea as they sat down. Then Serna told them the story. "Listen, Nagos, after you left, the Emperor Octavus took up residence in your palace. He complained extensively about the décor, the good, and then... well, he got comfortable."

"How is that bad?" asked Nagos. "He can say what he wants."

"He... he's been tormenting the servants day and night," said Serna. "Always demanding one thing or another and then changing his mind out of spite. His Mother didn't do anything to reign him in, and he's been... well... getting worse." A shadow was over her as she spoke.

Nagos went very, very still, and looked cold. As if his flesh had turned to ice. "What did he do?"

"He, he called for the finest minstrel on the island to play," said Serna. "Well, Telagix is considered that, since he plays for you and all. But Octavus didn't like the music so..." She paused.

"What. Did. He. Do?" asked Nagos, voice cold.

"He ordered his eyes and tongue cut out, then threw him in the dungeons," said Serna. "He's also given a royal command that he only be healed enough to live, not to have his senses restored."

Nagos stood up. "Where is Octavus now?"

"Having a feast inside your palace," said Serna. "He's always calling for more food and fine wines. I got out with the rest of the servants after that, and Octavus has brought his own retinue in."

"Good," said Nagos. "I don't have to feel sorry about what comes next then."

"Nagos, wait," said Serna. "You can't act against him. His legionnaires are patrolling the streets, if anything happens to him, they'll blame us. They'll burn us to the ground.

"Don't do anything. I know you can, but... but don't do anything here. Please, they'll burn this place to the ground."

Why was she so confident Nagos could kill Octavius, he had no fighting abilities to speak of. No great armies or powerful subordinates. And yet, Sahshir felt a chill as Nagos beamed happily. He had the feeling that Nagos was dangerous enough to do something like that. And provided he could pin the blame on a rival, he could avoid punishment. "Don't worry about it, Serna. I'm not the kind of guy to get real mad and act all crazy. I'm just going to talk with Octavus and work all this out."

"Nagos..." said Serna, looking genuinely terrified. But of what?

Nagos put a hand to her shoulder. "I told you. Don't worry. Now get me a pen and some paper." One of the servants hurried off and brought it. "I have it."

"Good," said Nagos. "Thanks a lot, Alagosh." He quickly wrote out several letters, rolled them up, and sealed them. Using his ring, he put his mark on each one. "Now, Serna, go to Sheltath with my ring. Tell him to take you to the people these letters are addressed to. Give them to each one and wait for a reply."

"What are the letters?" asked Sahshir.

"Oh come on, Sahshir, let's leave something for the ending," said Nagos. "Serna, go now." There was a command in that cheery voice, and Serna shuddered, before bowing.

"Yes, milord," said Serna before taking the letters and hurrying out.

Nagos' smile faded and he turned to the door.

"What are you doing?" asked Narcissa.

"I'm going to go have a chat with Octavus," asked Nagos, walking out the door.

"Are you planning to betray him?" asked Narcissa flatly.

"Of course not," said Nagos. "I just want to talk him into giving Telagix a break."

What?

That did not match up with his prior manner at all.

"What are you doing, Nagos?" asked Sahshir.

"Making a plan as I go," said Nagos as they walked up toward the palace.

Sahshir had the feeling this was going to end badly.

"You there, identify yourself." called a familiar voice.

Sahshir looked up, and to his surprise, saw Marius coming toward them. He was at the head of a large troop of soldiers. As they neared, he ordered a halt. "King Nagos, King Abdul Sahshir, and Queen Narcissa. Forgive me, we've had orders to halt anyone traveling after dark. The Empress Mother is... distrustful."

"She's not a Queen," snapped Sahshir, not liking how he was put on the same level as Narcissa. "But a valued subordinate. And we've returned from a mission, and we've come to report the addition of powerful new allies to the Emperor's Fleet."

"So you're the one in charge of these natives," said Marius coming forward to clasp his three-fingered hand. "King Sahshir, you look well."

"I wear a mask. Of course, I look well," said Sahshir.

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Marius grinned. "Fair enough, follow us to the Emperor."

On they walked, and as they did, Narcissa looked to Nagos. "Are you sure about this?"

"Relax, we've got nothing but good news," said Nagos. "Hey, um, what's your name?"

"I am Captain Marius of the Legions," said Marius.

"Great, great, so what's it like where you're from?" asked Nagos.

Marius eyed him. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, I've never been to Dinis before, and I thought I might learn about the place," said Nagos. "I'm technically a citizen of that land, so I ought to know more about it."

"I'm from the province of Alchives, which is in the west," said Marius. "They mostly dodged the disaster at Zigilus while I fought there. They are far south and shielded by mountains."

"Right, so, you grow olives there, don't you?" asked Nagos.

"Yes, my family owns a farm. Why do you ask?" asked Marius.

"Well, I'm just curious why you joined the Dinis army," said Nagos.

"To fight and bring glory to my family," said Marius. "To serve the Emperor with all my heart and soul. And to gain wealth."

"And what do you think of this whole campaign?" asked Nagos. "Do you think the General is running things up to the Emperor's standards?"

Marius halted and looked back. "Well, truth be told, I have my doubts about General Aridius. There were rumors that he fled from the field of battle at Zigilus. Rumors that I will say nothing on."

"Butchers," snarled Narcissa under her breathe.

"What?" asked Marius, looking at her were a hard gaze.

"Nothing at all," said Narcissa.

"Anyway, I'm not sure why he was promoted," said Marius. "Zigilus might have been a victory, but we lost many men. Replacing our losses will take time."

"Replace?" asked Sahshir. "With no disrespect to your men's courage. The casualties in that victory were beyond replacement."

"Dinis always rebuilds," said Marius. "There are many who would kill to fight and die for the Emperor. Even now they are being mustered."

"Hmm? Is that a saying?" asked Sahshir.

"Yes. It is," said Marius. "Dinis has suffered many catastrophes in its life. We've been raided by Babarassians, we've seen our homes torn by civil war. But we always rebuild its answer and those that fight us always fail. No matter how many of us must die to ensure they do.

"You Kalthakians fight for personal glory. We legionnaires fight for the glory of our standard. For our brethren. When your greatest warrior falls, it is a terrible loss. Ours provides motivation to press on.

"Dinis always rebuilds."

"Except when you burn entire cities to the ground for having a different religion, of course," noted Narcissa, rightfully bitter.

"Zigilus launched an unauthorized assault on Kalthak, inviting war with Calisha," said Marius. "They also obviously were planning to unleash a horde of demons on that region. Or they'd never have been able to summon that many on short notice.

"It is more than likely that we spared those innocents within the city the horror of being devoured."

"Did you ever meet the Emperor, Marius?" asked Nagos, curious.

"Few men merit a personal meeting with the Emperor," admitted Marius. "I was congratulated by the Empress Mother and assigned the position."

"So Atria is the one who runs things?" guessed Sahshir.

"I gather that she has been acting on his behalf until he comes of age," said Marius, voice guarded.

"And when will that be?" asked Sahshir.

"Why are you asking these questions, King Sahshir?" asked Marius. "Deception does no man credit."

"I wish to understand Dinis," said Sahshir.

"You cannot understand Dinis without seeing it," replied Marius.

"Then I shall withhold judgment until that day comes," said Sahshir. But, privately, he was almost certain what was judgment would be. Dinis was on its last legs. Its ruler was less than impressive, it's armies were failing. The enemies of its people came in from all sides.

But all that could be survived. It was the rot of corruption that was slowly killing it. No matter how valiantly it fought, no matter how many it killed, it would die. The only question was whether it would live long enough expire of sickness.

A situation Sahshir could understand.

"Here we are, the Emperor's palace," said Marius as they reached the palace high above the city.

"My palace," said Nagos.

"Hmm?" asked Marius.

"This is my palace," said Nagos in a matter of fact, tone. "The Emperor is here as an honored guest."

"Well yes, I merely meant that this realm is an extension of Dinis and there Emperor is dwelling within," said Marius quickly. "So, for the moment, it is his palace.

"I did not mean offense."

"None taken, thanks for taking us this far," said Nagos before giving a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

On they walked, while Marius returned. Soon they came to the guards, and these wore the opulent dress of the royal guard. One raised a sword. "Hold where you are? Who approaches the palace of the Emperor?" His tone was proud.

"The allies of Emperor Octavus return with success and victory and wish an audience with him," said Sahshir.

But Nagos simply walked forward without a word. "I'm King Nagos. I am a Dinis Citizen and a loyal servant of the Empire. I'm going to my house." But as he walked forward, a blade was put to his throat.

"Stop where you are native," snarled the man, "your barbarian titles mean nothing to me."

"It's my house," said Nagos flatly.

"I have not received permission." said the man. "And I see no reason to-"

"Will it make you feel better if we wait for the Emperor's permission to tell him about his now inevitable victory?" asked Sahshir in a fury. "Or shall I just go tell his new allies that the deal is off. Let us in, or I will take my fleets home this very day, and you can fight Sorn on your own.

"I've had more than my share of misfortune on your behalf already, and there are other hills I can die on than this one."

The guards looked to one another and seemed to speak to one another. "We will tell him. But you would do well to speak with more respect. Emperor Octavus has little patience for disrespect."

"Does he like music?" asked Sahshir flatly.

The guard paled slightly at some memory. "...Not really. I recommend keeping any, well, local minstrels out of his way. There was a poor wretch in here recently who lost his eyes and tongue for playing a tune he didn't like.

"Not even a satyr deserves that.

"I'll keep it in mind," said Nagos.

So they waited on the doorstep. Nagos stayed in place, while Sahshir paced. Eventually, a servant came back and spoke to the guard. The guard looked up. "The Emperor has given you permission to attend his feast."

"My thanks to him," said Sahshir, disliking this alliance all the more by the moment. What manner of leader held lavish feasts while a war was on? No, only a fool judged quickly. The feasts might have been a formality, and actual business might be discussed there.

"You go on ahead," said Narcissa. "You don't need me here, and I don't trust myself to be civil after what he did. I'll just wait here, polish my axe."

"As you wish," said Sahshir, not begrudging her. Having the leader of what remained of Zigilus present could be a liability anyway. "Do as you like."

Sahshir and Nagos were escorted into the palace. It was amazing how a place could be so different without a stone out of place. Armed guards were patrolling the center, and the number of torches had been doubled. Garish banners covered the walls. Servants wearing white robes scurried here and there.

And then they came into the hall, where Sahshir, Nagos, and Narcissa had eaten dinner a little over a week ago. It was all the more transformed. Dozens of courtiers, many of them fat, were eating lavish banquets. Great tables had been set up, and harp music was being played by some very terrified minstrels.

And the clothes, garish, inlaid with gold and jewels. No man could fight, or work, or even be comfortable in such silken garments. How expensive must these have been? What else could the money spent on such obscene clothes be used for? How many swords could have been forged, or paupers fed?

It occurred to Sahshir that he and Nagos could hardly compare. Their clothes were worn and travel-stained. Their faces tanned from the sun, and dirt was on their pants. Yet Sahshir regarded this as a mark of pride, at least in comparison to these pigs.

And there was the Emperor, clad in, was that a diamond waistcoat?! How had no one killed all these people?!

Oh, and Atria was looking down at them. Sahshir felt to one knee in a demonstration of respect that was entirely hollow. Nagos did more, prostrating himself, as scornful eyes gazed at him."So, I'm told you have won a great victory with no army," said Catria, faint scorn in her voice. She clearly held him in little respect.

"Well, not exactly," said Sahshir. "But we have set the stage. Show him, Nagos."

Nagos arose and moved past Atria to offered two scrolls to him directly. Catria looked at him, frozen in horror. "How dare-"

"What are these?" asked the Emperor.

"Pledges of support from two of the most influential Pirate Kings in the Islands of Power," said Nagos. "They have agreed to send help on my behalf. All they ask in return is a fair share of any booty taken."

"Would you explain to me why a ragtag collection of pirates will be of any help to our glorious fleet?" asked Atria.

"Alcaides and Asrif know these islands better than anyone in the entire world," said Nagos. "The one who controls both of them will be able to move throughout the Islands of Power undetected.

"They only thing stopping those two from ruling these islands is each other. Now they've united under your banner."

"This news seems to be good enough." said the Emperor. "I've already received news that the fleets of Kaltak and Dinis bloodied our enemies. If they bring their fleets to us, Sorn should fall with ease."

"Well, that's the problem," said Nagos. "Sorn has this mercenary named Garrick, and we found him conjuring up a powerful storm. We probably shouldn't combine our fleets all into one bulk group. Otherwise, he might manage to send another storm first."

Catria moved forward, but the Emperor raised a hand. She halted shuddering. "Then what do you suggest?"

"Let me bring Chaminus' fleets, small though they are, to Macshore," said Nagos. "We'll bolster it with a small core of vessels from your own fleet. If we can but reach Macshore, we can establish defenses. We might make them strong enough to ensure Sorn could hammer at us for months without effect.

"Sorn will know that this will happen, so they will have to halt us. And here is where our pirate friends may be of help. If they engage us ship to ship, then we can simply draw them off, while the pirates raid their islands. If they do not engage us, we may fortify the island and make it impregnable.

"And if they have another storm, they will use it on our vanguard.

"Magic is hard to conjure up like that, and I doubt they'll be able to call on another."

"And who will command this, valiant fleet?" asked the Emperor.

"I'll lead it personally, of course," said Nagos. "I am the King of Chaminus, so it's only right that I ought to ensure your safety."

"What if this plan of your should fail?" asked the Emperor. "And, your fleet is destroyed?"

"Well then, Sorn will have wasted a lot of manpower on a mere vanguard," said Nagos. "By then, the Kalthakian ships will have arrived. There you may join with them to make a final strike on the weakened Sornian military."

The Emperor looked to his surrounding courtiers. "...Would that all men had such courage. Ask anything of me, and it shall be yours?"

Nagos looked around. "I'm told there was a musician here who made a mess of things. In truth, I keep him around more out of pity, as I doubt he'd find work elsewhere."

"Yes, I know of him." said the Emperor. "He dishonored my company with his spectacle."

"I'd like permission to have him healed of his injuries," said Nagos. "No doubt, the pain has taught the lesson you intended. It will demonstrate the Emperor's mercy, as well as his justice."

The Emperor nodded. "So be it. It shall be so. Send my finest physician to ensure he makes a full recovery. Now, will you join us for our feast?"

Several of the courtiers looked to be almost fainting. Despite himself. Sahshir wondered if there was not more to the Emperor than there appeared. Nagos bowed his head. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure. However, there is a matter that I believe may interest you. It should be spoken of outside the ears of all save the most trusted of your advisors."

The Emperor nodded. "Very well then, lead on."

"Perhaps you should let me see whatever trifle he has, Octavus," said Catria, voice concerned.

"Mother, you must see to it that the festivities continue," said Octavus, looking at her firmly. "What is this device?"

"It is a weapon known as the steam cannon," said Nagos. "No doubt you have been told of it." So he was pretending to not know what it is.

"No," said Octavus, glancing at Aria. "This is the first I have."

"It may well win us the war," said Nagos. "I would gladly give you a demonstration if you will follow me."

"Then lead on," said Octavus.

What was Nagos getting at, here? This was like no revenge plan Sahshir had seen in his life. Nagos led the Emperor away from the court, alongside his guards. Soon they came into a high hall, with many strange instruments within it. At the far end, however, there was only one instrument. A long tube of bronze, pointing toward a suit of armor.

Sahshir, however, was not allowed within. So he halted outside and listened.

"What is this place?" asked Octavus.

"This is a room for experiments," said Nagos. "We've built quite a few things for. But this is what I'll show you."

"What is this?" asked Octavus.

"It is known as a steam cannon. You should step away from this," said Nagos. From there, he began his preparations, taking a small sphere, and filling a cup of water. Several other changes were made, and then Nagos lit a match. "You light a fire here, and it boils the water. The water then gradually builds up within the canon until-"

Then there was an earthshaking bang! The soldiers rushed in, and Sahshir followed. The tube was smoking, and the armor was in shattered pieces. Octavus was looking on with an unpleasant smile. "Marvelous. Such a dent in armor would kill a man."

"This is only a very small canon," said Nagos. "It would be possible to make them far larger. And the larger they were made, the more destructive they could become. In fact, I've already outfitted my fleet with them."

"Did you design this device?" asked Octavus.

"No, no, it was a close confidant of mine named Serna," said Nagos. "At the moment, she is performing some business. She wants the pirates to understand their orders."

"Should that not have been my task?" asked Octavus.

"Well, they can't really follow orders like a disciplined army," said Nagos. "They are better used if you direct them in a general area.

"They know me, and they believe me a fool, a puppet of sorts.

"I let them think that, and so they leave their ears open to me. I suggest things to them, and they come to believe it was their idea in the first place."

"You are far more cunning than you let on, Nagos," said Octavus.

"I like to play the fool and be the master," said Nagos, "rather than to play the master and be the fool. Sort of like some of those who claim to control you."

"Yes, Mother has begun to forget her place at times," said Octavus, looking aside. "However, it would be highly unfortunate if she were removed. I have considered having her join a temple, but there are some who only accept her authority."

"Then you have to show where the true authority lies," said Nagos. "You have to demonstrate understanding beyond what she believes. Prove yourself to the court, and she will be defeated without you needing to strike a blow."

"And how would you have me do this?" asked Octavus.

"Lead the attack yourself," said Nagos.

Octavus looked up in sudden shock. "Me? Lead the assault?"

"You are the Son of Safara," said Nagos. "You won't fall in battle with her favor, especially with your bodyguard. And what could inspire the men of the fleet more than seeing their Emperor leading the charge? You could drive the armies of Sorn back to their shores."

"Yet, surely it is the part of the common legionary to do so," said Octavus, looking a bit unsteady.

"Well, yes," said Nagos. "I'm more in favor of staying in the back myself. But, you must have noticed a lack of motivation among the men. They have become disheartened without a true example. Show them your power, and they will follow."

Octavus considered this and seemed pleased. "Surely, I must remain to command the fleet itself."

"Your Generals know what they're doing," said Nagos. "It is the will to victory you need now."Octavus shifted nervously. "... I'd best return to the feast. I must ponder this matter."

"Of course," said Nagos. "I'd prefer to remain here and set some things to rights. When a ruler is away, things tend to unravel."

Octavus departed quickly with his guards. Sahshir watched him leave, feeling strange. Nagos had been infuriated earlier. Serna had clearly thought Nagos had some murderous idea in motion. Yet all he'd done was waste a favor to heal a musician, and then convince Octavus to try leading from the front.

Though Sahshir doubted Octavus would live very long without his bodyguard. "...I don't understand." Sahshir said, at last.

"Hmm?" asked Nagos.

"Why would you help him?" said Sahshir, for help was what it had been. The Dinis fleet could only benefit from having an Emperor interested in leading. "Do you hope he'll be killed in battle."

"I figure he needs the credibility," said Nagos with a shrug.

"Surely, you must desire revenge," said Sahshir.

Nagos smiled. "You're the one who said one must obey their Lord and Master?"

"Yes, but it is an ideal that is not always applicable," said Sahshir. To himself, he admitted that had his liege lord behaved as Octavus, he should have killed him. Cruel and ineffectual leaders did not survive in Kalthak.

"Well, I guess I could try seeking revenge," admitted Nagos. "But I mean, come on, what kind of weak revenge would stabbing someone be? Especially if I got a bunch of innocent soldiers killed."Better off destroying him in his mind."

Sahshir caught an edge in that tone. "What do you mean?"

"Well, think about it this way," said Nagos, making his way up to the armor. "What makes you, you. Armor? The sword on your back? Who you were born to?"

"My role and duty," said Sahshir. "As a Lord and Samurai, I am defined by my duties."

"Wrong," said Nagos. "You are defined by your thoughts. How you behave.

"Let's say I killed you right now. You'd go on to the afterlife, or your next life, exactly as you are now."

"Yes, but I don't see the point," said Sahshir.

"So you'd still exist," said Nagos. "Me stabbing you through the heart wouldn't actually get rid of you, it would only move you. Even if the duties you had in your next life were different."

"I suppose so," said Sahshir.

"Now imagine if, instead of killing you, I broke you," said Nagos. "If I destroyed everything you believed. Destroyed everything you hoped for. Then substituted something that was more after my own tastes.

"Wouldn't that be a far more brutal revenge?"

"I don't see how helping Octavus win a great victory counts," noted Sahshir.

"Right now, he's thinking about things he has never thought about," said Nagos. "The gears are turning. He is, whether he likes it or not, changing. Yesterday he was a cruel, horrible, vicious puppet. But if he leads the assault and wins a victory, he'll be something more.

"If he works to improve himself, he may gain victory. Maybe he'll become wise. In a few years, he may have no resemblance to his old self.

"If you change so completely that you can't be recognized, are you really the same person? Haven't you, in a sense, killed the person you once were and become the person you are now?"

"No," said Sahshir flatly. "You are the same person."

Nagos blinked. "I mean, you'll be totally different."

Sahshir shrugged. "You've just changed. And what if he does get killed with all his bodyguard? Then your revenge won't succeed at all, will it?"

"Well then, he'll be dead," said Nagos.

Sahshir had to admit, he made a fair point. "...Good point."

"I'd better go get the priest," said Nagos.

Things were unraveling quickly. Sahshir was not sure whether he wanted Octavus to win a great victory or die a miserable death. Was it too much to ask for both? Probably.