fend himself against
the charge.

"Vokal--the noble Vokal." The cry of Jaltor's personal clerk rang out
over the packed room. "Approach the Throne and present your plea."

With gentle courtesy Vokal pushed between the press of humanity, passed
through the line of armed guards and mounted the steps of Jaltor's dais.

He bowed low before the giant ruler of Ammad. "Greetings, Most-High.
Vokal, your loyal subject, begs permission to plead a grievance."

Jaltor gave him a warm and friendly smile. He had always liked Vokal;
the nobleman's quiet manner and gentle courtliness were always welcome.

"It is unusual for the noble Vokal to _have_ a grievance," he said.
"That in itself is in your favor. What is troubling you?"

"A matter of a boundary dispute involving a merchant in my territory. It
seems he has been 'influenced' into transferring allegiance to another
nobleman."

Jaltor nodded his understanding. "Have you been bothered by many such
cases involving the same nobleman?"

"No, Most-High," Vokal said. "And I am quite sure Garlud knows nothing
of this one. Perhaps one of his collectors is a bit--over zealous. By
bringing the matter to Garlud's attention at this time, further
incidents can be averted."

* * * * *

Nothing changed in Jaltor's expression at mention of Garlud's name;
Vokal was sure of that. He said, neither too quickly nor too slowly:

"I agree, noble Vokal: this must have happened without Garlud's
knowledge. Unfortunately the matter can not be brought to his attention
just now, but I shall see to it that he hears about it at the earliest
possible moment."

It was an opening Vokal could not resist. "The noble Garlud is not in
Ammad at present?"

"I believe not." Jaltor's voice and manner remained unchanged, but
something flickered in his eyes--something Vokal did not miss.

"My deepest thanks to you, Most-High," he said with that gracious and
gentle air for which he was noted.

"It is always a pleasure to talk with you, Vokal."

It was a dismissal and Vokal, bowing low, withdrew. As he crossed the
huge throne-room toward the exit, his thoughts were sharp and incisive.

Something had happened to Garlud. Jaltor's eyes and the brevity of his
answer to Vokal's question confirmed that. But what? And why was the
nobleman's fate kept such a secret? Did Jaltor suspect Garlud of having
accomplices other than old Heglar?

These were questions demanding quick and posi