«That is good,» said Blade. «He will want you tomorrow and the day after. That will keep him quiet and cautious. What is he going to do for us?»

Valli explained. Ramsus had promised to drug a guard who would normally be stationed at the door of the Izmir's bedchamber. The man would become ill and a substitute guard would be sought. Ramsus would volunteer for the duty.

Blade was pleased, but looked for flaws in the plan. «Suppose Ramsus is not chosen? Suppose another man volunteers and is given the post?»

Valli shook her head. «Small danger. It is dull duty and the palace guard is lazy and spoiled. They never volunteer for anything.»

Blade nodded. She was probably right. It was the same back in Home Dimension.

«So far, so good, but how do you get me into the palace?»

Valli patted his head and pulled him onto her lap. «Come, let me coddle you a bit before you grow too big.» She pressed his face against her breasts. «My little sweet-I hate all this. I do hate so to see you become a man so quickly.»

Blade pulled away. «Enough of that. How do you get me into the palace?»

«Simple enough-if nothing goes wrong. Stel has agreed to help me. I have told you of my friend Stel?»

«Yes, yes. She wanted to leave me to die. Can you trust her now?»

«I think so. I know things about her, things which I have threatened to tell if she does not aid me. Of course, I would not really tell, but-«

«Get on with it.»

Valli sighed. «You are becoming a man, all right. Already you give orders like the Izmir himself. Very well-there is a postern gate that leads into the palace near the old man's chambers. It is guarded by a single man and it is well known that sometimes he sleeps.»