The Izmir went into such a fit of laughing that he nearly choked.

«Take it kindly? You, whoever you are, will be a living curse to him. You have stolen his thunder-and his idea. He will most certainly try to have you killed.»

«Can you protect me, Izmir? Until I get my strength and manhood back?»

«I will try,» said the Izmir. «I think I can do it. Many plot against me and many think me senile, but I am an old dog and I know many tricks. But you must prove yourself to me. . what are you to be called?»

«Blade.»

«Blade? It makes no sense to me, but as you wish. So, Blade, as I say, you will have to prove yourself to me or I will save Casta the trouble of killing you. So let us begin. What is first to do?»

«Food,» said Blade. «Meat and bread in plenty. I am so near famished that, if I do not eat soon, the task of proving myself to you will never arise.»

«And clothing,» said the Izmir. He looked Blade up and down. «I think I have seen you grow since we began to talk. You are too large to run around naked.»

«And a little sword,» said Blade. «A real one, a weapon that will kill, but light enough for me to wield. I will feel safer with a weapon.»

The Izmir reached for the bell pull at the head of his bed. «It shall all be done. Then, later today, I will arrange for a grand audience in the palace. I will introduce you to all my wise men and my statesmen, bah, and certainly to Casta and the Princess Hirga. I cannot wait to see the expression on the priest's face when he finds that his prophecy has come true and that a child has indeed come to save Zir and subdue the Hitts.»

This was a new note. «Hitts? What of Hitts? It is the first time I have heard the name.»

The Izmir stroked his goatee and his eyes grew hard.