"I ... I would have to think about it," Monkel managed at last. "I hadn'tconsidered this possibility."

"Very well," Jubal said briskly. "Take your time. If you wish to discuss thematter further, wear a red neck scarf. One of my agents will identify himself toyou with the word Guardswoman and lead you to my current headquarters. WhileHakiem here is trustworthy enough, there is no need for you to have to contactme through him. The fewer who know when we meet and how often ... much less whatis discussed, the better it will be for both of us."

"I ... thank you."

"Now then, if you would wait in the next room, my man Saliman will see to yourneeds. I would like a few words alone with Hakiem."

Hakiem waited until the door had closed behind the little Beysib beforespeaking.

"Well, it seems I have led yet another fly into your web, Jubal."

Instead of replying to this insolence, Jubal studied the ex-storyteller forseveral moments in silence.

"What distresses you, old one?" he said finally. "I dealt fairly with your fisheyed companion, even to the point of admitting my own weaknesses andlimitations. Still your words and stance reek of disapproval, as they have sinceyou first entered the room. Have I done or said something to offend you?"

Hakiem started to snap out an answer, then caught himself. Instead, he drew adeep breath and blew it all out slowly in a silent whistle.

"No, Jubal," he sighed at last. "All you have said and done is consistent withwho and what you have been since we first met. I guess my time at court hassimply taught me to view things on a different scale than I did when I wasselling stories on the street for coppers."

"Then tell me how you see things now," Jubal demanded, impatience sharpening histone. "There was a time when we could speak openly together."