'What?' Stenwold said finally. 'What do you want from me?'

'Your seal of approval. I happen to know a little more about Khanaphes than most. You remember Kadro the antiquarian?'

'Vaguely, yes. I haven't seen him around recently.'

'I'm not surprised, as he's been in Khanaphes for several months. He'd followed the Solarnese trail long before anyone was looking in that direction. I know because he's been writing to me for money, and I've been sending it. That makes him my man.'

'And what has your man found out?'

'My man has been keeping his cards close to his little Fly chest.' Drillen grimaced. 'Which is why there will be an expedition sent to help him out. The first official Collegiate expedition to Khanaphes. Our ambassadors will extend the hand of friendship to our estranged brothers. Master Kadro will receive his due, but I need results.'

Stenwold nodded patiently, letting the quietness spin out until he was finally forced to ask. 'So where do I come into all of this?'

'Aren't you roused by the sheer academic challenge of it all?' Drillen asked, still grinning like a fool.

'As it happens I am, but where do I come in?'

'You propose the expedition, which I then agree to sponsor and fund.'

'Do I now?'

'Because if I tried it myself, then Broiler would be all over me, and I'd be fighting tooth and nail every step of the way to stop him making it his expedition and his triumph. You, though… Broiler hates and loathes every inch of you there ever was, but more than that, he doesn't have the guts to take you on. If it's your expedition, he'll mutter and complain, but he won't dare stick his neck out, and you know why.'

Stenwold cocked a surprised eyebrow at Drillen, seeing that his own suspicions about Broiler's loyalties were obviously not unique. He shrugged philosophically, waiting for the catch.

'Please, Stenwold,' Drillen said, in a pleading tone that surprised both of them. After an awkward pause the fat man continued, 'I'm a devious bastard whose only aim is my own betterment, I freely admit it, but I'm also on your side. A coup involving Khanaphes could be enough to swing the voting next Lots. We need each other.'