"So it would seem," he admitted.
"Okay," I began. "First question. Do you think the commander will actually bypass Possiltum?"
The officer avoided my eyes for a moment, then shook his head briskly.
"I should not answer that," he said, "but I will. I do not feel the commander is even considering it as a serious possibility, nor does any officer in that tent. He is known as ‘the Brute,' even among his most loyal and seasoned troops. May I assure you he did not acquire that nickname by surrendering or capitulating while his force was still intact."
"Then why did he go through the motions of the meeting just now?" I queried.
"To gain time," Claude shrugged. "As your assistants noted, he is using the delay to mass his troops. The only code he adheres to is ‘Victory at all costs.' In this case, it seems it is costing him his honor."
I thought about this for a moment before asking my next question.
"Claude," I said carefully, "you've faced us in battle, and you know your own army. If your prediction is correct and the Brute attacks in force, in your opinion, what are our chances of victory?"
"Nil," the officer replied quietly. "I know it may sound like enemy propaganda, but I ask you to believe my sincerity. Even with the additional forces you displayed this evening, if the Brute sets the legions in motion, they'll roll right over you. Were I in your position, I would take advantage of the cover of night to slip away, and not fear the stigma of cowardice. You're facing the mightiest army ever assembled. Against such a force there is no cowardice, only self-preservation."
I believed him. The only question was what should I do with the advice.
"I thank you for your counsel," I said formally. "And will consider your words carefully. For now, if you will please remain here in the open as promised, I must consult with my troops."
"One more thing," Claude said, laying a restraining hand on my arm. "If any harm befalls your assistant, the one you left at the meeting, I would ask that you remember I was here with you and had no part in it."
"I will remember," I nodded, withdrawing my arm. "But if the Brute tries to lay a hand on Aahz, I'll wager he'll wish he hadn't."
As I turned to seek out my team, I wished I felt as confident as I sounded.
Tanda came to me readily when I caught her eye and beckoned her away from the others.
"What is it, Skeeve?" she asked as we moved away into the shadows. "Are you worried about Aahz?"
I was, though I didn't want to admit it just yet. The night was almost gone with no signs of movement or activity from the pavilion. Still, I clung to my faith in Aahz. When that failed, I turned my mind to other exercises to distract it from fruitless worry.
"Aahz can take care of himself," I said gruffly.
"There's something else I wanted your opinion on."
"What's that?" she asked, cocking her head.
"As you know," I began pompously, "I am unable to see the disguise spells I cast. Though everyone else is fooled, as the originator of the spell, I still continue to see things in their true form."
"I didn't know that," she commented. "But continue."
"Well," I explained, "I was thinking that if we actually have to fight the army, we could use additional troops. I've got an idea, but I need you to tell me if it actually works."
"Okay," she nodded. "What is it?"
I started to resume my oration, then realized I was merely stalling. Instead, I closed my eyes and focused my mind on the small grove of trees ahead.
"Hey!" cried Tanda. "That's terrific."
I opened my eyes, being careful to maintain the spell.
"What do you see?" I asked nervously. "A whole pack of demons... oops ... I mean Perverts," she reported gaily. "Bristling with swords and spears. That's wild!"
It worked. I was correct when I guessed that my disguise spell could work on any living thing, not just men and beasts.
"I've never seen anything like it," Tanda marveled. "Can you make them move?"
"I don't know," I admitted. "I just-"
"Boss! Hey, Boss!" Brockhurst shouted, sprinting up to us. "Come quick! You'd better see this!"
"What is it?" I called, but the Imp had reversed his course and was headed for the tree line.
A sudden fear clutched at my heart. "C'mon, Tanda," I growled and started off.
By the time we reached the tree line the whole team was assembled there, talking excitedly among themselves.
"What is it?" I barked, joining them.
The group fell silent, avoiding my eyes. Brockhurst lifted a hand and pointed across the meadow.
There, silhouetted against a huge bonfire was Aahz, hanging by his neck from a crude gallows. His body was limp and lifeless as he rotated slowly at the end of the rope. At his feet, a group of soldiers were gathered to witness the spectacle.
Relief flooded over me, and I began to giggle hysterically. Hanging! If only they know!
Alarm showed in the faces of my team as they studied my reaction in shocked silence.
"Don't worry!" I gasped. "He's okay!"
Early in my career with Aahz, I had learned that one doesn't kill demons by hanging them. Their neck muscles are too strong! They can hang all day without being any the worse for wear. I had, of course, learned this the hard way one day when we....
"At least they have the decency to burn the body," Claude murmured from close beside me.
My laughter died in my throat.
"What?" I cried, spinning around.
Sure enough, the soldiers had cut down Aahz's "body" and were carrying it toward the bonfire with the obvious intention of throwing it in.
Fire! That was a different story. Fire was one of the things that could kill Aahz deader than....
"Ajax!" I cried. "Quick! Stop them from-"
It was too late.
With a heave from the soldiers, Aahz arched into the roaring flames. There was a quick burst of light, then nothing.
Gone! Aahz!
I stood staring at the bonfire in disbelief. Shock numbed me to everything else as my mind reeled at the impact of my loss.
"Skeeve!" Tanda said in my ear, laying a hand on my shoulder.
"Leave me alone!" I croaked.
"But the army..."
She let the word trail off, but it made its impact. Slowly I became conscious of the world around me.
The legions, having given us our answer, were massing for battle. Drums boomed, heralding the rising sun as it reflected off the polished weapons arrayed to face us.
The army. They had done this!
With deliberate slowness I turned to face Claude. He recoiled in fear from my gaze.
"Remember!" he cried desperately. "I had nothing to-"
"I remember," I replied coldly. "And for that reason only I am letting you go. I would advise, however, that you choose a path to follow other than rejoining the army. I have tried to be gentle with them, but if they insist on having war, as I am Skeeve, we shall give it to them!"
Chapter Twenty-Three:
"What is this, a Chinese fire drill?"
-SUN TZU
I DIDN'T see where Claude went after I finished speaking with him, nor did I care. I was studying the opposing army with a new eye. Up to now I had been thinking defensively, planning for survival. Now I was thinking as the aggressor.
The legions were in tight block formations, arrayed some three or four blocks deep and perhaps fifteen blocks wide. Together they presented an awesome impression of power, an irresistible force that would never retreat.
That suited me fine. In fact, I wanted a little insurance that they would not retreat.
"Ajax!" I called without turning my head.