Kortha rolled onto his stomach, his head buried in the crook of his naked forearm. He heard Xax snort, "You were the greatest of the lot!"
"I crippled Hurlgut in a fit of rage. I left him prey to Guantra." Kortha sighed, "I ran away. It has been bitter, being out here, Xax. I had a long time to think. I hope my hermitdom has made me a wiser man. But I am afraid."
They were silent for long moments. Xax stirred restlessly and the clicking of his quills was like the rasping of many needles.
"Now Guantra will rule Mars," said Kortha hoarsely. "He will get his weapon unless I can stop him. He will wait until Earth and Venus are weakened by war. Then he will attack them. Ilse thinks he will turn Mars over to them, but that is not so! He wants to rule the Trinity of the three planets. In the end he will pull Mars down, for Mars is not ripe to rule—not yet. Not under Guantra, at any time."
Kortha closed his eyes, whispering, "I must stop Guantra. I must stop him without seeming to do so. For I cannot ever again take my place in the Confederacy. I am too dangerous."
Xax said softly, "Guantra has the army and the air fleet tinder his banner. You are one man against a world."
"I am Kortha," said the giant.
He rolled on his side and cuddled his head in his elbow.
An instant later, he was asleep.
Xax squatted, thinking.