"You tell me nothing new," Kael grated. "Most of that I learned myself from putting one and two and three together."
The High Mor threw back his jeweled cloak and rested a thigh on the edge of a gaming table. His eyes glittered brightly.
He said, "You are no fool, Terran. I do not underestimate you, believe me. I tell you this to explain why I felt it necessary to kill your father."
"And Captain Edmunds! And Cassy Garson! And all the men who were in the Eclipse when your sfarrans rayed her into a smoking ruin just outside the planetal orbit of Senorech!"
The High Mor gestured. His graceful white hands waved apology. "For all that, I am sorry. I made a mistake. Now I offer what I can to atone for my errors.
"Join me. Wear my dragon! To you, I promise such power as no man has ever dreamed. The wants of a Napoleon, or a Bral Kan of Procyon! Not even Gartillin Vo of Deneb, or Cygnis Hannon will outshine you in the splendor of your triumphs!
"Do you think I want to spend my time in this?" and here the High Mor gestured at his body. "I want to go back to the Temple of Sharrador where once I dwelt for many ages, worshipped and adored."
The McCanahan grinned. "You know I recognize you as Noorlythin?"
"You were in the chamber where I keep the bodies I use. I felt your presence."
Kael stared his surprise.