"I do not say he would lie for another's purpose. But for his own ... that is a different matter."
"But he did not give Garlud's name willingly, Curzad. Only after prolonged torture could we wrest the name from his lips."
The captain shrugged. "Would you for even a moment have believed him otherwise. Old Heglar was no fool, Most-High. Were his motive strong enough for bringing ruin to Garlud he would have planned it exactly that way. An accusation lightly given is usually lightly taken."
Jaltor smote a fist into his palm. "By the God, Curzad, I believe you've hit it! Only my thought is that the plan was not his. When a man hates another both are usually aware of that hatred—and Garlud was at a complete loss to understand why he was accused."
"That is true, Most-High."
"Very well, here's what must be done." Jaltor began to pace the floor, speaking the while. "I want you to speak with the guards who were with you when I questioned Garlud tonight. Swear them to complete secrecy on the entire matter on pain of death. The same goes for the two attendants who were working over Heglar at the time."
"It shall be done, Most-High."
"Good! Now who in Garlud's household knows you brought him here?"
"We encountered only Bokut, his chief steward, and two guards—one at an outer gate and one stationed at his palace entrance."
"Very well, take those three into custody. Question them as to whom they told of the incident and place those under arrest as well. Leave no one who can spread word that Garlud was brought to the palace at my orders."