I glanced at Croft again, and he nodded. I understand that, although he had made no mention of it, the fact to him was already known. And I felt my own anger harden. Mitlos was not the only one of Jason's retainers who had paid the penalty of their fidelity to his trust. The entire foray had been a deliberate bit of murder.
"'Tis well," said Kalamita again, turning her tawny eyes beyond Ptoth to where Naia and the others stood. "Found you any trace of this Mouthpiece of Zitu?"
"Nay," the captain answered, smiling, "but we left him ample trace of us."
Kalamita's whole expression darkened. Her amber eyes flashed. "Aye—and may Adita forsake my beauty and blast it if I give him not another. Let this woman wait, and bring me his slave."
Ptoth turned to Bathos, seized him by an arm, and flung him at the feet of the woman on the couch.
The blue man groveled. He made no attempt to rise.
Kalamita put out a pink-nailed foot and touched him.
"Come, get up," she prompted. "How are you called?"
"Bathos," the servant faltered, lifting himself on limbs that shook beneath him, to stand with downcast eyes.
"Listen, then, Bathos," Kalamita continued. "Canst find the way over which my captain led you, and return?"