He went into the bathroom, where Leda washed and bandaged his hurts and whispered to him: "There is more behind this than you say, my dearest, I know you too well."
"Aye, there is, but I can't tell you now. Stay close by me and don't be too surprised at anything I may do."
Leda went back to Rayth and said: "Give me a blade too."
"You—a woman?" he asked.
"I've sent more men to Earth than you ever did," she snapped. "From here on, Rikard and I fight together."
"Well—I hate to risk such beauty being hacked up—but far be it from me to oppose that beauty's lightest wish," laughed the Coper. "Remember, though—you'll be among my own troops, and they don't take kindly to traitors."
She smiled at him. "How could anyone betray you?" she whispered.
"The oldest trick in the world," sighed Rayth, "and it still works. Very well, take what you wish from the armor chest over there."
She and Rikard equipped themselves with weapons—a sword for her, an ax for him—cuirasses, and helmets. By that time they could hear the sound of marching feet. Rayth buckled on his own armor, lifted his sword in a mocking salute to his timorous comrades, and walked out into the hall.