"I am Mertaan, a fighting Prince of Baser. I was taken from a Baserite ship."
"Too bad, fellow. I'm sorry."
"It was no accident. I arranged to be taken."
"That hardly makes any sense."
The man spoke through grim lips, his clear eyes blazing. "That's why I wondered about you—wondered if our plot was suspected. We can't take a chance."
"Your plot?"
"Yes. But I think you are genuine prisoners."
Nicko translated and added, "You can be damned sure about that."
"What plot are you talking about?" Mike asked.
"Baser attacks the Ptomenites in force tonight."