“My good lord Briun Willow Bough is”—despite the few ears here to hear his words, he lowered his voice—“not the most… naturally gifted of leaders. But he is sincere. He doesn’t want his people to die. To save his satrapy, he would trade his very life, or if he must, his city.” “Interesting,” Kip said. “I hadn’t heard he was stupid.” Ambassador Red Leaf didn’t so much as blink. He didn’t play along like a sycophant would, nor did he rush to his master’s defense. So he was either disloyal or simply a man capable of holding his tongue. “Now,” Kip said, “now I’m impressed. Forgive the slander. I
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