Lord Drax stalked from his chamber down toward the banquet hall in high displeasure. Yodel slain? Then what of the swan-may he had taken for his master, whom old Yodel had passed off as his daughter? Venger had a grim way of dealing with the servants who failed him, and Drax did not wish to add to their number.As he enteded the hall in this abstracted state, he happened to bump into a dark figure just leaving. He was just about to send the man sprawling, as was his arrogant custom, when he drew back in astonishment.
"YOU?!" he hissed. "But they told me--"
"Silence!" whispered the other, fiercely. "Come apart, so we may talk freely." They drew away under the arras that hung from the arches of the banquet hall, forming little alcoves for those who wished to dine alone.
"Well," demanded Drax. "And where have YOU been?"
"I have been about my business -- and yours," returned the other. "This can be no simple matter of the knife, as before. Certain -- complications -- have arisen. Since the death of Yodel --"
"Since the death of Yodel! Which one?!"
"Hush! Here it is not safe... I say, since the DEATH of Yodel, closer watch is kept."
"Since when has close watch stopped Ker--"
"Silence, I say! That name is Death when uttered -- do YOU bear it in mind."
"Death for WHO?"
"Let us say, death...for Yodel. If it is to be death for another, then let that other be your enemy."
Drax rleaxed a bit. "You know, then, who my enemy is."
"Two men ... one woman. I know which shall be enemies."
"Then -- he SHALL die?"
"He shall die -- but it must be when I shall say. More than one plan hangs on Tolan's life, and the will of more than one master."
Drax eyed the other keenly. "I wonder, Assassin, if I can ever be truly assured of what master you are serving?"
Cold gray eyes returned his challenge. "None knows better than you, my Lord -- we serve others best, when at the same time we serve ourselves."
