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arrived, correct?”
    “Yes. But what Nareash wants to do and what needs to happen are two different things.” Hezen gestured to the table lying on its side. “I have a feeling you’ll be as disappointed as you were earlier.”
    Though Guwan doubted Nareash, a part of him clung to the idea that the High Mage had finally come to his senses. “Have you told him there are better strategies?”
    “Of course, but I’m not stupid enough to bite the hand that feeds me.” He grinned. “At least not until I know how big of a bite I can take.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “It means I know why he’s become so cautious.”
    Guwan tensed. “Why?”
    “He’s scared.”
    Guwan chuckled. Though he had considered that notion for some time, he still felt an obligation to defend Nareash.
    “I’m serious.”
    “What is he scared of?”
    “Krytien.”
    No. This weapon is what frightens him.
    Hezen’s face grew stern. “He destroyed a third of Asantia by himself.”
    Guwan recalled the devastation he saw after his first teleportation. Not a single building stood untouched from the forces that assaulted that part of the city. Tumbled brick, black rock, and shattered timbers had filled Asantia’s streets with such totality, it had been hard to find a path into the unscathed parts of the city. He shook his head. “Nareash said that no one could wield that kind of power.”
    “He’s been wrong before. He thought he was invincible with the scepter, but his old master managed to defeat him.”
    Guwan thought about the weapon. “You really think that Krytien can beat Nareash?”
    “Yes. Nareash must believe that as well. He didn’t withdraw from the original attack until after their mages hit our lines with their sorcery. They took out five thousand men with one assault. Have you ever seen something like that before? I have. Krytien was there as well. Don’t you find it odd that Nareash called a retreat instead of mounting a counter-attack? He likely wondered if he could beat the mage.”
    “If Krytien is that strong, then why hasn’t he done more since that day? It seems that Kaz would make better use of his assets.”
    Hezen shrugged. “That’s probably a question that plagues Nareash.”
    Guwan rubbed his tired eyes.
    If Nareash loses, where would that leave me?
    Guwan clicked his tongue. What is his angle?
    “Let’s say that you’re right, Hezen. Where does that leave us?” He gestured toward the tent entrance. “If Krytien is this strong, and Nareash can’t take him, then what hope do we have of victory?”
    “There’s always hope. If Krytien defeats Nareash, he will be severely weakened. That would be the time for us to press. We still have the numbers. Trust me, they would fall, especially with your Kifzo. If you kill Kaz, they’d crumble all the easier.”
    And if we lose, at least it would be on my terms.
    Guwan eyed the man. “So, you still haven’t given up plans to become emperor then?”
    Hezen glanced at the tent flap then stepped closer to Guwan. “Is it wrong to want more? Why shouldn’t you and I push on if Nareash fails?” He paused. “How are your Kifzo taking this siege?”
    “They are as frustrated as I am.”
    And their respect for me is slowly fading. They blame me for the failures thus far. They want someone to take command, not someone to move pieces based on another’s decisions. Under Kaz and Tobin, they knew success. Now, they only know humiliation.
    Hezen grunted. “I would imagine they are more than frustrated. They don’t have the vested interest that you do.”
    “What are you getting at?”
    “I know Nareash has forced you to restrict your use of the Kifzo. Perhaps it’s time you tried a different approach.”
    “What do you suggest?”
    Hezen shrugged. “You’re the general. I’m sure you can think of something.”
    It would need to be subtle.
    “Yes, I’m sure I could.”
    * * *
    Nareash walked through the massive camp while considering his conversation with