Toth himself had designated the future leader of the people, and Rudy was probably the only man left who maintained true loyalty to His Lord. He would obey the words of Toth as he would obey the command of a God. Once Toth was gone, Jezrul’s position would be secure. It was only a question of timing, whether to wait or act soon. A battle was coming, a battle that could destroy all his plans. Quick decisions would have to be made without discussion with or groveling before the optical image of a man degenerating before their eyes, a man old beyond old who hid whatever remained of His true self behind panels in the throne room below. Jezrul thought these things as he sat in lotus position on a boulder by the large pool in Toth’s garden. He was lulled by the sound of the waterfall, yet aware of the few counselors watching him there. Even now they saw him as leader, and he would play the part, decisive, firm, a man of deep spirituality who took the time for quiet, thoughtful meditation.
