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He knew from experience how dangerous new players on the board could be. Without a clear track record or reputation from which to judge, they could be hiding all manner of surprises.

The big fear, usually, was that it might be a so-called "secret emperor's" coming out party--that was, one of those folks who thought they could cower in the shadows for a few centuries and then just step out onto the world stage as one of his equals.

Nevermind the fact that true strength required so much more than just age. They never seemed to grasp that part, probably because their delusional reapers were too busy filling their heads with nonsense.

A coward could never be an emperor.

And Saqqaf was indeed a coward. Time would soon tell if this Darksteel was, too.

Bloodeye was out for revenge. He wanted Morgunov's blessing to go hunt Saqqaf and Darksteel down. Which was odd, because he and Crowe had hated each other's guts, as far as Morgunov recalled. Maybe they had built up a secret camaraderie over the years while he hadn't been looking, but Morgunov doubted it. More likely, Bloodeye just felt humiliated by their loss and wanted to save face.

Plus, if Bloodeye made it sound like he was doing it for Crowe's sake, then Crowe's men might be more receptive to the idea of following him as their new commander.

Eheh. If Bloodeye played his cards right, he might soon be able to stand alongside the likes of Vanderberk and Ivan.

Probably not Jercash or Gohvis, though. Those two seemed to be reaching new heights of their own now.

At last, the hierarchy of power between the strongest was slowly becoming clear again. Morgunov appreciated that. It had been ages since the last proper shakeup. It was important to keep everyone on their toes.