shoulder. Her eyes were slightly narrowed, as if she wanted to see something hidden.
‘Not at the last minute.’ The duke pushed the lead box aside and sat down at the table. ‘Originally, Johan wanted to conduct the retake exam at the City Watch's training ground, but after the memorable ball, Sydney promised me access to your training grounds, the Guard's, from the new year.’ He pointed at Bleist. ‘Our dear captain was so excited that he abandoned the idea of going to the old training ground and spent the last month checking out the area made available to us by the Azure Guard. By the way, when you see your commander, please give him my regards, Darius.’
‘I won't forget to mention it.’ Bleist nodded. He didn't want to say that he himself had no intention of looking for General Leigher. ‘Back to the topic at hand. Has anyone been informed about the changes?’
‘There was no need.’ Von Konlah shrugged. ‘The meeting point was in front of the entrance to Solvein anyway, so there was no need to tell anyone.’
‘Gizel, you know a few summoners, don't you?’ Darius looked up at the elf.
‘That's an exaggeration.’ The duchess snorted.
‘Never mind.’ Earl waved his hand. ‘How long does a summoner need to synchronise with the catalyst?’
‘Two or three months.’ A sparkle appeared in Gizel's eyes that he knew very well. They were both thinking the same thing. ‘An inexperienced one will need more time, much more.’
‘I think Mr Vechs received the figurine about six months ago.’ Darius tapped his finger on the box. ‘Maybe even earlier.’
‘I'd like to ask him, but it won't be possible to talk to him anytime soon, if ever.’ The Duke frowned a little more. ‘He hasn't regained consciousness since the incident, and from what I've been told, the doctors don't give him much time. That cursed artefact sucked too much of his life force out of him.’
‘We'll have to determine exactly when he came into possession of it.’ Darius didn't even try to feign optimism, because the more
