a sport?’
‘I practise fencing often enough that I don't need to look for anything else. By the way, you should take care of yourself. You're just skin and bones.’ The Marshal shook his head. ‘I'm really concerned about these reports.’ He suddenly changed the subject.
‘It will take some time to gather all the information.’ The Grand Master turned away from the map. ‘It's a long and tedious process, isn't it, Darius?’
‘Colonel Darius Bleist! Reporting for duty as ordered!’ Earl saluted, mindful of both military and aristocratic etiquette.
‘At ease, Bleist.’ The Marshal gave him a piercing look. Darius had never had the opportunity to meet the commander-in-chief of the Royal Guard and Army alone before. The only times he had seen Zilven were at official ceremonies. Even before he became Military Advisor to the Grand Master, he always reported his discoveries to his immediate superiors. The Marshal was a busy and inaccessible person. ‘I've heard a lot about you.’ It seemed to be said with a slight reproach.
‘Thank you, Lord Marshal.’ Darius clicked his heels. He couldn't let on that anything the officer said would impress him.
‘Great work in Dagos.’ Zilven's lips trembled as if he were holding back a smile. ‘Othis proved himself too, although he probably overused his contacts and favours,’ the officer snorted. ‘And you even got Her Royal Highness LaVerture involved in this.’ He paused for a moment to glance at Tilion. ‘Although the court in Asati knows nothing about it.’
‘They have their own problems,’ interjected the Grand Master.
‘Yes, they do. In any case, you did well, Bleist.’ The Marshal approached Darius and patted him on the shoulder. It seemed to be a sign of approval.
‘Thank you, Lord Marshal!’ It would have been inappropriate to say anything else.
‘However, I did not summon you here to offer you well-deserved congratulations.’ Tilion waved a stack of documents. Even from a distance, the earl recognised the intelligence reports. ‘We have a problem.’ The Grand Master looked at the top page. ‘There has been a murder in the Bushtabhar enclave.’ He
