caused bone pain, anxiety, insomnia, delusions, irritability and a host of other minor symptoms. More importantly, it was a completely banned substance in Atlantis, and mere possession of it could result in life imprisonment in a mine, and if someone was proven to be trading in it, they faced torture and the gallows. In fact, it was not only in the Kingdom of Light that such strict regulations were in force; it was difficult to find a place where a drug that physically and mentally enslaved subjects was viewed favourably. Therefore, the production of such substances was carried out only by well-organised and quite influential criminal organisations. The appearance of Aphalis in its pure form in a remote province, and in the hands of soldiers at a border post, did not bode well.
Bleist turned his gaze towards the senior private. He showed him the contents of the box, but saw only incomprehension on the soldier's face.
‘How did this end up in the hands of your men?’ he asked calmly, trying to keep his nerves in check.
‘I'm sorry, sir, but I don't know.’ The soldier looked down blankly, trying to avoid Darius's gaze towering over him.
‘You are the commander of this...’ He was about to say ‘guard post’ but bit his tongue. ‘This place. I'll ask you again, where did this come from?
‘No... I don't know... Really.’ The governor's man began to shake with fear. It seemed that he was beginning to realise the consequences that awaited him.
‘Where is the nearest army post?’ The colonel had enough of his own problems, and spending extra time dealing with others did not suit him.
‘In the castle.’ The soldier pointed to the cave. ‘In the enclave.’
‘At this moment, by the authority vested in me by Grand Master Inventius Tilion and Crown Marshal Sven Zilven, I, Colonel Darius Bleist of the Azure Guard, arrest you for possession of prohibited substances and suspicion of smuggling and corruption,’ the earl thundered from his saddle.
Those who had sobered up in terror raised their heads, while the others continued to
