the habit of adding this item to their military attire. A scimitar with an ornate hilt hung from the officer’s belt. The middle-aged man of Arab appearance seemed nervous and perhaps a little frightened. He stood at full attention the whole time, his uncertain gaze following every Guardsman moving across the deck of the mooring barge.
Darius disembarked first, followed immediately by Rex and the imposing, heavily armoured men of the Ruby Guard. It was only when they approached the welcoming committee that the lieutenant had a chance to notice the insignia worn by Bleist, and the local commander’s knees buckled and his face turned ashen. Even standing in the scorching heat pouring down from the sky, the man was drenched in cold sweat. However, he retained enough common sense to involuntarily move towards the Guardsmen and salute, giving it his all.
‘Lieutenant Imar Al-Satar of the Land Army of the Kingdom of Atlantis, commander of the Bushtabhar garrison!’ he chanted with practised ease. ‘It is an honour to welcome such distinguished guests.’ Yet the officer's face told a completely different story; clearly, he would have preferred the uninvited visitors to vanish as quickly as possible.
-Colonel Darius Bleist of the Azure Guard, Military Advisor to the Grand Master.’ Earl glanced over all the soldiers present, noticing nothing suspicious. ‘This is my deputy, Corporal Rex Interdale.’ He pointed to his subordinate, who was once again playing the part of a stern and strict officer. ‘I must admit, I wasn’t expecting a welcome.’
‘I apologize; had I known earlier, I would have prepared something…’
‘Not necessary,’ Darius interrupted him. ‘I didn’t want a formal welcome at all, so please don’t worry. Nevertheless, thank you.’
‘It's my duty, Colonel.’ Al-Satar almost bit his tongue. ‘I imagine you gentlemen are tired after such a long journey. Rooms have been prepared for you in the citadel, so if you would like...’
‘Indeed, a conversation in a more private setting would be advisable.’ Bleist noticed the lieutenant’s face twitch involuntarily.
‘But of course, please follow me...’
The journey through Bushtabhar was by no means unpleasant.
