own safety in mind, they skilfully avoided going into the details of the hideouts. The command didn’t mind, so no one probed further into their locations.
Interestingly, the rumours gathered in Bushtabhar contained nothing to suggest that the Quel-naza were active in the region. There had indeed been attacks on caravans, but the locals did not regard this as anything new, let alone welcome. In short, the local mood could be summed up as being concerned solely with trade and the benefits it brought.
Darius sighed heavily and reached for some strongly brewed tea. He wanted to give himself at least a little respite, although on the other hand he himself had been pushing for the matter to be resolved as quickly as possible. The lack of clear progress did not inspire optimism, and even if they had managed to uncover something, it turned out to only complicate everything they had known so far.
Earl flinched as Rex entered the room. He, too, looked tired, in some ways even more so than Bleist. Unfortunately for the corporal, he not only had to deal with his duties as deputy commander, but it had also fallen to him to fend off the governor’s persistent messengers. One might think that Murphy was incapable of accepting a refusal of an invitation, and what’s more, he was becoming increasingly blunt in his communication. Darius sensed, however, that sooner or later he would have to confront the ensign. Everything pointed to the fact that he wouldn’t be able to avoid it.
‘Colonel, a group of detainees apprehended at the northern entrance to the enclave has arrived at the citadel,’ he reported, scanning the room for something to drink. ‘Lieutenant Al-Satar is already questioning Sergeant Badu about what happened at the outpost.’
‘He won't have much to be pleased about.’ Darius closed his dictionary and stretched.
‘Indeed, he wasn't happy,’ Rex finally got hold of the water jug and poured himself a cup. ‘In my opinion, he’ll want to sort this out today.’
‘We both know that’s impossible. Besides, the lieutenant must realise that nothing will happen
