then, everyone will remain under arrest, held in the dungeon and guarded by the soldiers. Consequently, Governor Murphy must also be informed of the arrest of his subordinates. Furthermore, I shall request detailed information regarding the forces present throughout Bushtabhar, their locations and designated outposts. I also hope for assistance with the interrogations.’
‘Yes, yes, of course.’ The lieutenant merely nodded, completely taken aback. For a brief moment he seemed lost and absent-minded, but he quickly pulled himself together. ‘I’ll send for Oxern to check on them...’ A long moment passed before Al-Satar moved and went to issue orders to his soldiers.
‘It went better than I expected,’ muttered Darius, making sure only Rex could hear him. ‘No shouting or trying to bend reality.’
‘He wouldn't have got anywhere anyway.’ The corporal refrained from snorting. ‘He knows full well we could have locked them all up without even looking for an excuse. Although the state of that god-awful outpost would have been enough on its own.’
‘Eh. I just hope it’s not us who have to talk to Murphy about arresting his men.’ Bleist could only hope he hadn’t jinxed it.
The surgeon efficiently examined all the detainees before they were taken to their cells. As it turned out, the citadel’s underground passages contained quite spacious dungeons capable of holding nearly a hundred prisoners. Apart from the mercenaries who were just being locked up, there was no one else there at that moment.
‘Most of them are not ill, if we don’t count all the symptoms of acute alcohol poisoning.’ Oxern approached Darius and Al-Satar, who were standing in the narrow corridor leading outside. ‘The problem is those two.’ He pointed at the unconscious soldiers, their eyes staring blankly into space. ‘I don’t know how much of that damn stuff they took, but I don’t think there’s anyone capable of helping them.’ For the first time, the shehed’s emotions were visible on his face. A mixture of revulsion and helplessness was etched upon his features.
‘Less than a vial,’ Blesit stated, thinking of the nasty liquid. ‘I’d say a third
