curious glances than the mere presence of the Guards would have done. Darius understood perfectly well why this was the case. It was not every day that one saw a simple cart laden with a tarpaulin-covered load, driven by City Watchmen, flanked by the Ruby Guards and supervised by a colonel of the Azure Guard. Especially as the whole motley crew looked, even from a distance, as though they were weary from their journey. However, the curiosity this aroused was not apparent in the reactions of the inhabitants of Bushtabhar.
Passing through the city gates and travelling through the town went smoothly. No one stopped them, let alone asked any questions. A minor problem arose when they began climbing Mount Soljan. The horses slowed considerably and trudged slowly up the road, which was not yet all that steep. By the time they reached the Azure Guard’s fort, where the medics were stationed, it was already quite late. Not wanting to waste any time, Darius had written a letter in advance containing orders, or rather a well-reasoned request, to prioritise the post-mortem examination of both bodies. Given their condition, it was necessary to hurry, though for different reasons in each case. Four heavily armed men and the two City Watchmen remained by the cart. The latter were to wait there for a decision on their fate.
Bleist set off towards the Palace of Light with the other two. It was only when he reached the very top that the earl thought of the report he was supposed to submit. Despite the late hour, there was a good chance that one of his superiors was still at his desk. A quick glance across the square allowed him to draw a small conclusion. The calm prevailing near the entrance to the east wing suggested that the Grand Master had, for once, finished work on time; it was also possible that Master Tilion was attending to matters requiring his presence outside the Palace.
Darius therefore directed Bellator towards the western entrance. He halted the bess near the door and dismounted. The heavily armoured men
