to do. ‘I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere outside Ed’heer before midday. You can rest assured.’
The Guard did not reply for a moment, but when the gate leading to the estate began to open before them, and soldiers from private units could be seen inside, Gut’tan nodded.
‘In that case, good night, Colonel.’ Harven bowed as far as his armour would allow and turned his Tarian around.
Darius jumped down from Bellator and tried to stretch his legs. Before he’d finished stretching, the estate’s doors opened and the servants appeared, accompanied by Oscar. Bleist was relieved to see the older man’s calm expression.
‘Welcome home.’ The butler bowed stiffly.
‘Thank you, Oscar, it’s good to see you.’ The colonel was sure a faint smile had flitted across his face. He didn’t have the strength for anything more. ‘It really is good to be back.’
‘If I’d known you were coming back so soon, I’d have prepared better,’ complained the elderly mage.
‘I didn't know how long I’d be away either, and once I was on my way back, there was no point in giving notice.’ Darius involuntarily looked around.
‘The young master is in the stables and doesn’t yet know you’re back.’ Oscar read Bleist’s thoughts, of which the latter was unaware. The butler looked over the earl’s shoulder at the mount, from whose back all the luggage had since disappeared. ‘Once you’ve seen Bellator off, you’re bound to meet him.’ Without giving the colonel a chance to react, the old man bowed and went off to attend to his duties.
Darius suddenly found himself alone in front of the estate, wondering what on earth had happened. Perhaps he hadn’t expected a particularly effusive welcome, but a brief exchange of words seemed, after all, rather unsatisfactory. What could he do? Bleist walked over to his beast and simply shook his head. He swung himself back into the saddle and headed towards the stables.
‘By the way, what’s Draco doing there at this hour?’ he muttered to himself, but felt a tug on the reins as Bellator shook his
