had faded with age, but all it took was a little spark… and it flared up again.’ He ran his hand over the steaming cup. ‘However, the lack of new sources has dampened my enthusiasm somewhat.’
‘I’m sorry to hear that, especially as your passion seems almost tangible.’
The As laughed heartily. His lilac eyes focused entirely on Darius, and this time a hint of a smile appeared on his lips.
‘It is true that your most powerful weapon is your tongue, Colonel.’
The officer did not reply, but took a somewhat brusque sip of his tea. Ever since his visit to Dagos, and more specifically since his meeting with Madame Nasua, he had come to appreciate the complex aromas of the amber-coloured brew much more.
‘After perusing several of Nikos’s works preserved in Gelenweith, I decided to resume the research I’d previously put on hold.’ The historian continued as if the change of subject had never occurred. ‘Just as I was regaining my inner peace amongst the documents and old folios, a certain rumour reached my ears.’
Darius listened with interest. The Count seemed even more engrossed in the subject than he had been during their first meeting. On that occasion, he had let his emotions get the better of him and delved into aspects that were not the crux of their conversation; yet one could not say that he was a tedious listener. The enthusiasm with which he spoke and the dedication evident in his words made it incredibly difficult to bring oneself to interrupt the story he was weaving. Veson had a way of sweeping his listener along on a journey through the meandering paths of history, buried by the sands of time and later marvellously rediscovered by enthusiasts and researchers. His attitude was downright infectious.
‘I must admit it was, to say the least, unsettling and peculiar. At first, I didn’t give it any credence.’ As took a sip of tea, but made no comment on it. It was hard to tell whether he’d actually tasted it or whether it was merely a reflexive gesture. ‘However,
