Leander was not looking forward to the meal. When Verin and Flavian were together, the conversation amounted to political scheming, which wasn’t something Leander particularly wanted to listen to. If not politics, it was a good opportunity for Flavian to find fault in one of his sons (usually Leander) and verbally flay him.
He wasn’t fast enough with his excuses though, and he found himself obliged to stay for the meal.
“The Chairman of the hospital board cornered me in the market the other day, Leander.” Flavian had been talking to Verin all through the first course and only deigned to acknowledge Leander halfway through the main dish. “He said it was a delight to show you the hospital. You made quite the impression.”
That sounded almost like a compliment. Leander felt his cheeks flush with unchecked pleasure. Despite mostly despising the man, evidently he still sought his approval.
Leander cleared his throat. “It was a good day. They are very grateful for the donation from this family, as well as your efforts at court to secure a policy of free healthcare for all.” He had been practicing for the eventual debrief of his visit to the hospital. His words were genuine but dispassionate—Gods forbid he appear too interested; his father would never allow him to return if he thought he actuallyenjoyedit. “They said it was just the sort ofprogressive change that Saeren, and indeed beyond into the rest of Vyrica, needed. They were all very excited.”
Flavian merely nodded, having already returned to his meal.
Verin, however, was more interested and had his own questions. “Do they foresee more patients seeking help for minor ailments, or even unnecessary procedures?”
Swallowing his mouthful, Leander shook his head. “No, they plan to use the donation to fund several… what did they call them? Ah, triage nurses in the community and at the hospital. Their role will be to ascertain if an injury or illness can be treated at home or if further medical intervention is needed.”
“Ah, that sounds like they have really thought it through. And this is just limited to the city of Saeren, or will it expand to the rest of Vyrica?”
“For now, yes, just Saeren. But the chairman has ambitions to talk to the relevant people about expansion to the rest of the country. When he has the data to confirm the success of the policy, of course.”
Verin smiled. “Let’s drink to the success of the policy then, and Saeren’s progressive healthcare.”
Before Leander could speak again, Flavian had already turned his attention, to Venser. “This is the first I have seen of you in over a month. I am the king’s chief advisor so I know we are not yet at war. What keeps you away from us?”
“We have just had a new intake of recruits, Father. The cadets require a lot of work and, for lack of a better word, babysitting,” Venser replied as he sighed and scratched at his eye as if he could rub away the exhaustion. “It has beena lot of long days and, although I trust my training staff, it is hard to get away, even for a short time.”
Flavian hummed in response as he tapped the base of his glass with his index finger. “Forgive my ignorance, Venser, but I was under the impression that babysitting cadets is below the station of a Commander in Vyrica’s army.”
“A Commander with the specific duties to oversee the training of new recruits.”
When Flavian spoke, it was calm, controlled but slow, as if he was measuring each word as he said them, “I supported your commission into Vyrica’s military under the proviso that you were given a command position befitting your station in due course. Is this the best we can expect for you?”
“I hold one of the highest ranks in the military already, Father. I am one of the most respected and decorated officers serving.” Venser bit out his words as he clenched his knife and fork, meal forgotten. “You have never approved of my decision to commission into the military, but I am proud of what I do. Even if it isn’t politics.”
Flavian made no attempt to reply, instead he regarded his middle child in much the same way Leander imagined one might look at a pinned butterfly before methodically ripping the wings off one by one.
Surreptitiously, Leander looked over at Verin, seated across the table. His eldest brother didn’t look the least bit uncomfortable, still gnawing on his pork like nothing was amiss.
Catching Leander’s stare, however, he took the hint andspoke up. “Venser, have you continued to have difficulties outfitting your new recruits?”
Venser turned from their father to look at his twin. “We have managed to kit out the current intake of cadets, but I already foresee difficulties in the procurement of equipment for the next intake. It seems my officers cannot source what we need fast enough. We have had to go to his competitors to find enough. Yet we still have the same attrition rates as we always did.”
“I thought retention numbers were fairly good through training and subsequent careers?”
“They are but they’re not perfect. I suppose what I mean is that there is a sudden influx of people enlisting. Especially with the most recent wyvern attack. People want to defend their homes.”
“Which is not surprising, also given tensions with Desanne at the moment.”
Venser nodded sombrely. “The General is keen to avoid the requirement for conscription. I imagine he will approach you, Father”—he glanced in the Talius patriarch’s direction—“soon, to discuss options.”
“Thank you for the forewarning. We will decide and agree upon an appropriate course of action.” Verin glanced to where Flavian sat. “Won’t we, Father?”
Flavian nodded absently. “Circling back for a moment, are the wyvern attacks common knowledge across the city?”
“It’s hard to keep something like this a secret,” said Verin. He took a sip of his wine and continued to speak, after checking in with his brother, who nodded. “There’stalk of it across the city. People are scared, because they are becoming more frequent.”
There was no further comment from Venser, and their father seemed quite satisfied with the topic of conversation terminating at that point so no more was said.
“Why is the wyvern hurting people, Papa?” Everly asked when there was a lull in the conversation.
