Barlow peered sharply at the man without speaking for the space of several seconds. The guard’s eyes flickered with doubt. He glanced at his platoon mate, who simply shrugged. The soldier cleared his throat.
“Pardon me, sir. Might I inquire as to the nature of your business?”
Barlow drew his imposing frame even taller. “Indeed, you might. I am Mr. Simon Barlow, Assistant to the Director of the Royal Ministry of Antiquities and Relics.”
The guard blinked. “Assistant to the Director of the Royal…”
“Ministry of Antiquities and Relics. Yes, yes.” He waved a hand toward Jane, Hester, and Adam. “These fine folks are my esteemed colleagues and chief members of the Committee on Roman Artifacts and Pre-Edwardian Monoliths.”
On cue, they all nodded agreeably. The guard blinked twice this time.
“Roman Artifacts and…”
“Pre-Edwardian Monoliths. Yes, yes.” Barlow took one long and slow step toward the cowed guard. “Were you not informed of our coming?”
The soldier glanced again at his comrade with apparent discomfort. The other man stared at Barlow with unease and pointed to the first guard. “He is in charge. I know nothing.”
Jane attempted to appear distinctly peeved. The soldier glanced warily at her.
“Well,” said Barlow, “Were you or were you not informed of our decennial monument assessment and inspection?”
“Decennial monument…” the guard’s voice cracked.
“Assessment and inspection. Yes, yes.”
The man shrank before the ominous solicitor. “No?”
“Is that a question or a statement, soldier?”
“A statement?”
Barlow inched nearer. “What are your names?”
“Carver.”
“Simms!” said the second man with a salute.
Barlow cocked his head toward Aunt Hester. “Remember that, Mrs. Byrd, and record it later.” He returned his full scrutiny to the object of his legal hammer. “I must speak to your superior immediately. And hurry, Mister…”
“Carver,” said Hester.
“Carver, yes, yes.”
The soldier disappeared quickly through the gate and reappeared moments later with a red-faced ensign while offering rapid explanation.
“Antiquities and Relics, sir! Decennial assessment, sir!”
Before the ensign could open his mouth, Barlow asserted authority. “Just who the devil are you?”
The officer flinched. “Ensign MacDonald.”
“Remember that as well, Mrs. Byrd, for later recording.” He glared at the officer. “Ensign, we have received multiple disturbing reports regarding the abuse of Carlisle Castle by the garrison stationed therein. We have come to verify the veracity of said complaints.”
MacDonald narrowed his eyes. “I’m not sure. I did not hear of…”
“His Royal Majesty holds this very edifice in the highest of regard, particularly given its long and proud history of royal support. His disappointment in anyone attempting to impede our efforts would be, should I say, vast.” He paused. “Eminently vast, ensign.”
The officer tugged at his collar while his face grew redder still. “Perhaps we could allow you inside for a time. Long enough for your…”
