Tarn’s eyes glinted in the candlelight. “We are to make our way around the Zafiro Mountains for the Port of Azure.”
“At once, Master. I will pass on the order.”
“Dismissed.” Tarn waved them away, barely sparing a glance at Len and Bouvier.
Von stepped forward. “I have more to report.”
Tarn flipped through some paperwork on the table. “Go on.”
“King Lenneus—” Von started, but Tarn’s cold stare cut to him. “The Azure King,” he amended, “has called on the Azure Knights.”
“That is to be expected.”
“And … The Skulls.”
Tarn straightened in his chair and uncrossed his leg from over the other. Without a sliver of dread, a slight smile hovered in the corners of his mouth—a vicious mirror of the one Von had seen from the mercenary in the capital. If Tarn ever laughed, perhaps he might have at that moment.
“The Skulls?” Novo repeated, his tone appropriately alarmed.
“We encountered two of the mercenaries at the prison,” Von said.
“And you lived to tell the tale, mate?” Novo elbowed Bouvier, smirking.
Bouvier grinned. “By the grace of the fates.”
“How did you break out of the prison?”
“Blew it up.”
Novo groaned. “Blast. I wish I could have seen that.”
Tarn sipped from his goblet, reading a map among the missives in front of him. “I presume these mercenaries swore to hunt me down.”
“Yes, Master,” Von replied.
“I welcome the attempt.”
“But it’s strange. They were men of Azure,” Von said. “I believe they are from Old Tanzanite Keep.”
Tarn’s expression shifted. “Why is that strange? Old Tanzanite Keep was once the kingdom’s capital. The population remains ample.”
“It was the way he fought, Master. I know I have seen that dual blade technique before.”
“Because it is the fighting style of the north. Don’t waste my time with such pointless details.”
Yes, but there was something about the way he moved that nagged at Von’s mind. He couldn’t quite place it.
Tarn drummed his fingers against his wine cup as he frowned at the warding spells dangling from the ceiling of his tent. “Bouvier, when were you captured?”
Bouvier stepped forward. “They captured me at the Warrant Authority office, Master.”
“After placing the anonymous warrants on the Maiden and her company.”
“Yes.”
The drumming stopped. “Then Von was seen breaking you free from prison. The Azure Guard will soon make the connection behind the anonymous warrants to me.”
Damn, he was right. That made Dyna a person of interest to the crown.
