>>5235501“You give her too little credit, Sir.”
“Aye, that I do. Because remember who it was that found you two after that ambush when we arrived here. I am a knight, I've never had the time, but I know what I saw in there. No one is being deceived by whatever is between you two.” There is a far off look in his eyes, and you feel the stirring feeling of sympathy for the gruff knight for the first time. It reads to you like someone who was suffered real loss.
“I am sworn to the Order's service, Captain-General. It is not in me to sugarcoat or equivocate. You may never like me. But on the name of our Emperor and the Lady herself, you never need to worry about my dedication. That is all I had to say.” He gives the knight's salute, and you return it.
“As you were, Sir Friedrich.” Your voice is softer now. There is more to the man than you had thought. He steps aside as you continue toward the archive wing.
The guards and workmen scattered through the hallways either salute or bow as you pass, nodding in acknowledgment. You remember the way to the archive, only taking a single wrong turn as you try to get out of the way of a heavy bookshelf being moved by two servants. You find a large, vaulted room that you suspect was until recently a sitting room for guests. The furniture has been removed or is on it's way out, and the functionaries are busy supervising the addition of many bookcases and tables for study. Bardus is directing two of the Brothers who are carrying a table across the room, to a spot by one of the tall windows in order for it to receive enough light from outside.
“Brother Bardus, I see you are keeping busy.”
“Captain-General!” The older man exclaims, approaching and bowing slightly as the Brothers behind him do their best approximation of where exactly he wanted that heavy oak table. He steps closer. “How is the Lady? if you don't mind my concern.”
“It's welcome, Brother. She is on the mend. The healers are optimistic.”
The gregarious former tax official smiles broadly. “Great to hear! The caravan took such a liking to her on the journey, many have asked if I had news.”
“She has that effect on most people.” You can't help but smile wistfully. “Brother, I do have a task for you. I am sure the others can manage the furniture by themselves.”
“At your service, of course.”
“Initiates with jobs that involved gathering information. Tax auditors, enforcement, people like that. I need a list.”
He thinks for a moment. “It will be done. I can think of a few who might fit the bill. Though I will say they are used to financial crimes, not this kind of subversive activity. Perhaps you can provide further training?”
