>>5235503You had considered that. While the Imperial Revenue Service had the closest thing among it's personnel as to what you need for the Order, it's not a perfect fit. For one, many of them are more used to books than travel and investigation, and even those who worked the field. Alys is the obvious solution, a lot of those skills are her specialty. But obviously it will be some time before that's an option, and even then eventually you will need a lot more than what she alone can provide as you begin recruiting more agents. Then, you've considered something like this before. Alys herself had tutors. She rarely talked of their identities, but if you are getting this network off the ground even in limited state while she is focusing on convalescence, they might be your best option. You hope you can get near what old Albrecht paid for their services with the Order's newly full coffers.
“I have a few ideas for that. Thank you for your help, you can hand your suggestions to the seneschal once the list is made out.”
“As you wish, Captain-General. Please give Lady Alys my regards when you see her next.”
You nod at the man in acknowledgment as he returns to micromanaging furniture and bookcase locations with a particularity you find more than a little unnecessary. Your business in the archives done you leave the initiates to the arduous task and make your way back to the infirmary.
The guards posted at the door, at your insistence, let you through with quickly traced salutes. You hadn't told them to prevent any visitors, just to be sure Alys was willing to see anyone they let in. You are surprised and a little disturbed to see the massive figure of Domlech dwarfing a chair in the corner of the room. You instinctively grab your hilt at the sight of him. Alys seems unconcerned, reading a book silently in the bed.
“Domlech, you better have a good reason to be here.”
“Calm yeself, Chief. She let me in.”
Alys looks up from her book at you. “Hello, Will. He insisted. Apparently his aegis over you extends to me.”
“Aye, though she did make me fetch her that useless thing.” He nods his head at the book as Alys places it at her side.
She chuckles softly. “They aren't so useless. Maybe you'll learn that some day.”
Domlech looks like he doubts it, and he gets up to leave. He stops for a moment as he edges past you and out the door. He gets as close to a whisper as a man of his temperament is likely capable. “Ye got a hell of a woman there, Chief.” You almost habitually deny you have any claim on her before remembering that's not quite true anymore. “I've seen lesser men out of it for weeks with a wound like that.” Then, over loud, as if to make up for it. “I need a drink!” You hear him stomping down the hall and towards the audience hall. There is little doubt he's planning to go put the interior wall tavern through it's paces.
