Kane slammed the folded paper down in front of Brennan before the man had finished rising from his chair.
"Explain this," Kane said.
Brennan looked at the troop position report, confusion crossing his face before recognition settled in. "Where did you get this."
"Doesn't matter where. Matters whether it's true. Cassius pulled half his forward forces back from Dustbridge's border last week. Redirected them toward the council chambers." Kane didn't sit. "Is he negotiating with your council right now."
Brennan's silence answered before his words did.
"There are envoys," Brennan admitted finally. "I won't insult you by denying it. Cassius sent representatives two weeks ago, before your gate was even attacked."
"And you didn't think to mention that when you rode into Dustbridge offering m
