Chapter 29Rede Berryn glanced out of the window at the Mathidrin patrol, then picked up a pen and began writing rapidly.
‘Go and bring that Sirshiant up, Tel,’ he said, without looking up. ‘Don’t rush. And look pleasantly surprised,’ he added as an afterthought.
Then to Hawklan and Isloman, ‘I can’t stop them taking you, but I think I can smooth the way a little. This lad’s a bit nasty, but he’s more ambition than intelligence and I can usually handle him.’ He looked at the two men. ‘Stay seated until I introduce you.’
There was a discreet knock at the door and Tel-Mindor entered, followed by a sour-faced young Mathidrin officer carrying his helmet under his arm. Hawklan noted immediately that beneath the man’s arrogance was an uncertain deference.
‘Sirshiant...’ began the Rede as he r
