After he left, Corian stepped in with a frown on his face. He met Alexander's eyes, and his frown became more apparent. “As I said before, I can find you better knights.”

“No. He's fine.” Alexander offered a small smile to the colonel. “I'll make sure the deposit for two and a half million will be in his account by the evening.”

“Why so much? Isn't this just a simple errand?”

“If it were, why am I the one doing it?” Alexander smirked. He stepped past Corian toward the door. Before leaving the room, he added, “Make sure you let him know the boat leaves tomorrow at eight.”

“But you're paying him that exorbitant amount regardless?”

“Yes.”

“Why are you insisting upon him?”

“Maybe,” Alexander paused, thinking it over briefly. “It was love at first sight?”

Before Corian could question him on the answer, Alexander left down the hall, and found his way out of the barracks. Once he was out on the streets once more in the sunshine, he stretched his arms high above his head. He sighed when he let his arms go limp to his sides.

I really do hope he shows up…