He first shook Commander Rícard’s hand and an exchange of pleasantries and introductions were then had. 

The Duke of the eastern province appeared a most honoured and generous host, even charming a few of the officers with compliments. 

Before offering more of his hospitality,  he stretched forth his hand saying

Silas: Here..please everyone, be seated

Smilingly he sat, his yellow-green eyes almost cat-like in the warm light. 

Within a tall handsome armchair he crossed his legs. 

The Chief Commander, to the opposite end, also found himself seated in one similar.

Flanking the centre table which had an array of edibles and fresh piping hot coffee and tea, were the remaining officers.

Silas: Apologies for the wait. Family duties. My son- he’s most unwell at the moment and requires my attention

C. Comm. Rícard: We came without giving prior notice. The fault is ours- My sincerest apologies

The Commander gave a solemn nod, his hand upon his chest. 

His host accepting his kind words then questioned, glancing to the officers

Silas: To what do I owe such an esteemed visit?

C. Comm. Rícard: We are here on His Majesty’s orders

Commander Rícard eyed him closely. For he desired to take note of the duke’s reactions towards the words he spoke. 

Silas: Oh, I see. Of course. Then, how may I be of further assistance?

C. Comm. Rícard: As you are aware, many of our fleet have been overwhelmed and lost. Defensive lines were eventually pulled back and the enemy took hold of the western coast as we awaited reinforcements.  

While the Imperial army was greatly needed, with your gracious support in our defence, I am most grateful.

Silas folded his arms and leaned back in pensive thought. His hand at his chin he showed deep concern saying 

Silas: Yes, I have read the reports. It is most alarming that those southerners managed to march all the way towards our city gates. Why, even before His Majesty’s request, I made efforts to have more of my men sent to lend their strength. They should be arriving soon. 

C. Comm. Rícard: Knowing that such reduces your peoples’ safety- His Majesty thanks you for your service and loyalty. 

Most humble, the duke accepted the praise with a smile and a nod of his head

C. Comm. Rícard: With regards to reinforcements…you have been made acquainted with the Northern Commander - He and his men shall give aid in retaking the villages from as north as Harandale then towards the growing number of southerners past the border. 

Silas: I thank you. Repeatedly I’ve attempted to be rid of them but alas… Also, you may not have been made aware, but there is a nest of them too near here, I should prefer to firstly lend attention towards that, yes Commander?

Northern Comm. : Very well, Your Grace.

All said, their discourse could have been transcribed. The information written and relayed by bird or messenger.

Thus Silas, knowing that his uninvited guests most obviously did not travel all this way in the midst of war to impart His Majesty’s gratefulness, waited for Sir Rícard to finally get to the point.

C. Comm. Rícard: However, there is an additional matter, another reason for my visit, Sir Winsford. It is to clarify a matter..

{Of course there is.} 

Silas: Yes, please proceed, Sir Rícard

C. Comm. Rícard: You recall..months ago, when those from the south first attacked Onyx island.. Of our men, many were killed yet fortunately some managed to escape to the mainland. 

While wearing a frown, Silas slowly nodded

C. Comm. Rícard: During the attack, however, there were multiple sightings of treasonous officers. Officers assisting the said south in their attack. And what is more..

The Commander continued on to say to the deeply attentive host

C. Comm. Rícard: ..upon looking into the identities of such officers- Many, if not all, had ties to or hailed from Noresta.

Silas: Mm 

Slight nod with closed eyes. 

{What’s next? You wish for me to confess having a hand in such? Certainly you do…} 

Instead, Silas leaned back into his chair and said

Silas: Yes. I thank you for making such a matter known..

C. Comm. Rícard: …

Silas: ..Indeed, this is true.

He then heaved a sigh as though the news pained him

Silas: These men…fully established officers. Years of loyal service. The matter is most disturbing. Regrettably, I too have been investigating a report of a rogue officer within the ranks here at home. 

C. Comm. Rícard: Have you?

Silas: Yes. He hailed from the west, from one of those villages near the border. It is believed he worked in secret for the southerners.

C. Comm. Rícard: And why had I not been notified?

A shadow of a smile at the corner of his lip seen only by a discerning eye. 

With a tip of his head and hand over his heart, he expressed most remorseful

Silas: My apologies, Sir Rícard. My investigations were and are still ongoing. A full report shall be given soon. 

C. Comm. Rícard: And in the meanwhile?

Silas: …

C. Comm. Rícard: After this, I should have you kindly hand over whatever your findings are presently.

It was an order. 

Not directly stated in the manner of such. 

Yet, Silas found himself tapping his foot in annoyance. 

Shifting in his seat, he replied however 

Silas: Yes, of course..I shall.

C. Comm. Rícard: And there is but another matter..

Silas: …

C. Comm. Rícard: ..The death of an officer at Stollmeyer’s square. 

{And what of it? The death of one officer? We’re at war. Officers die every day}

C. Comm. Rícard: The officer hailed from my province and was stationed at Belleverde, within the ranks of your guardsmen

Silas: At Stollmeyer you say? One of my guardsmen? 

C. Comm. Rícard: …You spoke briefly about your own personal investigation. May I conclude it was concerning such?

Silas: Is it? ..Yes. It is indeed.

C. Comm. Rícard: ….

Silas: It is as I stated, under investigation but it appears that the officer departed for the city without requesting consent or giving prior notice to his superior. 

C. Comm. Rícard: …I see

Silas: Yes. Presumably, the young man wished to secretly visit a lady or a mistress. Yet I suspect otherwise..

C. Comm. Rícard: …

Silas: Most unfortunately we shall never know for certain. For trouble found him there at Stollmeyer and he met his end. 

Rícard's eyes narrowed. Otherwise, he remained mostly unmoved and silent, his hands clasped neatly and comfortably upon his thighs

Silas: Investigations require time and with the war efforts currently ongoing… I am certain you would agree that there are many more important things to be addressed, to be given attention, yes? 

C. Comm. Rícard: Yes. I agree.

Silas: Additionally, as there is no clear reason behind the guard’s death, it is proving a bit difficult. It’ll take some time.

C. Comm. Rícard: ..Then, shall I tell you the reason?

Silas’ throat suddenly felt dry. He swallowed hard and managed to reply most politely 

Silas: Certainly. 

C. Comm. Rícard: The reason behind the officer’s supposed disobedience and death, is such..

Silas: …

Silas wasn’t the only one listening intently. Officers who were uninformed of the details, also leaned in to better listen as he calmly explained

C. Comm. Rícard: ..Within these walls, the officer overheard a discussion- a treasonous one, and sought to make the details known to those he deemed trustworthy.  ..However, he was murdered during this endeavour.

Silas: Oh…

C. Comm. Rícard: His efforts appeared to have failed. That is..had he not managed to pass on the information of what was said

Silas: …

C. Comm. Rícard:  He warned of an attack on the islands. Unfortunately, a little too late it was. For the islands were already within sight of those from the south.

{He has no proof. He's merely fishing around- hoping that I would reveal something.. Alright, I'll bite..}

Silas: Unfortunate indeed. May I know between whom was this treasonous exchange? Do you know?

C. Comm. Rícard: I do have my suspicions.

Silas: Oh, but a suspicious mind will easily suspect anyone. Everyone. Even an innocent.

Confidently, Silas then further added

Silas: Most assuredly, there are but only loyal officers here. Ready to give their very lives.. 

C. Comm. Rícard: I am certain there are such. Yet if an arrow’s head is crooked..the rest of it follows.

Silas: It does indeed.

Silas smiled in agreement while adjusting himself in his seat. With a tilt of his head, he said dismissively

Silas: Yes, well, your story is a most convincing one. Lacks any substantial evidence but convincing nonetheless.

Instantly, with self-importance and praise, he added saying

Silas: Why, I have fully supported His Majesty’s war efforts. Sending my men where need be. His Eminence concerns are but my very own. Never once have I ever wavered in my loyalty. 

The eastern province’s duke concluded convincingly. Yet to Commander Rícard, his words sounded as one pleading for pardon.

Silas: By your account Sir Rícard, are you implying that you are suspicious of me? Surely not so? That officer hailed from your province, near the southern border and supposedly had information- crucial information delivered unfortunately late. Suspicious? Should it not be I of you?

C. Comm. Rícard: You question me, when there should be an answer given, Sir Winsford.

{I see now…}

Silas began to think as the Commander’s fierce grey eyes pierced into him

{..it is no wonder why Maynard despises you so.}

 Silas: An answer..

Silas began as he allowed himself to relax a little.

An answer, yes. But if the Duke of Avlinton wanted him to confess outright he was sorely mistaken. 

Also, there was no use in demanding proof. Should he, then most certainly he would appear guilty. 

And besides, Silas was certain Sir Rícard had such, given him being here in person on account of one insignificant officer. 

Yet he had not produced anything. He only shared his version of things. 

{This is checkmate I suppose. Yet…by now they should be following the decoys and Maynard in place after tending to that infuriating pigeon..}

Silas: ..yes. To you, Sir Rícard, my answer is this..

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