Chapter Thirteen: Planning

"Sir, are we really going to let them go just like that?" a somewhat tactless deputy general asked with reluctance.

Giving the man a cold glance, Balmore knew he was there to monitor him on the Duke's orders, also to replace him eventually. Yet, this short-term upstart couldn't control the seasoned soldiers under his command. But he didn't want the man to mention this incident unfavorably to the Duke, so he patiently explained, "What else can we do if we don't let him go? After all, he is a Lord. We can't just attack him in broad daylight in Bruce, can we? If word gets out, you and I will both be on the gallows. There are no secrets that time doesn't reveal; an unnatural death of a Lord, especially now when he's gaining favor in the Central Kingdom, the Kingdom won't let it slide easily."