- First the convicts, now Godius. All without consulting the others. You're not afraid of offense?
- The wronged are the wronged. Or do you think my decisions are wrong?
- No, on the contrary. I think so. I'll pass on your words, Sash (Alexander).
- Good. Then leave tomorrow. Your beauty will still bring us trouble, but let it not be now!
- Such compliments have never been paid to me before, - Olga said resentfully.
Alexander did not say anything, just took off the canopy and went towards his tent.
***
Everyone in the camp took the news about the unexpected departure of the caravan to Savoyardi differently. Most of them were upset, because they were very much attracted by the beauty of Knight Blood's "mistress". But the Duke was just scary to look at. Alexander had not seen such childish resentment and disappointment on the face of a grown man for a long time.
Perhaps never. It was still a mystery to the vampire what plans the duke had in his head, but he hoped that what had happened would be a good lesson for him in the future. You can't want something and not talk about it.
The meeting, to which Knight Blood had been summoned, began with the archmage scolding him for sending the caravan back so soon. Dukun smiled so that it was clear that he was not scolding, but only showing his excellent mood. But then they moved on to more pressing matters. The new convicts and captured soldiers from the mine, were again put under the supervision of Alexander's men. All the vampire's attempts to refuse such an "honor" were in vain. And the now empty convict camp was to be occupied by new guests by lunchtime.
Then the matter turned to the investigation, which the archmage had entrusted to Alexander. But here there was absolutely nothing to report. He was not going to deal with the "inquiry", or in the vampire's case, more like lunch, until after the meeting. For such slowness, the knight received another reprimand from the archmage, this time a very real one. Alexander assured him that by dinner time the first results would be in and he would report back before nightfall.
Dukun did not dwell on this matter any longer and moved on to the next one. The center of attention was again Alexander, who was not used to such things and began to feel uncomfortable. They discussed the plan for the future. Today the archmage fully supported the idea of leaving Zalon alone and simply blocking it, and storming the forts covering the mines.
It was the sequence in which this should be done that the commander wanted to discuss, without even trying to ask the officers whether they agreed with the plan or not. The latter, such disregard for their opinion clearly hurt, but the archmage was unexpectedly supported by the Duke, and all were forced to put their discontent far away and just follow the order.
As a result, a detailed and well-defined plan was born, with a clear sequence of actions. The only pity was that there was not much time left before the first snowfall. It was decided not to pay any attention to Zalon at all, and the troops near it were ordered to build better fortifications than they had now. Digging, though not much, but frozen ground, did not inspire the soldiers, but when it became known that there would be no storming of the fortress, everyone got the necessary charge of enthusiasm.
Alexander, who returned from the meeting, "pleased" the commander of his mercenaries with a new headache in the face of fresh convicts. And observing the inexpressible change of emotions on the old soldier's face, he advised him not to be too ceremonious with the new guests and, if necessary, to carry out demonstrative executions, promising to settle all the issues and taking all the responsibility in advance. After that it was time to deal with the mine managers.
I've got more interesting stuff on patreon
patreon.com/Chill76