The midday dispatch came in on the third day after the packet, and the boy who carried it was not Sable's boy.
He was a regular Record runner, wearing the gray of the continental service. He handed the dispatch to Due at the door, and after that, he did not come inside.
Due took the page back to the table without breaking the seal, and he laid it down in front of Alistair.
"You open it," said Due.
"You always open them."
"I am tired of being the one who opens them this week. Besides, your name is at the top of the page, not mine," replied Due, adjusting his collar.
Alistair clicked his tongue. Following that, he took the page and cut the seal.
The page was thin, thinner than ordinary, which usually meant the day's news was light. He read the first two-thirds and confirmed it was.
Trade route adjustments, a southern faction renewing its annual filing, and a senior officer of the Caelmari Royal Guard who had retired with full honors.
