"I wouldn't dream of crossing the border of another nation without their permission," August said. "I could start a war. But the Federation doesn't seem concerned about that."
Vera stared at him. "You think they're up to something?"
"I'm wondering why you don't think so." August crossed his arms and placed a finger on the map, pointing at Gharrick Pass. "Kuda explained the situation regarding the tariffs. You know Kuda, don't you?"
"Anna's adviser. He's older than he looks and helped raise her when she was a teen," Vera said.
August filed that piece of information away.
Given Kuda's handsome appearance and angular features, August had guessed that the beastkin was a few years younger than himself, but for him to be hired to raise Anna well over a decade over, and be as educated as he was, made that impossible.
"The Federation appears to be supporting the bandits. I'm told Bastion Leopold agrees."
