Chapter 673: Intelligent Moves

Chapter 673: Intelligent Moves

Intelligent Moves

As Martel woke after another night of unsatisfactory sleep, he allowed himself a slow morning. Eating a breakfast made of scraps of food left from yesterday, he reflected about last night. While it had not been what he had expected, spending time with Eleanor had been pleasant. She laboured from morning until eve, organising their troops and the administration of the city; despite being just across the hallway, they did not see much of each other. He was glad she had enjoyed the play; that he had not wasted the one evening she allowed herself a leisurely activity.

The rift between Eleanor and her father was a less happy matter. He wondered if she had simply not found the opportunity to tell him about it, or if she did not wish to trouble him. That would be her style, just as she would give up seeing her mother and sister, taking that burden upon herself to make their lives simpler. After his breakdown in the Undercroft, she probably feared that it could happen again, and so she kept her concerns to herself.

If he was stronger, she would be able to lean on him, as he did her. She had noticed his dissatisfaction yesterday as well because he did not know how to restrain his emotions. She took his burdens, and he did not take hers.

He would have to do better, Martel knew. Give her no further reason to doubt him. Show the same strength of character she possessed. Be the captain prefect that kept order and saw an end to the civil war, making her burdens lighter. Once the negotiations with the northern provinces were at an end, hopefully with a successful conclusion, he would grant her whatever she wanted. A seat on the High Council, lands in any region that she desired, or she could empty the Imperial treasury and spend the coin in any fashion she deemed suitable. Yes, Martel thought to himself, he would stop feeling sorry for himself and think of others, the way she always did.

***

Martel arrived in his study, later than usual, but with more motivation. A few pieces of parchment lay on his desk. Number of soldiers disciplined for various offences, wounded soldiers discharged along with suitable compensation, and other figures related to the condition of his legions.

"Sir, there's a fellow here. The clerks don't think he should go through, but he said you'd let him in if you knew his name," a guard told him, standing in the doorway.

"Well, what is his name?"

"Wulfstan, sir. Short fellow, bit of a suspicious look to him. Probably why the clerks aren't happy."

Martel stared at nothing in particular. That made no sense, but he had heard the soldier say it clear as day. "He's a spy," Martel finally replied. "Search him for weapons and let him in, but keep close. Consider him an enemy. Better you're too rough on him than not enough."

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That did sound like her. But a more plausible explanation for Wulfstan's presence occurred to him. He had come to learn the location of the emperor and plan for his escape. "What is your stake in this? As a loyal servant, you should look forward to my imminent demise. You certainly planned for it once."

"I am a loyal servant, yes, to the Empire, not the emperor or the council. I don't care who rules, as long as there is stability. Same way I never planned for your death, sir, only a way to end the war against Khiva. In that, our interests are aligned as well."

"The swiftest way back to stability would be my removal and a return to the old ways."

Wulfstan shook his head. "Your death would cause a struggle between your officers, each supported by their own legion. Blood would colour every street in Morcaster. The northern legions would not care for peace at this point, seeing your forces weakened, and a siege would follow. The Empire might very well tear itself apart if you died, sir, and I'm not willing to take that risk."

Martel almost believed him, but that was one of the skills a spy possessed, he imagined. The ability to create a story out of nothing. "Wait here," he said. He got up and crossed the room, only stopping next to his guard. "Don't let him leave."

He went to the office opposite the corridor. "Lara."

"Yes, sir?"

"In my study is a member of our intelligence service, Wulfstan. He claims to be on our side, but I suspect he's only interested in finding the emperor. Make use of him as you can, and the moment you feel the slightest suspicious, have him killed."

"Yes, sir."

Martel returned to his study and looked at the spy. "Go across the hallway. Tell my legate and legion prefect anything they wish to know about your work."

Wulfstan bowed his head. "As you command, captain."Ne/w novel chapters are published at novelhall.com