Chapter 684: Satisfaction

Satisfaction

A fiveday handed earlier than the duke of Cheval was summoned to the fortress of Saint Marcellus. He arrived along with his solitary guard afforded him, who stayed outdoors Martel’s examine, as did the captain’s personal sentinels. Solely Martel and Eleanor met the duke, one seated, the opposite standing behind him.

“Captain.” The duke gave an impeccable bow. It appeared a easy gesture of courtesy, however Martel remembered that final time, he had solely bowed his head. “I heard in regards to the try in your life. A balm for the soul to see you unharmed.”

“I’m certain.” Martel spoke with a tone flatter than the ocean. “The villain in query pointed to the earl of Vergne because the perpetrator.”

“Stunning! Alas that the phrase of a identified legal holds no weight in courtroom, particularly in opposition to a nobleman. Do you’ve gotten different proof?”

“None that issues. Although my individuals are satisfied it’s true, simply as they agree that you simply gave the order to the earl for him to move alongside.” Martel stared on the duke.

The nobleman displayed outrage so properly, it didn’t seem feigned in any respect, and he leapt to his ft. “A spurious accusation with out proof! I can’t –”

“Sit down!” Martel roared, standing up as properly to position his palms on his desk. Motes of fireplace appeared round him, and the duke fell again into his seat. “You cover behind the regulation when it protects you and break it at any time when that may yield a bonus. Now I shall do the identical, and that is no idle menace. You bear in mind Vitus, I think about. He managed the harbour and helped you construct your insula within the Khivan quarter.”

“I’m certain I’ve no information of this individual,” Cheval mumbled. He didn’t transfer, however he appeared out of the nook of his eyes fairly than instantly forward at Martel.

“He additionally tried to have me killed, so you’ve gotten that in frequent. In retaliation, I burned the whole lot he owned, piece by piece. Ultimately, I confronted him in entrance of all his henchmen and gave them a selection. Proceed to undergo my wrath or activate him. His physique was later present in an alley with stab wounds, tossed apart just like the carcass of a stray canine. I did this as an acolyte. Think about what I can do now.”

“I’m a nobleman,” the duke muttered faintly. “You can’t deal with me this manner.”

He laughed slightly. “If he had ever seen you in battle, he would know higher than to try this.”

“In earnest, we can’t anticipate this to be the tip of it. He has been intimidated however not truly misplaced something. As soon as the shock wears off, he’ll plan anew, now that he has discovered to not underestimate you,” Eleanor warned him.

“Maybe we’ll give him a reminder when the time comes,” Martel thought of.

“Was it true, the story you advised him? Concerning the fellow from the harbour.”

“Ah, sure. Some bother I obtained blended up in.” He emptied what remained within the pitcher right into a cup and drank.

“I’m not stunned. However you by no means advised me about this.”

“Nicely, I used to be engaged in a personal warfare with a legal gang. It appeared finest to go away you out of it.” With one other small burst of empowering magic, he grabbed his desk and returned it to its former location.

“Is that this when these islanders attacked you on the road? They despatched you to the infirmary.”

“No, this was one other time.” Although combating the islanders had proved worthwhile, on condition that was when Martel had acquired his gold-edged dagger, which had been helpful on a number of events since. “This explicit occasion concerned a band of mercenaries known as Evening Knives.” Martel felt like he might need talked about them to her earlier than, however he couldn’t recall. “Third time they tried to kill me, truly,” he added with a chuckle.

She crossed her arms. “Martel.”