The scene inside the study stopped me in my tracks. Richard stood by the large map table, his back to us. He was studying the same topographical map Darius and I had used to plan our attack on Harren. The sheer audacity of it sent a chill down my spine. He wasn't just waiting; he was analyzing our battlefield, our strategy, laid bare for him to see. He turned as we entered, and I was struck, as I always was, by his unassuming presence. He wasn't handsome in the way of the court peacocks, but there was a sharp, focused intelligence in his eyes and a quiet confidence in his bearing that commanded respect more effectively than any title.
"Duke," he said, bowing his head slightly. "Viscount. My apologies for the urgency."
Darius didn't waste time on pleasantries. He moved into the room like a storm front, his presence sucking all the air out of it. "You have news, Halverin."
