The Twilight herald

'Only a year?'

'I have a history of making bad decisions.'

'So what do you imagine were Kerin's thoughts on the subject of including you on this list?'

Jachen took a deep breath. He was warming to Isak: the young man had an u

'Does that strike you as like the man?'

'No, not really,' Jachen admitted. 'Swordmaster Kerin's too clever for that.'

'So why send me men likely to a

'To direct your choice towards the one he wants.'

'And that would be you?'

'I'd say I've managed to a

Lord Isak gri

Jachen hesitated. A history oj bad decisions. Oh well, all or nothing here. 'That you're hellish to serve, dismissing perfectly competent

officers for no good reason. You want a commander who suits your eccentricity, but is experienced in battle and able to think on his feet.'

'How many think when they're on their back?' Lord Isak countered, his grin widening.

'Quite; you also need a commander who understands your puer¬ile sense of humour. Lastly, that a sensible man would have to be desperate to take the post because there's a good chance of being run through or blasted by the wrath of the heavens, or both, even.' He dared a breath. Isak was still smiling. In fact, the Duke of Tirah appeared decidedly pleased.

Perhaps Kerin has got this right after all, Jachen thought hesitantly. With Count Vesna at his side, Lord Isak doesn't need the best tactician in the army, nor a champion as commander of his guard. He needs a man he can stand to speak to every day as much as anything.

'It's a fair point,' the white-eye replied. 'Do you know what my last commander did when he thought I was making the wrong decision? He clouted me round the head in public. For that I almost squeezed the life out of him. Do you think you could do the same if you thought it was right? Do you still want this post?'

'I don't ever remember wanting this post, my Lord. Certainly I don't know whether I'd have the guts to face you down from doing something stupid, but I'll take it if you'll have me. Maybe I do want a. chance to prove myself again.'

'Only maybe?'

'Maybe I just don't care any more.' The comment came out with the flippancy of truth before Jachen could bite it back.

Lord Isak's expression fell. He looked grave.

Damn. How much did 1 really mean that?

'I hope that's not the case. I need a man to temper the flames of any.anger, not let them run amok. Don't you have any family to prove

yourself to?"

Don't think there's much hope there,' Jachen sighed. 'In any case, I've served long enough to know that there's only one person you can prove anything lo and that's yourself. Men who look to be heroes are usually the dead ones.'

Good. Tell me one thing: what exactly did you do to get in Kerin's bad books in the first place?'

Jachen grimaced, 'In the first place would be going back a ways, but what the men hate me for is leaving my post. I abandoned my regiment for the sake of my wife and daughter.'

'Did they survive?'

'Of the regiment? A few.'

I meant your family,' said Lord Isak.

'My daughter did. She hates me for a coward, like the rest of the tribe.'

'Most men would want to justify what they'd just said.'

'It's my tale, and mine to tell as much of it as I want.' Jachen couldn't help sounding petulant as he said it. The insinuation in Isak's voice had been obvious, and Jachen had risen to it.

'True. I'm just intrigued when a man makes so little effort to defend his actions, especially when he has been recommended by one of the most respected soldiers in the Land. Kerin's covered himself well, though; he's not formally suggested you, merely arranged a meet-ing. That way no one can complain about being passed over, and he doesn't get in trouble if I hate you. About which, by the way, Major Jachen Ansayl, I'm still undecided.'

'Ah, Lord Isak, might I make a request?' Jachen said, hesitantly. Could I ask that you call me Major Jachen, or even just Jachen? I realise it's informal, but there'll be enough men reminding me I'm a bastard without you doing so.'

'Done – but I still might call you one from time to time.'

Before Jachen could think of a suitable reply, there came a sharp rap on the door behind him, and a dazzling young woman strode in without waiting for a response. She spared him a puzzled glance before falling into a graceful but perfunctory curtsey. She looked as if she was about to attend High Reverence at the Temple: her white dress was spotless and a silk scarf was draped over her arm, as if ready to cover three of the four beautiful charms pi

'My Lord, it is time.'

He sighed. 'Of course – but Tila, first I want you to meet the new commander of my personal guard, Major Jachen Ansayl, who prefers to be called Major Jachen. Jachen, this is Tila Introl, my political advisor. I suggest you keep your temper around her. Lady Tila's tongue is barbed and she lacks my sweet temper.'

'Major Jachen.' The woman acknowledged him with an incline of her beautiful head. Her long lashes fluttered down, and Jachen felt as if she had recorded every detail of his person in an instant, from the scuff marks on his boots to the missing button on his cuff. His head skipped a beat when her rich brown eyes met his own, then ached at her frosty words as she continued, 'Your reputation precedes you.' She made no attempt to hide her disapproval as she dismissed Jachen with a flick of the head.

She turned to Lord Isak. 'I doubt the men will accept him.'

'That's his problem,' he replied. 'If he can't lead them, then he's no use to me. He told me about abandoning his men, but I think he's worth a second chance.'

'Did he tell you everything? That he was a mercenary for years, fighting for Duke Vrerr, and other thugs? That he once slaughtered a castle's entire garrison when it surrendered-'

'Hold on there!' Jachen broke in, suddenly finding his voice. 'That's a lie. We wiped them out, yes, but no man of that garrison ever asked for quarter. If they fight to the last, you don't get a choice about taking prisoners.'

Tila shrugged. 'The truth won't matter in the barracks. As you say, my Lord, it's his problem. The Synod awaits you.'

Lord Isak gave an exasperated sigh and gestured for Tila to lead the way. Jachen followed them like a lost child. Every dozen steps they were interrupted by people greeting Isak, most formal, but a few more friendly – at one corner he was set upon by flurry of liveried clerks, warning him Chief Steward Lesarl was searching for him. Jachen was ignored by everyone, lost in his new master's shadow. That suited him line. From there he could observe the Land as Isak strode though it Like a catalyst, affecting everyone he passed. But if that's true, what have I got myself into! You're a damn fool, Jachen, he thought. Next time, first find out what happened to the last man who did the job.

The Chief Steward came upon them moments after his clerks. His formal clothes indicated Lesarl had important meetings this morning, yet he still managed to retain his customary air of dishevelment and disorder Beyond a sharp look at Jachen – unsurprising, considering his reputation he said nothing, but led Isak into a small office. Jachen, with no futher orders, followed behind. As he watched the exchange between the two men, he wondered if there was any truth to the rumours that the men detested each other. He could see nothing untoward; Lesarl was a prickly, brusque man as far as Jachen knew, but the Chief Steward's ma