'Nice move. A surprise visit will make it harder for Jadon and Keyla to send you away, while requesting an audience instead of demanding it shows that you are not pulling rank on them and are here as a friend.' Solus said.
'Thanks.' Lith replied. 'And just a few years ago, you'd have scolded me for being a manipulative jerk.'
'Don't worry, there's plenty of time for that.' She grunted.
"Count Lark welcomes you, Magus Verhen." The captain said after listening to the whispered answer of the still-panting soldier. "He apologizes for making you wait for a few minutes, but there is important business that he must conclude before he can receive you."
"Tell the Count he has nothing to apologize for. I'm at fault for showing up to his doorstep unannounced." Lith's fake contrition seemed so genuine that the soldiers gasped and Solus retched.
