Alexander, who had also remained in camp, and had only promised to join in the storming of the mine if possible, was not at all pleased at the public quarrel between the commanders, nor at the late execution of the plan he had proposed, but he could do nothing. He was allowed to attend all the officers' meetings, but he was only an observer, which limited his options.
After all, even the mercenary squad was subject to him in a purely formal way, and in case of contradictions in orders, the instructions of the employer, that is, his instructions, would be ignored. Spitting on everything, the knight decided to visit the troll and then pay a visit to the convicts.
The sub-zero temperature was already holding steady both day and night, and the clear days common to this area in late fall had settled in. Tarn welcomed his new master with joy and immediately boasted of the innovations in his shelter.
After the first few days of freezing, the troll decided that he had had enough and began to actively improve his tent. As a result, the troll was able to survive the winter. The non-human was also well fed, and although he was not given any meat, he was fed with the usual porridge.
With the convict women everything was quite the opposite. Deprived of any shelter from the weather, the women were cold and hungry. The mercenary intendants were in no hurry to share either food or tents, and Alexander, angry at the behavior of the prisoners, was in no hurry to remedy the situation. Wearing a hood to keep out the demur's rays, the knight walked among the convicts looking at him wolfishly.
- Levron here," he said over his shoulder to the guards nearby.
The woman was brought quickly. The vampire didn't know why he had decided to talk to the leader of the prisoners again, but in his gut he felt that the need for a conversation was urgent. A conversation like this, in full view of everyone.
- Your Grace," the convict did not kneel or show her dependent position in any other way, but simply bowed.
- You may call me master or lord. The royal representative has approved your ransom," the news made Lucy wince, but she didn't show her feelings in any other way.
- Yes, sir.
- My men should come soon to escort you to Savoyardi and Blood, - it was true, the gendarme sent by the messenger to the settlement had already managed to return and convey many affectionate words to Alexander by the triumvirs, but most importantly, the caravan with food and guards was on its way.
- Yes, sir.
- The part of you left in the crown's charge will be placed at the baron's disposal when you arrive in Savoyardi. You will restore order in the city. I think His Grace will find other work for you to do. You'd better not even consider the idea of running away. There's little chance of being caught and executed. Those who belong to me will be at the disposal of my men. It is impossible to escape from us, so I will not punish useless attempts with death, but I will not leave such a thing without punishment. Your work will be very different and you better do it well. Also remember that you will live in my village for the rest of your life and it is in your best interest to leave a positive impression of yourself. Magicians have long memories and long lives. Is that clear?
- Yes, sir.
- Good! And now let's talk, - with these words the vampire lowered himself to the ground in front of the convict and sat down in a Turkish style.
The result of the conversation was an increase in rations. Alexander could not help any more. All the other things the prisoners needed were simply not available in the necessary quantities.
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