The visitor was already in the front receiving room when Aldric led Kael in.
Lord Garrick Holt rose at once.
He was past sixty, broad through the shoulders. His coat was dark and precisely cut, the fabric thick enough to hold its shape.
He inclined his head. "My lords. Thank you for receiving me."
Aldric stepped forward and clasped his forearm.
"Garrick. You didn't waste time." He released him and gestured toward Kael. "This is Kael. Word reached you quickly."
Garrick turned fully to Kael. "Captain. Word reached Greyfield this morning. Congratulations on your engagement."
Kael inclined his head. "Thank you, Lord Garrick."
He leaned slightly toward Aldric. "They all know?"
Aldric's mouth curved faintly. "If they didn't this morning, they will by nightfall."
Kael straightened and faced him again.
"Blackstone is a hard posting," Garrick said. "You've held it well."
"It keeps a man busy."
