Velin remained noncommittal about this "compensation" that came with a sting.
"Lord Baron," Jim said with a perfectly measured smile as he presented a document stamped with the Stone-Whisker crest. "My liege is currently in your custody. Might I be permitted to see him?"
Velin didn't speak, simply jerking his chin toward a guard.
"Take him."
Beside the vine fence of the temporary prison camp, Jim saw his liege. The foul stench of sweat and decay made Jim's brow furrow, but Ola simply sat on the ground with his back against a wooden post, seemingly oblivious to it all.
"My Lord, you've suffered," Jim began, putting on a convincing show of distress. But then, an irrepressible excitement crept into his voice. "But please, rest assured. I have already dealt with the 'trouble' back in our lands for you."
He leaned closer, his lowered voice brimming with triumph.
