Chapter 20: Meeting with the Duke.
Meanwhile, a little further from the Yorken camp, close to the illuminated cities were the Duke Howard Lamprok manor.
The Duke Howard was the governor of the region and had a very great influence within the Royal Court of Euphoria despite his absence in the capital.
In the internal policy of the kingdom, he was the leader of the faction opposed to the king.
He had brought together several provincial nobles at his pay and exercised a certain control over the army of Euphoria.
Within its mansion, life was much more peaceful.
The Duke lived in tranquility and devoted himself to all kinds of fantasy.
He was in a large very luxurious room illuminated by candles.
Sitting on a sofa, he was cajoler by five girls dressed in vulgar ways.
On the table, loan of the sofa was drawn up a basket covered with delicious fruit.
One of the girls took a grape and nourished him.
Suddenly someone hit the door.
The Duke smiles.
It seems that he expected to receive the visit even if the framework in which he was was not appropriate.
'' Between. ''
The door opened slowly and a man entered inside.
It was a matter of Caster who had just arrived in Dumas.
'' Ah! Wouldn't it be the lieutenant Caster that I see there? '' Said the Duke in an ironic tone.
'' Yes, it's me. ''
The Duke stood up from his sofa and ordered the girls who were holding him to get out of the room.
Now alone, he invited Caster to take a seat on the sofa.
Caster accepted the invitation and sat down.
The atmosphere now conducive to discussion, the Duke Howard displayed a serious air and spoke.
'' I thought Shaka would also come so that we can discuss. ''
'' I'm sorry. But my lord returns from a mission and is currently resting where my only presence here. '' Replied Caster in the greatest calm.
'' I see. Could it be because of this famous mission that you recently carried out who took you a long time to answer my call? ''
'' It's exact Mr. Duke and my Lord is deeply apologized. ''
'' You receive a lot of mission lately, are you not overcoming? ''
'' You know, we are just a simple mercenary. Our survival depends on these missions and the money we draw. The customer offers and we execute the dirty work. As long as there is money, we will execute the conditions. ''
'' I see. However, I am curious. ''
'' About what Mr. Duke? ''
'' It's very rare that Shaka moves himself in person during a mission. I am curious to know what nature was this mission. ''
'' I'm sorry the Duke, but this information is confidential. ''
Duke Howard frowned with his dissatisfaction.
'' We were responsible for killing all the inhabitants of an island. That's all I can tell you. ''
Caster ceded and disclosed the information requested by the Duke so as not to annoy him.
'' This is a most basic mission. There must be an element that has prompted Shaka to go there. But rest assured my dear Caster. This is not part of the contract that binds us, I will not put pressure on you so that you disclose me anything more. ''
'' Thank you for your understanding. ''
'' Now's time to talk about serious things. ''
'' I'm listening to you. ''
The Duke Howard stood up from the sofa and began to make a hundred steps.
'' I called on you because the second Crown Prince Henry Elight will soon go on a diplomatic visit to the Kingdom of Blue Bird. This intelligent and courageous young man is an obstacle for my ascent to the throne. His death will be very useful to me. ''
'' If I understand correctly, you want me and my men to murder the prince? ''
'' Yes that's it! In two months, he and his diplomatic caravan will be escorted by a hundred soldiers led by General Emerson. They will take the road to the loss of the loss located three kilometer from the city of Dumas. This path is known for shelters a few armed bandits who attack merchants and it is also the only official voice leading to the kingdom of Blue Bird. ''
'' The right place to stretch an ambush. ''
'' Exactly. ''
'' How much is the price for this mission? ''
'' 1500 gold coin given the importance of the target to be killed. So, market concluded? ''
'' This is okay. I will mobilize the number of men necessary for this mission. '' Said Caster and then headed for the exit.
'' A moment Lieutenant Caster. ''
'' Yes Mr. Duke? '' Replied Caster without turning around.
'' I heard you have sent new troops to my land. ''
'' It's exact. ''
'' Next time, please inform me before making such a decision. ''
'' I won't forget it. ''
The Duke sighed.
'' Have a good evening Lieutenant Caster. ''
'Yes, good evening also to you Mr. Duke. ''
Caster out of the room ending the discussion.
In two months he and his troops were going to engage in a mission that looks like a great battle.
End of chapter.