The summons came mid-afternoon, delivered by an Imperial Guard with an expression that suggested he'd rather be anywhere else.
"Lord Valcrest. General Markin Blackthorne requests your immediate presence at military headquarters. Regarding last night's... incident."
Incident. That was one way to describe it.
Damien dressed in formal clothing – not quite military uniform, but close enough to show respect for the venue.
Seria and Elara were both occupied with their own duties – Seria coordinating with the city guard, Elara meeting with Church officials – so he went alone.
Military headquarters was in the center of the Imperial Capital's military district, a fortress of grey stone and martial efficiency. Guards checked his credentials at multiple points, each one studying him with the same reassessing gaze he'd been getting since the forest.
He was led to a conference room where General Blackthorne waited along with four other individuals.
