When Rus posed the question, Erik flushed with embarrassment.
"…Mr. Gordon told me to find a way to urge you, my lord. He thinks it's best to meet with the envoy from House Slate sooner rather than later."
"But I meant everything I said! I wasn't trying to coax you, I swear!"
Rus chuckled and waved it off. "Relax, I'm not blaming you."
"Once the holiday ends tomorrow, gather the troops and reorganize them into four squads. Use the time wisely to get them back into fighting shape."
"Yes, my lord!" Erik stood and took his leave with a formal salute.
As he watched Erik's retreating figure, Rus shook his head with a faint sigh.
He knew what Gordon was thinking—his loyal retainer clearly didn't want him to offend House Slate. But Rus had his own plans.
First, his soldiers needed rest. They had just come out of a grueling battle, and to march them off again immediately would only dampen morale.
Second, there were political calculations.
