“Indeed, but I doubt they will concern themselves with him so long as he remains in Ashai,” Marcum replied.

“And, the king will do nothing about him?” the captain asked cautiously.

“I do not know. I will try to meet with him today, but there is no guarantee he will even grant me an audience,” Marcum sighed. At their questioning looks he explained, “King Caydean keeps to himself these days when he is not holding court, and he holds court less and less often. If he seeks counsel, he does not do so from me, but I will see what I can do.”

“Perhaps it would be wise not to mention it to the king just yet,” Rezkin interrupted.

Marcum frowned. “Why would that be?”

“For one thing, the king may wonder exactly what business you have with the Raven,” Rezkin said.

“I told you, I have none,” Marcum argued.

“I might be inclined to believe that you believe you have none, but will the king?” the young man asked. Marcum narrowed his eyes. “It appears this Raven has granted you protection, or at least immunity, from the slips’ designs. The king may wonder how you gained the favor of such a man.”

“No one said I was in his favor. He said he would take care of me himself if it was necessary. That does not imply favor. It means he wants something from me, and whatever it is, I will not be inclined to grant it,” Marcum asserted.

Rezkin glanced meaningfully at Adelina and Frisha then remarked, “Perhaps the king will believe you are compromised. At the very least, it would appear suspicious. If the rumors of Caydean’s mad paranoia are true, he may not see reason. There is also the matter of who paid to have you killed. It is a great risk to place a target on the general of the army. It seems such a man would require a good amount of wealth and even more reason to want such a high profile target dead. It could even be someone in the palace itself.”

Marcum’s eyes widened, and he said, “The traitor.”

Rezkin inclined his head and said, “Perhaps. But, you might think twice about letting such a person know that you are aware of the plot and that, not only has it failed, but you are in the Black Hall’s confidence.”

“Hmm … I see your point.” Marcum glanced around at the concerned faces. “Do not worry. I did not get to be general of the army for nothing, and it would not be the first time I have faced an unseen enemy. Again, I remind you to speak of this to no one. Your lives could be in danger. I want you all out of Kaibain and away from this Raven and the Black Hall.”