Cyrus took measure of the man. He was gray haired and golden complexioned. A little fat around the waist and cheeks, but a hint of muscle remained when he offered his hand in greeting. His face and hands were covered in scars, and though he wore his suit well, it did not erase the military air that hovered about his stiff and straight posture. His smile was good-natured, and Cyrus found himself immediately warming to the man.

“Commander, she says.” Pilus laughed. “I was master at arms for the good king and queen, but long retired before the dark days that followed.” He shook his head. “Most of my friends in military leadership lost their lives, so I suppose there are benefits to old age.”

“Yet he is retired no longer,” Stasia said. “The soldiers of resistance need their commander, and so now we have one. Pilus trains those who are willing, and should Thanet have an army one day, it will all be because of this good man right here.”

“I do not know if I would call myself a good man, but I am a dedicated one.” He dipped his head in respect to Stasia. “I hear rumors of the Coin’s elite, and I know I am but a small part in the greater battle. It is people like you, and Vagrant, who will inspire hope in the populace that my few soldiers cannot.”

More praise, so much of it unearned. They had killed a magistrate and a paragon, but he had been one among many, his achievements no more special than Mari’s, Rayan’s, or Stasia’s. Why did this bother him so? Why the doubt?

Carry him if you must.

After a few more minutes of idle banter, Stasia gestured for Cyrus to follow her. Once separate, she leaned close, her voice dropping low.

“I heard what you did for me and Clarissa,” she said. “I’m flattered, but I assure you, I’m quite capable of scoring vengeance on my own.”

“Yeah, your father gave me an earful of similar,” he said. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

“And for what it’s worth, when I do try for that vengeance, I’ll make sure to invite you to tag along.”

She flashed a smile, beautiful and deadly, and Cyrus knew he was lucky to have met someone like her. She playfully punched his shoulder, then gestured toward the distant minstrel stage at one end of the ballroom.

“Well, I believe everyone’s gotten a glimpse of you. It’s time I summon the entertainment. Good luck!”

Cyrus returned to Pilus after she hurried away. The older man glanced over Cyrus’s shoulder.

“Where does the Ax run off to?” he asked. Cyrus shrugged.

“I suppose we will find out together.”