Page 124 of The Study of Poisons
Once he washed up, Valek went straight to the Commander’s room. Dema sat in a chair next to his bed reading aloud from a book, but she stood when he entered. Unfortunately, the Commander continued to stare blankly at the ceiling.
“We decided that one of his advisers will stay here at all times,” Dema explained. She pointed to a glass of water and bowl of soup on the table. “We’re also trying to get him to swallow some nourishment.”
“Good idea. Do I have you to thank for supplying me with nourishment as well?”
“Yes. No offense, but you looked like death warmed over.”
“None taken.” That was exactly how he felt. “How long was I out?”
“Almost a day.”
“What’s been going on?”
“We’ve taken temporary control of the manor until the Commander wakes.”
“Any problems with Brazell’s staff or soldiers?”
“No, but Adviser Chelle has turned into quite the tyrant.” She laughed. “In a good way.”
“Is the master magician still here?”
“Yes, she’s been in a few times to check on the Commander. She tried to wake him but was unsuccessful.”
His heart sank at the bad news. “Is there a plan in place in case the Commander…” Valek couldn’t even say the word.
“Two messengers were dispatched to MD-4 and MD-6 with requests for Generals Tesso and Hazal to travel to MD-5 right away.”
“Good.” It appeared the advisers had things well in hand. Valek went to the infirmary. Although he looked pale and wan, Janco was awake and talking to Ari. Thank fate.
“Glad to see you pulled through,” Valek said.
“That makes two of us. Ari here is still on the fence,” Janco joked, but then he sobered. “I’m sorry, sir.”
“For what?”
“For not doing my job.”
Valek exchanged a glance with Ari. Was Janco serious?
Ari nodded. “He thinks getting almost killed was a failure.”
“Isn’t it?”
“No,” Valek said with confidence. “It’s a win. You did your job, Captain. You protected Irys with your life. If she was unsuccessful in stealing Mogkan’s magic, we’d all be dead.”
“Oh.” Janco appeared thoughtful. “Well, when you put it like that…”
“So you believehim, but you didn’t believeme?” Ari demanded.
Before they could launch into an argument, Valek asked where Yelena had gone.
“Sleeping,” Ari said. “She was with Janco all night.”
“I told her to go to bed, but she refused,” Janco protested.
“So you could pester the nurses? I don’t think so.” Ari crossed his arms.
Valek wanted to see her, but he wouldn’t disturb her. Instead, he headed to the prison. He had a general to interrogate. It’d be the highlight of his day.
