Renegade soldiers? #88

“Renegade soldiers?” Captain Deron combs his long beard with his gloved fingers, considering. “That’s quite an accusation from…a nobody.” The words are meant to sting, but you shrug them off, unaffected.
“I’m only sharing what I believe, sir,” you add without changing your tone. “My best friend here is a Kutollum,” you look at Dorbane with a measure of pride, “so it…mattered to me.”
Deron studies you closely. He looks to his son, but Dagan is staring at the floor. His eyes finally go to Dorbane.
“I was sorry to hear of your loss, Dorbane. The great halls will be a dimmer place without Odele McCanna.”
The look of shock on your face is plain enough. They know each other??
Dorbane grips his axe tightly in one hand, holds it to his chest and bows low. “Thank you, Sir Erdmuth. My father ever spoke of his adventures, with you at the heart of many tales.”
There is a distant look in the old Kutollum’s eyes. For long moments, Deron stared into nothing…until he finally looked back to Dorbane. A hardy smile grew across his face.
“He was a great leader, your father. It was an honor to serve under his command.”
What? This keeps getting better by the moment…
When he looks back to you, the expression is…more accepting. His tone, now civilized.
“How did you know these men who abducted my son were actual soldiers?”

“Their tabards, sir.” Go to page #89
“They were dressed in full uniforms and fought with skill, sir.” Go to page #90