At the Queen_s command

"And you, Captain Strake, you were not inconvenienced by this request?"

"No, Highness." Owen shivered at the remote and imperious tone in the Prince's voice-so unlike how he had sounded the day before.

"Colonel, I am given to understand that you have retained Rufus Branch to guide Captain Strake."

"I have, sir. His knowledge of the area is unparalleled."

"Is it?" Prince Vlad frowned. "We should have thought Nathaniel Woods had traveled more extensively, especially in the area where Captain Strake's orders require him to explore."

Langford bowed his head. "Of course, Highness. I should have said Mr. Branch's knowledge is unparalleled among available guides."

The Prince clapped his hands. "Well, then, Colonel, we have excellent news for you. Mr. Woods is available for this assignment. He will arrive presently, so you will tell your… why, look, he is with us. Mr. Branch, you and your men will not be required. You're free to go."

The ruffians at the far end of the room appeared quite surprised, but Langford's rising voice cut off the dull roar of their conversation. "Highness, you cannot dismiss them."

"Did we hear you correctly, Colonel? We cannot dismiss them?"

"Yes, Highness. They have a contract to provide services. It would be great hardship for them if it were to be set aside."

Prince Vlad's chin came up. "Would it? These men appear to be hale and hearty to me. Could they not avail themselves better by going out and trapping something? We could not be paying them more than they would make trading and trapping, could we?"

"It is a complicated matter, Highness." Langford's face grew hard. "An army matter, Highness. Quite outside the things you need worry about."

"We believe you will find, Colonel, that all your funding comes through the Ministry of the Exchequer, which is a civilian organization. It is, therefore, of concern to us. The fact is that Mr. Woods-a guide you have proclaimed to be superior to your selection-is available for two gold crowns. We believe this is a considerable savings over your proposed budget."

Langford began to sputter, but the Prince raised a hand. "We are not finished. It has come to our attention that there are rumors of your personal financial involvement with the Casks and Branches, Colonel, as well as other irregularities."

Langford's face flushed. "Do you have proof, Highness, of these insulting accusations? Would you trust rumors over the word of a gentleman that contradicts them?"

"No, Colonel, but I am duty bound to prepare a report and forward it to the proper authorities."

"But it would be baseless."

Owen took a step forward. "Begging Your Highness' pardon; on my word as a gentleman, the Colonel's financial dealings are as warped as an old, wurmrest door. If you wish, I shall compile what I have learned so far into a report ready for transport back to Norisle when the Coronet sails."

"Your offer is welcomed, Captain, but maybe a bit precipitant." Vlad looked again to Colonel Langford. "In addition to guiding Captain Strake, we shall be asking Mr. Woods to continue his survey of flora and fauna. In anticipation of receiving new samples and new information, we shall be spending most of our time on our estate. You will find us singularly preoccupied, so that filing such a report may well be beyond our means. We shall be forced to take you at your word that you have no financial dealings with these men. Is this clear?"

"Yes, Highness."

"Very well. You are dismissed."

Langford bowed, then shot Owen a venomous glance.

"And you, Captain Strake, I require you to remain here. I insist you dine with me this evening."

"You are most kind, Highness."

"It is not kindness." The Prince nodded solemnly. "There are items in the packet you gave me which need discussing; and the sooner done, so much the better."

Langford and the others withdrew. Once the door had closed behind them, Vlad pulled off his wig, tossed it on the throne, and scratched his head vigorously with both hands. He made no pretense of smoothing his hair again, but turned and grinned at Owen.

"I appreciate your support, though it was unexpected. Langford and I would have come to the same solution. You have succeeded in making yourself an enemy."

Owen nodded. "It would have happened regardless. Out of the five shillings in a crown, two must end up in Langford's pocket, or those of his confederates. It is scandalous, of course, but if Langford's people actually did the things they were overpaid to do, there would be some benefit. As it is…"