The biting north wind howled through the fortress's arrow slits. Stanford stood before the heavy city gates, watching the slowly approaching caravan.
When the black carriage bearing the Arda Army's banner stopped, a familiar figure pulled back the curtain. Scholar Alvis's face had been turned somewhat pale by the cold wind, but his sharp blue eyes remained unchanged.
"My old friend!" Stanford strode forward and supported the scholar as he climbed out of the carriage. "Looks like you've been doing well in Northwest Bay."
"You bet. Compared to when I left Black Worm Nest, I've gained a full fifteen pounds!"
The two walked side by side toward the fortress command room. Newly installed steam-heating pipes hummed softly against the stone walls. Yarvis suddenly stopped and gazed at the soldiers training on the Drill Ground. The human soldiers in blue uniforms were practicing coordinated combat with Forest Orcish hunters, creating a rather surreal scene.
"Looks like this place has changed quite a bit in the year I've been gone," Yarvis said softly. "More and more Forest Orcish are willing to serve you?"
"They serve Lord Greiman!" Stanford corrected him.
Stanford pushed open the iron door to the command room, and a wave of heat mingled with the aroma of coffee washed over them.
"Speaking of which..." He handed his old friend a steaming cup of black coffee. "Why did you come back with the Expeditionary Force again? Didn't Lord Greiman arrange a warm office for you in Lakeheart Town?"
Yarvis pulled a letter of appointment from his robes. "An appointment personally signed by the Marquis. I'm now the Expeditionary Force's chief advisor."
After reading the appointment, Stanford asked with concern, "When you were in Northwest Bay, did you ever encounter pursuit by Gabella?"
Yarvis unconsciously rubbed his fingers against the teacup.