Reynaldo was reading in the study when he learned Annan had returned. He had the butler bring him in.
"What do you think?" he asked Annan about the New Royal Capital.
"The people here need saving."
Reynaldo gave nothing away. "What do you want to do?"
"Having the Blade of Freedom surround the New Royal Capital from the nearby towns is too slow. Could we bring it down from within?"
"Aren't we already doing that?"
"Bring the Blade of Freedom in," Annan said, meaning Francois, Little Smo, and the others outside.
Reynaldo considered it carefully. "I'm afraid not. There are informants inside the Royal Palace and throughout the Outer City, just like in the Purification Court. Make too much noise, and our aims will be exposed."
The Kingdom was no target that would sit still and take a beating. Quite the opposite: it would do dirty things Free City could scarcely imagine. Unless they were ready to overturn the whole board, they could not afford to draw attention.
Annan settled for something less. If strength in numbers was out, he would have to make a few people count. "I need a position that lets me act without restrictions."
"How about Guard Captain?"
"Just a captain?"
What use was a captain who commanded five to ten people at most...
"There are only so many City Guard Officer posts. Plenty of eyes are watching, and plenty of hands want a place in the City Guard. If I appoint someone with no credentials, people will talk."
"Not even the Minister of War's 'nephew'?" Annan asked.
"But you aren't really my nephew, are you?"
People would investigate any new City Guard Officer. Annan's cover was full of holes, and he would certainly be exposed.
"Oh, right." The Minister of War seemed to remember something