"I am," Veylin answered calmly.
The Elf Knight in dark-gold armor ignored Veylin and turned first to Elrond beside him.
The Knight removed his helmet, placed a hand lightly over his chest, and offered the esteemed adviser an Elven salute.
"Good day, Lord Elrond." The Knight's voice was gentle and respectful. "Forgive me for interrupting your duties, but I bear an urgent military order from the Duke."
Elrond stared at the starleaf paper in the Knight's hand. Its wax seal had already been broken, revealing the Storm Emblem that only Duke Raging Wind himself could use.
The minister's mind reeled.
A meeting?
Why?
How did the Duke know these humans existed?
A tangle of questions ensnared Elrond's thoughts.
Ever since the Duke had left for the Wall of Sighs front, every information channel in the rear had been under Elrond's control. The situation at the front changed by the moment. Even he, the minister left in charge, did not know the Duke's current location. Only the few Giant Eagle Knights responsible for direct communications knew his coordinates.
Yet in yesterday's routine report, he had deliberately omitted every detail concerning the Haiti delegation.
His original plan had been to drive these short-lived beings away with cold treatment, delays, and that humiliating treaty. By the time the Duke returned in half a month, this would have been a trivial matter, long since resolved and unworthy of mention.
He certainly had the authority. As the highest official remaining behind during the Duke's absence, he was entitled to filter out worthless "trash" on the Duke's behalf.
Especially these vile humans... Elrond's gaze swept over Veylin, the disgust deep in his eyes almost spilling over. Thirty years ago, his eldest son would never have died so horribly while patrolling the border if not for that