“Really?” I asked. “That seems large. We won’t be doing a lot of sneaking with such a big group.”

Venzik gave me a quizzical look. “I would like us to survive long enough to arrive close enough to Mount Kathaldi to do some scouting, my lord. Is that not in accordance with your wishes?”

I laughed. “Yes, I would like to survive. Who are the twenty-six people, though? The three of us, of course.”

“Six of your guards, Thilos, Imprid and four elven warders makes fifteen. Add Sir Aryoss, Vone with two of his priests and Kralnik with two dwarven guards and three mages, including Padral and Stegen. They are bringing an apprentice mage, as well.”

“I thought Kralnik was just bringing one guard?” I said.

Delik Slin smiled. “Kralnik’s guard captain, Pashnik, insisted on including one of his men.”

I nodded. “Okay, but that still only gets us to twenty-five. Who’s the last person.”

Venzik and Delik Slin turned to look at each other. Obviously, neither one of them wanted to tell me. I just waited.

It was Venzik who finally relented and decided to speak. “Lord Tarin added the final member of our company. He’s a new soldier in the Ansdron army. It is your father, Jirik.”

“What?” I said, so startled that I almost spilled some wine. Almost. “Why him?”

“Lord Tarin did not see fit to explain himself to us. He just told Rithers it was to be so.” Venzik shrugged.

“I guess it doesn’t really matter. You guys can go ahead and do whatever you need to do. I need a few minutes to myself before I go talk to Welst and my brother.” Venzik rose and left and after giving me a concerned look for a few moments Delik Slin followed him. I finished my wine and tried to figure out why Lord Tarin was sending my father with us. Was he trying to force us to reconcile? Didn’t he have enough to worry about? I had saved two of his children so maybe this was his way of thanking me. My cup was empty and I wasn’t any closer to figuring it out so I gave it up for the moment and went to meet with my secretaries.

They were in Welst’s office and looked up when I walked in. “I was just showing Jarim how to search the bank records, my lord.”

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“Good idea.” I said. “While I’m gone try to teach him as much as you can. You’ll both be busy reading all of the reports coming in here in Ansdron and from the other spymasters. Try to keep the plan for the spring campaign moving forward, too. Do you have any questions?”

Welst shook his head. “I think we can manage things while you are gone, sir. Jarim has been a big help already.”

Jarim smiled at the praise. “You will be careful while you are gone, right?”

“Of course, and our father is going with me to make sure I’ll be okay.”

“He is? That’s great!” Jarim had a lot more faith in our father’s ability to protect me than I did. I figured it was going to be the other way around. It’s not like he’s a great fighter.

“We’ll make sure to take care of each other.” Jarim nodded happily, as if he thought that together there was nothing our father and I couldn’t do. Dumb kid. “I’ll let you two get back to it. See you later.” Another task from my list completed.

I ate a quick lunch then went to find Rithers. Some door guards directed me to the campaign room where Rithers was talking to a young messenger outside the doors. He nodded and smiled when he saw me then finished telling the messenger whatever it was he needed him to do and the lad took off running. “Do you need to speak with Lord Tarin?” Rithers asked.

“Nope. I was hoping to talk to you for a minute.”

His eyes widened in surprise for a moment. “Right this way. He led me to a deserted section of the hallway. “What can I do for you, Lord S’Vig? Did you think of something else you require for your mission?”

I laughed. “Not at all. Everything seems to be ready. Well, almost. I just wanted to thank you and let you know what I’ve asked Welst and my brother to do so you can factor that into whatever Lord Tarin, or you, require while I’m gone.”

“I appreciate that, sir. That should make things easier while you are away. May I say that you have grown into a fine spymaster in the short time you have had the position.”

“Thanks in large part to you and your cousin. Without you two who knows what would have happened.”

Rithers blushed. “I am certain you exaggerate, my lord, but it is appreciated. We do our best.”

I laughed quietly. “It’s no exaggeration, and you know it. But I won’t press it.” I explained about the few guards I was leaving behind and what I had Welst and Jarim doing. “I imagine you would anyway, but I am hoping you’ll keep an eye on them while I’m gone.”

“Of course, sir.”

“And don’t be shy about giving them work to do. Useful work.”

Rithers smiled. “As you say, my lord. Do be careful on your mission. We need you back safely.”

“I’ll do my best.” I started to leave but turned back. “Do you know why Lord Tarin insisted my father accompany us?”

He shook his head. “I could only guess at Lord Tarin’s thoughts, sir, and he is not particularly fond of me doing so.”

“I understand. Be safe while I’m gone. Don’t let everything fall to pieces.”

He nodded. “I will, my lord. Success on your mission. Hurry back, as you can.”

We nodded our goodbyes and I returned to the office to take a nice bath before our going away dinner. In case you were wondering both the bath and the dinner were excellent. Sednik’s wife really outdid herself. On the dinner, I mean. I handled the bath on my own.