“Forgive me,” he murmured. “It will be too late. He will have gone beyond where I can call him by the time I am well again.”

Dorson seemed to collapse inward and nodded in strained acceptance.  As Alistair gazed at him, he made a decision.

“Take your men home, Dorson,” he said. “I am the highest authority here now that Lord Ballimore is dead. I shall deliver the news of this deed. The Order sent me by the king’s command and I am responsible for this outcome. I shall go in your stead and whatever punishment they meet upon me shall satisfy them. Go home, all of you, and be with your families.”

Commander Dorson gazed at him for a long and serious moment. In his eyes was the understandi...

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