It was several minutes later and Isabelle had returned to the palace when an absolute bear of a man strolled over and said with a wide grin, "So, you're our unwelcome addition? Glad to have you."
Remant turned, looked him over, then offered a smile in return. "Remant," he said "Magus Isabelle has me working with Serevan."
"Jacques Tocard, Sub-Captain of the King's Own." The man offered a hand, and Remant shook it. It was solid grip, firm but not trying to prove a point. "I make it a habit never to argue with wizards."
"What can I do for you, Sub-Captain?" asked Remant.
"Word is we'll be headed out in just a little bit. You two will be riding behind the Princess's carriage, and we'll have men in front and behind."
Makes sense. Remant nodded immediately. "I believe we can manage that," he said drily.
Sub-Captain Tocard chuckled. "Captain Greenwell doesn't like having you along, but that's mainly because he doesn't like anything he isn't in charge of. Do your part, and he'll come around... eventually. Meanwhile, most of the men -- including myself -- are glad to have a couple of magi along, especially one who appears to be acquainted with blade and bow. I'd just ask you both to keep your senses open for any sort of sorcerous mischief; the roads we'll be taking aren't much traveled these days."
"That's why we're here, Sub-Captain," put in Serevan, and Remant nodded again. Even leaving aside the possibilities of bandits, hostile natives, and rogue warbeasts, there were still plenty of stray spells and enchantments left from the war. Most were harmless, but not all -- and even the harmless ones could cause delays or other trouble.
"Good to hear it," said Sub-Captain Tocard. "We'll talk more on the road, I'm sure, but for now I'll leave you to it."
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