Redsand Canyon Bid my blood to run.

germanicus did not look toward kallik but felt the young man's thorny energy. arsenio joined them next, jovial as usual, but he used a name the imperator had not heard before.

towhee seemed far less poised this time, which he supposed was to be expected given the nature of her visit. and she was cautious about the subject of akashingo, which was a positive quality in the book of the imperator.

"lady ruenna tells me that you are a master warrior and guardian." he studied towhee for an implacable moment. "part of the requirement to ascend the third cohort of ranks is a one-month tour of duty in akashingo as a palace guard." 

now he paused, waiting for her reaction. today's interview was held with no sense of nepotism. if towhee intended to be here, she would need to demonstrate her ability to command respect through skill. he believed ruenna and trusted her judgement, but mereo was a place of soldiers and so he felt he must be more firm.