"I said I am not to be disturbed!" I barked, my voice echoing off the stone walls."Sire, I beg your pardon," a muffled, breathless voice called through the thick wood. It was the High Commander of the Border Guard. "But the watchtower captains insisted I bring this to you immediately."I let out a heavy, aggravated sigh. I set the decanter down with a sharp clink, walked over to the doors, and slid the iron bolt back. I pulled one door open just enough to look at the man.The Commander was standing in the corridor, looking deeply uneasy. He was fully armored, his helm tucked under his arm, and his brow was furrowed with confusion. He didn't look terrified—he looked rattled, like a man trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces."This had better be a declaration of war or a fire in the lower city, Commander," I warned, my voice dripping with cold disdain."It's the Northern border, Your Grace," the Commander said quickly, keeping his voice low. He shifted his weight, glancing nervou
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