The Captain surrendered hesitantly after a moment and, saluting, made to move off up the steps towards the palace entrance.
Dilrap laid a hand on his arm. ‘Where are you going?’ he asked quietly.
Halson looked at him uncertainly. ‘To find the men who’re checking the Palace, Honoured Secretary. As you asked.’
Dilrap sighed audibly and shook his head. Then, pointing casually in the direction of various Mathidrin troopers around the palace entrance, he said, with wilful patience. ‘Send them, Captain. You stay with me. We’ve got a lot to do.’
Colouring, Halson turned away and called out to the troopers that Dilrap had indicated... plus one or two others.
Dilrap looked down at the small boy and, smiling, gave his hand an affectionate squeeze. ‘We’ll look after you in a minute,’ he said. ‘D
