Nikolias reached the command tent too late. He realised this even before he drew back the canvas flap, sword in hand, and looked through the dark interior, to find Maniakes long gone.
Sheathing the sword, he stepped back into the cold air. The rain was easing and across the sky, long streaks of black cloud separated, allowing the Moon to poke through its face and give some light to the dark. Enough to navigate his way through the Palace complex, and help him make for cover if patrols passed by.
The General may be in the barracks, perhaps returning to the palace itself, where Leoni once served as the Empress"s handmaid. In truth, Nikolias knew he could be anywhere. The soldier he had mistaken for the general, a curious turn of events. To wear the general"s cloak, abroad in the dead of nig
