The Pieces of Battle - Part 5

Verdant was about the only man that Oliver had in his employ who would not take offence for being left out of the meeting. Cormrant, of course, glowered slightly, realizing that he too was being left out. But here, Verdant's presence served another purpose – he offset the slight against Cormrant, given the position that he was in. If a Lordling of Verdant's standing was on the same duty as he, perhaps it was no slight after all?

"It will be done, my Lord Captain," Verdant said, saluting with a fist against his chest, and a bowed head.

 With Verdant in agreement, there was little Cormrant could say. He hurriedly bowed his head, though there was a clear reluctance to the movement. Oliver eyed him carefully. Elements like Cormrant could not be afforded when the odds were stacked so thoroughly against them.

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