"Just, where are Terry and Piedro? Why aren't they here?"
A brief silence settled among the mercenaries, broken by whispers and wry smiles.
Ernest raised an amused eyebrow.
"Let's just say they celebrated their victory until the wee hours. Maybe they're still sleeping in a pile of straw somewhere."
Maxime closed his eyes for a second, torn between amusement and annoyance.
"Good. Can someone go and wake them up so they can come here?"
Maxime's words made everyone feel a cold draught pass over them.
No one had yet dared miss a briefing from Maxime, and they all wondered what would happen if two of their own ventured to do so.
Despite the tension, a mischievous smile appeared on several faces; Terry and Piedro would surely regret their absence.
Laura, smirking, stepped forward.
"Leave it to me, boss."
"I'm counting on you."