Chapter 83: Ruling

Rutorith stood at attention outside my office door. When I approached, he straightened himself further, one good eye

staring straight ahead, face grim. I paused next to him and nodded for him to relax his stance.

"Is your new appointment to your liking?" Despite his actions against me, I was well aware the old soldier was only doing

what he thought was right. And such loyalty, even if poorly placed, wasn't to be squandered.

He bowed his head to me, iron gray hair cropped close to his scarred skull. "It is, my Ruler," he said, same harsh voice

untouched by emotion, though I could see a hint of regret in his lined and time-beaten face. "My gratitude for your

understanding and kindness, my Ruler."

I waved his words off. "You serve me half as well as you did my grandfather," I said, moving on through the open doors to

my office, "and it will have been worth it."

There was little doubt in my mind I'd ever have trouble from him again.