Sieghard & Ludo

“You cut its face,” said Irene, her voice as clear and bright as sunlight on ice. “And all it cost was burning down half the city. I assume that was you? There are a lot of very ugly, very dirty people outside saying they saw Hildebrand at the scene of the fire.” She cocked her head to one side. “One hates to leap to conclusions, but… fire witch… enormous fire…”

“I think I’ve heard enough of your ‘report’, commander,” she said, airily looking away. “You will be relieving Esteban at the pass as soon as he can be recalled. In the meantime, I want you and your men to disperse that mob outside the gate. If that’s something you think you can manage.”