– What happened to the general? Tan asked quietly.
– Erhard killed him. The general arrived late at night to the duke, alone. I overheard their conversation. He argued that King Orme is not a benefactor, as he presents himself, but the instigator of that bloody war, the end of which we all celebrate. Erhard tried to explain to him that it was simply impossible, but Swann stood his ground. He hesitated, she continued to tell: – Then he told him your story and that he trusts you as himself, and if Erhard does not want to hear, then perhaps the other members of the council will listen to him. With these owls, he signed both you and himself a death warrant. After that, the general turned away to leave, but the duke thrust a knife into his neck.
– So you just stood there and watched it ?! He turned to her with disgust.
– Trust me, if I could do something, I would do it. His house is packed with soldiers. If I tried, I would have overtaken to take into account the general, and you would have lived a little longer.
He understood this. He also understood that it was he who was to blame for the death of his closest friend, who was only trying to do the right thing by entering into open conflict with the duke. From what a real storm broke out in Tan's soul, out of powerlessness, anger and incredible melancholy. Una saw it in his eyes. She went to Athanasius, placing her mug, with half-drunk water, next to him. She gently laid her hand on his shoulder and said quietly: “Retribution will find everyone. At that moment, a noise was heard outside the door. Bert ran to the door, opening it slightly and peering into the opening. Cursing from what he saw, he immediately closed it back. Turning towards Tana and Una, he said:
– Bastards are searching houses! Faster here. He drew back the carpet on the floor. Under it was a wooden hatch cover leading to the cellar. – Get in and see yourself quiet.
From the chase, Tan's side hurt so much that he barely went downstairs. Una thanked old man Bert in a whisper and followed Tan into the cellar.
Suddenly the door rattled, in a tone that could not be delayed. For some time, Bert needed to lay the carpet back, after which he obediently obeyed the soldiers.
From below, through the cracks between the boards, it was difficult to see anything. But by the shadows and voices, Tan determined that four people had entered the house.