the men are up to it.’
‘My men? Afraid of guardsmen?’ Jubal’s expression darkened. ‘I thought I was
paying good gold to have the finest swords in Sanctuary at my disposal.’
‘The Hell Hounds are not ordinary guardsmen,’ Saliman protested. ‘Nor are they
from Sanctuary. Before they arrived, I would have said ours were the finest
swords. Now …’
‘The Hell Hounds!’ Jubal snarled. ‘It seems all anyone can talk about is the
Hell Hounds.’
‘And you should listen.’ Saliman bristled. ‘Forgive me, Jubal, but you yourself
admit the men you hire are no newcomers to battle. When they speak of a new
force at large in Sanctuary, you should listen instead of decrying their
judgement or abilities.’
For a moment, a spark of anger flared in Jubal’s eyes. Then it died, and he
leaned forward attentively in his chair.
‘Very well, Saliman. I’m listening. Tell me about the Hell Hounds.’
‘They … they are unlike the guardsmen we see in Sanctuary, or even the average
soldier of the Rankan army.’ Saliman explained, groping for words. ‘They were
handpicked from the Royal Elite Guard especially for this assignment.’
‘Five men to guard a royal prince.’ Jubal murmured thoughtfully. ‘Yes, they
would have to be good.’
‘That’s right,’ Saliman confirmed hurriedly. ‘With the entire Rankan army to
choose from, these five were selected for their skill at arms and unswerving
loyalty to the empire. Since their arrival in Sanctuary, every effort to bribe
or assassinate them has ended in death for whoever attempted it.’
‘You’re right.’ Jubal nodded. ‘They could be a disruptive force. Still, they are