Chertanne dismissed Dason from his post as a travel-stained and cold Kaimas entered the room. Kaimas, gaunt and bald, removed his cloak, setting it by the fire to dry. Chertanne secretly feared the Magician but tried to assume an air of confidence and command despite the clenching of his stomach. Most outside of Aughmere didn’t know what Kaimas did for Chertanne’s father, but Chertanne knew the man’s power and what deeds he had done to ensure that Torbrand Khairn’s rule went unchallenged. He wore a white robe underneath a long open coat of deep red, embroidered with golden thread. Chertanne eyed him, trying to discern what he was thinking. “Well, you returned more quickly than I thought you would, Kaimas. I trust you didn’t overexert yourself on this matter.” Kaimas, who was warming his hands over the fire, shot Chertanne a displeased look. Wrinkles lined the sharp features of his thin, tall face, deepened by the exhaustion of his journey.
