"Captain Triel's waiting for you in the study, Master Belloc," Mullen told him pointedly. "He asks that you break bread together, with your captains and such. Not that we've seen much of bread these days, what with all the mouths to feed. But you did say that no one walks away hungry from your door."
"Bless the four of you! I said that and I meant it!" Belloc exclaimed. "I suppose that's why Burli looks so tired."
"He's getting old, Master Belloc," Pip said worriedly. "We help as we can, but he drives himself at a frightful pace, and holds himself to account if ever the soldiers run short on arrows and spears and such, which is all the time, now."
Belloc's shoulders sagged at hearing this, for he was deeply troubled by this news. "I've been so blind! Burli's older than I am, and still doing the work of a much younger man! When I speak with Triel, I will talk to him about getting some helpers for Burli."
In the study, waiting for them, was a pale, slight man, with straight black hair and long, drooping moustache. He appeared haggard and tired, but those present knew him to be deceptively strong and cunning.
"Captain Triel," Belloc said with a fractional bow as he seated himself at the table.