Page 32 of Esperance

Curiosity tugged at Carver, despite his dark mood.

Then the high cleric cleared his throat and began reading. “‘You have asked for my thoughts on General Carver Vincetti. Carver is an impressive man. His devotion to both his family and the empire is admirable, and his military service is beyond reproach.’”

Carver’s body had tightened. “Who wrote this?”

“Cleric Varner.” Zacharias arched one heavy brow. “Did you really think I wouldn’t make the effort to correspond with each of your local clerics? I needed to know exactly who was going to stay in my temple.”

Irritation rose, but so did a spark of intrigue. Those letters would contain useful information about the Empire’s Chosen. He may need to borrow them.

Zacharias continued to read aloud. “‘Because you specifically asked, I must inform you that his attention to religion is not, in fact, very religious.’”

Carver’s mouth twitched. Cleric Varner’s wit was one of the things he liked best about the man. Of course, he wasn’t exactly pleased Varner had replied to the high cleric’s letter, but he supposed he couldn’t expect Varner to ignore his religious superior.

“‘General Vincetti recently returned from the front lines of Harvari,’” Zacharias read. “‘He served the empire honorably, and the men under his command praised his leadership. He has my utmost confidence in every respect.’” He looked up from the letter. “That’s all he says.”

Carver said nothing. It seemed the safer course.

Zacharias dropped the letter onto the desk and steepled his fingers in front of his mouth. “Out of all the clerics who responded to my questions, Varner was the least detailed. Why do you think that is?”

“I’ve never been regular with my confessions. Perhaps that’s it.”

The high cleric’s brow furrowed. “I’ve counseled many a broken soldier, Carver. I know one when I see one.”

Carver’s gut clenched. The high cleric’s tone, his words—the fact that he’d used Carver’s name instead of his title. All of it made him tense. His hands fisted on his knees, and he forced himself to speak evenly. “I’m fine.”

“Are you? Or will your control snap again when someone looks at you in a way you don’t like?” The high cleric leaned back in his chair. “I am going to be frank. I had doubts when I learned you were coming here. Your return from Harvari was recent enough to warrant these doubts; I’ve seen plenty of soldiers struggle to adjust back to normalcy. Throwing you into an arranged marriage that is vital to the empire, while also isolating you for a year in a remote place that might only make you feel trapped.” Zacharias shook his head. “I expressed my concerns, but the emperor insisted you could handle this—that another man from Westmont didn’t need to be brought in. So let me say this: I will not tolerate any more violence or trouble from you. Is that understood?”

Carver forced his stiff mouth to move. “Yes.”

“Good.” His head tipped to the side. “Perhaps you shouldn’t be allowed on the training field again. It may have incited the violence inside you.”

The thought of not being able to step back into the one place that promised him peace here loosened his tongue. “If Rivard keeps his word and doesn’t provoke me, there will be no further problems.”

Zacharias studied him for a long moment. Then, “You’re a general. A leader. You know what it’s like to feel responsibility for those under your charge. You also understand the necessity of obeying a commander. Following orders. Leaders see what mere soldiers can’t. They know things soldiers don’t.” He paused, giving the air a weighty moment. “While you’re here, you’re a soldier. I’m your commander. Can you respect that?”

Every nerve grated, but he said, “Of course.”

“Good. Because the success of Esperance has been laid on my shoulders, and I’m not going to let you ruin this.”

Carver forced his teeth to unclench. “There will be no further problems,” he repeated.

“I’m pleased to hear it.” Zacharias folded his hands atop the desk. “Would you like to talk about what you experienced in Harvari?”

“No.” The finality in his voice echoed in the room.

“And you’re sure you don’t want to talk about your history with Rivard?”

“Yes.”

The man’s lips pursed. He began to re-fold Cleric Varner’s letter. “The emperor has a clear fondness for you. I would hate to see you disappoint him with any repeats of today.” He gave Carver a pointed look. “The peace is more important than any personal disputes. Do you understand?”

His throat tightened. “Yes.”

Zacharias nodded once. “I’m glad we could reach an understanding.” He gestured to the door. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

The dismissal was clear, and Carver didn’t hesitate to stand. He exited the office and strode down the hall, his frustration living in each step he took.

He didn’t stop walking for a long time.