– General Swann, asks you to report immediately to his apartment, Bercy said;
– For what purpose? – Tan pressed;
“I don’t know,” Bercy replied.
– Okay, inform the general that I will arrive now!
Bercy immediately turned around and headed for the exit, glad that communication with Tan was over.
Tan watched the departing young man, smiled and thought that not everyone in the army was destined to be a war and, shaking his head, closed the door.
Having dressed, he immediately went to the general. It took a good ten minutes to go to the general's house, so Tan, in order not to waste time, decided to take his brigantine with him and fasten it along the way. Because it is necessary to come to the general in a proper form and be ready to immediately go on a mission without delay. His sword was also with him. He was excellent. The handle was brown calfskin. The pommel and the V-shaped guard, the rays of which go in the opposite direction from the handle, were covered with gilding. The Ricasso blade was adorned with red tourmaline. The straight, double-edged blade hid behind an elaborate black scabbard. His pants and boots were of high quality leather, made to last, but already pretty well worn and well worn. His brigantine was trimmed with black leather. A pattern was embroidered on the chest and abdomen with white threads. Ornament from the lines. The bottom, unlike the standard form, was sharpened. Shoulders with similar embroidery and neck protection were also attached to it. The belts were designed in such a way that it would be possible to fasten it yourself, without helpers. She was in better shape than pants and shoes, although she had several marks from contact with the blades of opponents swords. Bracers with inserts of metal steel plates were made in the same style as the brigantine. He needed them in battle, because he practically did not use a shield.
At the door of the general's house, he was met by guards in the form of two guards with spears. Seeing the approaching guest, the guards tensed slightly, but as soon as they realized who it was, they immediately greeted him. Tan so put his right hand to his chest.
Bercy opened the door for him. When Athanasius entered, he found General Swann collecting things in the chests. The general, noticing Tan, gestured to Bercy that he would go out. Swann was gloomy, but this was not uncommon. Approaching Tan, he handed him a scroll with the royal seal. Athanasius, without taking his eyes off the general, asked:
– What is it?
– Read it.
Tan began to read and after a while, looking up at the general asked: – When?
As you may have noticed, I am packing my things, my boy. And as you might have guessed, I'm not crazy about this idea. My place is just like yours on the battlefield. But the king believes that he has too many politicians in his military advisers and it is time to dilute them with the company of a military general. '' Hmm, Tan replied, theorists are a dime a dozen, but practitioners can be counted on one hand.
– All correctly answered the general and, coming closer to Tan, said: – You will go with me.
– What…? I AM…? General, I'm needed here. My place is here. We are aware of the concentration of strength of the opponents. A battle is coming soon.
“We both know that this war has already been won,” the general said with a sad note in his voice.
