Manfred was brooding, he was examining the occurrences of the past hour and mourning the loss of his dogs. Somehow the dogs didn’t seem quite as important as he had expected. Then there was his bond with Moonbright. It had changed him. When Moonbright had acted in his place something of her had bled into the core of his being. He didn’t care less, but somehow there was the start, yes the start of...

Manfred continued brooding. On the whole he could see that the change, small, nay tiny as it was would improve his chances of surviving. Even if only slightly. Giving himself a mental shake Manfred reached for Moonbright.

« Thank you for acting while I was dithering Moonbright. And, and can you – explain – how it is that I changed. Very slightly, but I changed. »

Manfred sensed a very small giggle in the back of his mind.

« Of course you changed Manfred. We are truly linked so there is bound to be some leakage. And before you ask, yes it goes both ways. »

« How! Erm, how does that work with Gramps and Moonbeam? »

This time it was a veritable snicker in the back of his mind. « My little sister is the voice of caution, not that that cunning dungeon really needs it. Antonio and Moonbeam bonded over their shared love of books and Moonbeam is very cautious. Your Grandfather – you know Manfred that is a truly bizarre thing to say when it comes to dungeons – is redefining what a dungeon is, or possibly defining it for Midgard. »

« So? »

« Sorry, Moonbeam would have been a disaster with any other dungeon. She was very, very lucky, and most of the changes are in her, Antonio already horded books of all kinds. Their combined library is unique. You were only given most of their Earthside collection. »

« So gramps hasn’t changed? »

Another giggle, « He is now able to finish reading many romance novels. And in return he’s addicted Moonbeam to Georgette Heyer. *snicker* »

* * *

Colonel Reisinger the newly installed commander of Fort Mcclellan was not happy, he’d only taken command of this new post two days ago and this insanity had blown up. He knew it wasn’t captain Winter’s fault. In fact if only half of his suggestions had been taken up this mess wouldn’t be anywhere near as bad.

“Pray enlighten me captain, Colonel Freidman was rather – economic with just was going on with this dungeon. I believe he is a former human changed in the last adjustment and his grandfather was likewise changed in the first adjustment.

“So why was the unit tasked with protecting this Manfred based here a good fifteen minutes away from that village?”

“I believe we were supposed to have a portal at the base so we could intervene instantly but the idea has kept being pushed into the future as the limited number of portals Manfred is capable of have been otherwise prioritised.”

Colonel Reisinger reined in his patience, “Well captain, we are going to apply one of your suggestions. I want a post in the village forthwith. Nothing like slamming the stable door after the fact but...”

“Yes sir.” Snapped Winters.

Reisinger gave him an appraising gaze. “Any idea where Manfred got hold of those mercenaries?”

“Yes sir. Manfred and Alice, that is to say, agent van Ophoven were quite open about it. They were Manfred’s grandfather’s ready team. They are associated in some way with Blackstone. They used the portal between the two dungeons.”

“So, another complication. We know Muñoz is prone to nepotism so now we know he is willing to take risks to protect his kin. I have used the System to research dungeons and these two are unique. You’ll be coming with me. I have to talk with Manfred and agent van Ophoven, or possible with Manfred through van Ophoven. I wonder where they found someone reckless enough to become a Voice? Or if the poor woman was given any choice in the matter.”

* * *

Colonel Reisinger and Captain Winters got out of their staff car in front of Manfred’s house and noted that the police’s crime scene people were currently packing up. They headed up the garden path and Winters felt the absence of the boisterous dogs that had infested the garden.

Alice received the two officers in the receiving room. “Good afternoon Colonel, what may we do for you?”

Reisinger inclined his head, “good afternoon agent, may we speak with the Voice?”

Alice blinked, surprised. “Certainly colonel. As I asked before, what can we do for you.”

“My name’s Walter Reisinger. Manfred will you allow me to station a guard detail close to your house so that we can quickly reply to any repetition of the stack you suffered earlier today. I have a plan of the desired interior but I would leave it to you as to how to blend the building in with your dungeon.”

Alice gazed at the colonel, “very well colonel. I now realize I was unduly complacent as to my safety. Please give my Voice the plans and I will have your post ready shortly.”

Reisinger produced a small sheaf of papers and passed them to Alice.

= = O = =

Colonel Oakhurst who was flanked with two besuited civilians watched the most recent lot of refugees arrive in his base escorted by a platoon of his men. There were over a hundred of them, two were mounted and there were four litters carried by what he presumed were slaves. His lips thinned in disgust.

He watched as a very old man was helped out of his litter and used his elaborate walking stick to hobble slowly in their direction. Oakhurst assumed this was the senator Kratarios. A decidedly stout balding man who appeared to be in his thirties dismounted from his horse and passed the reins to a groom who had also dismounted. And that had to be Aksanteri.

Aksanteri moved to his father’s side and surprised his hosts by speaking English, with of all things a Bostonian accent.

“Good afternoon colonel, gentlemen. I must admit to being exceedingly pleased to have made it to your little auutpost. Pray allow me to introduce my fatha senatah Kratarios who is currently displaced.”

Colonel Oakhurst’s lips twitched. “The United States welcomes you. However you must understand that slavery is illegal in our country and thus all your slaves are now free men and women.”

Aksanteri grinned broadly. “Good!” His father however scowled at the interpreter who had just translated the colonel’s statement.

Oakhurst raised an eyebrow, “good?”

“One can not rely aun the loyaldee auf slaves. They have no reason to be loyal afta all, but a freedman will eitha go and deal with his auwn life aur if he aur she is willing to stay and wok fah pay, then they tend to be very loyal. Especially if treated well. I free all the slaves that fall into my hands.”

The interpreter murmured in the background and Kratarios scowled at his son.