Bab 139: Light in the Shadows

"A task force assigned by His Majesty is searching for Father Gianpietro's whereabouts," said Balbo, answering Lex's question. "I was here during the day in Bastien's place. He hasn't been feeling well, Your Highness must remember how he coughed the entire trip ... In fact, I am worried that he is sick."

"It's true," Lex pondered, remembering the elite warrior's dry, persistent cough. "Do you think ... could it be the plague?" it was easy to associate the symptoms with what she had seen in the last few nights. People were dying in Kielstadt, and those who could be leaving the city.

Balbo shrugged, "It's possible. I've seen it happen before, and it's not pretty."

It was hard not to be impressed by Balbo Cerdán's absolute control at all times. He never looked shaken by anything. Naturally, as a Tanaion, murderous agent in the ranks of the Lazarites, he was more than accustomed to seeing deaths: he also inflicted them.