The aide collected the letter and the master slowly raised his hand and gestured with his fingers, waving the guard away.
"Leave us," the master commanded smoothly. His deep, gruff voice echoed softly against the stone walls.
The gate guard immediately bowed his head. He was relieved to be dismissed. He turned around, opened the doors, and walked out of the study. He pulled the doors shut behind him, leaving the master alone with his aide.
The master looked down at the brown envelope resting in his aide's hands.
The master took it and broke the blank wax seal with his thumb. The wax cracked with a sharp, crisp sound. He opened the envelope and pulled out the thick piece of folded parchment paper.
He opened the paper. He read the short, carefully written words in the dim candlelight.
Duke Collin has sent a crate of muskets. There are two inside. Make use of it wisely as we won't get another chance.
