Hadrian was not often in the habit of taking meetings with junior military members, but he made an exception in this case. Zarha’s recently revealed ability had presented an opportunity to him to fill a need, and he was optimistic about her future should her training prove fruitful. So, Hadrian carved time out, and allowed her entry into his office.

Immediately he could sense something was off. Hadrian was not an uncaring man, so his brow furrowed in both confusion and concern. Her words only added to it. He offered her a chair, and sat across from her behind his desk, gently nodding to indicate she should continue.

Hadrian’s concerned expression turned grave. The darkness in his eyes was that of a storm on the horizon, churning in the distance but ominous in its thunder fortelling what was yet to come. He did not move a muscle as Zarha spoke. The harsh lines of anger in his face seemed carved into stone.

“Iadek, you said?” Hadrian repeated, taking out a fresh sheath of parchment and dipping his pen in ink, “What is his family name? -son, whatever the call themselves.” There was a touch of disgust in his voice for the barbarians that where now under Nevermerean rule…evidently not ruled well enough.

Hadrian had sympathy for the girl, yes, but it was not to him to comfort her. Such a thing would not be appropriate, given his station. Besides, it was the matter at hand that was most important: there was a man in Coheed that needed to be brought to justice. And the justice would be swift and harsh, and ripple throughout the occupied land. This, along with the whispers of what had happened to the foreign minister…no. Coheed was due for a lashing. And an example needed to be made.

“It’s quite alright,” Hadrian said, though his manner remained efficient rather than soft, “You said he made a scene—when did this happen? Who else was present?” In truth the commander was surprised that such a thing had not been reported. Public confrontation and harassment were not to be tolerated, surely Sergeant Abbot new better than to let such things slide. He’d be sure to speak with the sergeant about that oversight...

Hadrian took notes, looking at Zarha only about half the time. It was not just about her, after all. It was about the future security and viability of their future in Coheed. The details of the encounter made his stomach turn, but it did him no good to dwell on them. He wrote, alongside the account, creating a list of people to question.

Iadrik. His wives. Any of his friends or connections. Sergeant Abbott. He furrowed his brow, scanning the details.

“It was dusk, and you were waiting for the Sergeant? Is it his habit to conduct training so late?” He followed up with a second question, “Which of your fellow soldiers joined you for training that day? Who might have seen them leave?”

Hadrian nodded once again, scribbling his notes. All of these things would have to be verified, so he added the other two names that Zarha mentioned to his list. Sylvia. Turchi. The list of people who would be asked to corroborate details and find the perpetrators was growing.

“Lieutenant,” Hadrian hollered, loud enough that the guard standing outside the room would hear and open the door. “Fetch some water, if you’d please.” The soldier nodded once and shut the door behind her, complying with his request. Hadrian looked over his notes, eyes scanning down the page. As he did, anger churned behind his eyes...though when he spoke, he was gentle.

“I’m sure there will be more questions, but I assure you Private, it will be dealt with and the perpetrator brought to justice. It will be swift, and harsh. Such things are not to be tolerated. In the meantime…” Hadrian sat up, “A leave of absence, I’m sure, will be in order. Once the child is born, I will see it is dealt with—if you wish such a thing. Then you will resume your post.”

Hadrian noticed the hand on her stomach, which made his twist. A mother’s protectiveness was admirable, but at times problematic. It could blind a woman to reality and make them liable to make foolish decisions. The baby was a bastard of Coheed, child of a Nevermerean commoner who would be unable to provide for it. It would be dealt with how he saw fit. He nodded once, not engaging with the question at this time.

“For now, you will continue your training as scheduled until it becomes impossible, given your condition,” Hadrian said, “I will open an investigation at once. Those responsible will be found and held accountable…and all men of Coheed will be made to remember this should never happen again.”

Hadrian was not above draconian tactics. Perhaps all the barbarians needed to be put into line.