Chapter 254: You Can’t Keep an Old Hound Down Konstantin sat cleaning his weapons deep in the rocky crevice where they had set their lookout. It was unnecessary, but it gave him something to do while he waited and mourned. He was still reeling from when Cornelius had revealed Eryk’s death to him. The blood compass had no pull on Cornelius’s sample.The foolish boy had gotten himself killed, and it hurt more than it should have. He had mentored dozens of young men who had died, so why did this feel different—more painful? He compartmentalized his feelings and focused on his responsibilities.He had been pulled from Castile’s company to assist the greatly undermanned Hounds. The Emperor planned to portal behind the Bartiradian Army and launch an attack from the rear. He had been among the first men through the portal and was paired with Western Hound, one of Centurion Sergius’s immediate subordinates, Gracilis. This assignment suited him. If Antonia’s plan was enacted, he would prefer to be as far away from the Emperor as possible when betrayal occurred.Looking over at Gracilis, he shook his head. He hadn’t wanted to be paired with anyone but had no choice. At least Gracilis was competent. After exiting the portal, they moved undetected four miles southwest into the hills overlooking the Bartiradian army. Now, they watched the edge of the enemy camp from a mile away, ready to report any change. Gracilis was currently watching with the spyglass they shared.“Any change?” Konstantin asked in a bored tone.“Just two mages sneaking off into the woods for a quick romp. The woman isn’t too bad-looking if you want to watch.” Gracilis turned and offered the spyglass to Konstantin.“How far outside of camp? (...)