“All the same, until we know what further damage his mother might wreak-”

“We don’t know for certain she was involved,” Tavi said quietly. “Until we do, we should be careful with our words.” Magnus didn’t look happy about it, but he nodded. “Besides. Crassus is likely the most powerful furycrafter we have left in the Legion, apart from Maximus, and he’s the one who has been training with the Knights Pisces. He’s the only choice to lead them.”

“He’ll be in a position to ruin anything this Legion attempts to accomplish if you’re wrong, sir.”

“I’m not.”

Magnus pressed his lips together, then shook his head and sighed. He drew a small case out from behind a mound of lightning-tortured earth, and opened it, revealing a small shaving kit and a covered bowl. He opened it to reveal steaming water. “Maximus should be back shortly. You clean up,” he said. “I’ll find you a proper cavalry weapon.”

“I’m going to look, not fight,” Tavi said.

“Of course, sir,” Magnus said, handing him the kit. “I assume you prefer a sword to a mace.”

“Yes,” Tavi said, taking the kit.

Magnus paused, and said, “Sir. I think you should consider appointing a small number of singulares .”

“Captain Cyril didn’t use any bodyguards.”

“No,” Magnus said, his tone pointed. “He didn’t.”