"I'm sorry," Jasenko says. "I would assist, but… I am as busy as you are. Perhaps when I slay that vile pretender, I will come join you."
"I would appreciate that," Elya replies.
He nods. "I'd best be on my way, then."
The count signals to his company. He and his men turn around, headed back for the rest of his army.
Except for one. The man with the implacable accent remains behind and slowly approaches you. He offers a slight bow to Elya and says, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
Elya's bodyguards move closer, keeping their hands on their weapons. She replies, "Greetings."
"I am Marzio del Drago, engineer-for-hire. Count Jasenko has hired me to assist him in his conflict."
"What use does he have for an engineer?" Elya asks.
You interrupt, "You're a siege engineer, aren't you, gov'nor?"
He smiles. "I am."
You can now make out the pair of spectacles on the man's face, along with his silver beard. He looks much older than Darin. "I am a professor at the Álusian Guild of Engineering. I heard rumors of some conflict in the north, and decided to head here for the… opportunities that war provides."
"So you're a mercenary," Elya says.
"From a certain point of view."