As Prince Tarkus strode briskly down the hallway, an expression of purpose and determination on his face, his eyes met a pair of guards on either side of the hallway.<br/><br/>"You two, come with me." He commanded to them, their eyes widening as they obeyed. They looked young, and were likely brand-new to the detachment of soldiers that guarded the hallways. The experienced veterans of the Egyptian army were all out on campaigns, putting their experience to use. This meant that the palace itself was darted by able but young men, unaccustomed to actual fighting except the training they received prior to being given their spear and buckler. Regardless of their skill at violence, appearances must be upheld.<br/><br/>He made his way out from the central tower and down toward the barracks fields behind the palace. Arranged by several large tent rows, the hound divisions could be seen training and running drills in different corners, while officers met and spoke while drinking wine at large central tables.<br/><br/>Tarkus, shocked that they did not acknowledge his presence as soon as he approached, called out, "Who is the officer of the fifth hound division?"<br/><br/>Only a fraction of the officers present in the hound divisions seemed to appreciate who Tarkus was. They were the ones that did not smile and chuckle, mocking him in quiet whispers to the people next to them. One officer, to Tarkus' right, finally stood after a man near to him whispered frantically into his ear.<br/><br/>"I am the captain of the fifth hound...your grace." The man added, saying it slowly, as though making sure Tarkus' reaction confirmed his title of having blood of the royal family.<br/><br/>Takus stepped quickly toward the man that spoke, as the rest of the gathering began to realize who Tarkus was. "Your name?" Tarkus asked curtly.<br/><br/>"Nel'had." The captain responded proudly, unconcerned with Tarkus' expression.<br/><br/>"Did you have my servant Hassad escort a woman to my chambers? To be my consort?" Tarkus seethed.<br/><br/>"I give many orders to many servants, and see a great deal of women a day." Nel'had said with a suppressed smile, to the amusement and titters of the men sitting near him. "Perhaps you could be more specific."<br/><br/>"Come with me." Tarkus said, trying to keep his anger out of his voice. "Now. I will have answers to the question of your allegiance."<br/><br/>"I'm afraid I can't do that." Nel'had said calmly. "I'm eating." The man's plate only had a few grapes and half a plum on it, but he spoke as if that could take a while to finish. "Perhaps another time."<br/><br/>Tarkus was scandalized. He was tempted to order his two guards take the captain into custody, but Tarkus could practically feel them shaking in their boots at the prospect of having to interfere with these men.<br/><br/>"What kind of a mercenary dog does not follow the wishes of the one that's paying them? My every breath should be treated as gospel. What jokes will you make when you are begging on the street, wishing for the privilege to even lick my boots?" Tarkus was boiling with anger now.<br/><br/>"I am a hound captain, your grace." Nel'had said coolly. "The Gods know of my allegiance. My orders are my blood, my goals are my breath. I would do anything asked of me...from he to whom I am conscripted."<br/><br/>"I am the prince of Egypt! The Gods have blessed me--"<br/><br/>"With a wonderful house and a comfortable life, your grace." He bowed his head slightly, as though such things made Tarkus mighty. "But that does not bind you with a hound division. Only your father and those he has named can give us orders, prince." Nel'had added as though that settled matters.<br/><br/>That was a blow to Tarkus' plan. The prince of Egypt was second in command to only the Sultan, and even that was historically unusual. Tarkus' order usurped all others, but only for Egyptian armies. Had his father truly not name him, the master of the God's army, to give orders to these rogues? These war-dogs for coin?<br/><br/>"We shall see about that." Was all Tarkus could say. "Pray that when you are dismissed, I do not have your entire division as wayward beggars in the dunes of the desert." Before he turned on his heels and stormed back to the palace, to find his father.