Indeed it was not long before the tea arrived: on a tray, a pot and two cups, milk in a small pitcher, and a crock of honey, and one of the few luxuries Erwin permitted himself: half of a lemon sliced into wedges. The soldier laid the tray on the desk without interrupting the work in progress. Erwin poured as he spoke.

"You're a peerless captain, Levi." His quick glance met Levi's. There was no need to be coy about compliments between them. "As a leader of men you have risen to every occasion. I could not ask for finer work."

He set down a saucer before Levi and laid one full cup upon it. Then he squeezed a lemon wedge into his own cup and sat back down.

"But you're not being asked to lead a man this time. You're being asked to lead another you. Tell me: did you become loyal out of obedience, or do you obey because you are loyal?"