Oliver wondered whether that was a compliment indirectly, though Blackthorn did not seem quick to expand on it, and he didn't exactly address the matter itself, but he had to dare to think that there might have been some hint of approval for all he and his men had achieved, after Blackthorn had allowed him that wanted freedom.
"We will do things the same," Blackthorn said. "I have heard the weaknesses that you suppose of your fledgling army, and I will do what I can to accommodate them. Otherwise, I believe we are best acting independently. That is – if you don't do anything stupid. I can tolerate your strangeness to a degree, but overstep, General Patrick, and I warn you, I shall have no trouble stripping you of rank. Verdant Idris will lead in your place, if so necessary."
"I will keep that in mind," Oliver said.
