Yes, it’s hard work, returning deserters to the royal army. Even for the Swallow, a court magician with (oh, what a formidable!) reputation and also a Monster Eater and the head of a coven of local sorcerers. It’s difficult and unpleasant, especially if he, an alien from Earth who has made a dizzying career in the world of Oskha, and in principle a deeply peaceful person, doesn’t really want to go to the front himself. But service is service. In addition, it is still unknown where it is now calmer and... safer. So many different unreal entities, from small evil spirits to practical gods, suddenly wanted to make a closer acquaintance with the Swallow. And why not escape from them... in battle? This certainly hasn’t occurred to anyone yet, and therefore it might work. Well, helping the king win the war, however, won’t hurt either...