@Zolataya, thank you so much for this wonderful feedback. I’m glad you enjoyed several bits of the story, a lot of these things are tough, but there is lots of inspiration available from several Cog, HG and WIP writers!
You’ll certainly see more of Bell and Sergeant Tuareg.
I’ll definitely look at the pacing of the mercenary encounter, thanks!
I also hope to give your own fantastic WIP Helvetti Rising some more time after I release the second stage of my beta. (For everyone on 'Blood’s thread, Helvetti Rising represents a far more thought out appropriation of mythical and historical inspiration than I’ve managed with my WIP)