So, if that isn't Allison's baby, then did Mistress Esma zap her into a wet nurse and put her to work in the castle nursery? Then again as shes not wearing her neck ring, it could very well be her child...
'Plane Crossover Anomaly'. 'Nexus' might be a better word. In any case, since our mercenary did not make any references to any demons coming from the northern continent, I suppose the nexus must only occur in the south.
I've put on your DA page a chart showing what the rank insignia on the uniforms represent. It's only a guess based on the premise of Torrin being a very senior officer, but do take a look when you get a chance....
I think I've worked out the insignia. Evidently Torrin is a senior officer, so figuring the three bars and the three diamonds, that would make him an O-6 (equivalent to the rank of a full colonel) which would make his living in personal quarters, being able to have an assistant, plus his having certain 'leeway' with Mistress plausible. RHIP (rank Has It's Privileges)...