For all of the captain’s concerns, two more days passed without event. Messengers arrived, but the captain said nothing, nor did Tymal. The near road patrols reported nothing. The more distant patrols had returned late on Tridi, and, not surprisingly to Alucius, on Quattri, all the squad leaders at Senob Post were summoned to a meeting immediately after breakfast. The only ones missing were the two who had already left on local road patrol duties.
Alucius accompanied Pahl and Yular into the long room, nearly a third the size of the mess, a place in which he had never been. The walls were of pale green plaster over stone, the floors polished redstone rectangles, and the windows had narrow casements without shutters or hangings. At the south end of the meeting hall, a low dais ran from one side of the ten-yard wide room to the other. There were neither benches nor chairs.
The dais was empty until all the squad leaders had assembled. Tymal stood beside the eight remaining squad leaders of Fortieth Company, as Konen stood beside those of Thirty-second Company, and Kastyn did beside those of Eighteenth Company. After several moments, the officers marched in. Captain Hyrlui, Captain Dynae, and Captain Marta took positions at the front of the dais, with the six undercaptains behind them, and Tariff Officer Gerayn slightly to one side.
Captain Hyrlui looked across the squad leaders, then spoke. “As you all should know, the Lanachronans attacked Salcer several weeks ago. Their losses were high, but so were ours. Now, the longer road patrols I had dispatched several days ago have reported that the Lanachronans have ten companies of Southern Guards on the southwestern high road, riding toward us. If they succeed in taking Zalt and breaking through to Southgate, they will send more companies. It is clear that their goal is to control the southwest high road and to take Southgate. We cannot allow this…”
Even had he not worn the collar, Alucius would not have wanted the Lanachronans to gain control of Southgate. But then, he really didn’t want the Matrial in control, either.
“The most aid we can expect immediately is three companies of horse, and two of foot. They had been dispatched immediately after the battle for Salcer, and messengers have confirmed that they should reach us shortly, but possibly not before the Lanachronans do…” Hyrlui paused, glancing toward Captain Dynae, before continuing. “In addition, Zalt can raise three companies of horse auxiliaries. That will provide us with forces close to equal of those of the Lord-Protector. We will not ask for the auxiliaries unless it is clear we will need them. We expect to see the Lanachronans soon, either tomorrow or the next day.”
Captain Dynae cleared her throat, and Hyrlui nodded to the younger woman.
“We’ve been assured that additional companies are also on the road south,” Dynae added. “That’s why it’s important to stop the Lanachronans now.”
Hyrlui waited for a moment, then went on. “After this, we’ll be meeting with senior squad leaders. You squad leaders should brief your troopers, and make sure that they’re ready for battle. It could be tomorrow, or as late as Septi.” The captain paused once more, and looked toward the red-haired Captain Marta, who gave the slightest of head-shakes.
Hyrlui then concluded, “That is all.”
The officers left, with Captain Hyrlui the last to depart.
Then, Alucius led the squad leaders from the meeting hall. Once out in the corridor, he turned to find Tymal, but Gholar was already talking to the senior squad leader. Alucius listened.
“…know whether they’ve got cannon?”
“…have wagons, more than a score, ten trailing the main body…”
Tymal had known before the meeting. How much more did the senior squad leader know? Alucius kept listening, standing well back, but waiting for his turn to talk to Tymal.
“…might have some field pieces…wouldn’t have many…couldn’t risk it…not with Talent-officers…”
“…didn’t know we had any here, sir…”
“…only need one, Gholar…”
“Yes, sir.” Gholar nodded and stepped away.
Alucius moved forward. “Sir?
“Yes, Alucius? Can you make it quick?”
“The auxiliaries? How good are they?”
“They are not quite so good as you, except for the elite companies, but they all have had much training, and, you have seen that they conduct maneuvers regularly. All able-bodied women are required to take arms training. They spend a season, sometimes two, in separate companies after their twentieth birthday, and some take it most seriously. They lost almost seven companies in saving Salcer.”
Alucius wanted to look down. “Thank you, sir.”
“You wouldn’t know. You should.” Tymal smiled almost kindly before turning away.
As he walked back toward the barracks wing that held second squad, Alucius wondered. How many women in the Iron Valleys would train so…and risk their lives? His mother would have. He had no doubts of that. Wendra? He hoped so, but honestly didn’t know.