As the meeting broke up a high-ranking officer in Blethan colors came into the room to confer with Captain-General Lykron, commander of the Hos-Bletha contingent. A few moments later Lykron motioned Phidestros over.
"Is there trouble, Captain-General Lykron?"
"Worse than you know, Grand Captain-General." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "There has been a revolt in Hos-Bletha. Bletha City is under siege. Great King Niclophon wants me to return to Hos-Bletha at once!"
Phidestros first reaction was to cry 'impossible,' but he stilled his voice, and took out his tobacco pouch to cover sudden silence.
There were less than twelve thousand regular Hos-Blethan troops under Lykron's command and, to tell the truth, they were over-armored and under-armed. They were certainly no match for Kalvan's regulars. In addition Lykron commanded three or four Sastragathi and Ruthani light cavalry companies that might be put to good use, especially if taken away from Blethan command and put under an officer who knew how to get some real use out of cavalry.
"Captain-General Lykron, you know I have the authority to order you and your troops to remain with the Grand Host?"
"Yes, but-"
"No, I do not intend to force you to make such a choice. You have my permission to remove yourself and most of your men and return to Hos-Bletha."
Relief was openly visible on the Captain-General's face.
"I just have one request. I have need for some of your men."
The Captain-General's expression was that of a farmer about to make a deal with a shifty horse-trader.
"You are free to leave with all your regular troops, but I would like your light cavalry to stay with the Grand Host. I have something special in mind for them."
"You have my blessing, Captain-General Phidestros," Lykron said, looking visibly relieved. "I have many more back in Bletha. They are yours. Styphon be praised! I have many preparations to make. May I leave now?"
"Of course, Lykron. You are dismissed."
Soton had drifted over to pick up the last part of the conversation. "Trouble in Hos-Bletha?"
"Yes, although this is one disaster that can't be laid at Kalvan's table. King Niclophon has long ruled with a heavy mace. Now it appears that even his long-suffering Blethans have grown weary of it."
"I, too, owe him little good will. His harsh hand has long made the job of guarding the marches more difficult. But little good is to be gained by the loss of his troops from our Host."
"Maybe, maybe not. Do you have someone you trust who can speak the Blethan Sastragathi and Ruthani tongues?"
"Yes. Heron, my oath-brother."
"Could I borrow him to command a little expedition?"
"Of course, but what do you plan?"
"Kalvan has some Sastragathi allies, does he not?"
"Yes."
"What if a large party of them were to be seen looting his pay wagons during the battle… What then?"
Soton's open hand smacked Phidestros' shoulder like a mace. "You never cease to surprise me! At the right moment, such a move could prove disastrous for Kalvan. I will tell Heron your plans. He was born in the Magaouisse Swamps. He winters in Hos-Bletha and speaks the local dialects. I will put him in command of the Blethan Ruthani light cavalry. Heron has learned much by my side, and has taken several wounds meant for this old hide; he is the man for this job."