The dawn rose pale in the east and gently lit the white walls of the town behind us. I took pleasure in the sight as I walked back from the commander's tent (Tulip), the routine of the camp going on around me almost without notice.
I walked through Rastrian's area, passed a few words with him, letting him know the commander had approved payment and asking for the man's will. I was a little ashamed that I could not remember the man's name; Prit, Preth. Something. He was dead and I was alive and it was a perfect morning, cool and crisp and the light was stunning. I was breathing the air deep and loving life and I didn't know why. I felt good. That was all.
When I reached the center of our area all was ready for the march and there was nothing for me to do but mount and wait a while.
Meran wore his hair in the style of a freedman and it seemed like he always had.
Kerral and the others all raised eyebrows. I ignored them. Would it occur to them that he was my first client? I prayed it would not. If there is any pity in the world, let them please not think of it. Someone would. No doubt of it. But like all decisions made and actions taken I would have to live with the consequences. The hell with it. I wasn't going to let anything spoil my mood.
Life was good.
The day's march was utterly uneventful. I chafed at the bit. Wanting more to do. More to think about. I felt like everything had been resolved. We would do war, win, go home. What could be simpler?
Of course, there was always one fly in the ointment. Larner Harrat and Lentro rode up to my position and bearded me in my den.
“A man was killed at our tents last night, Sumto. What are you doing about it?”
“Burying him,” I quipped cheerfully.
“Sumto,” his voice held a hint of warning.
“Commander.” I snapped. “There is nothing to be done. The shaman interrogated his spirit and the dead man knew nothing.”
“We could perhaps have learned something. A scout could have followed the tracks! I am told you did nothing!”
There was that word again. Was it going to haunt me? “A scout following tracks in a camp of seven thousand men? And what, might I ask, could a battle mage do?”
Larner cleared his throat deliberately. “Commander. No offense intended but you are somewhat more ignorant in matters sorcerous than I. I assure you, had we been summoned at once there would have been at least some information gained.”
Then I'm damn glad I didn't summon you. “I accept that. And it was remiss of me. That I have the right to command your services had escaped me.”
“Now, here, Sum… Commander. That is overstating the case and you know it.”
I shrugged. “I am in command of the unit you are attached to. Shall we bring the matter to the attention of the commander and have it clarified.”
“I think not, and you are evading the subject.”
“I have given as much apology as I will, and assure you it will not happen again.”
“I wonder if you are in control. If our area of the camp is safe.”
I hadn't given the matter a second's thought, we were inside a fort, patrolled, but now I knew that there were threats within. “My men patrol the area,” I said, hoping it was true. Where had Luk and Gobin been last night while I passed time with Kerral and Pakat? I had not seen them at their tent but I had not been looking. I had reason to trust them, their experience, knowledge, competence. I'd check discreetly as soon as I could. “And if you are concerned, you are, as you have reminded me, battle mages. Can you do nothing to enhance our security?”
Larner snorted, half derision, half humor. “We will take such measures as seem discreet and appropriate.”
“Do that, please. But keep me informed.”
He glowered for a moment, but acquiesced. He or one of his would have to come and report to me. It was a mistake I had been making and now it was corrected. I was in command. They would obey my orders. I didn't think for a second that this was the end of it, but it was a start.
When they left I settled back to enjoy the rest of the ride. And planning. Always planning.