I had no idea.
“Isn't fun is it?”
Tulian was grinning from ear to ear. He'd sized up my dark and hollow eyes as I entered his tent (Ostrich or Elderberry depending on who you asked, him or me) and knew I'd not slept for things that needed doing and decisions that needed making. Here was one.
“We need to talk.”
“We are.”
“Alone.”
“Sorry, you'll have to wait. First things first.” He indicated his commanders, waiting for their orders. I nodded and settled to wait. “Get the commander a chair,” he said to no one in particular. One appeared and I sat in it, gratefully.
I paid attention to everything he said, wishing I had had a mentor, or time as an aide to watch and learn. Well, I'd had the opportunity and declined it several times. No one to blame but me.
“Money,” I said when we were alone and he laughed.
“No way.”
I sighed, thought he might say that. What was his motivation to help me support a larger force than I could afford? “Thought you'd say that. My force is bigger than yours..”
“But I know how to use mine, and can afford it,” the barbs went home, “and we had an agreement, remember?”
I did. “I'll honor it but it was worth a try.”
“Forget it. You have the makings of a good commander but you don't have the experience. Use your larger force as I direct and we will be fine.”
“I'll argue if I think you are wrong.”
“I expect it, but not on the battlefield itself, understood?” I knew he was right, so nodded.
“Good.”
“You will help me feed my men.” It wasn't a question.
“I'll do that but the money I use is a loan with interest.”
“Greedy, cousin.”
“Aren't we all, cousin. Agreed?”
“Okay, sir. When do we formalize this?”
“Now. I ordered a full assembly, best you get your men to do the same.”
“Oh, and I want Yebratt Shaheel, one of your knights, red hair and a beard.”
“I know him. Why?”
“I know him and I don't want an unknown in command of my horse.”
He nodded. “Good enough reason. I'll issue the order.”
I left. I had things to do.