“Let’s just say that he reminds me of a certain former majer in the Mirror Lancers,” replies Lerial. “That may not be a fair comparison,” probably not to Phortyn, “but it’s what comes to mind.”
While Strauxyn looks puzzled, Kusyl doesn’t even try to conceal a wince before saying, “That bad, ser?”
“It might not be, but I think we can trust the Afritan Guard far more than the merchanters and traders of Swartheld.”
“Same’s true in Cigoerne,” adds Fheldar. “Maybe not so bad as in Afrit, but golds are the only thing merchanters respect.”
Lerial does not comment, because his experience with traders is limited, although what little he has observed tends to make him agree.
An Afritan Guard undercaptain rides toward them, reining up short of the four. “Overcaptain Lerial?”
Lerial nods. “You are?”
“Norstaan, undercaptain, Afritan Guard. The arms-commander will be here in less than a third of a glass.”
“We’re ready. Once we see him, we’ll mount up.”
“Ah…”
“There’s no sense in tiring mounts and making officers and rankers impatient, Undercaptain. We’ll be ready to go before he reaches us.”
“That isn’t customary…”
Lerial looks at the fresh-faced undercaptain, recalling that he was even younger when he first wore the single bars, and smiles. “It’s customary for the Mirror Lancers, and we’re escorting him at his request. If he has any difficulty with our practices, I’m most certain he’ll let me know. Don’t you think so, Undercaptain? If he does, I’ll explain that it was my decision.” Lerial pauses, then goes on, “I’d suggest that your scouts or outriders lead the way, followed by half your squad, then the Mirror Lancers, with your other half squad bringing up the rear. That way, any bystanders and those in the hamlets and towns through which we pass will be reassured that the Afritan Guards have the situation well in hand.”
“I had thought…” Norstaan stops. “I will present that to the arms-commander and leave the decision to him.”
“We’ll certainly abide by his decision once he knows of our recommendation,” replies Lerial politely.
The Afritan undercaptain turns his mount and rides back in the direction of the stables west of the country house.
Kusyl looks to Lerial. “Took him a moment.”
“I’ll be interested to see what the arms-commander’s personal squad looks like.” And whether they’re combat veterans or a parade-polish squad.
Before that long, and certainly less than a third of a glass, Lerial sees a squad riding toward them and immediately calls out, “Companies mount! Full order!” Then he concentrates on the approaching riders. At the head of the squad escorting the arms-commander is an Afritan trooper bearing a crimson banner trimmed with a gold border and a gold device of some sort in the middle of the long triangular field. As the squad nears, Lerial sees the arms-commander riding beside Norstaan, who is gesturing in an animated fashion. Behind them rides Valatyr, although Lerial cannot see him clearly.
Lerial refrains from sighing. It looks like Norstaan didn’t get it at all. Then he smiles as Rhamuel says something, and the young undercaptain seems to wilt in the saddle. In moments, the young officer moves away from Rhamuel, then rides forward to Lerial, stopping less than two yards away. “Overcaptain, ser, the arms-commander is agreeable to your plan for the riding order.”
Lerial smiles pleasantly. “Thank you, Undercaptain Norstaan. I appreciate the confirmation.”
“My apologies for my excessive concern, ser.”
“No apology is necessary. I’m certain that the arms-commander understands your concerns.”
Norstaan does not speak for several moments, then finally says, “With your permission, ser, the arms-commander has suggested that I might best serve, at least initially, with the half squad in the rear guard.”
“You have my permission, Undercaptain.”
Norstaan inclines his head, then turns and rides toward the ten Afritan Guards making their way toward the wagons and the rear of the column.
Rhamuel and Valatyr, followed by the other ten Afritan Guards, slow their mounts to a halt short of Lerial and the head of the column.
Lerial surveys the squad, noting that, while the uniforms are spotless, the squad consists of both younger and older rankers, and one ranker decidedly … hefty.
“Good morning, Overcaptain,” says Rhamuel cheerfully.
“Good morning, ser. Might I introduce my officers?” asks Lerial, easing his gelding back slightly.
Rhamuel nods.
“At the end away from me is senior squad leader and acting undercaptain Fheldar. Then Undercaptain Strauxyn and Undercaptain Kusyl. Undercaptains, Arms-Commander Rhamuel and Subcommander Valatyr.”
“Sers…” murmur the three, inclining their heads.