recruit as many able men as possible. Take a fist of lancers with you. Before you leave, stop at Yen Manor. A sheath of public notices is being prepared for posting wherever you think appropriate. Lady Yen is also being quite generous. Any man that joins will be given a horse if he does not own one, or if he does, the new man will receive the equivalent value of his horse as a bonus. The value will be determined by the Yen stable master. Hopefully, that will induce men to bring a good mount with them.”
Jalan does his best to keep a neutral expression on his face as his curiosity climbs almost beyond enduring. The lieutenants are all captains. Captain Erida is now Major Erida. He is now Captain Yen. Not Mar, his true last name. His identity is still a secret it seems. But, captain? What is going on? I’m 13. Is this a joke?
“Captain Yen, do you have a question?” asks Major Erida.
Apparently his confusion is obvious. “Yes, major. What has happened?”
All the men in the room stare at him. Major Erida says, “The attacks on the outposts? Didn’t Lady Darla tell you? Didn’t anyone tell you?”
“No, sir. They didn’t.”
“Welcome to the military,” says Erida with a wry smile. The other men chuckle politely. “Our outposts were attacked yesterday. Southway may have been destroyed. The others are damaged. Pass faired the best. You just heard the orders I gave each officer here. There will be another briefing with Lady Darla this evening at an hour before last bell. You may attend and report your progress on formation of your company.” Erida sweeps his glance across everyone else in the room as he asks, “Are there any further questions?” The response is silence and after a brief moment the Major says, “Captain Yen, I’d like you to stay for a minute. Everyone else dismissed.”
The other four captains file out of the room. Burk is the last to leave and he closes the door behind him.
Major Erida’s manner relaxes a little and he says, “Your sister really said nothing to you about any of this?”
“No, sir. She only told me to see you.”
“Let’s sit down and talk for a minute.” Major Erida pulls two wooden chairs close together and sits in one. Jalan sits down in the other.
“I could tell by the look on your face that something was wrong. You did well not to balk when I gave you your orders. You’ve been made a captain because of who you are and because you have demonstrated the ability to do the job. You’ve had extensive training in weapons and lancer tactics. If you were a little older, no one would question your appointment. We, your sister and I, discussed it and Lady Darla agreed that because of the attacks and the lancers that have been killed we need everyone who can serve. Do you understand?”
“I think so, sir.”
“I’ll be honest. We’re doing our best to give you a command with the least chance of getting you injured or killed. You are a prince and serving in the lancers is a normal part of learning to command men. But, you are also a boy. No matter how extraordinary your skills are, I am not putting you in the van. You are part of our reserve, once we actually have enough men to create a reserve force. If things go as I am afraid they will, you will see battle and have your trial. There will be no need for you to seek out the fight. It will come to you. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. And, there is one last thing. I’m not going to be able to take you aside like this in the future. When I give you orders you have to carry them out just like all the other captains. No matter what your misgivings, you have to appear confident in front of your men and the other captains. If anyone questions your authority, you have to find a way to deal with it without running to me. That’s the only way the men will respect you.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m not telling you what to do. But, if I were you, I’d run along now and find Sedic. Then I would let him
Jalan does his best to keep a neutral expression on his face as his curiosity climbs almost beyond enduring. The lieutenants are all captains. Captain Erida is now Major Erida. He is now Captain Yen. Not Mar, his true last name. His identity is still a secret it seems. But, captain? What is going on? I’m 13. Is this a joke?
“Captain Yen, do you have a question?” asks Major Erida.
Apparently his confusion is obvious. “Yes, major. What has happened?”
All the men in the room stare at him. Major Erida says, “The attacks on the outposts? Didn’t Lady Darla tell you? Didn’t anyone tell you?”
“No, sir. They didn’t.”
“Welcome to the military,” says Erida with a wry smile. The other men chuckle politely. “Our outposts were attacked yesterday. Southway may have been destroyed. The others are damaged. Pass faired the best. You just heard the orders I gave each officer here. There will be another briefing with Lady Darla this evening at an hour before last bell. You may attend and report your progress on formation of your company.” Erida sweeps his glance across everyone else in the room as he asks, “Are there any further questions?” The response is silence and after a brief moment the Major says, “Captain Yen, I’d like you to stay for a minute. Everyone else dismissed.”
The other four captains file out of the room. Burk is the last to leave and he closes the door behind him.
Major Erida’s manner relaxes a little and he says, “Your sister really said nothing to you about any of this?”
“No, sir. She only told me to see you.”
“Let’s sit down and talk for a minute.” Major Erida pulls two wooden chairs close together and sits in one. Jalan sits down in the other.
“I could tell by the look on your face that something was wrong. You did well not to balk when I gave you your orders. You’ve been made a captain because of who you are and because you have demonstrated the ability to do the job. You’ve had extensive training in weapons and lancer tactics. If you were a little older, no one would question your appointment. We, your sister and I, discussed it and Lady Darla agreed that because of the attacks and the lancers that have been killed we need everyone who can serve. Do you understand?”
“I think so, sir.”
“I’ll be honest. We’re doing our best to give you a command with the least chance of getting you injured or killed. You are a prince and serving in the lancers is a normal part of learning to command men. But, you are also a boy. No matter how extraordinary your skills are, I am not putting you in the van. You are part of our reserve, once we actually have enough men to create a reserve force. If things go as I am afraid they will, you will see battle and have your trial. There will be no need for you to seek out the fight. It will come to you. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. And, there is one last thing. I’m not going to be able to take you aside like this in the future. When I give you orders you have to carry them out just like all the other captains. No matter what your misgivings, you have to appear confident in front of your men and the other captains. If anyone questions your authority, you have to find a way to deal with it without running to me. That’s the only way the men will respect you.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m not telling you what to do. But, if I were you, I’d run along now and find Sedic. Then I would let him
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