If the army was to be fed, then the people would starve. If the army starved the people would be enslaved or murdered.
Galliott was close to his wits’ end when Maev Ring arrived. He was summoned to the Moidart’s office. As he entered he stumbled and righted himself. Maev Ring was sitting opposite the Moidart. Galliott saw the concern in her face as she looked at him. ‘Are you well, captain?’
‘It is colonel now,’ said the Moidart, ‘and he is simply tired.’
‘Yes,’ mumbled Galliott, ‘tired.’
‘Madam Ring is to take charge of supply,’ said the Moidart. ‘Find her a suitable office and apartments. She is to have the rank of quartermaster general.’
‘A woman?’ said Galliott.
‘Very observant, colonel. She is indeed a woman. Were you in
some doubt of this?’ ‘
‘No, my lord. I meant . . . there has never been a woman with army rank.’
‘As far as I know,’ said the Moidart, ‘there has never been an army which selected its own officers. I have discovered that I am an innovative man. By my reckoning the question of supply will prove crucial within the next three weeks. It is vital therefore that we have a quartermaster who will ensure that no disasters occur. I suggest you find General Ring an office, brief her on the situation, then get some rest. You look like a walking corpse.’
‘Yes, my lord.’ Galliott led Maev Ring back to his own office. Papers littered the desk. Some had fallen to the floor.
Talk me through the actions you have taken so far,’ said Maev Ring.
Galliott yawned and tried to bring his thoughts to order. He outlined the rationing programme, told her of the skirmishers, and the attempts to purchase cattle and meat.
‘I have two thousand cattle being herded towards Eldacre,’ said Maev Ring. ‘It is also the lambing season, so meat will not be in short supply. We will issue promissory notes to farmers for their produce, these notes to be redeemed for coin upon request. Grain is a greater problem, but we will surmount it. Get me a list of Eldacre’s most prominent exporters. I will need to speak to each of them.’
‘I have already spoken to them. There are no stocks.’
‘Where there is wealth there is a way, Galliott. You spoke to them as a soldier seeking to appropriate their goods and thus reduce their profits. I will speak to them as a businesswoman and promise them riches. You will find thereafter there is at least three times the amount of food available.’
Moving to the desk she lifted one of the papers lying there and scanned it. ‘Go and get some rest, colonel. I shall remain here and look over your paperwork. Come back in three hours and we will begin to make plans.’
Gaise Macon’s arrival in Eldacre caused a flurry of excitement. He rode in with his weary men, left Mulgrave to see to their billets and travelled on to the castle, a black hound running alongside his horse.
Citizens and soldiers paused to watch him as he rode past, a handsome young man with golden hair, riding a tall grey gelding. In a well cut cavalry jacket of dark grey silk, thigh length boots over pale grey leggings, he looked every inch a cavalryman. Glancing neither to right nor left, he did not acknowledge the occasional cheer that went up from those who recognized him.
Inside the castle walls he dismounted, leaving the gelding in the care of a groom. Then he strode into the castle, the black hound at his side. The beast padded alongside him, casting baleful looks at any who came close to the general.
Gaise climbed the stairs and walked to his father’s offices, pushing open the door. The Moidart looked up, then stood, his face expressionless. ‘You took your time coming home,’ he said, moving round the desk. As he approached Gaise the black hound bared its teeth in a snarl. The Moidart glanced down at it, then flicked his fingers. ‘Sit!’ he commanded. The dog sank to its haunches instantly.
‘I understand you have now acquired the Finance’s army.’
‘Indeed.’
‘Have you sent forces into the Finance’s land?’