They sat in silence for a while, watching the sunlight gleaming on the water, and listening to the slow splashing of the millwheel blades as they turned.
‘Are you a seer, lady? Can you see the future?’
‘Glimpses only, swordsman. I have known for twenty years that Gaise Macon would hold our destiny in his hands. I knew the future of the Rigante would depend upon it. I did not know how, or why it would come to pass. I guessed – wrongly – that the Moidart would be the evil force. Now I see something else. I see you, Mulgrave. Gaise Macon will ask a service of you. It will break your heart.’
‘My heart is already broken. I shall refuse him. I want nothing more to do with his evil.’
‘It will not be evil which inspires him to seek you. I see him in the vision wearing a patchwork cloak. This signifies that his Rigante heritage will be in the ascendant. Not the beast which now rules him.’
‘What will he ask me?’
‘I do not know. But he will ask it here. By this stream. Where he cannot be overheard. I will arrange it, for that is my destiny.’
*
For four days the new generals and colonels met with Gaise Macon and the Moidart, discussing battle strategies. Gaise conducted further meetings, getting to know the men, and making judgements about their talents. Mostly they were solid officers, with a good understanding of strategy and logistics. Three were exceptional. Kaelin Ring had a fine mind, and, despite appearing outspoken, showed a subtle and perceptive understanding of human nature. Bendegit Law, the only officer appointed directly by the Moidart, had already proved himself by acquiring fifty cannon in a bloodless raid to the east. He was a natural leader, well liked by his men. Garan Beck was a career soldier, who had served in three wars across the seas, and had been hired by the Finance to train his infantry. Without a trace of noble blood he had never till now held any rank higher than colonel. Bluff and powerfully built, the middle-aged general talked little during the meetings, but when he did speak his words were direct, cutting to the heart of the problems they faced.
When the broader meetings were over Gaise would discuss them with the Moidart. Much as he disliked the man he found his observations to be razor sharp.
‘Beck can be relied upon,’ said the Moidart, as they sat in the high office, the windows open to the northern stars. ‘He feels no need to prove himself and will do nothing reckless. My advice would be to appoint him as your number two.’
‘I agree. I need to be heading south tomorrow. I’ll leave Beck in charge of training here. Who do you see as leading the eastern force? Galliott?’
‘No,’ said the Moidart. ‘Galliott is not equipped to be a battle commander. He is a peacetime officer, with a fine understanding of bureaucracy. He does not have the mind of a warrior.’
‘Kaelin Ring and his Rigante?’
‘He would be fine,’ said the Moidart, ‘but I doubt you really want to send them.’
‘Ring says they are the best of the best,’ said Gaise. ‘Do you agree with that?’
The Moidart leaned back in his chair. ‘I abhor the Rigante. Always have. They could have conquered the world. Finest fighting men I have ever seen. Their biggest problem is they are not ever prepared for war. Battles, yes. They will fight like demons. Then they want to go home, and plant their crops and tend to their cattle. In this instance, though, Ring is right. They are the best we have. In my view they should be central to our plans.’
‘Who then for the east?’ asked Gaise.
The Moidart looked at him for a moment. ‘Is the responsibility beginning to weigh on you, boy?’
‘I am not a boy, Father. Not any more. But, yes, I feel the weight of responsibility. Is that unnatural?’
‘Not at all. Now you seek to offload some of that weight. You cannot. It pleased me when you stood up to me and said that I would be the figurehead. That is as it should be. The young lion stretching his muscles. Now you must discover whether you have the stamina and the power to sustain leadership. To do that you must accept that it is lonely on the top of the mountain. You may ask for advice. You may listen to the plans of others. But yours is the final decision. Yours is the only word that counts. Success and glory, defeat and death, will be laid at your door. So now, tell me what you think of your other generals.’