News of Gaise Macon’s excesses were the talk of the northern army. The middle-aged general Garan Beck made a special journey from the east to see the Moidart. The two men were strikingly different in appearance. The Moidart, slim and fine-boned, his clothes immaculately tailored from the finest cloth, and Beck, round-shouldered and stocky, his broad, flat face and large hands betraying his peasant stock. He wore now a ready made uniform jacket in pale green, bearing the Fawn in Brambles crest. The sleeves were slightly too short. Despite the oddness of his appearance he still radiated a sense of physical power and purpose.
‘I’m a plain speaking man, my lord,’ he said, ‘and this butchery turns my stomach.’
‘It sends a powerful message, Beck.’
‘Indeed it does, my lord, but – putting aside the restraints of civilized behaviour – it is also bad soldiering. An enemy who knows he can surrender and be well treated is the more likely to surrender when faced with disaster. If they know that certain death awaits them they will fight all the harder.’
‘What of our own troops, General Beck? How do they view my son?’
‘Close to adoration, my lord.’
‘So – as you say, apart from considerations of civilized behaviour – our morale is high?’
‘Yes, my lord.’
‘These are perilous times, general. Within a month we may all be dead. My son is taking harsh measures. Like you I would prefer to be more humane in my dealings with the enemy. For, in the end, enemies must become friends. In this case our enemy is particularly vicious. He has already proved this by murdering his own king. You are also aware of the butchery that took place during the civil war in towns like Barstead. The truth is, we are short of food and men. Prisoners would need to be fed and guarded. Every prisoner taken would sap our meagre resources.’
Garan Beck sighed. ‘Aye, my lord, there is truth in that. Even so it sits badly with me.’
‘You can always leave my service, general. I would hate to lose you but you must follow your conscience.’
The general shook his head. ‘You are the first nobleman to give me the chance to prove myself in the highest rank. You ignored my lack of noble blood. I need to repay that debt to you, my lord. I will do so. You have my loyalty, and I will die for this cause if necessary.’
‘Well said, general. Now get yourself some rest before returning east. You are looking tired.’
After he had gone Huntsekker appeared from behind the hidden panel. ‘You still want him killed tonight, my lord?’ he asked.
‘No, I have changed my mind.’
‘I am glad. I like the man.’
‘What odd times these are, Huntsekker. Did you hear him declare his loyalty?’
‘Yes, my lord.’
‘Damn, but he meant it. Every word.’
‘I believe you are right.’ Huntsekker suddenly chuckled.
‘What is so funny, Harvester?’
‘I have walked the city these last weeks, running errands for Maev Ring. I have spoken to a lot of people. You have always been feared, my lord. And always respected. Did you know that you are now popular? The people like you. They speak of you with affection.’
‘I have become a likeable fellow,’ said the Moidart. ‘How annoying.’
‘I can see that it would cause a man grief,’ said Huntsekker.
‘Good heavens, Harvester, was that a joke?’
‘A small one, my lord.’
‘Try to avoid them. How is Maev Ring?’
‘Irritating. She has increased the supplies fourfold, and those who do not succumb to her charming manner and promise of riches get visits from me. I am not to threaten them, she says. Merely deliver letters from her requesting greater co-operation. Of course, she says I should take my scythe with me.’
‘Clever woman. I rather admire her. You should marry her, Harvester. You need a wife.’
Huntsekker was aghast. ‘The woman has a tongue on her that could cut through steel. You know she is now looking after that murderous hound your son brought back? It behaves like a little puppy around her. One word and it sits. A flick of her fingers and it crouches down. Never seen the like. I don’t know if the hound loves her or is terrified by her. I suspect the latter.’