‘Of course. That was the agreement,’ he said.
‘You don’t trust me, do you?’ she said, smiling.
‘I don’t trust anybody. You know, sometimes you do act just like every other woman I have known.’
‘Is that a compliment, O Master of the Green Wood?’
‘I think not.’
‘Then what does it mean? After all, I am a woman. How do you expect me to act?’
‘There you go again. Let’s get back to trust. What made you ask?’
‘You won’t say why you came, and then you lie about leaving. Do you think I’m a complete fool? You have no intention of quitting this doomed pile of rock. You will stay to the end.’
‘And where do you come by this remarkable intelligence?’ he asked.
‘It’s written all over your face. But don’t worry, I won’t let on to Jorak or any of the others. But don’t count on me to stay. I have no intention of dying here.’
‘Caessa, my little dove, you only prove how little you know me. Anyway, for what it’s worth . . .’
Bowman ceased his explanation as the tall figure of Hogun entered the doorway and the Gan threaded his way through the tables towards them. It was Caessa’s first sight of the Legion general and she was impressed. He moved with grace, one hand resting on his sword hilt. His eyes were clear, his jaw strong and his features fair – handsome almost. She disliked him instantly. Her view was strengthened when he pulled up a chair, reversed it and sat facing Bowman, ignoring her totally.
‘Bowman, we must talk,’ he said.
‘Go ahead. First, let me introduce Caessa. Caessa, my dear, this is Gan Hogun of the Legion.’ He turned and nodded once in her direction.
‘Do you mind if we talk alone?’ he asked Bowman. Caessa’s green eyes blazed with anger but she kept silent and stood, desperate for a parting remark that would sting the man.
‘I will see you later,’ said Bowman, as she opened her mouth. ‘Get yourself some food now.’ As she turned on her heel and left the room, Bowman watched her, delighting in the feline grace of her walk.
‘You’ve upset her,’ he said.
‘Me? I didn’t even speak to her,’ said Hogun, removing his black and silver helm and placing it on the table. ‘Anyway, that’s immaterial. I want you to speak to your men.’
‘What about?’
‘They spend a lot of their time loafing around and jeering at the soldiers as they train. It’s not good for morale.’
‘Why shouldn’t they? They are civilian volunteers. It will all stop when the fighting starts.’
‘The point is, Bowman, that the fighting may start before the Nadir arrive. I have just stopped one of my men from gutting that black-beared giant, Jorak. Much more of this and we will have murder on our hands.’
‘I’ll talk to them,’ said Bowman. ‘Calm yourself and have a drink. What did you think of my lady archer?’
‘I really didn’t look too closely. She seemed pretty.’
‘I think it must be true what they say about the cavalry,’ said Bowman. ‘You are all in love with your horses! Great gods, man, she’s more than merely pretty!’
‘Talk to your men now. I will feel a lot better then. Tensions are rising pretty badly and the Nadir are only two days away.’
‘I said I would. Now, have a drink and relax. You’re getting as edgy as your men and that can’t be good for morale.’
Hogun grinned suddenly. ‘You’re right. It’s always like this before a fight. Druss is like a bear with a sore head.’
‘I hear you lost the Open Swords to the fat one,’ said Bowman, grinning. ‘Tut, tut, old horse! This is no time to be currying favour with the hierarchy.’
‘I didn’t let him win, he’s a fine swordsman. Don’t judge him too harshly, my friend; he may yet surprise you. He certainly surprised me. What did you mean when you said I upset the girl?’
Bowman smiled, then laughed loudly. He shook his head and poured another glass of wine.
‘My dear Hogun, when a woman is beautiful she comes to expect a certain . . . how shall I say? . . . a certain reverence from men. You should have had the good grace to be thunderstruck by her beauty. Stunned into silence, or better still into a babbling fool. Then she would have merely ignored you and answered your devotion with arrogant disdain. Now you have slighted her and she will hate you. Worse than this, she will do all in her power to win your heart.’