Colors of Chaos

XCI

JESLEK LOOKED AROUND the small cot, his eyes flashing in the gloom, first at Anya, then Fydel, and finally resting momentarily on Cerryl. As Anya smiled behind the High Wizard, Cerryl could sense he wasn’t likely to enjoy what was coming.

“Fydel was most impressed with your ability to sense the blues.” Jeslek smiled a bright smile that was as false as Anya’s well-practiced expression.

Cerryl waited.

“You have also had experience in directing patrollers and in battle,” Jeslek continued. “I would be most remiss if I did not employ such talents.” Another smile followed as the High Wizard pointed to the map flattened on the crude trestle table, barely illuminated by the single brass lamp on the wood beside it. “Here is southern Spidlar. The main body of our forces will be traveling westward to Elparta. To begin with, the levies will come through the Easthorns from Rytel. We must protect this section of road from the mountains to where our forces are, and eventually to Elparta.” Jeslek offered a perfunctory nod. “It makes little sense for you to accompany us, Cerryl, not now. It also makes less sense for Fydel to patrol the entire road between our forces and the Easthorns.”

“You wish me to patrol a section of the road?” asked Cerryl not quite guilelessly.

“Fydel will command the patrols immediately to the rear of the main body of forces and from the town to the west of the fork hamlet.”

Fydel nodded.

“You will patrol the section you recently traveled, from the mountains through this town to the fork hamlet and halfway to the next town.”

“That is about fifteen kays west of here,” Anya interjected.

“You will have twoscore White Lancers and two subofficers.” Jeslek smiled again. “You have been most creative in the past, and I am certain you will use that skill to Fairhaven’s advantage once again.”

“Two score…” mused Cerryl.

“Fydel will be closer to the Black arms commander’s forces and will need a somewhat larger force.” Jeslek lifted the stones holding down the corners of the map, one at a time, then rolled it up. “I do not propose to have large groups of lancers strung out across Spidlar. You and Fydel are to stop any attacks, when possible without losing many lancers, to avoid battle when you cannot, and to ensure that any levies traveling the road are warned well in advance of any possible attacks that you cannot turn.” Jeslek paused before his final words.

“With your skills, Cerryl, I am certain you can handle such a mundane task.”

Behind the High Wizard, Anya smiled through the dim lamplight.

“I appreciate your trust and confidence.” Wonderful! You’re in charge of more road than Fydel and with fewer lancers. Yet another opportunity for failure and disgrace, especially against an experienced Black commander.