The Crown of blood

VI

Though camp life continued as normal for the next two days, Ullsaard was aware that the death of Neerita had cast a gloom over his army. It was difficult to understand, for few in the camp had known the woman, and accident and disease were no strangers to army life. The general noted the subdued mood as he made his morning rounds. The men saluted sharply enough as he passed, but he heard the mutterings, saw the look in their eyes; the inactivity was giving them time to think, to wonder what was happening, to ponder the future. In short, the legions were bored, and bored soldiers could be dangerous.

Ullsaard summoned Anasind to his tent to discuss the matter.

"They're not sure what they're doing here," the First Captain said. "And soldiers are a superstitious lot. They think the woman's death is a bad omen. It's a bad mix, making uncertainty become fear. They're not sure who the enemy is, who they're meant to fight or if they're meant to be fighting at all. It's no surprise they're restless."

"I want the companies on double-drill, and longer foraging," said Ullsaard. "Keep them busy, keep them sharp, stockpile more supplies. Make it look like something is happening; that we're not just sitting around with our thumbs up our arses."

"Is something happening?" asked Anasind. Ullsaard realised that the First Captain had been talking about the upper ranks' uncertainty as much as the common soldiers.

"Soon, I hope we'll be able to tell the men some good news," Ullsaard said. "I won't mind if a few rumours start spreading that we might be moving out. That'll keep their minds off the cold and the bad omens."

"I understand, General," Anasind said with a slight smile. "If I'm asked if there are any new orders, I'll firmly deny anything is happening."

"That's the trick," Ullsaard said with a wink. "There's no better way than going around saying nothing is happening to convince soldiers that something definitely is!"

When Anasind had gone, Ullsaard set off into the camp to find Urikh. His son was throwing dice with a bunch of second captains from the Twelfth Legion.

"Don't gamble with this one," Ullsaard said as the ring of men looked up from their game. "He'll own your wives and mothers by nightfall!"

As the men laughed, Ullsaard motioned for Urikh to join him.

"You can keep your womenfolk for the moment," Urikh said as he stood up. "Your tin and salt is worth more."

Light-hearted jeers followed them as Ullsaard led Urikh back through the camp.

"Whatever your plan is to deal with Aalun, how soon can you do it?" Ullsaard asked in a hushed tone.

"As soon as need be," replied Urikh.

"Then do it as soon as you can. I don't know how long we can hold things together here, and the weather in the mountains isn't getting any better."

"By this time tomorrow, Aalun will no longer be a problem."