The Fireseed Wars

IV

"What is the meaning of this, King Lysandros?" Grand Commander Aristocles demanded, as he reined his big charger in, stirring up a small dust cloud. "I have received word that you and your army are about to retire from the Grand Host."

Lysandros stared him straight in the eyes. "Yes, We now face open rebellion throughout Hos-Harphax because of my absence. It is time for Us to return to Our Kingdom."

"I warned you, Lysandros. This will not go over well with Styphon's Voice!"

"We are leaving. I will pray to the Wargod for the success of your siege. But outside of a major battle, there is no way you can stop us from leaving."

"By Yirtta's udders! I will not fight an ally who has fought at my side for over a winter. If we fight amongst ourselves, we will only give the Usurper Kalvan two victories without his having to spend a man to earn them! Not only would Galzar find that folly, but Styphon would curse us from above."

"I'm also going to take half the supplies-"

"What? That I will fight you over!"

Lysandros crossed his arms. "I will need lots of victuals and forage to make my way back to Hos-Harphax. From here to the Nyklos Trail and all the way to Hostigos is nothing but wasteland, burned farms and forests. No game, no forage, no wildlife of any sort."

"We're not getting much in the way of supplies any more from Glarth Town," Aristocles replied. "The war in Hos-Agrys has created shortages. What are my men supposed to eat? Dead rats and corn stubble?"

"You can raid into Ragnar or Lahrag. Where we are going is a man-made desert."

"I'll give you half of our food stocks, but only if you grant those of your men who wish to remain here your permission to stay with the Grand Host."

The King had to fight to keep a sly grin off his face. He knew how that vote would turn out; the complaining about poor rations, the damnable Hostigi and the constant raids were a never ending rumble throughout the camp. "It shall be done this eve. Those who wish to return to Hos-Harphax will depart in the morning."

For a moment Artistocles looked panic-stricken, then he regained his composure. "Only those soldiers who you brought with you or who hail from Hos-Harphax will be eligible to leave. Is this understood?"

"Yes, it is, Grand Commander Aristocles." Lysandros kept his grin to himself, thinking, the poor bugger must have suddenly realized that if the entire Host voted, his army would retire en mussel