Two guards stood before the entrance. They snapped to attention as the senior officers stepped by them and into the tent. Sabinus and Setinnunus moved up to the table. They both stiffened to attention.
“Now that we are all here, we can begin.” Stiger turned to Sabinus and Setinnunus. “Give me an update on your progress.”
“As ordered,” Setinnunus began, “the bridging equipment has been loaded onto the wagons. The teams have been hitched and driven out of the encampment. Both bridges and the boats are good to move out on your orders. I’ve also personally ridden down to the river and checked the water’s height and flow. Forcing a crossing will prove a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. My engineers stand ready to get the job done, sir.”
Stiger gave a satisfied nod, well pleased with his chief engineer. Delvaris had clearly assembled the best of the best for his legion. He looked to Sabinus for his report.
“I have a day’s pre-cooked rations for five thousand men loaded onto a mule train,” Sabinus said. “If I had another hour, I could double that.”
“I am afraid we can’t spare an hour,” Stiger said and turned to his camp prefect. “Salt, would you see that additional rations follow after them?”
“I will, sir,” Salt said. “Say another day’s rations for five thousand? Or would you prefer more? We’ve got plenty of salt pork.”
Stiger gave it some thought. The force he was planning on detaching would be on their own for more than a day. This would include the dwarves, which was why Thigra had been asked to join the meeting. Speed and maximizing his available manpower was all that mattered at the moment. The sad truth was that in a few hours’ time there would likely be fewer mouths to feed, and those rations for five thousand would stretch a little.
“I think another five thousand will be sufficient,” Stiger said. “At the moment, I don’t want to pull more of our reserves off of the line than we already have to help move supplies. If needed, we can always forward additional rations later.”
“I concur, sir,” Salt said.
Stiger motioned at the table for everyone to draw closer. He had outlined his plan an hour before to those gathered around the table and asked them to think on it. He had called them back together, for it was time to begin the final review and discuss any potential challenges or obstacles. Stiger was conflicted about this plan of action, as it was nearly the same one Delvaris had pursued. This meant there was a strong chance the minion would know what he intended. Still, Stiger had considered his options and felt it was the only path open to him if he had a hope of seizing the initiative.
“Excuse me, sir,” Nepturus said, stepping into the tent holding a dispatch. “I apologize for interrupting. Another dwarven messenger has arrived. He said he was instructed to wait for a response.”
Stiger motioned with his hand for the dispatch. Nepturus stepped over to him. Stiger took the letter and opened it.
“It’s in dwarven.” Stiger handed it over to Theo. “Do you think you could ask your people to write in common?”
Theo ignored Stiger’s comment and read the dispatch. “It seems my cousin has sent part of his army on ahead. Two warbands should be here within the hour. They have exited the mountain’s gate.” Theo paused and looked up at Stiger. “Both warbands were dispatched earlier this afternoon.”
Which meant, Stiger realized, they had marched before Thoggle had even left. Still, it was welcome news.
“Does it say how many warriors Brogan has sent?” Thigra asked.
“Around six thousand,” Theo said. He looked over at Stiger. “Chovhog of the Forge Clan who we were already expecting, is leading them and sent this messenger on ahead of his arrival.”
“That’s perfect,” Stiger said, doing the math in his head. He would add them to his flanking expedition.
“Chovhog wants a report on the conditions here,” Theo added. “He is asking to know just how bad things are.”
“That sounds like Chovhog,” Thigra said. “He probably believes he is coming to our rescue.”
Stiger looked over at his clerk, who had remained. “Nepturus, I will have a response for the messenger shortly.”
“Yes, sir,” Nepturus said and withdrew.
“Six thousand warriors will do nicely,” Stiger said. “Okay, I would like to get things moving. Let’s review the plan one last time.”
“There is no need,” Thigra said as a hand idly stroked the braids of his beard. “I have already considered your plan. My warriors will not participate. We shall remain deployed on the line, as we currently are.”
“What?” Salt asked. “Explain yourself, dwarf.”
“I refuse to serve under a human commander,” Thigra said.
“Excuse me?” Stiger leaned forward, placing his palms down on the table. “I was under the impression we were allies?”
“That is true,” Thigra said, “but that doesn’t mean you command me or my warriors. Brogan has my allegiance. I go where he orders me. I do what he says. The only way I would consider joining this expedition of yours”—Thigra gave him a thin-lipped smile—“is if I am placed in command.”
Stiger felt his anger mount. They were in a difficult position here, and just yards away men were fighting for their lives. Thigra was wasting Stiger’s time with pointless games. It took some effort to tamp down on the anger that started to course through his veins.
“I would appreciate your support in this, Thigra,” Stiger said. “I am asking for your assistance. By withholding your two thousand warriors, you threaten the success of our flanking movement.”
“I thought I just made this obvious,” Thigra said and crossed his arms over his long beard. The thin-lipped smile remained in place. “The only way you get my support is by placing me in command. You can always write Brogan. If he agrees . . . well, then I will do as he commands.”
“There is no time for that,” Salt fairly roared at the dwarf. It turned heads in the administrative tent.
Stiger ground his teeth. This was maddening. There was absolutely no way he could consider placing Thigra in command of the entire expedition. He didn’t know the dwarf’s capabilities as a leader. Stiger needed someone he could rely upon, like Sabinus, to carry it through. Would Chovhog prove just as intractable?
Stiger rubbed his jaw as he considered the smug-looking chieftain of the Rock Breakers. Cleary Thigra felt he had Stiger between two fires with no way out.
“About that, Thigra . . .” Theo pulled a folded piece of parchment out from a pocket in his cloak. “Perhaps you might consider reading this, eh?”
There was a mischievous twinkle to Theo’s eye as he handed it over to the chieftain, whose smile slipped from his face as he unfolded the parchment. He cast the spymaster a suspicious look. As he began reading, his eyebrows drew together and a scowl formed. He looked up once more at Theo and then over at Stiger before he returned to the parchment. After another moment, he tossed it down on the table. Stiger recognized Brogan’s seal at the bottom.
Thigra shot a hate-filled look at Theo.
“It seems,” Thigra said to Stiger, barely concealed rage in his voice, “my thane has seen fit to place me and my warband under your command. I will do as you want.”
Theo winked at Stiger before reaching forward to retrieve the parchment. The spymaster carefully folded it up and returned it to his cloak pocket.
“Well,” Stiger said, eyeing Theo a moment. Theo was one sly bastard. “Now that we have settled questions on the chain of command, let’s review the plan. By my calculation, with Thigra’s boys, the additional two warbands, First Cohort, our cavalry wing, and the two cohorts already in position at the crossing, we will have a force of more than eleven thousand with which to flank the enemy. More importantly, courtesy of Setinnunus, we have two pontoon bridges ready for deployment to make this happen.” Stiger paused and turned to his chief engineer. “How many boats, again?”
“We’ve constructed forty flat-bottomed boats, sir,” Setinnunus said. “As we pr
epare to deploy the bridges, the boats will allow us to establish a bridgehead on the other side.” Setinnunus paused and looked over at Hux. “We constructed the boats with the cavalry in mind; they are more flat-bottomed barges than anything else. We should be able to easily move several squadrons across to scout beyond the bridgehead”—he shifted his gaze to Sabinus—“followed by infantry, of course.”
“I like that a lot,” Hux said. “It’s been terribly boring sitting back and cooling our heels while the rest of the legion gets in on the action.”
“Excellent, Setinnunus,” Stiger said and then turned to his senior centurion. It was time to reinforce Sabinus’s authority over the expedition. “Sabinus, you have overall command of the expedition.” He paused a moment and glanced over at Thigra. The chieftain looked supremely chafed and offended.
“Thigra,” Stiger said, “I would take it as a personal honor if you will act as Sabinus’s second-in-command. Theo has spoken highly of your steady nature and the quality of your warband. If our alliance is to have any chance of succeeding, there will be times when humans command and others when dwarves command.”
Thigra appeared genuinely surprised by the offer. His eyes flicked to Theo, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. Had Stiger not been watching, he might have missed it.
“Will Chovhog supersede me?” Thigra asked Theo. “He no doubt will want to.”
“I would assume not,” Theo said. “Chovhog would be under you. Is that not correct, Legate?”
“That’s correct,” Stiger said. “You will retain your position as Sabinus’s second.”
“Then, I heartily accept,” Thigra said with broad-toothed smile and looked over at Sabinus. “We will kill many of the enemy and gain much legend.”
“We will,” Sabinus confirmed.
“Right, let’s get back to it.” Stiger pointed down toward the map. He traced a finger along the river. “Taking both bridges and the boats, you will march upriver to this crossing point here, to the demolished wooden bridge. Once there, you are to bridge the river. Use the boats to get as many over to the other side as possible to better secure the bridgehead. This would, of course, include parts of the cavalry.” Stiger paused to look up at Sabinus and Thigra. “My recommendation is to continue to use the boats even after the bridges have been put up. The goal is to make your crossing as rapidly as possible. Speed is the key. The quicker you are, the better your chances of slipping across the river undetected.”
“Yes sir,” Sabinus said.
“You all are aware Thoggle left to hurry Brogan. I am hoping by the time you complete the bridges, which will take several hours, the rest of Brogan’s army should begin arriving.” Stiger paused and looked over at Setinnunus. “I don’t wish to put words in your mouth. How long do you feel it will take you to deploy both bridges?”
“Six to seven hours, sir,” Setinnunus said. “We will strive to do it quicker, but I cannot promise anything.”
“Okay,” Stiger said, looking between Sabinus and Thigra. “I intend for Brogan to cross with you. If things go poorly for us here, I may change my mind, but I think it unlikely. We are holding firm. That said, whether Brogan is with you or not, you are to get across and proceed with all possible haste toward the enemy’s position on the other side of the river. You are to advance to contact and strike the enemy on the flank as hard as you can.”
“Sir,” Sabinus said. “If Brogan is not with us by the time we move, we are sure to be badly outnumbered as we advance on the enemy’s main body.”
Stiger did not immediately reply as he considered how best to respond.
“That’s a risk we have to take.” Stiger understood full well the men and dwarves of the expedition would be the ones taking the risk. “I have good reason to believe Brogan will be there with you. Besides, you will have one major advantage over the enemy.” Stiger turned his gaze to Hux. “Isn’t that right, Prefect?”
“It is, sir,” Hux said. “Nearly eight hundred mounted is a powerful striking force.”
“In mountains,” Therik said, “is all up and down. Nowhere good for horse soldiers in mountains.”
“You mean it’s no good for cavalry in the rugged mountains of your lands?” Theo asked the orc.
“Yes,” Therik said. “My people no believe in mounted soldiers. We have no need.”
“We’re not in your mountains,” Hux said. “I shall do my very best to educate the enemy as to their lack of foresight.”
Therik’s look became hard as he gazed at the prefect.
“With any luck,” Stiger said, “your appearance on the enemy’s flank will come as a complete shock. If I had to make a guess, I’d say Therik’s people are not prepared to face cavalry on the field of battle.” Stiger paused and turned to Therik. “Is that right?”
“Yes.” Therik’s gaze was still on Hux, who returned the orc’s gaze with one of equanimity.
“That means their tactics are likely woefully inadequate for coping with a large mounted force,” Stiger said, “which should help your chances dramatically.”
“That is not a surety,” Thigra said. “This entire expedition smacks of desperation. We’re slaughtering them well enough here. We should continue to do so, not split our force. With Brogan on the way, it makes it less likely the enemy can overcome the defenses.”
“Thigra,” Theo said in warning.
Stiger held up a hand to stop his friend. He could not tell them that he already knew Delvaris launched just such an expedition, catching the enemy by surprise. Instead, he would have to use an alternative argument.
“Nothing in war is certain,” Stiger said. “Thoggle went to speed along Brogan. We don’t know if he will be successful or that the thane’s army will arrive in time to make a difference. We have been hoping for a pause in the fighting to allow us a respite, but there hasn’t been one. Despite horrific losses, the enemy shows no signs of letting up. Even if they do pause to regroup, they will just come again and again.”
“They will,” Therik confirmed. “They look to wear you down, and they have not even sent in their trolls. When that happens, things will get difficult.”
“It is as Therik said. Eventually our boys will tire,” Stiger said. “I need not tell you what will happen. This is why we need to seize the initiative. To even begin to do that, it will take hours of preparation, perhaps as many as seven or eight before you can fully cross, march, and come in contact with the enemy. With a bit of fortune, Brogan’s army will arrive in time to reinforce you. If Brogan hasn’t made it by the time you are ready to march downriver, then so be it.”
“I see, sir,” Sabinus said. “What you ask will be very risky, even with the cavalry. We already know the enemy has scouts on the other side of the river.”
“Those scouts appear to have only been interested at looking for suitable crossings. None have been spotted at this crossing for some hours,” Stiger said and picked up a dispatch from the table. “I had the opposite bank of the crossing scouted. Our scouts could find no sign of the enemy within a two-mile radius. Hopefully, this means we can catch them by surprise. Once you have established your bridgehead, push the cavalry and foot patrols outward to keep the enemy’s eyes off the crossing. If your presence is detected, you don’t want them knowing your true strength.”
“Without Brogan’s army,” Sabinus said, “once we march, we may find ourselves in trouble and unable to return.”
“I understand,” Stiger said and truly he did. If it all went badly he would be sending more than eleven thousand souls to their deaths. “However, by the time you effect your crossing, the sun will be well up. You will have our entire wing of cavalry at your disposal to screen your advance. The enemy should not be able to sneak up on you, and if they maneuver to attack, you will have an early warning. As I said, I am hoping Brogan will arrive in time to join you also.” Stiger paused. “In such an eventuality, Brogan shall assume command of the expedition.”
“I understand, sir,” Sabinus said. “Do I ha
ve permission to withdraw if I need to?”
“You do,” Stiger said. “I will leave it up to you. If you are discovered and the enemy maneuvers against you, you may fall back. However, I am counting on this flanking movement helping to shift the initiative to our side. With a little bit of fortune and speed on your part, you will cause a general panic and potentially force the enemy to withdraw from this side of the river. When that happens, we shall go over to the attack, force our way down into the bowl and over the bridge to join you.”
“How will we get word to you when we are in position to attack?” Thigra asked. “Sending a rider back to the bridges and then on to you will take too much time.”
“We will position a team on the riverbank, a thousand yards upriver from our defensive line,” Salt said. “Send a squadron of cavalry to make contact. They can shout anything that needs to be conveyed across the water.”
“That will work,” Hux said. “I will detach a squadron just for that purpose. One other thing, sir?”
Stiger nodded for the cavalry prefect to continue.
“I am concerned about taking all of the cavalry with me,” Hux said. “You will still need the river patrolled in the event the enemy attempts a crossing of their own.”
Stiger looked to Sabinus for his opinion.
“I’d like as many as I can get, sir,” Sabinus said. “The more men we have in the saddle, the better our chances.”
Stiger turned to Salt for his opinion.
“I’d feel more comfortable with the patrols continuing, sir,” Salt said. “However, the flanking expedition will, I think when the time comes, have a greater need for every available trooper.”
Stiger did not like the idea of paring down the patrols along the river, especially now that he knew the enemy had the capability to bridge. He weighed the risks for another moment as everyone in the tent had their eyes upon him.
“Perhaps we retain three squadrons?” Stiger suggested, for he agreed with Salt and Sabinus. “One for messaging and two for patrols.”
“We can also send out foot patrols, sir,” Salt said. “It would dilute our reserve a bit, but having extra eyes are better than none.”
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