‘You don’t know,’ Duiker said.

‘No,’ Bult said, retrieving the jug from the historian’s hand and taking a mouthful.

‘Now, Duiker,’ Coltaine said, ‘tell us of your journey.’

The historian had no intention of explaining his efforts regarding Heboric Light Touch. He sketched a tale that ran close enough to the truth, however, to sound convincing. He and Kulp had ridden to a coastal town to meet some old friends in a Marine detachment. Ill luck that it was the night of the Mutiny. Seeing an opportunity to pass through the enemy ranks in disguise, gathering information as he went, Duiker elected to ride. Kulp had joined the marines in an effort to sail south to Hissar’s harbour. As he spoke, the muted sounds of wagons lurching into motion on the oxbow island reached the men.

It was loud enough for Kamist Reloe’s soldiers to hear, and rightly guess that the crossing had begun. Duiker wondered how the Whirlwind commander would respond.

As the historian began elaborating on what he had observed of the enemy, Coltaine cut him off with a raised hand. ‘If all your narratives are as dull, it’s a wonder anyone reads them,’ he muttered.

Smiling, Duiker leaned back and closed his eyes. ‘Ah, Fist, it’s the curse of history that those who should read them, never do. Besides, I am tired.’

‘Uncle, find this old man a tent and a bedroll,’ Coltaine said. ‘Give him two hours. I want him up to witness as much of the crossing as possible. Let the events of the next day be written, lest history’s lesson be lost to all who follow.’

‘Two hours?’ Duiker mumbled. ‘I can’t guarantee I won’t have a blurry recollection, assuming I survive to record the tale.’

A hand shook his shoulder. The historian opened his eyes. He had fallen asleep in the chair. A blanket had been thrown across him, the Wickan wool foul-smelling and dubiously stained. A young corporal stood over him.

‘Sir? You are to rise now.’

Every bone ached. Duiker scowled. ‘What’s your name, Corporal?’

‘List, sir. Fifth Company, sir.’

Oh. Yes, the one who died and died in the mock engagements.

Only now did the composite roar from outside reach the historian’s senses. He sat up. ‘Hood’s breath! Is that a battle out there?’

Corporal List shrugged. ‘Not yet. Just the drovers and the livestock. They’re crossing. There’s been some clashes on the other side – the Guran army’s arrived. But we’re holding.’

Duiker flung the blanket aside and stood up. List handed him a battered tin cup.

‘Careful, sir, it’s hot.’

The historian stared down at the dark-brown liquid. ‘What is it?’

‘Don’t know, sir. Something Wickan.’

He took a sip, wincing at the scalding, bitter taste. ‘Where is Coltaine? Something I forgot to tell him last night.’

‘He rides with his Crow Clan.’

‘What time is it?’

‘Almost dawn.’