‘I can believe that,’ said Albert, his mind going back to the memory of warm, fuzzy, glowing words, kissing his ears softly. He turned to Colby quizzically. ‘But if he was such a well-liked soldier, why did he leave?’

Colby looked at him strangely. ‘I don’t know,’ he said. ‘He just called us together one day, and told us that he was through.’

‘Yes, but why? Doesn’t anyone know?’

‘I don’t think so. We all talked about it, but nobody really had a clue. I asked the commander once, and even he doesn’t know. He just says that Vail came to him one evening and said he wouldn’t be coming back, and that was it.’

‘Can you just leave the force like that?’

‘Well, not really, but then again, it was the captain, so nobody was really surprised. He had a way of getting what he wanted.’

‘So that was it then? He just walked out?’

‘Yes, and we never saw him again, not for years. Some of us even went to his tent a few times, just to see how he was doing, but we were always told he wasn’t there, and that we needn’t come back. After a while, everyone stopped trying, and he disappeared off the map. Nobody even knew if he was still in the valley. Then about a year or so ago, he reappeared and started holding speeches and public meetings and so on, saying that it was time to take back the valley and all that stuff.’

‘And I’m sure the people flocked in.’

‘Well, not immediately. In the beginning it was just some of the men, you know, curious to see the captain again. But soon enough, a lot of people—all kinds of people—were there, listening to him. And, before you knew it, half the valley was there, lining up to listen to what he said. And plenty stayed.’

‘But what about you? Do you agree with what he says?’

Colby hesitated. ‘I don’t know much about what he says,’ he replied finally. ‘But I think there’s enough around for everyone.’

‘That’s not what he thinks,’ said Albert. ‘But tell me,’ he went on, suddenly intrigued, ‘is that how it is with the soldiers? Do they agree with him?’

Colby looked uncomfortable now, like he wished he’d never brought the subject up. ‘I can’t speak for anyone else.’

Albert nodded. ‘Fair enough.’

Colby looked at him, and then suddenly he grinned. ‘You know, you’re all right!’

‘Thank you,’ said Albert. ‘I believe you are, too.’

Colby nodded. They were standing outside the tent now, and had been for some time.

‘One second,’ said Albert. ‘I just want to check on Theo.’