I had no hope Shadowspinner would elect that option. He retained the preponderance of force-if not in numbers, certainly in power. The stunt I had pulled was the limit. I would not send these men into a maelstrom of sorcery.

The victory would increase their confidence but could lead to trouble if I overvalued it. That was partly why Croaker lost his last battle. He got lucky several times and began to count on it. Luck has its way of running out.

You have a point, Narayan. No need to ask for trouble. Well talk about it tomorrow. Pass the word. Well make an early start. Rest. We may have to do it again. The men had to be reminded: there were battles yet to come.

The others went, leaving Ram, Blade, and me. I looked at Blade. Well done, Blade. Very well done.

He nodded. He knew that.

How are your friends taking it? Swan and Mather were off with their band of Radishas Guards.

He shrugged. Taking the long view.

Uhm?

Taglios will be there after the Black Company goes. Theyve set down roots there.

Understandable. Will they be trouble?

Blade chuckled. They dont even want to trouble Shadowspinner. If there was any way, theyd be running their tavern and staying out of everybodys way.

But they take their pledge to the Radisha seriously?

As seriously as you take your contract.

Then it behooves me to make sure theres no tension.

He grunted. Shadows dont need ideas.

True. Tomorrow, then.

He rose, went.

Ram, lets take a ride.

Ram groaned. In about a hundred years, maybe, he would make a horseman.

We were both in armor still, uncomfortable as that was. I touched up the glamors. We rode among the men. Had to keep their minds fixed on me. I paused to thank men who had been pointed out as having done well. When the show was over I returned to my own place in the camp, indistinguishable from any other, and gave myself up to nights dreams.

I was sick again. Ram did his best to keep it from the men. I noticed Narayan whispering with Sindhu about it. I did not care at the moment. Sindhu glided away, presumably to tell Blade. Narayan came over. Perhaps you ought to consult a physician.

You have one handy?

His grin was a shadow of itself. No. There isnt one here.

Which meant some of the wounded would die needlessly, often as not victims of their own home remedies. Medical discipline had been something Croaker had started pounding into his men when they were learning to keep in step. And hed been right.

I have dealt with a great many soldiers and armies. Infection and disease are deadlier enemies than foreign arms. Determined health discipline had been one of the strengths of the Company before Croakers passing.

Pain. Damn me. It still hurt. I had never grieved over anybody before.