Narayan couldnt believe. He was the son of his culture. I was a woman. But he wanted to believe. He said, But youre so young.

In some ways. I never loved before the Captain. This shell is a mask, Narayan. I entered this world before the Black Company passed this way the first time. Im old, Narayan. Old and wicked. Ive done things no one would believe. I know evil, intrigue, and war like theyre my children. I nurtured them for centuries.

Even as the Captains lover I was more than a paramour. I was the Lieutenant, his chief of staff.

Im the Captain now, Narayan. While I survive the Company survives. And goes on. And finds new life. Im going to rebuild, Narayan. It may wear another name for a while but behind the domino it will be the Black Company. And it will be the instrument of my will.

Narayan grinned that grin. You may be Her indeed.

I may be who?

Soon, Mistress. Soon. Its not yet time. Suffice it to say that not everyone greeted the return of the Black Company with despair. His eyes went shifty.

Say that, then. I decided not to press him. I needed him pliable. For the moment. Were building an army. Were woefully beggared of an armys most precious resource, veteran sergeants. We have no one who can teach.

Tonight, before they eat, sort the men by religion. Organize them in squads of ten, three from each cult plus one non-Taglian. Assign each squad a permanent place in the camp and the order of march. I want no intercourse between squads till each can elect a leader and his second. Theyd better work out how to get along. Theyll be stuck in those squads.

Another risk. The men were not in the best temper. But they were isolated from the priesthoods and culture which reinforced their prejudices. Their priests had done their thinking for them all their lives. Out here they had nobody but me to tell them what to do.

I wont approach Ghoja before the squads pick leaders. Fighting amongst squad members should be punished. Set up whipping posts before you make the assignments. Send the squads to supper as you form them. Learning to cook together will help. I waved him away.

He rose. If they can eat together they can do anything together, Mistress.

I know. Each cult sustained an absurd tangle of dietary laws. Thus, this approach. It should undermine prejudice at its most basic level.

These men would not rid themselves of ingrained hatred but would set it aside around those with whom they served. Its easier to hate those you dont know than those you do. When you march with someone and have to trust him with your life its hard to keep hating irrationally.