“A job—for Arista Essendon. She hired us to help her contact the Nationalists.”

“And now she has you seizing control of my army.”

“Your army? I thought this was Gaunt’s.”

“So did he. And the moment I’m away, Degan gets himself captured after putting that thing in charge. Royce with you?”

“Was—Arista sent him to contact Alric about invading Warric.”

While eating Parker’s ham and eggs, Hadrian provided Esrahaddon with further details about the rebellion and his plans for attacking Dermont. Just as he had finished the meal, there was a knock on the door. Five officers and the harried-looking sergeant who carried Hadrian’s swords entered.

Esrahaddon addressed them. “As Parker no doubt informed you, this is Marshal Lord Blackwater, your new commander. Do anything he says, as if he were Gaunt himself. I think you’ll find him a very worthy replacement for your general.”

They nodded and stood at attention.

Hadrian got up, walked around the table, and announced, “We will attack the imperial position immediately.”

“Now?” one said, astonished.

“I wish there was more time, but I’ve been tied up elsewhere. We’ll launch our attack directly across that muddy field, where the Imps’ three hundred heavy cavalry can’t ride, and where their longbow archers can’t see in this rain. Our lightly armored infantry must move quickly to overwhelm them. We’ll close at a run and butcher them man to man.”

“But they’ll—” a tall gruff-looking soldier with a partial beard and mismatched armor started, then stopped himself.

“They’ll what?” Hadrian asked.

“I was just thinking. The moment they see us advance, won’t they retreat within the city walls?”

“What’s your name?” Hadrian asked.

The man looked worried but held his ground. “Renquist, sir.”

“Well, Renquist, you’re absolutely right. That’s exactly what they will try to do. Only they won’t be able to get in. By then our allied forces will own the city.”

“Allied forces?”

“I don’t have time to explain. Don’t strike camp, and don’t use horns or drums to assemble. With luck, there’s a good chance we can catch them by surprise. By now, they probably think we’ll never attack. Renquist, how long do you estimate to have the men assembled and ready to march?”

“Two hours,” he replied with more confidence.