I bobbed my head, glanced at the wagons and their sad burdens. So many wounded, and so little I could do for them. He did not see the helpless feeling that caused. All I could do was sew them up and pray, and make the dying comfortable till they went-whereupon we dumped them to make room for newcomers.

Too many were lost who need not have been, had I had time, trained help, and a decent surgery. Why did I go out to-the battle line? Because I could accomplish something there. I could strike back at our tormentors.

Croaker, the Captain growled. I get the feeling youre not listening.

Yes sir. Understood, sir. Ill stay here and tend to my sewing.

Don*look so bleak. He touched my shoulder. Catcher says well reach the Stair of Tear tomorrow. Then we can do what we all want. Bloody Hardens nose.

Harden had become the senior Rebel general. Did he say how were going to manage that, outnumbered a skillion to one?

The Captain scowled. He did his shuffling little bear dance while he phrased a reassuring answer.

Three thousand exhausted, beaten men turn back Hardens victory-hopped horde? Not bloody likely. Not even with three of the Ten Who Were Taken helping.

I thought not, I sneered.

Thats not your department, though, is it? Catcher doesnt second-guess your surgical procedures, does he? Then why question the grand strategy?

I grinned. The unwritten law of all armies, Captain. The lower ranks have the privilege of questioning the sanity and competence of their commanders. Its the mortar holding an army together.

The Captain eyed me from his shorter stature, wider displacement, and from beneath shaggy brows. That holds them together, eh? And you know what keeps them moving?

Whats that?

Guys like me ass-kicking guys like you when they start philosophizing. If you get my drift.

I believe I do, sir. I moved out, recovered my kit from the wagon where I had stashed it, went to work. There were few new casualties.

Rebel ambition was wearing down under Stormbringers ceaseless assault.

I was loafing along, waiting for a call, when I spotted Elmo loping out of the weather. I hadnt seen him for days. He fell in beside the Captain. I ambled over.

... sweep around our right, he was saying. Maybe trying to reach the Stair first. He glanced at me, lifted a hand in greeting. It shook. He was pallid with weariness. Like the Captain, he had had little rest since we had entered the Windy Country.

Pull a company out of reserve. Take them in flank, the Captain replied. Hit them hard, and stand fast. They wont expect that. Itll shake them. Make them wonder what were up to.

Yes sir. Elmo turned to go,

Elmo?

Sir?

Be careful out there. Save your energy. Were going to keep moving tonight.