“You’re scouts for the column, yes?”

The lieutenant’s gaze remained fixed on the hatchet.

“Didn’t catch that,” Hawkwood said, inclining his head as though deaf.

The lieutenant swallowed. “Y-yes.”

“How far behind is it?”

Hope flared in the man’s eyes at the thought of his compatriots appearing out of the mist to save him, but it was a vision dashed as Hawkwood laid the flat of the tomahawk blade against the lieutenant’s pale cheek. “Don’t lie. I’ll know if you lie and I’ll let my friends ask the questions. You understand me?”

A sound, halfway between a gasp and a croak, emerged from the lieutenant’s throat. “Not far … a mile … I’m not sure.”

“How many men?”

“Four companies.”

“Who leads them?”

“The lieutenant blinked. It was not a question he’d expected. “Major Quade.”

“Well, well,” Lawrence murmured.

“Their objective is Lacolle, correct?” Hawkwood said.

The lieutenant hesitated then nodded.

“Is the main army still at Plattsburg?”

The lieutenant hesitated again.

“Come on, lad,” Lawrence said. “You done well so far. Don’t ruin it.”

“C – Colonel Pearce leads them to Champlain.”

“To await news of victory before advancing at the double, no doubt,” Lawrence said. He looked at Hawkwood. “Well?”

Hawkwood led Lawrence to one side. “Take the horse, Douglas. Ride to Lacolle. Warn them.”

Lawrence frowned. “There are two horses.”

Hawkwood turned. “Rake’niha, I need a man to guide Major Lawrence the rest of the way.”

Tewanias called to the warrior who was holding Lieutenant Nevens’ horse.

“I take it this means you’re going to try and keep the buggers occupied?” Lawrence said.

“If we can. With luck, it’ll give you time to alert Lacolle so they can send for help.”

Lawrence bit his lip.

Hawkwood smiled. “It has to be you, Douglas. You’re the better rider.”

Lawrence looked towards Tewanias and his warriors. “And you’re the one who speaks the lingo.”

Tewanias approached. At his side, Lawrence’s appointed guide.

“Oneas ronwa:iats,” Tewanias said to Lawrence before correcting himself with a smile. “His name is Oneas. He has some English.”

As his name was spoken, the Mohawk swung himself effortlessly into the saddle.

“Always useful,” Lawrence said. He looked across to where the lieutenant was being held and his face froze.

“You should leave now, Douglas,” Hawkwood said.

Lawrence hesitated, made as if to speak, and fell silent. Then he tucked in his scarf and mounted the horse.

Tewanias raised his hand and spoke in English. “Goodbye, Roren. We will meet again.”

“I hope so, sir,” Lawrence said. “It’s been an honour.” He turned back to Hawkwood. His mouth was set grim.

“O:nen ki’ wahi’, Major.” Hawkwood held out his hand. “Safe journey.”

Lawrence paused, then grasping the hand, he said, “You, too, Captain. I’ll see you in Lacolle, God willing.” Releasing his grip, and as if discomforted by the prospect of parting, he turned his horse and rode to where his guide was waiting.