Kildragon said, Weve got to give him something to gnash his teeth on, Bragi. Hes foaming at the mouth because you wont give him anything.

Not going to, either. I dont like his game. As long as Im stuck with it, Im going to play it better than he does. All that growl is just for show, anyway. My father did the same thing. Bet you he isnt half a hardass once weve won our shields.

Hrumph! Haaken opined.

Rumors flew like panicky pigeons at breakfast. The old men in the Citadel had accepted a big commission. The drill instructors did not deny that. The recruit company would be included. The noncoms would not confirm or deny that. Going on from that point, virtually every imaginable possibility was aired. Sanguinet and Trubacik apparently knew the truth, but they werent talking. The sergeant was pale, and he roared more than normal. He altered the training routine to include more weapons practice and drill to battlefield signals.

Were going, Bragi guessed, stomach heavy. And he expects action. The enemy wont be anybody wholl fold when he hears were in the field.

Haaken grunted affirmatively. Reskird observed, Hes scared.

Bragi grumbled, Hell, you cant blame him. His life will depend on us. And weve never been in combat.

He should have more faith in his ability as an instructor.

Would you, in his boots?

Reskird shrugged. No. You never know what a man will do till hes stuck in a situation. Were the only ones in the outfit whove ever been in a real fight.

There was no official comment till evening parade. Then a Colonel from the Citadel addressed the assembled troops, veterans and recruits alike. He said, yes, a commission had been accepted. A thousand men would be involved. General Hawkwind would command. Details he kept to himself, perhaps for security reasons. He urged all brothers not actively participating to remember Hawkwinds force in their prayers.

Hawkwind! Reskird enthused. What a break. First time out and we get the grand master. You hear what he did at Balewyne last year? Beat the whole Kisten army with five hundred men.

Bragi grunted. With five hundred veterans from his own and the White Company.

Youre as bad as Haaken. Know that? What about Wadi el Kuf? Fifteen thousand enemy dead on the field. Hes never lost a battle.

Always a first time, Haaken grumbled.

I dont believe you. How soon you think well head out?

The word passed through the barracks that night: the recruit company would complete its training. Five days of Hell remained.

So much for marching off to war, Reskird. Bragi whispered after lights out. Youre full of it, you know that? Enjoy the obstacle course.

One regular company departed two days later, bound for a rendezvous with Hawkwind somewhere to the south. Word spread quickly: the recruit company would have to catch up on the road. Grim faces appeared. The pace would be hard. Graduation would provide no respite.