“In accordance with the orders of the Secretary of War”—de Ferre raised his voice—“as of this moment, I am assuming command of the Army of the East.”

A mutter ran through the crowd of watching soldiers. Winter suppressed a start and tried to emulate Janus’ carefully bland expression.

“May I examine these orders?” Janus said. “For form’s sake.”

“Of course you may.” De Ferre stepped forward, pulling a sealed paper from his breast pocket, and handed it to Janus with the air of a fencer delivering a killing stroke. Janus examined the seal for a moment, then broke it with his thumb and read.

“I see,” he said. “By the order of Secretary of War Johann Maurisk.”

“That’s right.”

“And I am further ordered to place myself under your authority,” Janus said quietly.

“You are.” De Ferre was openly grinning now, decorum forgotten.

There was a long pause. Janus folded the document, carefully, and handed it back.

“General,” he said finally. “I wonder if we might speak . . . more privately.”

De Ferre’s eyes narrowed. “Surely you don’t intend to question the Minister’s orders?”

“Of course not. But there are matters of . . . operational detail that you should be made aware of.”

“Very well. Colonel Pahn will accompany me, if you don’t mind?”

“Not at all. Colonel Ihernglass, Colonel Warus, would you also join us?” Janus stepped aside and picked out an officer among the watching men. “Captain, would you make sure the rest of the general’s escort and their mounts are cared for?”

The man saluted, and Janus led the way through the tents to his own. It was, Winter noticed when they went inside, even more spartan than she remembered, presumably because of the lack of the missing Augustin’s touch. A folding table, a camp bed, and an open trunk packed full of books were the whole of the furnishings. De Ferre’s lip turned up in a sneer; clearly he was used to more comfortable surroundings.

“I think,” Janus said when they were all inside, “that you—”

“Sir,” de Ferre growled.

Janus paused.

“The Minister has placed me in command of all soldiers of the Army of the East, including you. You will therefore address me as sir.”

Winter sucked in a breath, and waited for the explosion.

“As you wish, sir,” Janus said mildly.

“Very good.” De Ferre waved a hand magisterially. “Continue.”

“Matters have progressed a bit further than the Minister was aware when he gave you your orders. We have fought and won a great battle here—”

“And you think that will reverse his decision?” de Ferre snarled. “Not this time, Vhalnich. Your luck has finally run out.”

“I think nothing of the kind, sir,” Janus said. “But it means our strategic situation is changed. The army is currently laying siege to the fortress of Antova.”

“I’m not blind, thank you.”