When they were a few yards away, Winter offered the formal nod that was due to an officer of equal rank. Bobby and Cyte saluted, and the ranker with the flag did likewise. The Royal colonel returned the gesture, precise and correct, while the other just stared insolently.

“I’m Colonel Winter Ihernglass,” Winter said. “Third Regiment of the Army of the East. This is Lieutenant Forester and Lieutenant Cytomandiclea.”

The unofficial-looking colonel raised his eyebrows at Cyte’s full name, but his companion remained impassive.

“I’m Colonel Zarout, of the Eighteenth Regiment of the Line,” he said. “This is Colonel Braes, of the Tenth Volunteers.”

“I’ve sent a rider to bring General Vhalnich,” Winter said. “He’s at the rear of the column, but I’m sure he’ll be here in a few minutes.”

“If you don’t mind,” said Braes, “I’d like to have a chat before he gets here.” He had the drawl of the Transpale in his voice. “These your troops in front of us?”

“This is the Third Regiment, yes.”

Braes’ eyes went to Cyte for a moment. “Can’t help but notice that most of ’em appear to be ladies.”

Winter’s expression hardened. “The First Battalion is female. As are many of my officers.”

“I heard some strange things about Vhalnich, but I didn’t credit them,” Braes said. “There a lot of girls in this army?”

“As far as I know, only my regiment has a women’s battalion,” Winter said in the iciest tone she could manage.

“I have to tell you, I’d have a hard time shooting a girl,” Braes said.

“I assure you that the reverse is not true,” Winter said.

Colonel Zarout coughed. “The . . . gender of Colonel Ihernglass’ troops is not the issue here.”

Braes gave a rolling shrug. “Just curious.”

“Colonel,” Zarout said, turning back to Winter, “I would like to inquire as to General Vhalnich’s intentions.”

“I’m sure he can answer your questions when he arrives,” Winter said.

“You must know something,” Zarout said. “He is marching on Vordan City. Has he said why?”

Winter hesitated, then said, “General Vhalnich believes that the President of the Directory has unlawfully assumed the post of Minister of War, and other powers besides. He is marching to support the queen and the legitimate government of Deputies-General.”

“Way I heard it, he’s trying to keep himself off the Spike,” Braes said.

“General Vhalnich would never disobey an order he believed was legitimate,” Winter said. “And I think I should ask your intentions. My scouts tell me that your troops are drawn up in defensive positions across the road.”

“I have orders,” Zarout said, “from the new Minister of War, to engage and defeat the Army of the East.”

Braes gave a braying laugh, which earned him a cold look from Zarout.