to kill us. What shall we do?” The general’s voice was light and playful, but the officers around the table had fallen completely silent. None of them wanted to distract Bellorum’s attention from Commander Aurelius; after all, he might recall some of their shortcomings.
Bellorum stood up and, motioning his staff officers to remain seated, he strolled to the open wall of the tent and looked out at Frostmarris riding like a huge stone ship on a sea of brilliant wildflowers. “Perhaps I’m being a little unfair, Aurelius. We all of us know that these people are as tough as boiled leather. Our casualties in taking the cities of the Icemark have never been higher, and no sieges have ever been so long and drawn out. And here on this plain we’re not facing a half-trained militia, but a Royal Army of the House of Strong-in-the-Arm. What an incredible addition they’ll make to the ranks of the Imperial forces, once we’ve killed their Queen, of course.”
The staff officers visibly relaxed as the general seemed to have forgiven the casualty rate of the previous day. “I’ve ordered an additional four full-sized armies to be sent from the Polypontus.” He turned and smiled at the murmurs that greeted this statement. “Oh yes, I know. Three Imperial armies are usually more than enough to conquer new territory, no matter how large. But I’m afraid, gentlemen, that this little land has already stretched us to capacity. So watch and learn; a good general is never too proud to acknowledge the strength of the enemy. The Icemark has been underestimated by our tacticians and logistical experts, but I will put that right.”
He walked back to the table and sat down. “With this in mind, I intend to open proceedings tomorrow with a full-scale assault by the Red Army, with the Black Army in support.” He waited quietly until the burst of conversation died down. “Now, I know this is a little unconventional and that the White and Blue armies usually deepen their experience of warfare in these opening assaults, but, as I’ve already said, these people are tough, and I, for one, am completely resolved not to underestimate them. The Reds have the experience necessary to face such martial ability. And be aware of this, gentlemen: I want to be through those outer defenses by tomorrow evening and besieging the walls of Frostmarris itself by nightfall. And you, Commander Aurelius, will lead the first assault.”
The commander saluted briskly. “It will be an honor, General.”
“I’mso glad you see it that way,” Bellorum replied smoothly. Then he said, “Right, down to reports. What can you tell me about their dispositions?”
Maps and charts were quickly laid out on the table, and Aurelius stood up to point out details. “Well, sir, they have their artillery positioned at several points around their perimeter. Nothing to worry about, just primitive ballistas and trebuchets, and they have their housecarls and units of the fyrd positioned equally around the defensive embankments. There is one odd thing, though. Our scouts have reported seeing giant leopards on the defenses, too. They must be tame, because they seem to be completely unrestrained, and the largest of them all is the constant companion of the young Queen.”
“Giant leopards, eh? Well, I shouldn’t imagine they’ll be fighting tomorrow. Perhaps when we’ve captured the city, we can send some to the Imperial Zoo,” Bellorum said, smiling softly as his officers laughed.
At dawn Thirrin and Tharaman-Thar led their dismounted cavalry down to the defenses out on the plain. The streets of Frostmarris had been alive with the noises of preparation: shouted orders, tramping feet, the clink of weapons and armor. Many of the housecarls seemed almost happy — elated, even — laughing and joking as though they were off on some exciting trip. But Thirrin felt sick with fear and kept her voice low whenever she spoke, in case she betrayed herself with a quaver or tremble.
She and Tharaman had left Oskan and Maggiore in the courtyard of the citadel, and she’d even allowed herself to hug them both, her face set in the rigid mask of martial resolve. Oskan had held her hand for a few seconds longer than was strictly necessary, and she had to steel herself not to snatch it back in front of her soldiers. But then they’d turned and marched away through the streets.
Tharaman sensed her emotional turmoil and said quietly, “Don’t be fooled by this excitement the housecarls are showing. They’re just relieved to be