Chief of Scouts

(continued from “Sorcery is Battle Magic“)

The muster of the army is well underway. Xenograg has only the three hands of Rellugai and some local men hired as porters, and so finishes relatively quickly. He walks around the fields and baileys, informally inspecting things. Despite having seen it before years ago, he marvels at the Eldicorean war gear. Every warrior, whether Elf or Man, has arms and armor of superb quality. The high value placed upon each individual life is implicit in the expense shown.

Xenograg’s movements are not aimless. He passes within view of the bailey’s dais several times throughout the morning. Each time, he notes which members of the “war council” are present. Finally, he sees enough of them to put his plan into action. He approaches and steps onto the dais. Teleperien, Gwindor, Alderon, and Borin stand in discussion around a saw-horse table. Teleperien sees Xenograg first, and welcomes him in.

“Xeno, join us.”

“Thank you, Majesty.”

“I have seen you checking the muster,” she says with a smile.

“Making myself useful,” he replies, but she knows him too well.

“We are grateful. Do you have any recommendations, General?” she asks. Xenograg does not have to look to see High Captain Gwindor’s face become an unsmiling mask.

“I have a proposal, Majesty. With your permission?” Teleperien nods her assent, and Xenograg turns directly to the high captain. “Gwindor, I recognize the irregularity of my position here. I am an ally of Her Majesty, here by choice, but have brought little more than a bodyguard. That is offset by my singular experience, both martial and magical. I have given thought to how best employ that experience in this endeavor.”

“I can find our enemies, My Lord, with a sense beyond sight or hearing. I will find them—large or small, few or many—through wood or fog or night.”

“Make me your chief of scouts, of reconnaissance. Let me find the path forward, avoiding obstacle and ambush.”

(continues in “Battle Standards“)