Bright Swords of Serena

Chapter 7

 Back in camp, Hollander handed the mare's reins to a waiting groom and walked back to the tent he shared with Fanning. He doffed his leathers, put on a fresh uniform, wiped road dust, sand and bird droppings off his boots, combed his hair, settled his sword and left the tent.

He didn't have far to go to reach the Marn Third's encampment. He found its standard, made his way toward it, pleased by the orderly tents and weapons dumps. He saw the burly corporal from the afternoon and stopped him. "Excuse me, corporal. Where do I find Ellen Amory?"

"The lieutenant, sir?" A strong Northcounty accent. "Over there." A forefinger pointed just so along the horselines. "Sir, fine work today, wasn't it?"

"No one killed on either side, corporal, that's how I rate it."

"Yes, sir." The corporal faded back and Hollander walked where the forefinger had pointed.

A woman in her late twenties was tending to a cut on the flank of a chestnut gelding, saying soothing things to his swiveled ears while she worked marigold ointment into his hide. Hollander waited till she had finished the job. She gave the gelding a final pat and a carrot, picked up her work bucket and saw Hollander.

"Lieutenant Amory?"

"Yes, sir, that's me."

"Anders Hollander, Count for the Marn. Your brother asked me to look you up."

Her face, resembling his secretary's almost to a fault, broke into a smile. "I'm sure Sasha did no such thing, sir. He'd only have said I'd be here."

"It's the principle of the thing." He offered his hand and she shook it, smiling again. "Enjoying yourself so far, lieutenant?"

"I don't think I'm supposed to be exactly enjoying myself, sir. This is war. But I can't deny it's a pretty place to have it."

"So you're enjoying the scenery, at least."

She looked at him. "Yes, sir."

"Heard from home yet?"

"Yes, sir, a letter at Lilo before we sailed. Sir, I want to thank you for letting Sasha go home. And for the money."

"Well, it's partly my doing that you're here, so it was only fair."

"Just the same, sir, thank you."

"You're welcome, since you insist," Hollander said. "But I have to confess I've come for a selfish reason. I want to steal one of your horses."

"Which one, sir?"

"I was given her to ride today. A blood bay mare about fifteen and a half hands high, fine face, strong legs, fast gaits, very well trained to the rein and the knee."

"Oh! That would be Redwing, sir. You're in luck, sir, she's in the remount section, that's why we could send her out for you. This way."

She walked Hollander down the lines of horses, swinging her work bucket, patting the animals affectionately as she passed by. "Here she is, sir. Just come back."

Redwing had been stripped of her tack and groomed after her efforts of the day, and was thoughtfully chewing at a slab of hay. Hollander walked up to her, hand out, and her ears perked up immediately, her fine nose bumping him gently.

"I think she likes you, sir. Carrot?"

"Thank you."

Redwing crunched up the gift neatly. Hollander stroked her neck and said, "Sorry, lieutenant, what was that?"

"Would you have dinner with us, sir? You're our Count as well as our officer, and I'm sure the squad would appreciate the attention."

"I'd be delighted."