Kings and Pawns

Chapter 6

I awoke before dawn the next morning, and though I was excited to start our journey, I also longed to stay in bed for a few more hours. I managed to convince myself to rise and apparently the others did too, for we all managed to assemble at the palace's western gate shortly before sunrise. Last minute checks on the rigs and equipment were done and at last we were ready to begin. I gave the command for the gate to be opened. It took six guards straining against the doors before they gave way and began to move.

Once the doors were ajar, I signalled and we began to move out. Caliet and I led the procession, followed by six of the junior officers, then the wagons, one being handled by Kael and the other by Kelan. Sage and Coen brought up the rear.

We rode like this for several hours at a light and moderate pace. Fort Darnay was three days ride from the palace, so today would be spent settling into a rhythm.

At mid-day, I signalled halt, but before I signalled dismount, I addressed them.

"You have been riding in your assigned positions for half a day now. Look to the person next to you. I suggest you get to know this person well, for they are to be your partner for the remainder of this trip and throughout your stay at Fort Darnay. They will be your room mate, excluding Katelyn and Merrit, of course, and they will also be your patrol and duty partners. There Will be no discussion on this matter.

For the rest of the trip, at every stop the partners will rotate with the others. Those at the back will move to the front, wagon drivers to the back, middle riders to the wagons, and so forth. This will not be disrupted unless you are so ordered. Each time we stop, the wagon drivers will be responsible for the meal. Everyone will be required to help make and break camp.

We will rest the horses and eat here. Be swift, I want to be back on the road within the hour. That is all, soldiers, dismount."

I led Max to the stream we had stopped at a few feet from the road. As I passed by the wagons, I overheard Kael whisper to his twin, "Does this mean we have to cook?"

Max plunged his nose greedily into the stream, pulling me further into the muck at the water's edge than I had intended to go. Caliet joined us, or rather her horse did. Caliet stood clear of the mud, knowing that her horse, Asha, would drink her share and then return to her master, because unlike Max, some horses chose to behave well.

"You should teach Max some of the commands that I taught Asha," Caliet suggested, "They are very helpful in situations like these."

I scoffed. "There isn't a command that Max doesn't already know, he just chooses whether or not to obey them. When he feels like it, he can take orders and perform better than a gypsy mare."

"That I have yet to see," Caliet giggled.

When Maximus was satisfied, we slogged back to solid ground, th emud attempting to steal my boots with each step. Asha returned dutifully to Caliet and waited for an acknowledging stroke before dropping her head to nibble at the grass.

I looked begrudgingly at Max. "Why don't you do that?"

In answer he gave me a firm shove with his head before turning his attention to the grass too. I pushed at his shoulder. "The same to you, horse."

Caliet laughed at me. "Well done Commander, that will show him who is the boss."

I glared ruefully at Max. "Let's just hope the recruits take orders better than him."

Caliet nodded absently, and then asked out of the blue, "Do you think this will work?"

I assumed she was referring to what I had just told the recruits about their partners.