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being in the palace in the mornings. Had even suggested that Kei speak to
the medics, but Arman politely suggested that since the siege might end any
day, the notes would be a valuable resource, as would the dictionary, and
would it not be best if he continued to work on them instead? Blikus had
agreed, and Arman could relax again.
Kei understood what he d done, and was grateful in a subdued kind of way.
It seemed to Arman that his reactions were growing less severe as the days
passed, and Kei admitted his control was improving. The last time anything
remotely like this had happened, it had taken nearly a month for him to really
be normal, he said. Arman got the impression that six months or more was
likely to be the case here.
Kei was unlikely to still be in Utuk in six months time. But neither might
Arman. Three weeks after the new hostages had arrived from Vinri, he was
summoned to a meeting of the security cabinet. Kita was present, as were six
of the most senior and capable senators, Captain Peku, and the Lord
Commander. He expected it to be about the siege at Darshek, and was
resigned to listening to a lot of stupid complaints and ideas which they had
gone over a dozen times before. But to his surprise, it was Blikus, not Peku,
who got to his feet.  Your highness, Senators, we have lost all
communications with north Darshian. There s been no goods or messages
through Tirko Pass for three weeks. We ve sent a number of messengers and
scouts  not one has returned.
The effect was of consternation.  It s winter, Lord Commander,  Senator
Kizus  one of the oldest and most acerbic members of the senate  pointed
out.  Is it possible they ve been lost in snowfalls or avalanches?
 Yes, it is, although the snowfalls have not been severe, according to
General Ritus. But if the passes were simply blocked, at least some of our
men would be turning back and reporting the problem. At this point, we have
to assume anything from a simple problem at Fort Trejk, to a total loss of our
troops.
Kita was saying nothing, Arman noticed, but she looked thoughtful.  Your
suggestion, Lord Commander? another senator asked.
 The only solution is to find out what s going on  and that means sending a
force north.
 More soldiers? Kizus snapped.  Impossible  this war is stretching us thin.
The senate won t approve it.
Her Serenity raised her hand for silence.  How many soldiers, Blikus?
Blikus bowed a little to Kita.  I would suggest at least two hundred, your
highness. But it would depend on what is found.
She folded her hands.  You seriously think we could have lost our entire
force, including General Jozo? Is that even possible?
 I would hope not, your highness. But a total lack of communications means
just that  and until we know why, we have to assume the worst.
 Your highness, my Lord, Arman said, getting their attention.  A force of
even a hundred men, carefully chosen, might be able to investigate this. We
can spare those from Utuk without compromising security.
 And who would lead this? You? Kizus snapped.
 I could, Senator. I know the terrain and the pass better than anyone on this
side of the mountain range.
 Couldn t one of your captains lead it? It doesn t need a general s
attention.
 No, it doesn t, not just getting through the pass. But if some catastrophe
has befallen our army, it will need my attention. I would feel easier about the
matter if I could assess it with my own eyes and make a judgement on the
spot. Kizus grunted, accepting the point.
 A hundred soldiers, Arman. You would be sitting targets, Blikus said.
 If the worst has happened, yes, my Lord. But if the worst has happened,
even a thousand men might not be enough.
 We re not sending another thousand troops, Kizus said.  It exposes Kuprij
too much  we re already exposed too much by this siege. If there was an
attack by the Andonese, we would have all our defences tied up in the north.
Kita held her hand up.  Arman, if we ve lost Jozo, losing you would be a
bitter blow.
 If, your highness. I don t have your belief in my indispensability, but in any
event, it needs experience more than numbers for this task. It s probably
something remarkably simple, he said with more confidence than he felt.
She tapped the arms of her chair with her fingers as she thought.  Very
well. Arman, take a hundred troops and plan to only go as far as Vinri, unless
you consider you really need to continue once you re on the ground. Send
reports back at every station. We shall have four hundred men kept in reserve [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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