Chapter XIV, Reading 7

"They can't move them on land without the world knowing.  But, what if, there is access to the sea and a hidden place to load men and horses.  What if they plan on moving troops on ships.  No one would know would they?  No one would know until they landed."

Flindra had wanted his attention and she had it.  "Go on," he commanded.

"The map shows that the river ends at the swamp.  Suppose that isn't the way it really is.  Suppose that at least one channel makes it through the swamp to the sea.  Couldn't they hide their troops here in the swamp until everything was ready and then make sail?  Sail to Kazat?"

"Sail to Kazat and bite us on the rear before we even knew they were there.  Of course!  It's so obvious!  It also explains their traps in the swamp.  The Duke can't have us snooping around in there.  His strategy will only work if it's a complete surprise.  But, I have to have proof.  How?"

"If they are planning to move by sea then they've got to have ships," Leitho replied to the open question.  "I'd wager that they can't get sea faring vessels too far into the swamp.  The ships, or at least their masts, would probably be visible from the coastline south of the swamp."  He traced his finger on the map as he talked.  "If we skirted the swamp here and then moved back along the coast we might be able to gather some proof."

"It might just work," Kalmyk said excitedly as he slapped Leitho on the shoulder.

"We should probably wait until dark to move out.  We can't chance being seen until we have the proof we need to take before the High Command," the sergeant advised.

Kalmyk nodded his head in agreement.  "We'll be ready to leave at dusk."  He smiled wolfishly.  "We'll trip up the Duke's men yet."

Kalmyk turned toward Flindra.  "Astute reasoning on your part, Flindra.  You have my gratitude."  A slightly irritated frown briefly crossed his features, which caused her stomach to sink.  "Go get cleaned up.  When you are through, come see me.  I have a few more questions for you."

"Yes, sir."

"Kalmyk," Leitho interrupted.

The lieutenant shifted his glance back to him.  "Yes."

"I'd like to lead a burial detail back to that dead scout.  I think I can retrieve his body without too much risk.  I hate seeing one of our own feeding scavengers."

"Make it so.  Just be careful."

"Will do."

Leitho gave Flindra a quick smile before he left to organize the burial detail. 

She was comforted by the friendship the glance evidenced, but she wasn't looking forward to seeing Kalmyk.