12th July, early morning; Surprises

Why? The question was evident on his face, but he left it unvoiced and simply nodded. "I got first watch," he admitted, "But as soon as I'm off." The truth was he had first watch every night for the foreseeable future.

You won't be there? He had to stop himself from blurting it out. Of course Blanchard wouldn't be there. It was the last place Paol wanted to be after what had just happened, and it must be far worse for Rosy. But he couldn't admit that either.

He saw the expression, recognised it for what it was, and pretended he hadn't.

"Good. Thank you." It was about as much as he felt he could safely say.

Paol managed a smile and shrugged as if to say it was nothing. "C'mon," he said, starting slowly to walk.

Drums were beating now, summoning the men of the various regiments to their mustering places. Jérémie sighed and fell into step just behind Paol.

"It's going to be a long day."


Jérémie appears next here.