Scion of Cyador

CII

Lorn sits in the armless chair at the conference table to the left of the Majer-Commander, as Captain-Commander Luss seats himself at the far end of the table. The redheaded Commander Sypcal, the Eastern Regional Commander, sits on the left side. Across from him is the tall and blond Commander Lhary, the Western Regional Commander.

Rynst lifts the thin stack of papers and then sets them on the conference table before him. “I have read your report, Commanders, but I would like your views on what is most important.” The Majer-Commander’s eyes focus on the red-haired Sypcal. “First, your thoughts, Sypcal.”

“Yes, ser.” Sypcal glances down at the report before him, then squares his shoulders slightly. “As you know, ser, firelances have been the most important tactical weapon of the Mirror Lancers against the barbarians of the north since the beginning of Cyad. Our tactics have been based on their use, and replacement with cupridium lances will require extensive retraining of both officers and lancers. New tactics will need to be developed and implemented, and casualties will certainly be higher initially, and perhaps always.” Sypcal pauses. “I could offer more details, but those are the considerations I see.”

Rynst nods. Luss does not.

“Commander Lhary?” asks Rynst, his voice level. “Can you add anything?”

“Yes, ser.” The blond commander looks directly at Rynst. “You requested that we address what would happen if the long cupridium lances replaced the firelances. The first impact would be on tactics. We would lose the ability to kill barbarians at a distance. While a firelance is not accurate beyond thirty to forty cubits for the average lancer, that distance accounts for roughly one-quarter of barbarian deaths in a battle. We have been killing three to four barbarians for every lancer killed. If the cupridium lances and the sabres remain as effective as the firelances and the sabres in close combat, the loss of stand-away killing power will mean that we will lose almost one lancer for every two barbarians killed. In the first assault, when forces actually meet, the cupridium lances, because of their length, will be slightly more effective, but become almost useless in a melee, whereas firelances retain some effectiveness.” Lhary smiles politely and clears his throat gently before continuing. “We have studied the battle reports of the past two years. We estimate that we will lose another three to four lancers in each melee involving a full lancer company.

“…In effect, to compensate for the total loss of firelances, each outpost which had five companies before this year, and which now has six as a result of the transfers from the companies that were patrolling the Accursed Forest, will require at least one additional company.”

Luss nods, ever so slightly.

“I see,” Rynst says. “Together you are suggesting that we will need more training and more lancers, and that our casualties will be higher. This will cost more golds, and those costs do not include the golds required to pay for obtaining the cupridium lances.” Rynst leans forward.

Sypcal nods.

“That is true, Majer-Commander,” Lhary replies smoothly. “We felt that you should know fully what the costs would be before you supported or opposed any changes in the placement and numbers of Mirror Lancer companies in the north.”

Lorn tries to keep taking notes as quietly as possible, while still studying the faces of the officers and trying to truth-read them.

“What do you think, Luss?” asks Rynst.

“I would suggest that you study the report most carefully and become most familiar with the calculations before you discuss matters in any meeting with the Merchanter Advisor. Commander Lhary can be asked about the calculations, Commander Sypcal about the tactical questions.”

Rynst offers a faint smile. “It appears as though none of our choices are to our favor. To control the barbarians we cannot use the tactics and weapons we have favored. Nor is it likely that the Emperor will favor spending the golds necessary to maintain the northern outposts in the way suggested by your report, Commanders.” He looks at Luss. “Do you think so, Captain-Commander?”

“At present, it would seem unlikely, ser.” Luss’s voice is cautious.

“I would have all of you consider what other approaches to dealing with the barbarians might be possible, and at what costs.” Rynst looks first at Lhary, then at Sypcal. He does not actually look at Luss.

“Yes, ser,” replies the redheaded commander.

“Ser,” adds Lhary.

“We will meet again in an eightday.” Rynst stands. “Until next twoday.”

Lorn stands with the other officers, waiting until Luss and the two commanders depart before gathering his notes.

“I would like your report on this meeting by midday tomorrow, Majer.”

“Yes, ser.”

“It will be interesting to see what happens at the next meeting on this matter.” Rynst offers a broad smile.

“Ser.” Lorn bows.

“You may go, Majer.”

Lorn bows again, and makes his way from the long study out into the fifth-floor foyer, nodding to Tygyl as he passes the desk where the senior squad leader sits.

“Majer?”

Lorn looks to the top of the open stone staircase where the Captain-Commander waits. “Yes, ser?”

“Have you finished your report to the Majer-Commander, Majer?” Luss offers an ingratiating smile.

“I have submitted a draft, ser.” Lorn shrugs apologetically. “I do not know if the Majer-Commander has read it. He has not spoken about it. He has not asked for changes or revisions.”

“I am most certain he will, in his own time, Majer. The Majer-Commander always acts when he wishes.”

Lorn nods.

“And he uses what will benefit him and the Mirror Lancers, in whatever fashion may best serve both,” Luss adds. “Serving in Mirror Lancer Court is not the place for those who wish to be known in Cyad or Cyador.”

“I had not thought it otherwise, ser,” Lorn says politely.

“Best you should remember that in the seasons to come, Majer. Good day.” With the same unvarying and warm smile, Luss turns and walks toward the door to his own study.

Lorn starts down the steps to his own study, and the report on a meeting he must have ready for copying before the afternoon is out.