Action Tonight

"Well," I said, stepping in, "How pleasant that we should all run into each other here."

"Sit down, Viktor," Drevolan instructed.

I complied, trying to gauge the Captain's expression but failing. As soon as I entered the tent, the atmosphere changed. I was no longer just a soldier; I was something else, something undefined. I think the Captain sensed it too, and I probably enjoyed the uncertainty more than he did.

"Their nearest outpost is three miles northeast of us," Drevolan began. "We can expect an attack tomorrow."

"Which means I have things to do tonight."

"Yes."

"What, exactly, do you want?" I asked.

Drevolan turned to the Captain, who seemed to suddenly understand the situation.

"Let me think. We're still planning a withdrawal to the southeast?" he asked.

"Yes," Drevolan confirmed.

The Captain pondered for a moment, then asked, "How much of his army are we facing?"