Overcaptain by L. E. Modesitt Jr

Author:L. E. Modesitt, Jr. [L. E. Modesitt, Jr.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781250902931
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group
Published: 2024-11-11T21:00:00+00:00

XLVIII

At a glass past sunrise, Alyiakal paces in front of the waitstop, little more than a roofed three-sided hut with a backless bench, on the far side of the Great Canal from Vaeyal proper, looking for the firewagon from Geliendra to Ilypsya. He can’t see Loraan House from the waitstop but knows Saelora is there, as is Gaaran, who insisted on seeing him off, more to make sure his sister would be safe so early in the morning after dropping Alyiakal off.

Another quint passes before the firewagon rolls to a stop and the lancer ranker who handles passengers steps out of the small front compartment. “Overcaptain Alyiakal, ser?”

“The same.” Alyiakal shows his seal ring and travel pass.

“There’s only two of you in front for now, ser. Rear compartment’s full. Ten candidates for Kynstaar.”

“Thank you.” Alyiakal puts one duffel behind the empty seat on the right that faces forward and the other under it, then eases into it.

The lancer closes the door behind him.

“Good morning,” offers the other officer, also an overcaptain, who at first glance looks to be a good ten years older than Alyiakal. “I’m Khaan, headed to Dellash.”

“Good morning. Alyiakal, on my way to Lhaarat.” Alyiakal shifts slightly in his seat as the firewagon begins to move.

“Better you than me.” Khaan looks at Alyiakal more closely, then asks, “Recent promotion?”

“Comparatively. Two years ago.”

“Combat postings?”

“Pemedra and Guarstyad, then temporary duty as post commander closing Luuval.”

“I heard that the whole place collapsed right after it was closed. That right?”

“Less than an eightday after we transported the last gear and equipment to Fyrad.”

“You remind me of someone. We haven’t met, have we?”

“I don’t think so. Are you headed to a new posting or on leave?”

“Both. Home leave. Last post was logistics at Chulbyn.”

“Did you know a Majer Kyal?”

“Kyal?” Khaan frowns, then nods. “Yes, must have been ten years ago, maybe longer. I headed supply at Geliendra. He commanded Northpoint, occasionally came to Geliendra. Why?”

“He was my father. Several other officers have noted the resemblance.”

“That might be it. How is he?”

“He died several years ago. On duty, but not in combat.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s rare, but it happens.” Alyiakal hesitates, then asks, “Are you headed to Dellash to unscramble some sort of mess?”

“No one’s said, but it’s possible. What’s your assignment at Lhaarat?”

“Deputy post commander.”

“If I’m treading heavy, let me know, but … as an overcaptain? That’s usually a sub-majer or majer’s billet.”

“Lhaarat’s a smaller post, and I have some experience in dealing with brigands, barbarians, and Kyphran troopers.”

“Then you’re one of the ones who destroyed the Kyphran invaders. That explains it.” His smile is sympathetic as he adds, “I don’t envy you. Word is that the Kyphrans are supplying some of the mountain brigands. After what happened at Guarstyad, I wouldn’t be surprised if they even started sending their own patrols along the border.”

“I had that feeling, but how did you find out?”

“In logistics, it’s all bits and pieces, but sometimes the pieces fit together. In the last season we

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