“Lady Cade, this is Master Sergeant Callum Briggs and Lieutenant Robert Butler with the latest relevant information. Also, Fleetmaster Niska Dawnriver joins us.”
Cassandra nodded to each. Butler bowed. Briggs lowered his chin and rubbed a hand over his peachy head before glancing up. Deep frown lines carved his face as if they were permanent fixtures. Passing her gaze to Dawnriver, she said, “I was hoping to meet you, Fleetmaster, so I may personally thank you for coming to our rescue. Your presence on the river has saved thousands of lives.”
He acknowledged her by inclining his head. “Glad to be of service.”
“Lady Cade, I wanted you here so we can all learn what we can at once,” Longstreet began. “Two hours ago, Garcia suddenly stopped firing, ordered a hasty retreat, and moved his army out, leaving behind tents and supplies rather than take the time to pack them. Lieutenant Butler sent scouts into their vacated camp to look for traps or clues for this bizarre action. Butler?”
The general glanced over his shoulder and motioned to the young man in a tattered uniform. “The enemy broke the siege and fled north. At this time, we can’t determine where they’re headed. It doesn’t seem they’re moving toward Nelanta, because traveling east would make the most sense if that were the case. They could have been called to reinforce the assault on Stonevale.”
“That doesn’t make sense either,” Vance mentioned. “Marchland is the more strategic target.”
“Whatever the reason, their departure spells our salvation,” Briggs said. “Our medical supplies have been exhausted, and there’s only enough ammunition left for another day or two of what we’ve been up against. We could keep piling rubble on the redoubt forever, but, without firepower, it wouldn’t take them long to punch through and occupy Marchland.”
“It’s absurd,” Cassandra said. “Which is why I don’t trust it. This could be a trick for us to let down our guard.”
“Which is why I’ve assigned a patrol to follow them at a distance and report back with their heading and distance,” Longstreet explained. “I don’t trust them one bit. All I’ve seen from Garcia is poor planning and brutal tactics. A man without honor can never be trusted. Still, like Master Sergeant Briggs said, it’s fortuitous for us. Lieutenant Butler, what did your scouts find?”
“The initial report I received just moments ago turned up no traps, and no weapons or ammunition left behind—just easily replaceable things like tents, bedding, and camp supplies. Some fires still had full coffee pots on them.”
Longstreet nodded. “I’ve got every able-bodied soldier working on repairs to the fort, but, Vance, section out five platoons with wagons and trucks to salvage those campsites for anything useful. Maybe they’ll come across some medicine in abandoned hospital tents.”
“Yes, sir,” she replied, and jotted the directive down.
“Lady Cade,” said Longstreet, focusing his gaze on her. “The civilians. I know you have been instrumental in saving as many as possible, and I hate to ask, but … how many? I know casualties have been … unavoidable.”
Cassandra felt sick at the reminder, but everyone needed to know. “First responders and city administrators estimate nine thousand dead with another two thousand missing. Wounded, at least twice those numbers. And the military losses?” She held her breath, uncertain if she wanted to know.
“An estimated three thousand dead,” Vance stated, “and twice as many wounded. Fleetmaster Dawnriver?”
“I am sorry for your losses,” he said with sincerity in his foreign tone. “We suffered casualties in the Battle for Fort Hammond but count only a few injuries here.”
“That is good news, my friend,” said Longstreet. “Between Garcia’s first disastrous attack on the fortress from the swamp and then his foolish infantry charges against our walls, we suspect they’ve suffered greater losses than we have. That’s something at least.”
A rapid knock made Cassandra jump, her stomach catapulting into her throat. The general narrowed his eyes at the door. “Enter!”
“Sir, a pigeon just arrived from Nelanta.” The messenger handed the tube to Briggs, who was nearest the door. He passed it to the general.
Longstreet pulled reading glasses from his pocket and emptied the tube. He read the missive aloud. “Robots from Appalachia attacked both armies at Stonevale. Hours of chaos. Abruptly turned and left. Republic general andCalder called ceasefire to investigate. Report back on conditions there ASAP.—Frost.”
Cassandra blinked, leaned forward, elbows on the table like a commoner. “Robots?”
“Appalachia?” Vance seconded in a disbelieving tone. The lieutenant shook his head.
“Machines that march into battle?” uttered Dawnriver. “That runs against nature.”
Briggs’ jaw dropped. “Well, if that don’t beat all!”
“Maybe that’s what has Garcia zipping off like his tail’s on fire,” Longstreet speculated. “Regardless, we’ll stay alert, but let’s use the time to reinforce structures still standing and do everything we can for the wounded. Lady Cade, try to keep the residents who evacuated on the beach. Let’s wait a day or two to ensure the enemy has left the area before giving the all-clear.”
“I agree,” Cassandra said.
When the meeting adjourned, Cassandra and her companions went to the base infirmary to ask about Sergeant Sutter. So much had changed in a week’s time. Much of the city lay in ruins, thousands dead, and uncertainty hung around them like a widow’s veil.
“There’s been no change in Sergeant Sutter’s condition,” the doctor said when she finally arrived. With frazzled hair and dark circles under her eyes, the tan woman looked as if she hadn’t slept in days. “I’d let you go see for yourself, but there simply isn’t room for visitors. As you can see, we’re swamped.”
Glancing around, Cassandra had a sudden feeling of déjà vu from her visit to Memorial Hospital. Maybe a smell triggered it, or the rows of cots crammed everywhere, each with a moaning patient. Her chest tightened, her airway contracting, as terror surged through her body. She reached out a hand to steady herself on the wall and catch her breath.I’m not there. No bombs are exploding. No missiles being fired.
“My lady,” said Benjamin. “Are you unsteady? Shall we sit down?” There was no unoccupied place to sit.