The Ku-Mor-Mai considered life, considered death.

Over his throne hung the snarling crimson tiger banner of Coramonde.  Before him knelt Midwis, a Legion-Marshal.

"What mitigation can you offer," Springbuck demanded, "that you should not be hung from the Iron Hook Gate, and your family evicted from their lands?"

Midwis licked his lips and cast about for an answer.  "Sire, I broke my ties with your enemies at the last, lifted the siege on your allies at Freegate, yea, and at the Hightower too."

"Yes, after you'd heard I had taken Eafthfast."

"I concede it.  Please, ask of me no merit; I have none, except some martial aptitude.  Do as you will with me."

Which was precisely the problem.  Midwis was a much-admired officer, his battle standard weighted with campaign streamers won in service of Coramonde.  His family was wealthy, ancient and influential.  And, as the Marshal had said, he was a talented commander with a hardened Legion.  Every resource was vital now, but Springbuck could no more let Midwis go unpunished than impose death upon him.  He had a middle road in mind.

"Legion-Marshal, you and your men fought unjustly against me.  Yet you may win back your honor by reverting to the sworn duty that is yours."

Midwis looked up hopefully.  Springbuck went on, "The Highlands Province suffers from depredations of the wildmen and the Druids.  They are undermanned in the Highlands; it is in my mind to dispatch a Legion there.  It will be a long, cold, perilous task.  If the Druids use their polar magic again, despite the enchanters I've sent against them at Andre deCourteney's suggestion, it may come a disaster.  But there must be armed units to check the wildmen."

Midwis was on his feet.  "Give me your let to go there!  Naive and wrongful statecraft though I have been, no man can say Midwis is unschooled in conflict.''

The solution had advantages.  Springbuck hadn't enough loyal men to reinforce the Highlands Province and, left near Earthfast, Midwis host was potentially dangerous.  If he would renew his allegiance in truth, he would be a great help, and his powerful family and friends would be well disposed toward the Ku-Mor-Mai.

"You are dispatched with these provisos.  Your host goes with its colors cased, and all blazonry covered.  Until you reach the Highlands Province you march with arms reversed, without trump, drum or cymbal.  Silent will be your route.  When you unfurl your standard in combat it will show the bar sinister.  If you do well by Coramonde, that will be revoked when you are come again to Earthfast.  Do you agree?"

"Without qualm, Ku-Mor-Mai."  Midwis bowed, then squared his shoulders, and retreated from the throne room.

It had been a long morning, beginning with the departure of Andre and his companions.  Springbuck decided to take his midday meal.  Courtiers rose, and servitors.  He waved them away; having foregone his formal robes of state and taken to wearing Bar at his side again, he wasn't inclined to be pestered and indulged like a wealthy aunt.