“Well, she’s one who would know,” Shem said quietly. “The problem is?”
“It’s my brother,” he whispered.
“Uh-huh, Uh-huh,” Shem interrupted loudly. “Yes, we do have great hunting.”
The serving girl passed again with a disgusted sigh.
“He’s in a uniform,” Dormin said softly as the girl bustled to the kitchen again.
“Nothing wrong with that,” Shem winked, and took another bite.
“He’s making plans.”
“Alone, or with someone?” Shem said as if they were only discussing the amount of snow in Edge.
“Not sure. Probably not alone, because he has no patience. Someone else is likely in charge.”
“He has another name?”
“Heth,” Dormin whispered, as if it was profanity.
“What’s his plan?” Shem asked between bites.
“Not sure either, but he wants a mansion. Our old mansion.”
“The Shins,” Shem breathed. For the first time his face tightened in concern.
“Yes, the High General—I’m pretty sure,” Dormin said, taking a bite of his cold stew just for show.
“General Shin’s on his way here now, to inspect the new security measures in the village.”
Dormin blinked in surprise. “My brother might be with him!”
“I hope you’re not planning a family reunion ,” Shem warned.
“Not at all. I already made my peace with him.”
“Good, because if he is with the general, he’s not here to make peace.”
Dormin sighed. “You have to stop him, if at all possible.”
“I’ll do what I can.” In a louder voice he said, “I hope that gives you some perspective about Edge. And,” he leaned over in a conspiratorial manner, “the serving girl certainly gave you another perspective of Edge.” Shem stood up. “You need any more questions answered, I’m at the fort. Feel free to come by any time.”
“Thanks,” Dormin said, surprised that suddenly the conversation was over.
Shem brought the plate over to the serving bar and set down a small slip of silver. He nodded over to the couple at the table. “Hope you enjoy your stay in Edge. If you need help finding a home—”
“We have a home already,” the man said easily. “We’re trying to get one for my wife’s nephew now.”
“I’m sure you’ll succeed,” Corporal Zenos said. To the kitchen he called, “Thanks, Mrs. Peto. Better than Mrs. Shin’s, but don’t tell her I said that!”
And he went on his way.
---
Perrin sat at his desk in the Command Office reviewing the next week’s duty rotations. When he heard the private in the outer office shout, he smiled.
“Blue banner, sir! Far southern tower! General’s coach has been sighted.”
“Very good,” Shin called out to him. He put aside the rotation schedule and tidied up his desk. Ample warning now. The way it should be.
Another minute later he heard, “Blue Banner up at Edge of Idumea Estates, sir!”
He wished he’d had ten minutes’ warning three and a half years ago when his father showed up in front of Mahrree’s house to meet his future daughter-in-law. Already the tower system was proving its worth.
After a couple of minutes came the call, “Now . . . the village green has spotted his coach! Their banner just went up.”
“Thank you, Private. No further updates are necessary.”
“But it’s working, sir!”
“Yes, that seems to be obvious, doesn’t it?” He smiled patiently as he came out of his office and into the forward command office.
The private flushed a darker, embarrassed brown. “It’s . . . rather fun to watch, sir. Oh look! Another blue banner!”
Perrin chuckled and jogged down the stairs to await the arrival of the coach. He walked leisurely out of the reception area into the compound and stood casually with his arms folded.
A minute later the garrison coach, surrounded by eight guards on horseback, drove noisily into the compound. The coach had barely lurched to a stop when the door flew open and High General Shin hopped down.
“They’re bigger than I thought, Major!” he said excitedly as he bounded over to his son. “Those banners must be at least fifteen feet long each!”
Perrin grinned as he saluted his father. “Closer to twenty, sir. They have to be that long so we can see them from the fort. And with the constant breeze off the mountains, the banners are always unfurled. I knew of your approach ten minutes ago.”
The general belatedly remembered to return the salute. “Excellent work, son. I’m impressed!”