"I only pray he is not too late," replied the earl.
By the end of the week the troops, organized into rough companies, were ready to move out. Most were armed with light padded surcoats and spears, but Gerald had managed to find enough with chainmail to form a company of heavier foot. The earl had provided a supply train that stretched for miles behind them. Beverly rode up to Anna and Gerald, who sat mounted on fresh horses.
"They're ready to move, General," she said.
"Surely you can call me Gerald," he replied.
Beverly smiled before answering, "I remember well the lessons of my father. I'll use your rank when in the field if it's all right with you."
"Very well," he relented. "You take the lead with the cavalry, Dame Beverly. Arnim will march with the spearmen, while the heavy foot
