“Ludwig?” called out Captain Ecke. “Is that you?”
“It is, sir.”
“Come in. I need to speak to you.”
He stepped inside to the smell of stale wine. Captain Ecke sat at his table, drink in hand, staring down at a list of names, many of which were now crossed out.
Ludwig couldn’t help but feel pity for the man. Ecke looked worn out, his eyes showing dark circles from lack of sleep. The burden of command obviously weighed heavily on him.
His captain gulped down the contents of his cup, then looked at Ludwig. “How"s Sig?”
“Feverish.”
Ecke grimaced, then refilled his cup. “He’s a good man. I"d hate to lose him.”
“Is that why you wanted to see me? To tell me how much his loss will mean?”
“No. Sigwulf’s loss will be keenly felt, but the company must endure, and to do that, it needs its serg
