Gerald let out a breath, the chilly winter air misting it before his eyes. "It"s cold," he observed.
"Not as bad as I expected," said Anna. "How are the troops doing?"
He looked to the marching army. They were heading south, following the riverbank while keeping their supply ships in sight at all times. "Their morale is good," he said, "far better than I would have thought after a long march."
"They"re competing," said Anna.
"What do you mean?"
"They"re trying to outdo each other. The Mercerians from Kingsford want to out-march the Weldwyners, and the Weldwyners can"t stand to see the Kurathians out-pace them."
"Ah well," said Gerald, "at least it keeps them moving. How are the others doing?"
"The whole army is in good spirits. I think they"re all expecting victory. You know, you"re
