That evening, Irenya and Mikey dined with the physicians. The custom of formal dining in the banquet hall had not yet resumed.
‘Yes, Leachim,’ said Irenya, ‘I know the mountain pass is dangerous in winter, but winter’s a long way off.’ She dropped her spoon with a clatter. ‘Could Riadan get here before then? Feeding an army is not going to be a problem if it’s marching through some of the best farmlands in Dar Orien.’ She picked up the spoon and stirred the dregs in her soup bowl. ‘When will these messengers return?’
‘Not for many days yet.’ Leachim looked up and she caught his eye. He sighed and used the handle of his knife to tap out calculations on the table. ‘The riders Gedric sent north from Pullen should begin returning within the next, say, seven days. Those sent eastward to check
