Day Twelve since departing Estreon. Leo Point.

Along the way for the remaining days prior to this arrival, Khalid and his fellow mubarizuns had been let in on the secrets of Urdin's planned maneuver. Questions were raised, but because they could not find any better alternatives to it, it was accepted in principle. Khalid, however, suggested that it be implemented only in the event of actual Skandian troop presence on the field "as there is always the possibility that it is a bogus, meant to divert our attention on the primary objective".

Urdin concurred.

Now, as they neared Leo Point (here too there were tents and dwellings quite similar to 'Nasri' around Scorpio Point), they were accosted by Sergeant Kasna Velis' rider-scouts. Questions were exchanged, and before long Urdin's troops got themselves another bunch of escorts.

"We bid you welcome, General, to our humble outpost. Its resources are now at your disposal. Utilize them as you see fit. Khalid had informed of your possible arrival."

"Inevitable, rather," Urdin replied as he dismounted, scrutinizing the wiry, bald figure with thick chestnut moustache in his early forties. "Any updates on the enemy's dispositions?"

"So far the information that we have is about the eastern rebels only, sir. Indeed, they seem to be bringing along siege equipment as well, no doubt mindful of the consequences of leaving untaken a military outpost in their rear prior to facing you."

Urdin smirked.

"Well, good luck lugging that cumbersome lot across the plains, exposed to weather and all. It proves their ill intentions even more vividly, and gives us still more time to prepare a welcome in kind. What of the Skandians?"

Kasna blinked.

"The Skandians, sir? With due respect, I don't think they still have any field force worth considering at this period in their history."

"It would not do to pay the enemy less credit than he deserves, Kasna, come what may. It might just be little more than a phantom force, true, but so long as they remain on the field, they must be dealt with like any other armies. So, you are telling me you haven't a clue about them?"

"Nothing whatsoever at the moment, sir. If anything happens to the opposite effect I'll be sure to keep you informed."

"That you do." Urdin gave the sergeant a gentle shoulder pat. "Shall we?"

"Sir."

***

After a round of warm tea to refresh themselves, Urdin and his aides resorted to strategic matters once more. As overseer, Kasna too was allowed attendance. The talks began after the brief introductions.

"On our way here I was told that you're having quite the time swatting at double agents, Kasna. How is the progress on this head?"

"I must say you have pretty good sources, General. It is true that the eastern rebels--'Vasmirians', they now proudly call themselves--have been trying to bring our outpost under their influence. Given the relatively short span since Vasmir's assumption of power in Elbar, they might not have had sufficient time to gain significant military muscle. To that end, this force of one thousand might well represent their first real effort to crack the last bits of Hospodian authority here... but here you are, to somewhat balance it. If there's any more service to be rendered beyond what we already have, sir, you need only ask."

Urdin leaned back in his seat. "How many men could you spare for field duties, without compromising the defenses here?"

Kasna was silent for some time.

"Up to fifty from my regular garrison, sir. Any more than that and you'd have to search in the town you saw as you entered, if you please."

"We have noticed a similar thing around Sergeant Ayas' Scorpio Point," Arys joined. "Have you thought to provide this one with a formal name, Sir Kasna?"

"No, sir, not yet. Is that expected of me?"

"Not necessarily," Urdin replied, "but it will certainly provide them with a better sense of being part of something greater. Don't you think?"

"Ah! That's one way to see it, General. I'll see to this matter immediately. As it happens, there are some other mubarizuns there."

"They took the trouble to flee this far from Vasmir?" Vesna put in. "How admirable."

Kasna smiled knowingly.

"As such, the general's consent to take them in again might well serve as their chance for fair payback."

"I'll walk there this afternoon, see what else it's got to offer. Thank you, Kasna."

"Simply part of the service, sir."

"Now then," Urdin cleared his throat for attention, "shall we get to operational details, gentlemen?"

***

News of Urdin's to-be arrival spread quickly but secretly, and by the time he actually took his afternoon walk into the town (in which Kasna was present) he was greeted with its inhabitants lining neatly on both sides of the road.

"Seems you are informed," the Eagle addressed the crowd. "Any volunteers, then?"

One man stepped in front of him, then another, and another, until thirty men--five abreast--had gathered.

"This seems to be all, General," Kasna said.

"For a town of this size, this seems to be a little too many," Urdin commented. "Are you sure you're not leaving your families behind?"

"Some of us here are mubarizuns, sir, as I'm sure you're aware," said a brawny suntanned man in the first row of volunteers. "Our families are way back, in Elbar and Vasmir's clutch, and to recover them we must first get even with their oppressors. For the rest they are simply commoners drifting in for a safe, decent living."

"And who'll protect them if you all join me?" the Eagle returned, not unkindly. "Some of you must stay."

"No worries, sir," a woman tugging at a child replied, "we are living in the shadow of a sturdy outpost as it is. Sir Kasna has proven himself capable of seeing to our safety. Besides, these men are seeking to fulfill their duties by voluntarily joining you, so no harm there."

Urdin turned to look at the woman, who blushed and lowered her gaze.

"How shall I call you, good woman?"

"Salsabila, sir. This is my son Umayr."

The boy held on tighter to his mother's long skirt, looking curiously at the general.

"Nice name. Hope he grows and behaves well." Urdin turned back to his volunteers. "Who shall be your leader?"

"Allow me the honor, sir," said the man who had spoken earlier. "Major Hamza, at your service."

"Hamza," the Eagle repeated. My grandfather's namesake. "The others agree?"

"SIR!"

"So be it. Lead them well, Hamza, I'll know if you don't."

"Sir."

"I am also of the opinion that this beautiful prospering town could do with a name," this time Urdin addressed the general crowd, "and Kasna told me he'd see to it. Will you wait for him to settle that," he paused, "or will you accept a name from me?"

The choice was obvious, and enthusiastically acclaimed. "Kindly name us, General! Name us!"

Urdin turned to the mayor beside him, who smilingly nodded.

"Very well." The Eagle raised a hand, and the crowd gradually quieted. "This town shall henceforth be called 'Amana', for your trust to your leader. May it remain that way!"

Fervent cheers and shouts of 'Viva Hospodia' greeted this announcement. Urdin thereafter took his leave, thirty men richer. Later in the day, another soldier hastened to see the mayor with an urgent message.

The Vasmirians and their Skandian 'comrades' were only two days' march away from the outpost. The Eagle, when told, sat brooding at his dining table, where he had been telling Hamza of his battle plans.

"Infinite One, kindly allow our cause to prevail here."