Page 23 of The Infernal Battalion

“I thought you said the Deputies didn’t want me along.”

“They don’t want you in command. I was able to persuade d’Andorre that it would be foolish not to use you in some capacity, though even that wasn’t easy.” Raesinia grinned. “I may have implied that the troops might mutiny if they tried to march without you.”

Marcus snorted. “I think you overestimate my popularity.” The brief moment of humor faded and died as he considered the situation for a moment longer. “So where do they want me?”

“Commanding the Second. It seemed like a neat solution. They need a general who understands their... unique circumstances.”

“And that’s supposed to be me?” Marcus shook his head. “I should refuse.”

“I don’t think you can refuse an order from the Minister of War.”

“I can resign,” Marcus said, jaw set. “God knows that would be a relief.”

“D’Andorre might call that treason.”

“Then he’s welcome to court-​martial me,” Marcus said, voice rising. “After everything I’ve done—”

“I know.” Raesinia cut him off. “I may not be a military man, but I understand pride. I know it must be hard for you.”

“It’s not about pride.” Marcus laughed bitterly. “Spend enough time with Janus and you soon get used to swallowing your pride. You’re asking me to take responsibility for a division, under a commander I don’t have any faith in. That means ordering my men—​men and women—​into fire when I don’t have confidence their sacrifice is going to be worthwhile. I can’t do it.”

Raesinia swallowed past a lump in her throat. “Marcus...”

“I’ll resign,” he said, suddenly animated. “I’ll stay here with you. I’m sure Alek can find some use for me with the Armsmen, and you’re going to need all the help you can get keeping the city under control.”

“None of that will matter if Janus takes Ohnlei,” Raesinia said. “What I need is for you to be on the scene when things start to happen. Please, Marcus.”

Marcus stared at her, jaw working.

“Why me?” he said eventually. “You know I’m no match for Janus.”

“The Deputies don’t trust you,” Raesinia said. “But I do.”

And it’ll be safer for you with the army. The soldiers loved Marcus almost as much as they loved Janus. If he stayed, once they departed he’d be at the mercy of the politicians. And if things go wrong and they start looking for scapegoats, you’ll be much too convenient. At the height of the revolution, anyone of Borelgai or Murnskai extraction risked being strung from a lamppost by an angry mob. It wasn’t much of a stretch to think that Janus’ former subordinates might face the same fate when it was his army approaching.

“If Kurot won’t listen to me, I’m not going to be able to help,” Marcus said after a long silence.

“You know the other division commanders. If you work together...”

“That sounds dangerously close to suggesting mutiny.”

“I wouldn’t go that far. Just... guide him.”

“Saints and fucking martyrs.” Marcus slumped in his chair. “This is insane.”

“There’s another thing,” Raesinia said. “Maybe you’re right about Janus. If someone is using him, you’ll be in the best place to do something about it. That could put an end to the whole thing at a stroke.”

“That’s a long shot,” Marcus said.

“It may be the best we’ve got.”

Another pause. After a moment Marcus pushed himself to his feet.

“All right. Tell them I’ll take the Second. Let’s hope this Kurot is willing to listen to reason.”

“Thank you, Marcus.” Raesinia stood up as well. “I wish I could come with you.”

“I don’t. It’s been a few hundred years since the queen’s place was on the battlefield.”