Almost overnight, a small city within a city sprang up on the outskirts of Winterfell proper. The forest between the river and the local guard tower had been empty save for animal paths and underbrush. Now rows of neatly-pitched tents and newly-dug firepits filled the area. Stacks of firewood were piled throughout the camp, and the first wagons to arrive were being unloaded into a supply tent. In the pre-dawn mist, soldiers in black went about assigned tasks while others crouched near the warmth of their fires and ate their rationed breakfasts. For some, this was their first prolongued stay away from headquarters, and despite the work being done, the camp had a holiday feel as stories and jokes were exchanged. But at the commandeered guard tower, the officers were gathering to discuss strategies and policies. The Rose was contracted to be in Winterfell for a job – this was no mere camping trip.
Wrapped in her thick black cloak, Anne stood outside her tent near the tower and watched her comrades as they started what would become morning routine. The cold night had barely warmed to a chilly dawn, and the clammy air made the old wound in her left shoulder ache. But the same air felt good against the reddish, slick scars along her jaw and neck. Tay’s healing had done wonders, but the burns still felt warm to the touch. Shaking off the last of her weariness and unconsciously flexing her right hand in its glove, Anne stepped away from the tent to make her round through the camp.
Soldiers greeted her with hellos, grunts, and nods as she stopped by each fire. The lieutenant had made it known that she was assisting the Quartermaster with supplies, and Anne quickly had a list of requests from the troops. Whetstones, extra bandages, arrows and bolts, a new shield and helm if they could be found, extra blankets; all the usual needs. Mentally reviewing the list, Anne headed for the equipment tent and spoke with the supply officers on duty. They assured her that they would track down the necessities. Nodding her thanks, Anne pulled her cloak a little tighter and moved over to the fire outside the doors of the guard post. Private Zogu had had the misfortune of pulling the morning watch, but he greeted her with the usual cheerful “Hello, Chief!”. Smiling a little, Anne crouched down next to him as he used a thick rag to remove a coffepot from the fire.
“Coffee, Chief?” he asked while digging two tin cups from the pack of cookware nearby. He poured the steaming brew into both and passed one to her.
Cradling the cup in both hands, Anne inhaled the rich scent. “Just what I needed this morning, Zogu. Thank you.” Blowing away some of the heat, she took a quick sip. “So how long has command been in there?” She nodded toward the closed doors of the post.
The private blew on his own cup and shrugged. “An hour at most. The Lieutenant and Sgt. Holiday were the first ones awake this morning – besides me, of course.” They shared a quick grin. “I think Corporal Coisich has a patrol out,” he continued. “The Sgt rousted him before locking himself in there with the Lieutenant.”
Anne nodded slightly and took another sip of her coffee. It didn’t surprise her at all to hear that Anmoch had been given the early patrol. She doubted that Sgt. Holiday had even had to wake him, the corporal was nothing if not the consummate soldier. “Any word on the other supply wagons?”
“Aye. I was told to tell my replacement that we should expect another around noon.” Zogu looked over at the quickly-waking camp. “If we’re going to be here those extra two weeks, we’ll need whatever we can scrounge up! Keeping Ryker fed will be hard enough.” Again, they grinned at each other. “But seriously, it’s good to be out and about. We’re putting on a good show if nothing else.”
Following his gaze, Anne had to agree. With breakfast in their bellies and the sun now over the horizon, the Roses were forming up on the roadway. It was the only cleared area big enough for them all. Anne felt a small swell of pride seeing the units falling in precisely even after a night of sleeping on the ground. All those months of training – years for many – were paying off. Now to see how they held up.
Gulping down the rest of the coffee, Anne handed her cup back to Zogu and stood. She saw Chief Napes and Sgt Aldrinir headed in their direction. “I better get with the NCOs. Looks like we are ready to move.” She gave Zogu a parting smile before the others drew close. Exchanging greetings with the Chief and Sgt, she followed them inside to receive the day’s orders.