THE SHIP ROCKED AS RUMAL and Rashid studied the large map of the Southern territory spread out over the table before them. The sway of the ship when he was beneath tended to give Rumal a queasy stomach. He glanced out the high rectangular windows, focusing on the horizon while waiting for his body to settle.

'Cavalry training,' Rashid unnecessarily said.

Right, thought Rumal and he glanced at the map, considering. He preferred to go upstairs when they practiced. ...