We were half-encircled. About forty cavalry—company strength in Imperial Army terms.

In the faint moonlight we could not see each other clearly, but that voice had been enough.

“Lieutenant Macaran, isn’t it? No—Captain now?”

“…Yes. How did you know about my promotion?”

“If you are leading a company-sized cavalry detachment, it stands to reason you were promoted.”

It was the same young cavalry officer I had once searched for Yuoh Nevilnel with in Kavallaf.

Macaran moved his horse closer.