The morning mist had not yet dissipated. Horn stood by the observation window on the third floor of the brick building, watching the new recruits lined up in formation below like ants.
A copper spyglass extended from the window, reflecting Instructor Kolman marking stride points on the ground with a tape measure.
"There was another deserter yesterday," Jeanne reported, holding the roster behind Horn. "A mountain man from Kurdran County."
"Far lower desertion rate compared to the plain farmers, only three have fled in three weeks," Horn maintained his spying posture. "Inform the Military Police—hang them, and give compensation."
The spyglass turned towards the eastern training ground where three hundred recruits gritted their teeth, standing naked to the waist, wearing only shorts on the grass.
Opposite them, dozens of skilled Kush knights charged back and forth repeatedly.
Should they dare move, the instructor's stick would thrash their arms, calves, or buttocks.
