"Markhams sent bodies North," Turned them around again, toward Perendale, but someone had to. "If that's what costs them, March is fucked for reinforcements."

Holding the Capital means the Capital's gotta hold. Aurelia's supposed to be a shrewd general, and shrewd don't always take chances. Might cut the border for a loss. Hinges creak, metal scrapes glass. He's quiet about it. Crypts are quieter still.

"Y'hear from that Speaker at all?"

Which Speaker? He knows which.