We

as they walked back. Her stomach churned. She was sure they could hold—but when she tried to think how long, she thought of the water barrels. How long would it take the Duke to come north, and how could they send word? Her mouth felt dry already.
Even so, she was not resigned when Bosk brought his word. Nor was she the only one who cried, "But we can't quit—just quit. We can't."
"Oh yes, you can." His face looked more wrinkled than before. "We follow orders, remember? When the captain tells us to lay down our arms, we do it. And I don't want any nonsense, either, from any of you."
"Arcolin wouldn't have—" began someone.
"Enough! Arcolin's not here; Ferrault is. And for my money, Arcolin would have done the same."
"But—what will happen?" Vik sounded as worried as Paks felt.
"They'll collect our weapons, and assign us an area. Usually it takes a day or so to list all the equipment d