[Siege Camp]
Before dawn, the reserve cadets were pulled out of their tents by the piercing sound of a bugle and gathered on the open ground.
Richard Mason appeared at the front of the lineup and said a few encouraging words to the reserve cadets.
Actually, John Jeska hadn't arranged for this process, but Mason was feeling a bit uneasy, so he made a special trip, after all, his name was still written in the role of Chief Officer on the "Second Academy" roster.
Then the reserve officers, with empty stomachs, were led out of the camp.
Houdel was in the lineup, following along without knowing where they were going, too afraid to ask.
The moon had long since set, and even if it hadn't, it was as small as a tooth mark, useless.
In the long queue, only the front and rear had lit a few torches, most reserve officers could only hold onto the belt of the person ahead, advancing in complete darkness.
