Gerard had managed to find his father in a meeting with several other members of the cavalry. He waited patiently aside as the men spoke. He watched the other folk of the company mill about, doing chores and tasks, busying themselves until mealtime. The meeting had departed during his daydream and Gerard had to catch up to Johannes. "Father. Did your meeting go well? You seem concerned."

	"It's trivial. It does not concern you, son." A quick response, short and to the point. Gerard had honestly expected nothing less. He followed his father for a short time until gathering the words needed to ask.

	"Lem demanded everyone work even harder now. I wanted to prove myself on the digging crew."

"...Very well. You are relieved for the day. Work hard, son." Johannes briskly walked away. Gerard wondered for a moment if the request had made his father proud. He let the thought pass as he raced to find the rest of the digging team.