Reif corrected him. "Some thirty thousand Tulans, all infantrymen." He added, "And eight thousand allied cavalry only some of whom can be trusted." Reif's ten-year-old son came up next to him and peered down at the map.
"What's that child doing here?" Plekhanov snapped.
Reif looked into the other's face. "This is Taller Second, my son. You from First Earth have never bothered to study our customs. One of them is that a Khan's son participates in all battles his father does. It is his training."
Watson was pointing out features on the map again. "It will take three days for their full army to get in here." He added with emphasis, "In retreat, it would take them the same time to get out."
Plekhanov scowled heavily. "We can't risk it. If we were defeated, we have no reserve army. We'd have lost everything." He looked at Joe Chessman and Watson significantly. "We'd have to flee back to the Pedagogue."
Reif's face was expressionless.
Barry Watson looked at him. "We won't desert you, Reif, forget about that aspect of it."
Reif said, "I believe you, Barry Watson. You are a ... soldier."
Dick Hawkins' small biplane zoomed in, landed expertly at the knoll's foot. The occupant vaulted out and approached them at a half run.
Hawkins called as soon as he was within shouting distance. "They're moving in. Their advance cavalry units are already in the pass."