"Thank you, sir." The marshal inclined his head. "And I see you have had your own successes. Much has changed during the two years of my campaign."
"We all live, Marshal," said Carter. "We all grow a little older. It's the natural course of life. A man who stands still in one position all the time wouldn't make a good runner, now would he?"
"Indeed not. I suppose you wouldn't be interested in a commission under me? What things we could do together!"
"I'm honored that you think of me so kindly, but I'm afraid my peculiar talents don't run in the military manner, Marshal."
"Ah, but what a strategist you would make, sir."
"Oh?" He grinned. "Then our enemies should be happy to have me in the capital, not on the field."
He reached his seat just in time to touch trousers to it and rise again when Kahl came in, whispering something in the ear of a courtesan. The girl laughed hysterically, then went to the woman's table as servants started bringing in the first course. Kahl grunted as he sat down and rubbed his belly. He leaned over towards Carter.
"I'm getting fat, southerner. Fat and old."
"A little exercise would do us all good."