The Giezzas shuffle off; although, to Hospodar Casimir's mind, there's rather too much falling over, shooting one another accidentally in the head, and/or expressing a love of musical theatre than he might be comfortable with in a military manoeuvre, given that, since he is paying them, he has at least a vague expectation that his coin should be reciprocated by a measure of military competence. General Taras Bulbous, having more experience of commanding Zentan armies, seems less concerned.
'My lord, given a little more time for training - say, fifty years or so - I think that the Giezzas might make fine troops'. He considers this further for a moment. 'Or at least acceptable troops for missions involving the subduing of very short and poorly trained adversaries'. He considers the issue further. 'That are asleep and that are already tied up'.
Hospodar Casimir seems about to raise a finger - a sign either that he intends to order an execution or to take a break for lunch. Before Bulbous finds out which, he hears the sound of approaching horses. This makes him instantly more optimistic. Zenta is well known for in Mittelheim for the quality of its cavalry, who are skilled riders that only rarely marry their horses.
The provincial Sipahi have arrived. Casimir watches them as they perform feats of horsemanship. The troops seems competent but also a little lacklustre.
'These fellows don't seem as enthusiastic as would like', observes the hospodar.
Bulbous bows. 'I believe, my lord, that there are some concerns regarding the lateness of their pay'.
The hospodar nods. 'Well, Bulbous, to be fair to them I have indeed ordered the paperwork for their pay held up'.
Bulbous doesn't quite know what to say. He could intervene on behalf of his troops - but this might only end up expediting the seperation of his head from the rest of his body.
'Economics', continues Casimir. 'I like to hold the paperwork back until after military campaigns - when as many of the troops as possible are dead'.
'Ah, er, a wise choice, my lord', replies Bulbous.
'So, Bulbous, it would be useful if you could ensure that as few survive as possible'.
The general nods phlegmatically. 'I think that can be managed, sire. Your will, my hands'.
The hospodar nods. 'Well, Bulbous, to be fair to them I have indeed ordered the paperwork for their pay held up'.
Bulbous doesn't quite know what to say. He could intervene on behalf of his troops - but this might only end up expediting the seperation of his head from the rest of his body.
'Economics', continues Casimir. 'I like to hold the paperwork back until after military campaigns - when as many of the troops as possible are dead'.
'Ah, er, a wise choice, my lord', replies Bulbous.
'So, Bulbous, it would be useful if you could ensure that as few survive as possible'.
The general nods phlegmatically. 'I think that can be managed, sire. Your will, my hands'.
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