Reto and Mano ultimately chose to believe Brand's words. Someone who could speak so convincingly, even if lying, must at least have some confidence and skill. The key point was that Brand gave them a sufficient reason, which was the payment—mercenaries and payment are inseparably linked. Payment is like a way out—it can make everything unreasonable become reasonable.
It didn't take long for the dozen or so experienced mercenaries to gather. They communicated with gestures, and horses galloped out of the crowd one by one, then gathered together. Within moments, everyone was accounted for.
These mercenaries are not simple folk, not your ordinary kind, thought Brand.
Nevertheless, he also had the Security Cavalry gather. He needed his men divided into two groups. Although these fellows weren't great, with some training, they could be useful.
Brand rode his horse around these people, then stopped to one side, holding a pocket watch, estimating the time.
