Marvin later saw the list of troops Saster had drawn up, along with their general profiles. He approved of the temporary force Saster had assembled.
Most were officers and veterans of the regiment, seasoned troops who had fought through bitter battles. Their combat strength was not to be underestimated, and they would not disgrace the regiment on the battlefield.
Even so, Marvin cautioned Saster, "This temporary force is the backbone of our regiment. If you can, try not to let them suffer heavy losses.
"I'll also send a telegram to the territory and ask the Marquis to give this force special consideration. I believe he'll grant me that favor."
Marvin normally detested asking for favors like this, but he had little choice. He was doing it for the sake of his regiment.
The regiment had taken heavy losses in this battle. The detachments stationed alone in the Small Fortresses were down to a handful of men, and some had even lost their detachment commanders.
The temporary force of a thousand men he was sending was small, but they were the regiment's veterans and junior officers. If they suffered heavy losses, it would undoubtedly hamper the regiment's rebuilding.
The Fourth Regiment was a mainstay of the Two Rivers Legion. Not just for his own sake, but for the future of the territory's army, Marvin could not allow those veterans and junior officers to be thrown away.
Marvin was sure the Marquis would consider all this without being asked. Still, to be safe, he was willing to set aside his pride and make the request, hoping the Marquis would look after the force as best he could.
Once Marvin had sent the telegram, he finally felt at ease. He did not know when the Marquis would receive it, but he was certain