The deserter's name was Feld.
Once the shaking in his hands settled enough for him to speak in full sentences, Cassian's actual plan came into focus.
The room seemed colder by the time he finished explaining it.
"He isn't attacking Meridine."
Maren looked up sharply.
"Not directly," Feld added.
He sat hunched over the table, both hands wrapped around a cup he had barely touched.
"He's going to let the evacuation begin."
Valerica's expression changed first.
Feld continued.
"He'll let the column get far enough from town that turning back becomes difficult. Long enough for everyone to think it's working."
His gaze moved toward the map.
"Then he'll hit it at the widest point."
Ashe's jaw tightened.
"The slowest section."
"Yes."
Feld pointed toward the route Valerica had drawn.
"The exact place where your slowest-pace-first method spreads the movement out the most."
Ashe stared at him.
"He knows the discipline."
"He's seen it before."
Feld swallowed.
