Contents
Chapter 9
Overview
Sam confronts Jo’s unsanctioned infiltration and forces a compromise: he will hold the battalion until her smoke signal. Jo and Fredrich lie low through daylight near the Strou hills, debating responsibility and fear. Their candid exchange reframes Jo’s guilt, steels resolve, and preserves the covert plan’s timing.
Summary
Before dawn near the Strou hills, Sam discovers Jo and Fredrich advancing ahead of the battalion. Sam, furious and afraid for Jo’s safety, orders her to return. Jo insists on proceeding, citing prior orders through Sam’s second and the need for readiness. They compromise: Sam will wait for Jo’s smoke signal before moving in.
With sunrise, Jo and Fredrich take cover in tall grass, relying on erratic Strou patrols and Fredrich’s shield. The winter cold bites, and Jo’s worry about night terrors keeps her on edge. Fredrich quietly promises nothing will breach his shield, signaling protective readiness for the coming operation.
As they lie hidden, a tense conversation turns candid. Fredrich challenges Jo’s habit of pretending she is fine and notes the isolation of command. Pressed, Jo admits guilt over dragging people into danger and fears she sparked the war through a “lover’s quarrel.”
Fredrich rejects the camp rumor’s simplicity, asserting wars require more than two people and arguing that, even if heartbreak played a role, there are worse causes—like a tyrant’s greed. His perspective eases Jo’s self-blame and reframes her resolve, while the plan remains intact: smoke will signal the battalion’s advance that night.
Who Appears
- Jo (Jovinnia)Leads a covert infiltration; defies recall, secures compromise with Sam, wrestles with guilt and isolation, regains resolve.
- FredrichShielder accompanying Jo; promises protection, challenges her guilt, argues wars aren’t caused by lovers alone.
- SamBattalion leader under Jo; confronts her reckless move, fears for her safety, agrees to await the smoke signal.