Cregan gave a nod of assent to the captain of the guard, followed by a friendly smile. “Don't worry Rolland, I'll keep your boys in line till you get back.” He had never been much for leading but he could still organize soldiers while Rolland was gone.

After things had quieted down in the great hall, he went out to the barracks where the soldiers waited for their captain, though it seemed they would be getting a substitute for awhile. “Rolland is away, boys. I'm your commanding officer until he returns. Lord Joakim has ordered double patrols, I don't want to see anyone slacking off, and if I find you sleeping on guard duty not even God himself can save you, understand?” 

While his speech might normally have been met with grumbles and groans, respect for Cregan was almost unanimous in the Whitelands soldiers, and somehow even the idea of tougher work and stricter punishment was met with cheers at the idea that they might stand out to Cregan. He planned to talk to Rolland when the man had returned about recruiting the best and brightest soldiers into an elite castle guard for the Weades, but it seemed that would have to wait for awhile.