Huntson couldn't tell if his hand was still there or if his face would still move. He'd expected men to pour over the sides of the ships and run across the water at him. Plenty of activity on the ships, but no boats let down or anchors weighed.
Even though he looked to freeze to death, Huntson celebrated each moment nothing happened. It meant that much more time for the Regent to decide how to protect their country. Maybe they'd get four hours after all.
Men were finally lowering the boats when a runner came to Huntson.
"Orders, sir." He saluted. "We are to allow them to land and continue to the City."
Huntson tried very hard to speak, but he couldn't get the words out. The sergeant nodded to him and spoke to the other men. One ran and fetched a stick with a white cloth on it. They waved it until they saw someone on the ships respond.