The first two individuals were the military head of Mont Blanc County, "Colonel Gessa," and the former military head of Iron Peak County, "Major Ronald."
Winters did not recognize the person following them, but it was evident that his rank was not low either.
Both Gessa and Ronald were colonels, and as a captain, Winters respectfully saluted first.
Gessa paused, then returned the salute.
Since Winters had volunteered to return a thousand horses, Gessa's attitude towards him had softened considerably.
The bald colonel, pleased, readily agreed to Winters' request to release prisoners—Winters still had three of his men locked up in Gessa's prison.
While the unfamiliar soldier sized up Winters, Winters was also observing him.
The newcomer was tall, with deep-set eyes and a slightly gloomy expression.
