Chapter twenty-one

They'd set up camp for the night. No fires, no tents, just circled trucks with tan camo tarps on the inside edge. Food came in cans. As Enge put it, 'if it ain't frozen, don't heat it'. And while some of the some of the greener members of the little army objected loudly; they weren't really given an alternative. The more experienced of Daniel's men passed up on dinner altogether; they knew that breakfast would be the warm meal. They also knew how unlikely it was that they'd find meals that would take as long to spoil as these, and how hungry they'd be in a month or so if they over ate now.

Kiera found herself a nearby hill, just outside of camp. She wasn't the only woman in the group, but she was certainly the only lady. Tressa volunteered for the night watch; she'd napped in the truck most of the day.
Enge was taking the second watch, and final, watch of the night; so Daniel decided to take this opportunity to meet the young witch. At the least, it would be good to make the right impression on the princess's apprentice.

Enge's description was surprisingly accurate, down to the sheer witchiness of the young woman. It was hard to make out her hair color, but the way she fiddled with her scabbard was exactly like how his father would fiddle with his own weapons. Daniel was a very down-to-earth man; but he really could see how even a half-mad old salt like Enge would see the resemblance. Admitedly his father tended to bury himself in magazines with names like 'Alchemy Today' and 'Imperial Anthrpological', not 'Persons' or 'Imperial Conspirerer', but the basic activity was comprable. 
"Ever commanded a watch before young lady?"
"No sir."  Tressa set down her magazine, the delightfully headlined 'Emperor Kevand's secret lover reveals all!',  "Have you ever gone to war before?"
"Well then, I suppose we're equally unprepared for the tasks at hand. Let's just hope we learn quickly."
"I'm not talking you up, so you can drop it right now."
Perceptive little witchling wasn't she. He could see why the men avoided her most of the time.
"Oh well, didn't really expect that one to take off anyways."
Tressa continued to stare past him. He'd dealt with more than his fair share of witches in the past and he still found her disconcerting. Somewhere, probably on Tara, there was an eerie looking castle missing its witch. If they ever did win this war, He'd get her there as quickly as possible; then he'd have the key melted down and recast as a ring.
"I actually wanted to talk to you about something else."
"Obviously, why else would you still be there."
He took that back. He'd melt down the key, and use it to block the lock entirely.
"I couldn't help but notice that necklace of yours. Where did you get it?"
"It was left with Aunt Allistari for me. Since she refuses to discuss it, I assume it was a gift from one of my parents."
"Then you didn't know your parents?"
He was a little disappointed, he'd hoped she'd know more. It wasn't like he had planned to tell her anything; mostly he was just hoping to milk her for information he could use next time he met his Dad. Maybe he could Finlay get a definitive answer on why he and Mom had broken up.
"Not directly, but I've managed to glean a little from my Aunt."
"Anything you'd be willing to share?"
"Why would you care? You probably come from a big wealthy family and rebelled to become the mercenary low-life you are now."
"I take an interest in everyone who serves under me; even the bratty little witchlings."
She laughed. He chuckled. Neither of them found it funny; there was no animosity, but they both knew that the other had meant want they said.
"I suppose I lose nothing by telling you. My mother was an imperial guard, my father was some criminal; high-end, assassinations and the like. The two met and had me. Her lifestyle didn't make the time or space for a child, and he was no where to be found. That's all I know."
Sounded like his suspicions were right; he'd have to tell Enge to open a file on the kid. If he could find out more he might be able to gain the upper hand in any future interactions.
"I'm sorry to hear that, I know what it's like to have parents who couldn't be there for you."
"No you don't."
It was Daniel's turn to stare at her now.
"Do I now?"
"Your father was there for you, always had a helping hand and a word of advice when you needed them. Even if you didn't always notice it."
Daniel snarled in anger, "What do you know of my father?"
"You should teach your subordinates to guard their minds better, 'Captain'. There are some dangerous secrets in there."
He was going to have a harsh talk with Enge about mental vigilance later.
"He was good, but about three nights ago he was exhausted. A little bit of wine plied his mind perfectly."
Dammit! The cheeky little girl wasn't just a magic-user; she was actually smart. Knowing Enge, he wouldn't even have known what little mental defense he'd had left was even under attack. How much did she know?
"Most of it was useless, barely anything worthy of blackmail. But this 'Ukown guild' of yours; very interesting."
Tressa began pacing around her victim. Did they have a school to teach heartless young women these sorts of things, or was it just natural?
"He's a good man. You shouldn't hold it against him. It's not like he allowed his mind to be racked for knowledge; he was just unable to resist it."
Daniel stepped forward pulling a long knife from his belt and placing the tip of it on the bridge of her nose.
"I swear by my father's blades; if a word of this leaves your tongue I'll slit you from chin to navel."
She recoiled in fear. Witch, blackmailer even; she was still just a little girl. She hadn't even hit puberty, and he was easily a foot and a half taller than her. It would have been more surprising if she hadn't started crying. And were it not for the fear he felt at the risk she posed him; he might have even felt sorry.
"I-I won't tell anyone. p-p-promise."
He gestured at her with the knife, "In blood, witch. Put out your hand, and swear it in blood. Swear that you will discuss what you know only with those who already know it. If then."
She dropped to her knees sobbing. She stretched out her hand slowly. He placed the knife on her palm.
"I swear it, I'll only discuss what I k-know about you with those who already know it." And she closed her hand firmly around his blade.
He drew it back sharply, "And may your own tongue keep your word."
He let out a deep breath, "Now then, if you're going to be fighting with us I insist you be fit and properly trained. From now on, you walk. And speak with Enge, He'll show you how to use that blade of yours."
Tressa sobbed lightly, hand still bleeding.
"Get up! I'll not have an officer like yourself pouting over a minor cut like that. You have a watch to run, I suggest you run it."
Daniel walked back to camp quickly. He felt bad about being so mean to her. Maybe it was the only way, but that didn't make her tears any less painful to think of. It wasn't like he hadn't done worse, but somehow this one just wasn't sitting right. He decided to make it up to her somehow in the future. He tried to sleep but was haunted by images of his father's hands, outstretched in compassion and bleeding from his treachery.

Tressa watched him leave. It hurt, her hand was throbbing from the blood loss. She couldn't focus enough to remember any of her mending charms. She tore off a bit of her skirt and bandaged it as best she could. As she headed back to her patrolling route she pondered the few glimpses she'd had of his memories. She'd payed dearly for her bluff, but the rewards had been remarkable. But the possibility of his being her brother only made her wound sting all the more.