The Mansion had been designed rather nicely for this sort of thing. Local aristocracy must have been very concerned about the intrests of the people.
"I've assembled the survivors in the auditorium."
Kiera was sitting in an office attached to the auditorium. It wasn't a big room, but since her council only consisted of four people it worked just fine.
"Thank you Enge."
"I just wish there'd been more."
The office had a one way view of the auditorium. It had been treated to look like a wall from the other side. A very simple holographic generator had been built into it to display a portrait of the local noble.
"It's just a speech. It's not like you haven't delivered one before."
They'd found his body in an upstairs bedroom. The Ga-Vok hadn't bothered to clean anything up.
"No. I just haven't delivered a speech in public before."
"There's no difference, believe me."
Kiera glanced into the auditorium. It was packed; every seat was full, and the walls were lined. There were even a few children planted at the front of the podium.
"I can charm them if you want."
Tressa handed Kiera the notes she'd prepared back at Castle Marche.
"Thank you Tressa. I'll be fine."
"Well, if you change your mind you know how to ask."
"I'll be fine, no magic."
Kiera took a deep breath, steeled her nerves, and stepped into the auditorium.
The whole room was silent, except for a few people shifting about.
"My name is Kiera Gansfeld, heir to the throne of Anatolia. I'm here to help."
The room quieted as people's attention became fixed on her.
"About five month's ago there was an attack made against Anatolia by the Ga-Vok. I and a number of others managed to escape the palace. We do not know what has happened there since then.
A month and a half ago, my fellow survivors and I established contact with survivors based out of Castle Marche. I was able to secure the assistance of several combat trained individuals while there. We are in the process of reestablishing contact with the rest of Anatolia.
We are prepared to render military and medical asistance wherever possible. Our objective is to establish a resistance to the present Ga-Vok occupation. Anyone interested in joining between the ages of sixteen and one hundred and fifty should report to the market square tomorrow morning for training. We will have personel available for drilling and sparring. Weapons will be available."
A gentle murmur began rising from the crowd.
"Anyone not interested should report to me in the garden. I wil be Organizing salvage parties to comb the town for usable supplies. Are there any questions?"
Someone cheered, a few of the older members of the crowd cried, a few of the others began applauding, and one hand went up.
"Excuse me."
"Yes?"
"How many other towns have you been to?"
Kiera's head drooped, she hated to break up a good mood like this.
"This is the first one. I was actually hoping we could find some maps here to help locate other local towns."
The same man kept his hand up.
"How quickly could you leave if you didn't need a map?"
"Tomorrow morning, we haven't unpacked yet."
"I drove supplies before the attack. I know this area like the back of my hand."
"Congratulations, you've just been drafted. After everyone else leaves could you join us upstairs?"
"Yes ma'am. Any chance I can to get home."
Kiera shuffled her papers and stepped back into the office. Daniel, Tressa, and Enge stepped out into the hallway.
"Enge, get your men together and put everything back where you found it."
"But sir. The men expect to get their loot."
"No 'but's' Enge. You heard the lady, we're here to help. Now how helpful do we look the first time one of them sees two of my men comparing pieces of their jewelry?"
"Yes sir, but they're not gonna like it."
"Remind them what they're getting for this. This isn't just another job; this is a war. If we win this, full pardons and pensions for everyone."
"I hope so. By the gods captain, I don't want to be around if we don't."
Thursday, December 3, 2009
chapter twenty-four
"The camp must stretch down over the other side of the hill."
"We get this taken care of quickly; Enge may need our help."
"This is my fault. I should have taken more time to scout the area."
"We can question this later, get your archers to the second floor."
Kiera climbed onto the fountain in the middle of the plaza. The plumbing must have broken since the attack. Other than a small pool at the base, it was completly dry.
"There must be six-hundred of them."
"You take the west side of the plaza, I'll cover the east."
"Shouldn't we both stay in the middle so we can hold it better?"
"And be cut off from our exits when they overrun the fountain? No way I'm letting you endanger yourself like that."
"Then why aren't you manning the fountain?"
"Because if you're over there, someone needs to command the men over here."
"Sounds to me like you're just afraid of the fight."
"If I say I'm afraid will will you do what I told you to?"
"No, I'm staying here at the fountain. You can go hide in the corner if you want; my place is with my men."
"They're my men, and your safety is my problem. Get off that fountain before I drag you off."
"Captain, look out!"
Daniel ducked to the side as a Ga-Vok arrow whipped through the air beside him.
"Men! Defend yourselves!"
Projectiles of a dozen varieties buzzed through the air to meet their targets. Te Ga-Vok warriors had the advantage of numbers and momentum. They hurtled over the crude barricade on the south side of the market, tearing through the defenders there.
The rest of Daniel's men rushed to counter the charge. They may not have been so uniformly equipped as the warriors, but they were more skilled. The charge halted the Ga-Vok just inside the barricade, slowing them as they were now forced to pull themselves over it. Kiera had lept into the fray. Her skill with the sword inspiring the men about her to force the Ga-Vok back.
Daniel was not as foolhardy. He rallide the men still in the market and brought them around to the east. Moving archers and swords alike into the buildings lining the street, he prepared to drive into them as the superior numbers of the Ga-Vok began forcing Kiera's men stumbling back over the barricade.
"Now men, open fire!"
Darts and quarrels bit into the exposed flank of the Ga-Vok charge. Daniel lept from the roof onto the enemy forces, his men close behind him. The flashing of his blade in the spring sun was quickly dulled by the blood of their warriors.
Even this was not enough. They began forcing his men back into the town, many of them were pinned to the walls of the shops lining the street by the katar's of the Ga-Vok. Kiera's forces were holding them at the barricade, but Daniel was in dire straits.
As he parried furiously, back peddaling under the weight of his attacker, he heard a fammiliar voice.
"Mind if I cut in?"
"Hello Enge. Next time, aim higher or lower. My mouth was open and you got all kinds of furry gore in it."
"Sorry Captain, It won't happen again."
"What kept you?"
"It was a big camp sir."
"You could have run faster."
"Sorry sir, I was holding him back."
Daniel looked down at the blood-smattered little girl.
"Enge, wasn't she supposed to be in our camp?"
"Yes sir, but she made a very convincing arguement."
"Which was?"
"We could move faster if the loot could be placed directly into the trucks."
"Kid, you may understand why we do what we do, but if I ever find you disobeying my orders again."
"No need sir, we already agreed on punishment."
"That's my job Enge."
"I know, that's why I gave her the punishment you would."
"I was only going to threaten her. For cripes sake Enge, she's not even twelve."
"Wait. You thought I would actually? I'm offended captain, you know perfectly well I would never do that."
"You sure had better not; you know I don't tolerate that in my men."
"All I did was threaten her. It's what you were going to do so I just went ahead and took care of it for you."
"Well that really takes the steam out of it," he turned to Tressa, "Kid, you disobey me again and your ass is mine."
Tressa ignored him, a small blueish glow began emenating from her palm.
"Sure it is. Now can we just get back to the fight?"
They moved back into the street to see that Enge's men, along with the guards who had been left under Tressa's command, were engaging the remaining Ga-Vok all across the street. Enge charged to the nearest one parrying with his first knife, sliding himself to its side, and gutting it wwith his other knife. Daniel rolled a second warrior over him and finished it with a quick stab.
Tressa walked calmly to the middle of the street; her sword still in it's scabbard. She sidestepped her adversary and struck him with her outstretched palm. He staggered and collapsed, weezing in pain. She drew her sword, stepped over him, and placed it's blade at his throat.
"Stiehl edewu unave Vokda"
The sword melted in her hand, molding itself to the warrior's throat.
"Vokda. Atlai mi feinde"
The warrior rose and impaled a nearby Ga-Vok on his katar. Then pounced a second hapless warrior and began tearing at it with his fangs.
"Captain."
"It's alright to scream Enge."
"Remind me to never get on her bad side."
Kiera's men reached their position. The remaining Ga-Vok were attempting to flee over the hill. The rest of Enge and Tressa's men made short wok of them.
"Tressa, what is wrong with that thing mext to you?"
"Oh, sorry Miss Kiera. Vokda!"
The Ga-Vok warrior rose to attention,
"Zikat!"
and collapsed lifeless beside her.
"Settles that issue nicely. Kiddo, I take back what I said earlier. My ass is yours whenever you need it."
"Mr. Enge, your ass was already mine whenever I wanted it."
Enge laughed nervously.
"Captain"
"Yes princess?"
"Tell your men to search for survivors."
"You heard her men; if there are survivors bring them up to the mansion."
"We get this taken care of quickly; Enge may need our help."
"This is my fault. I should have taken more time to scout the area."
"We can question this later, get your archers to the second floor."
Kiera climbed onto the fountain in the middle of the plaza. The plumbing must have broken since the attack. Other than a small pool at the base, it was completly dry.
"There must be six-hundred of them."
"You take the west side of the plaza, I'll cover the east."
"Shouldn't we both stay in the middle so we can hold it better?"
"And be cut off from our exits when they overrun the fountain? No way I'm letting you endanger yourself like that."
"Then why aren't you manning the fountain?"
"Because if you're over there, someone needs to command the men over here."
"Sounds to me like you're just afraid of the fight."
"If I say I'm afraid will will you do what I told you to?"
"No, I'm staying here at the fountain. You can go hide in the corner if you want; my place is with my men."
"They're my men, and your safety is my problem. Get off that fountain before I drag you off."
"Captain, look out!"
Daniel ducked to the side as a Ga-Vok arrow whipped through the air beside him.
"Men! Defend yourselves!"
Projectiles of a dozen varieties buzzed through the air to meet their targets. Te Ga-Vok warriors had the advantage of numbers and momentum. They hurtled over the crude barricade on the south side of the market, tearing through the defenders there.
The rest of Daniel's men rushed to counter the charge. They may not have been so uniformly equipped as the warriors, but they were more skilled. The charge halted the Ga-Vok just inside the barricade, slowing them as they were now forced to pull themselves over it. Kiera had lept into the fray. Her skill with the sword inspiring the men about her to force the Ga-Vok back.
Daniel was not as foolhardy. He rallide the men still in the market and brought them around to the east. Moving archers and swords alike into the buildings lining the street, he prepared to drive into them as the superior numbers of the Ga-Vok began forcing Kiera's men stumbling back over the barricade.
"Now men, open fire!"
Darts and quarrels bit into the exposed flank of the Ga-Vok charge. Daniel lept from the roof onto the enemy forces, his men close behind him. The flashing of his blade in the spring sun was quickly dulled by the blood of their warriors.
Even this was not enough. They began forcing his men back into the town, many of them were pinned to the walls of the shops lining the street by the katar's of the Ga-Vok. Kiera's forces were holding them at the barricade, but Daniel was in dire straits.
As he parried furiously, back peddaling under the weight of his attacker, he heard a fammiliar voice.
"Mind if I cut in?"
"Hello Enge. Next time, aim higher or lower. My mouth was open and you got all kinds of furry gore in it."
"Sorry Captain, It won't happen again."
"What kept you?"
"It was a big camp sir."
"You could have run faster."
"Sorry sir, I was holding him back."
Daniel looked down at the blood-smattered little girl.
"Enge, wasn't she supposed to be in our camp?"
"Yes sir, but she made a very convincing arguement."
"Which was?"
"We could move faster if the loot could be placed directly into the trucks."
"Kid, you may understand why we do what we do, but if I ever find you disobeying my orders again."
"No need sir, we already agreed on punishment."
"That's my job Enge."
"I know, that's why I gave her the punishment you would."
"I was only going to threaten her. For cripes sake Enge, she's not even twelve."
"Wait. You thought I would actually? I'm offended captain, you know perfectly well I would never do that."
"You sure had better not; you know I don't tolerate that in my men."
"All I did was threaten her. It's what you were going to do so I just went ahead and took care of it for you."
"Well that really takes the steam out of it," he turned to Tressa, "Kid, you disobey me again and your ass is mine."
Tressa ignored him, a small blueish glow began emenating from her palm.
"Sure it is. Now can we just get back to the fight?"
They moved back into the street to see that Enge's men, along with the guards who had been left under Tressa's command, were engaging the remaining Ga-Vok all across the street. Enge charged to the nearest one parrying with his first knife, sliding himself to its side, and gutting it wwith his other knife. Daniel rolled a second warrior over him and finished it with a quick stab.
Tressa walked calmly to the middle of the street; her sword still in it's scabbard. She sidestepped her adversary and struck him with her outstretched palm. He staggered and collapsed, weezing in pain. She drew her sword, stepped over him, and placed it's blade at his throat.
"Stiehl edewu unave Vokda"
The sword melted in her hand, molding itself to the warrior's throat.
"Vokda. Atlai mi feinde"
The warrior rose and impaled a nearby Ga-Vok on his katar. Then pounced a second hapless warrior and began tearing at it with his fangs.
"Captain."
"It's alright to scream Enge."
"Remind me to never get on her bad side."
Kiera's men reached their position. The remaining Ga-Vok were attempting to flee over the hill. The rest of Enge and Tressa's men made short wok of them.
"Tressa, what is wrong with that thing mext to you?"
"Oh, sorry Miss Kiera. Vokda!"
The Ga-Vok warrior rose to attention,
"Zikat!"
and collapsed lifeless beside her.
"Settles that issue nicely. Kiddo, I take back what I said earlier. My ass is yours whenever you need it."
"Mr. Enge, your ass was already mine whenever I wanted it."
Enge laughed nervously.
"Captain"
"Yes princess?"
"Tell your men to search for survivors."
"You heard her men; if there are survivors bring them up to the mansion."
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Chpter twenty-three
Daniel watched Kiera's force moving through the scrub north of town. Enge's force had been in position for a few hours. It was time for him to enact his stage of the plan.
"Alright men, let's take this town."
He had the smallest of the forces, only about a hundred men. They were the bait. Once the troops in the mansion and the camp moved to attack him; Kiera and Enge would take the enemy positions. Then Kiera's main force would sweep the enemy rear, or was it tail?
"I want a squad on every house. Two men to a door minimum, I don't want any of them getting away this time."
It was slow progress, but he wasn't in a hurry. A thorough search always turned up more swag; if he was lucky there might even be some survivors.
"Sir! A company of Ga-Vok is advancing from the mansion."
A fast response, he liked that.
"What about the camp?"
"I don't think they've noticed yet."
That didn't make a big difference; his job would be mildly safer but he hadn't been worried in the first place.
"I want archers, crossbows, and any other projectiles overlooking the market. Everyone else barricade doors and protect the the ranged men."
It was a large plaza, all the stalls were broken. The enemy would be advancing under fire with minimal support. He could have won this fight without Kiera's force.
They were moving fast. They seemed to have left their armor in the mansion. He could hardly believe how easy this was. He'd had harder fights against children. He'd be the first one to admit his cousin was a strategic genius, but Alicea was still a child and it was still embarassing to have lost.
"Pull that debris over here and block the north road."
They may have been moving fast, but it was a long road. This probably would have been a pretty major town back before the attack. Provincial capitol maybe, That mansion did look pretty big.
"That'll do, get ready men."
The enemy warriors were exhausted by the time they entered the market. They were easy targets as they pulled themselves across the plaza. A few of them took cover in the builings on the other side of the square, but most were dead before they could react.
"Alright men, get over there and finish them off."
He could see Kiera leading two companies down the main street. She was taking her time. Apparently she had as much confidence in his men as he did. That or she just didn't think the surviving Ga-Vok a real threat.
"Alright, reorient to defend against the men from the camp. Get the debris and form a bunker around the fountain."
The men he'd sent to clear the buildings had already returned from their task.
"Take up positions on the south side of the market, It'll save you the time of running across to deal with them. Archers and such, north side of the market; Same as you just did."
Then he saw the force from the camp coming down the south road. He'd severly underestimated their numbers. There were probably several hundred of them.
"Kiera! Get your men down here. We're gonna need more men for this."
"Alright men, let's take this town."
He had the smallest of the forces, only about a hundred men. They were the bait. Once the troops in the mansion and the camp moved to attack him; Kiera and Enge would take the enemy positions. Then Kiera's main force would sweep the enemy rear, or was it tail?
"I want a squad on every house. Two men to a door minimum, I don't want any of them getting away this time."
It was slow progress, but he wasn't in a hurry. A thorough search always turned up more swag; if he was lucky there might even be some survivors.
"Sir! A company of Ga-Vok is advancing from the mansion."
A fast response, he liked that.
"What about the camp?"
"I don't think they've noticed yet."
That didn't make a big difference; his job would be mildly safer but he hadn't been worried in the first place.
"I want archers, crossbows, and any other projectiles overlooking the market. Everyone else barricade doors and protect the the ranged men."
It was a large plaza, all the stalls were broken. The enemy would be advancing under fire with minimal support. He could have won this fight without Kiera's force.
They were moving fast. They seemed to have left their armor in the mansion. He could hardly believe how easy this was. He'd had harder fights against children. He'd be the first one to admit his cousin was a strategic genius, but Alicea was still a child and it was still embarassing to have lost.
"Pull that debris over here and block the north road."
They may have been moving fast, but it was a long road. This probably would have been a pretty major town back before the attack. Provincial capitol maybe, That mansion did look pretty big.
"That'll do, get ready men."
The enemy warriors were exhausted by the time they entered the market. They were easy targets as they pulled themselves across the plaza. A few of them took cover in the builings on the other side of the square, but most were dead before they could react.
"Alright men, get over there and finish them off."
He could see Kiera leading two companies down the main street. She was taking her time. Apparently she had as much confidence in his men as he did. That or she just didn't think the surviving Ga-Vok a real threat.
"Alright, reorient to defend against the men from the camp. Get the debris and form a bunker around the fountain."
The men he'd sent to clear the buildings had already returned from their task.
"Take up positions on the south side of the market, It'll save you the time of running across to deal with them. Archers and such, north side of the market; Same as you just did."
Then he saw the force from the camp coming down the south road. He'd severly underestimated their numbers. There were probably several hundred of them.
"Kiera! Get your men down here. We're gonna need more men for this."
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
chapter twenty-two
It had been a long march. Kiera was with Daniel planning out their approach to the next town. Tressa decided that while she wasn't really required to obey Daniel; the oppurtunity to learn how to fight was probably a good thing. So she reported to Enge as directed.
He was standing with a group of young men, hurling mild insults and and occasionaly stepping in and showing them how to do things right.
"Sir. I was told that you were the one to talk to about fighting."
Tressa was doing her best to appear humble, people were more likely to help if they thought you actually respected them.
"A little girl like you, fight? I'll be honest with ya kiddo; I wouldn't feel right letting someone your age into the fray."
"What if they attack the camp? How would I defend myself?"
Enge walked over to her, "In't that what you've got magic for lass?"
"Magic needs energy, and skill. If I could fight for real it would be easierto use magic. Or at least that's what Miss. Kiera says."
"So the lady wants you to learn how to fight? Well I can't argue with that. Grab a training sword and lets get started."
"Thanks!"
"They have a camp on the hill there."
"That's to far from town to be reasonable. They'll have an outpost somewhere in town than."
Kiera and Daniel were surveying their destination. They wanted to make this quick and clean; with as few deaths as possible.
"We'll split our forces. You take a small company up the main street, checking houses for survivors as you go. I'll take the main force to the far side of town and fortify the mansion. You send, whoever your second in command is..."
"Enge"
"Enge, with a second company to clear their encampment. Bring any survivors to the mansion."
"Yes ma'am, anything else?"
"Yea, was there an attack last night? I noticed that Tressa's hand got injured."
Daniel had been hoping she wouldn't notice, but he'd rather expected it. He knew that Tressa's oath would have forced her to lie about it; so he decided to play dumb.
"Not to my knowledge, maybe she just tripped and hurt it on a rock or something."
"She was probably just embarassed then. I'm going to leave her in charge of camp when we attack the town tomorrow."
"Probably a good idea, she did rather well with the watch by all accounts."
"I'm glad to hear that; I was a bit hesitant at the idea of letting her command. I can't imagine she'd get a whole lot of respect from your men."
"She scares the willies out of them."
Kiera laughed, "She is a bit of a witch isn't she? Still, I can't help but like the poor kid; even if it's just out of pity."
"Dame Allistari didn't mention anything about her parents, did she?"
"Apparently her mother is a guard up at the palace."
"Really? Did she survive?"
"I don't know, the only guard who wasn't here eleven years ago is Callin. And she's an imperial."
Daniel barely contained his surprise.
"What did you say her name was?"
"Callin."
"The Callin, the one from the tournaments?"
"You know her?"
"We've, met once or twice. She taught me a lot of what I know about fighting."
"No kidding! Me to. I convinced her to start giving me lessons with the sword about eight years ago."
Their was no denying it now, this was definetly kora.
"Where'd you learn magic?"
"Books mostly, a little here and there from the other nobles. The king of Tara was particularly helpful. Said I reminded him of his niece, only blonder and cleaner."
"Well then, looks like I underestimated you. You may be the better warrior after all."
"Now we just need to hope I'm also a better commander."
He was standing with a group of young men, hurling mild insults and and occasionaly stepping in and showing them how to do things right.
"Sir. I was told that you were the one to talk to about fighting."
Tressa was doing her best to appear humble, people were more likely to help if they thought you actually respected them.
"A little girl like you, fight? I'll be honest with ya kiddo; I wouldn't feel right letting someone your age into the fray."
"What if they attack the camp? How would I defend myself?"
Enge walked over to her, "In't that what you've got magic for lass?"
"Magic needs energy, and skill. If I could fight for real it would be easierto use magic. Or at least that's what Miss. Kiera says."
"So the lady wants you to learn how to fight? Well I can't argue with that. Grab a training sword and lets get started."
"Thanks!"
"They have a camp on the hill there."
"That's to far from town to be reasonable. They'll have an outpost somewhere in town than."
Kiera and Daniel were surveying their destination. They wanted to make this quick and clean; with as few deaths as possible.
"We'll split our forces. You take a small company up the main street, checking houses for survivors as you go. I'll take the main force to the far side of town and fortify the mansion. You send, whoever your second in command is..."
"Enge"
"Enge, with a second company to clear their encampment. Bring any survivors to the mansion."
"Yes ma'am, anything else?"
"Yea, was there an attack last night? I noticed that Tressa's hand got injured."
Daniel had been hoping she wouldn't notice, but he'd rather expected it. He knew that Tressa's oath would have forced her to lie about it; so he decided to play dumb.
"Not to my knowledge, maybe she just tripped and hurt it on a rock or something."
"She was probably just embarassed then. I'm going to leave her in charge of camp when we attack the town tomorrow."
"Probably a good idea, she did rather well with the watch by all accounts."
"I'm glad to hear that; I was a bit hesitant at the idea of letting her command. I can't imagine she'd get a whole lot of respect from your men."
"She scares the willies out of them."
Kiera laughed, "She is a bit of a witch isn't she? Still, I can't help but like the poor kid; even if it's just out of pity."
"Dame Allistari didn't mention anything about her parents, did she?"
"Apparently her mother is a guard up at the palace."
"Really? Did she survive?"
"I don't know, the only guard who wasn't here eleven years ago is Callin. And she's an imperial."
Daniel barely contained his surprise.
"What did you say her name was?"
"Callin."
"The Callin, the one from the tournaments?"
"You know her?"
"We've, met once or twice. She taught me a lot of what I know about fighting."
"No kidding! Me to. I convinced her to start giving me lessons with the sword about eight years ago."
Their was no denying it now, this was definetly kora.
"Where'd you learn magic?"
"Books mostly, a little here and there from the other nobles. The king of Tara was particularly helpful. Said I reminded him of his niece, only blonder and cleaner."
"Well then, looks like I underestimated you. You may be the better warrior after all."
"Now we just need to hope I'm also a better commander."
Monday, November 30, 2009
Yet another warning; chapter 21
Large man makes death threats to small girl, the minor curse 'dammit' is used.
Just in case people find the idea of threatening prepubescent girls with large knives offensive.
Just in case people find the idea of threatening prepubescent girls with large knives offensive.
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.
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.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Linguistic note; kora-kara
I used the Nieldic word kora in chapter twenty.
The word means, in best translation, 'certain future'. It's counterpart is kara, uncertain future.
The practical translations are inevitable and possible, but neither fits it quite properly. Kora is like saying it will happen, and it can't be avoided. Kara, is saying that something will happen, but something else may happen instead. The two words are used frequently in relation to prophecy. Kora prophecies tend to be vague statements like, 'it will rain' or 'the world will be named X'. In prophetic terms, kora is more or less the equivalent of fortune telling, statements are made, and the tell-ee later encounters a situation and assumes that this is what the prophecy foretold. The truest kora prophecies tend to be kara prophecies in which the deciding factor is the prophecy itself, by hearing the prophecy and acting on it, the conclusion of the kara prophecy becomes set.
In turn, kara prophecies are very specific. Sometimes done in rhyme and verse, other times just yelled loudly at the recipients over the shoulders of the guards removing the hapless soothsayer. Kara prophecies have been known to be as specific as, 'you may die at 3:47 PM on august the 24th of 3056 AD; it will be of blunt force trauma caused by a human named _______ who will be using a 3/4" wrench made of stainless steel.' The important part of these prophecies is the things not said, for example, what if that hinged entirely upon whether or not you gave the wrench as a gift to his neighbor ______ and then on whether or not you made the mistake of sleeping with his wife. Either of which could alter the end results. Because you listened to the prophecy you could avoid either hardware stores or _____ like the plague; leading you to instead die in a fire three weeks earlier when the fire extinguisher you would have bought when you went to get the wrench was not present. Nielda are always advised to pester soothsayers for the other possibilities.
However, clearly when Daniel was speaking to Enge; prophecy was not involved. This leads me to the most common use of kora in Nieldic culture; Entertainment. The word kora is often used as a part of romance scenes. The idea of course being to convey that a love was meant to be. This use has watered down the value of the word considerably.
The remaining use of the words is as names. Especially for twins, kara and koro are used as names for Nieldic girls. Kara actually has peculiar signifigance in that one of the most famous prophets of Nieldic history was named Kara. She was an anatolian Stone, and the prophecy (an eight thousand page monstrosity) was the longest and most accurate prophecy to date; covering nearly a thousand years of the Daniellandish empire with a focus on Anatolia. She herself was actually quite an interesting character. But that's a story for another day.
The word means, in best translation, 'certain future'. It's counterpart is kara, uncertain future.
The practical translations are inevitable and possible, but neither fits it quite properly. Kora is like saying it will happen, and it can't be avoided. Kara, is saying that something will happen, but something else may happen instead. The two words are used frequently in relation to prophecy. Kora prophecies tend to be vague statements like, 'it will rain' or 'the world will be named X'. In prophetic terms, kora is more or less the equivalent of fortune telling, statements are made, and the tell-ee later encounters a situation and assumes that this is what the prophecy foretold. The truest kora prophecies tend to be kara prophecies in which the deciding factor is the prophecy itself, by hearing the prophecy and acting on it, the conclusion of the kara prophecy becomes set.
In turn, kara prophecies are very specific. Sometimes done in rhyme and verse, other times just yelled loudly at the recipients over the shoulders of the guards removing the hapless soothsayer. Kara prophecies have been known to be as specific as, 'you may die at 3:47 PM on august the 24th of 3056 AD; it will be of blunt force trauma caused by a human named _______ who will be using a 3/4" wrench made of stainless steel.' The important part of these prophecies is the things not said, for example, what if that hinged entirely upon whether or not you gave the wrench as a gift to his neighbor ______ and then on whether or not you made the mistake of sleeping with his wife. Either of which could alter the end results. Because you listened to the prophecy you could avoid either hardware stores or _____ like the plague; leading you to instead die in a fire three weeks earlier when the fire extinguisher you would have bought when you went to get the wrench was not present. Nielda are always advised to pester soothsayers for the other possibilities.
However, clearly when Daniel was speaking to Enge; prophecy was not involved. This leads me to the most common use of kora in Nieldic culture; Entertainment. The word kora is often used as a part of romance scenes. The idea of course being to convey that a love was meant to be. This use has watered down the value of the word considerably.
The remaining use of the words is as names. Especially for twins, kara and koro are used as names for Nieldic girls. Kara actually has peculiar signifigance in that one of the most famous prophets of Nieldic history was named Kara. She was an anatolian Stone, and the prophecy (an eight thousand page monstrosity) was the longest and most accurate prophecy to date; covering nearly a thousand years of the Daniellandish empire with a focus on Anatolia. She herself was actually quite an interesting character. But that's a story for another day.
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