She hesitated, but she knew she would tell him. He did, too. It was in his voice.
“I’m afraid of me,” she said, softly.
“That’s not a very clear answer, Tavaar. Tell me.”
He was using her name freely. That was how he had always got her to open up. He knew it gave her strength. Did he also know it put her under his spell?
“I – I still love you, Khaiu. I can’t put you out of my mind. Thoughts of us fill my mind. It’s like when I offered myself to Shello. I just want to lay with you. I – I’m so terrible.”
As was usual in their heartfelt talks, Tavaar had begun by stating the worst. So there it was. He knew what she wanted. All he had to do was say yes and they could make their baby and fulfill Gwihnna’s premonition. She knew it was wrong, but right now that was exactly what she wanted him to do. Khaiu was silent. If he was dismayed, or revolted, he didn’t show it. Neither did he appear aroused. He just continued to toss acorns. Finally, he spoke.
“You’ve offered yourself to Shello? When did you do that? You’ve avoided being with either of us alone until tonight.”
Tavaar rolled her eyes. Khaiu was brilliant, but sometimes he could be so dense.
“Not now, you chicken brain. Before I was married. Before he was married, in fact.”
“Oh! I see. Okay. That makes sense.”
“Do you remember now?”
“Remember? How could I remember? I never knew. This is the first I heard of it.”
Tavaar was startled. “You didn’t know? Shello – never told you?”
“Why would he tell me that?”
“Well, you’re brothers. You’re very close. Sashwa and I tell each other everything, and we’re not even sisters.”
Khaiu smiled. “We’re close. Probably closer than any two I know, save you and Sashwa. We’re not as close as that, though. There have always been things we didn’t tell each other. I didn’t tell him you asked to court me. It does not surprise me he did not tell me of your offer. I expect he has told Klarissa, though.”
“He didn’t have to. She caught us.”
Khaiu’s eyes widened and he started to chuckle.
“It wasn’t funny at the time,” she chided.
“I suppose not. Forgive me.”
She slumped back against the tree and sighed. “So what do we do now?”
“Do? Well, it is obvious, isn’t it? We go to your hut and consummate our desires. We laugh. We play. We do all that comes into our heads. And when we’re done, I bring Shello up and you can have him, as well.”
“Don’t mock me! I don’t think it’s funny.”
“Neither do I.”
“Then stop insulting me. I tell you I’m afraid I want to lay with you, and you make a big joke of it. How do you think that makes me feel?”
“Perhaps the same way I feel about your just assuming I will be unfaithful to Tura at my first chance to be with you.”
Silence.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tavaar - 62nd Edition
It was tempting to quit posting about Tavaar again, but I so like this scene between Tavaar and Khaiu. It's only a draft, but it contains a lot.
“Me?”
“You are not behaving like the Tavaar I know.”
Tavaar shrugged. “I suppose I have changed some. Being placed in command was totally unexpected.”
“I’m not talking about that.”
She felt as though a moment of decision were falling upon her. It was as if she were the prey, and the predator was close. The bait was Khaiu. If she were to find some excuse and leave him now, she would be safe. But his eyes held her. She could not leave him. She hated herself for the thoughts in her head and the feelings in her heart. But she could not leave him.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, timidly.
Khaiu looked sad. “That,” he said. Then, to her unvoiced question, “From whence comes this fear?”
“Fear?”
“Fear. Don’t even try to pretend with me, Tavaar. You have never been a good deceiver anyway, but I know you too well to fall for your evasive tricks.”
“Do you really know me that well?” she asked, and somewhere in her heart she was desperately hoping it was true.
He smiled affectionately. “I know you better than anyone else does – except Sashwa, of course.”
She grinned, warmed by his natural boast. “You have never thought little of yourself, have you?”
“I think the truth, and that is what I speak.”
“I know. I’ve always admired that about you. But what about Wheylin? Do you not credit him with any knowledge?”
“Wheylin knows things about you I will never know, but my overall knowledge still exceeds his. Over time that will change. For now I am confident of my observations.”
She paused, contemplating his words. Part of her very much wanted to increase his knowledge, and that was the problem.
“Okay. I’m afraid, and you want to know of what?”
“No. I think I know what you’re afraid of. What I don’t know is why?”
Looking into his face she knew he had guessed it. How could he not? Even Sashwa called her on it. It wasn't exactly a subtle thing. But she wanted him to say it. She needed to hear it with his voice.
“What is it you think I’m afraid of?”
“Shello and me.”
He did know! And something about him saying it as he did seemed to break away the invisible hedge which enclosed her in a vice grip.
“Can we go sit down now?” he asked. “Patrolling the camp in search of misbehaving warriors is all well and good, but isn’t that the job of your second? Come. We do not need to go inside your hut. We need not even go near it. Look. There is an open place. We can go sit there. Will you?”
She smiled and nodded her head. She followed him up a small incline and they sat under a big oak. From here they could see the center of camp. They were also visible to it. About a dozen warriors were huddled in small groups of twos and threes. Tavaar sat to Khaiu’s right, facing the camp with her back against the tree. Khaiu sat at a slight angle from her.
“So, why afraid of us?” he asked, picking up a handful of acorns and absently tossing them away one by one.
“I never said I was.”
Khaiu groaned, half with amusement and half with disgust. “Come on, Tavaar, stop it! You never denied it either. You’ve been afraid of us since the moment we arrived. What is it that’s frightening you?”
“Me?”
“You are not behaving like the Tavaar I know.”
Tavaar shrugged. “I suppose I have changed some. Being placed in command was totally unexpected.”
“I’m not talking about that.”
She felt as though a moment of decision were falling upon her. It was as if she were the prey, and the predator was close. The bait was Khaiu. If she were to find some excuse and leave him now, she would be safe. But his eyes held her. She could not leave him. She hated herself for the thoughts in her head and the feelings in her heart. But she could not leave him.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, timidly.
Khaiu looked sad. “That,” he said. Then, to her unvoiced question, “From whence comes this fear?”
“Fear?”
“Fear. Don’t even try to pretend with me, Tavaar. You have never been a good deceiver anyway, but I know you too well to fall for your evasive tricks.”
“Do you really know me that well?” she asked, and somewhere in her heart she was desperately hoping it was true.
He smiled affectionately. “I know you better than anyone else does – except Sashwa, of course.”
She grinned, warmed by his natural boast. “You have never thought little of yourself, have you?”
“I think the truth, and that is what I speak.”
“I know. I’ve always admired that about you. But what about Wheylin? Do you not credit him with any knowledge?”
“Wheylin knows things about you I will never know, but my overall knowledge still exceeds his. Over time that will change. For now I am confident of my observations.”
She paused, contemplating his words. Part of her very much wanted to increase his knowledge, and that was the problem.
“Okay. I’m afraid, and you want to know of what?”
“No. I think I know what you’re afraid of. What I don’t know is why?”
Looking into his face she knew he had guessed it. How could he not? Even Sashwa called her on it. It wasn't exactly a subtle thing. But she wanted him to say it. She needed to hear it with his voice.
“What is it you think I’m afraid of?”
“Shello and me.”
He did know! And something about him saying it as he did seemed to break away the invisible hedge which enclosed her in a vice grip.
“Can we go sit down now?” he asked. “Patrolling the camp in search of misbehaving warriors is all well and good, but isn’t that the job of your second? Come. We do not need to go inside your hut. We need not even go near it. Look. There is an open place. We can go sit there. Will you?”
She smiled and nodded her head. She followed him up a small incline and they sat under a big oak. From here they could see the center of camp. They were also visible to it. About a dozen warriors were huddled in small groups of twos and threes. Tavaar sat to Khaiu’s right, facing the camp with her back against the tree. Khaiu sat at a slight angle from her.
“So, why afraid of us?” he asked, picking up a handful of acorns and absently tossing them away one by one.
“I never said I was.”
Khaiu groaned, half with amusement and half with disgust. “Come on, Tavaar, stop it! You never denied it either. You’ve been afraid of us since the moment we arrived. What is it that’s frightening you?”
Monday, April 27, 2009
Tavaar - 61st Edition
Tavaar tried to ignore her worries, but she wasn’t having much success. She had thought five or ten short turns would suffice, but Sampka was taking a full turn with each warrior he questioned. He was definitely probing. The roughhousing which happened earlier probably hadn’t helped. She excused herself from the others and walked to her hut. She lay alone in the dark, not bothering to light a lamp. She wished she could sleep, but her thoughts were too active. The flap opened, letting in the sun's final rays. She expected to see Sashwa or Wheylin. It was Khaiu. She sat up with a start, her heart leaping with expectation.
“May I come in?” he asked.
She hesitated. He had asked the question she hoped he would ask. Insane thoughts of passion filled her head. It could happen. Right now.
“I will come out,” she said.
He held the flap open while she crawled out. A quick look around showed two warriors had seen Khaiu arrive. They were trying to look nonchalant, but it was obvious they were watching to see if she would bring him inside.
“Let’s walk,” she said.
“As you wish. Lead the way.”
They walked along the camp’s main pathways, never straying to a place of seclusion. Occasionally, they came upon couples engaged in play. For the most part, Tavaar said nothing. The singles were with singles and the marrieds were with their own spouses. Tavaar did send one married couple, who’s play was increasing in fervor, to their hut. One pair of singles she pulled out of some shrubs, informing them that whatever play they chose to engage in would be done in full view of the path. She felt like a hypocrite. Her feelings toward Khaiu were not exactly pure.
“You will make a fine captain,” said Khaiu, when they had resumed their walk.
“Sometimes I feel like a village walker, passing through the camp on the alert for wrongdoing.”
Khaiu laughed. “It can be that way sometimes.”
“Especially in this company. You’ve heard the rumors, Khaiu. I don’t need to explain.”
“No, you don’t. I think everyone’s heard them.”
She suddenly stopped and they faced each other. This made her uncomfortable because she had a strong desire to take him in her arms. But she wanted to tell him this to his face.
“Khaiu, a lot of the rumors are true. Probably not the worst. I can imagine what those are. But things were bad here, and most of the company was involved to some degree.”
“I surmised as much. The tales which spread through the family were too incredible to not have some truth associated with them. Beyond that, there is the sudden departure of Kelenbah and his officers. My instincts tell me you played some part in arranging that. But probably the most telling clue is you.”
“May I come in?” he asked.
She hesitated. He had asked the question she hoped he would ask. Insane thoughts of passion filled her head. It could happen. Right now.
“I will come out,” she said.
He held the flap open while she crawled out. A quick look around showed two warriors had seen Khaiu arrive. They were trying to look nonchalant, but it was obvious they were watching to see if she would bring him inside.
“Let’s walk,” she said.
“As you wish. Lead the way.”
They walked along the camp’s main pathways, never straying to a place of seclusion. Occasionally, they came upon couples engaged in play. For the most part, Tavaar said nothing. The singles were with singles and the marrieds were with their own spouses. Tavaar did send one married couple, who’s play was increasing in fervor, to their hut. One pair of singles she pulled out of some shrubs, informing them that whatever play they chose to engage in would be done in full view of the path. She felt like a hypocrite. Her feelings toward Khaiu were not exactly pure.
“You will make a fine captain,” said Khaiu, when they had resumed their walk.
“Sometimes I feel like a village walker, passing through the camp on the alert for wrongdoing.”
Khaiu laughed. “It can be that way sometimes.”
“Especially in this company. You’ve heard the rumors, Khaiu. I don’t need to explain.”
“No, you don’t. I think everyone’s heard them.”
She suddenly stopped and they faced each other. This made her uncomfortable because she had a strong desire to take him in her arms. But she wanted to tell him this to his face.
“Khaiu, a lot of the rumors are true. Probably not the worst. I can imagine what those are. But things were bad here, and most of the company was involved to some degree.”
“I surmised as much. The tales which spread through the family were too incredible to not have some truth associated with them. Beyond that, there is the sudden departure of Kelenbah and his officers. My instincts tell me you played some part in arranging that. But probably the most telling clue is you.”
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tavaar - 60th Edition
I'm waiting for the right place to break. Then I'll leave off from Tavaar for a while.
The authority in her voice made everyone stop. Everyone relaxed and let go of her. The party spirit had left, replaced by reproach. Tavaar sat back up. Part of her regretted it, but it had been necessary. Only Khaiu and Sashwa were able to meet her eyes with their own. She reached out and accepted the patch from Shello's hand.
“Thank you, Shello. I will be honored to wear it. I shall sew it on later.”
Shello nodded.
“No. Let’s go back to the hut. I’ll sew it on for you now,” said Sashwa. Tavaar protested, but Sashwa insisted. “It won’t take long. Everyone’s eager to see it on you.”
It was evident Sashwa would pester until she got her way, so Tavaar relented. It was clear the patch was just an excuse to get her alone. Tavaar suspected Sashwa wanted to complain about her behavior. When the flap dropped, she prepared herself. Only Sashwa was not critical. She was apologetic.
“I’m so sorry, Darling. I don’t know how it happened. I – I guess it just felt like old times again, and I forgot everything else. I broke my word to you. I’m sorry.”
Tavaar gave her a hug and a kiss. “It’s okay. I understand. I was part of it, too.”
“Do you think General Sampka was watching?”
Tavaar sighed. “Yes, I expect he was. But there’s no use fretting about it now. The fire has been drained from that sword.”
“So what do we do?”
Tavaar smiled. “We do the best we can with what we’ve got. Meanwhile, you got to sew this on like you promised.”
“Okay. Take off your tunic. Or should I sew it on while you’re wearing it?”
Tavaar began lifting her tunic up.
“Hands or eyes. One way or another you’re going to grope me, aren’t you?”
Sashwa giggled. “Maybe I should put a patch on your britches.”
Tavaar tossed her tunic into Sashwa’s face.
“Shut up and sew.”
It didn’t take long for Sashwa to sew on the patch, despite making the effort to do a good job. Surprisingly, Sashwa was quite good at many tasks normally regulated to servants, as was Tavaar. They each took pride in not only being able to do these things, but in being good at them. Partly, it was their competitive natures. Neither like being inferior at anything. But there was a practical side, too. Both were hunters, and hunters in the field generally did not have servants to attend them. Tavaar slipped her tunic back on and stared down at the patch, now sewn prominently between her left breast and shoulder. Unconsciously, her hand came up to caress it.
“Now who’s groping you?” asked Sashwa. Tavaar looked up. Sashwa had knowing look in her eyes. “That’s your hand. Not his.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” snapped Tavaar, dropping her hand behind her back.
Sashwa only chuckled. Then she slid forward and gave Tavaar a warm hug and kiss. “It’s okay, Darling. It really is.”
The authority in her voice made everyone stop. Everyone relaxed and let go of her. The party spirit had left, replaced by reproach. Tavaar sat back up. Part of her regretted it, but it had been necessary. Only Khaiu and Sashwa were able to meet her eyes with their own. She reached out and accepted the patch from Shello's hand.
“Thank you, Shello. I will be honored to wear it. I shall sew it on later.”
Shello nodded.
“No. Let’s go back to the hut. I’ll sew it on for you now,” said Sashwa. Tavaar protested, but Sashwa insisted. “It won’t take long. Everyone’s eager to see it on you.”
It was evident Sashwa would pester until she got her way, so Tavaar relented. It was clear the patch was just an excuse to get her alone. Tavaar suspected Sashwa wanted to complain about her behavior. When the flap dropped, she prepared herself. Only Sashwa was not critical. She was apologetic.
“I’m so sorry, Darling. I don’t know how it happened. I – I guess it just felt like old times again, and I forgot everything else. I broke my word to you. I’m sorry.”
Tavaar gave her a hug and a kiss. “It’s okay. I understand. I was part of it, too.”
“Do you think General Sampka was watching?”
Tavaar sighed. “Yes, I expect he was. But there’s no use fretting about it now. The fire has been drained from that sword.”
“So what do we do?”
Tavaar smiled. “We do the best we can with what we’ve got. Meanwhile, you got to sew this on like you promised.”
“Okay. Take off your tunic. Or should I sew it on while you’re wearing it?”
Tavaar began lifting her tunic up.
“Hands or eyes. One way or another you’re going to grope me, aren’t you?”
Sashwa giggled. “Maybe I should put a patch on your britches.”
Tavaar tossed her tunic into Sashwa’s face.
“Shut up and sew.”
It didn’t take long for Sashwa to sew on the patch, despite making the effort to do a good job. Surprisingly, Sashwa was quite good at many tasks normally regulated to servants, as was Tavaar. They each took pride in not only being able to do these things, but in being good at them. Partly, it was their competitive natures. Neither like being inferior at anything. But there was a practical side, too. Both were hunters, and hunters in the field generally did not have servants to attend them. Tavaar slipped her tunic back on and stared down at the patch, now sewn prominently between her left breast and shoulder. Unconsciously, her hand came up to caress it.
“Now who’s groping you?” asked Sashwa. Tavaar looked up. Sashwa had knowing look in her eyes. “That’s your hand. Not his.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” snapped Tavaar, dropping her hand behind her back.
Sashwa only chuckled. Then she slid forward and gave Tavaar a warm hug and kiss. “It’s okay, Darling. It really is.”
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tavaar - 59th Edition
General Sampka began his interviews with the company after eating, but he only made it through three. He and his commanders kept each warrior far longer than Tavaar expected. Tavaar allowed no one to go near, and Sampka successfully impressed those he had finished questioning with the need to keep silent about what had been discussed, so no one was really sure how things were going.
Tavaar and Sashwa had left their hut after changing clothes. They sat near the camp center and spoke with Wheylin as he finished cooking. When Seratahn finished her interrogation of Khaiu and Shello, the two brothers joined them. Seratahn sat with the other officers.
“So, how does it feel being a first lieutenant?” asked Shello.
Tavaar teased at him. “Don’t you know, ‘Lieutenant’? What’s it like being promoted to first lieutenant twice?”
Everyone laughed. Shello had a playful look about him.
“So, it’s going to be like that, is it? And here I was, all ready to give you a present.”
“Oh, right. Anything I dare accept in public?”
More Oohs and laughter.
“Maybe. Maybe not. Do you want to see it?”
“What have you got?”
“Probably a lot more than you can handle,” said Sashwa, drawing a huge laugh at Tavaar’s expense.
Tavaar let herself have fun and elbowed Sashwa in the ribs. Shello, after watching them tussle for a short while, reached behind and grabbed his pack. He reached inside and produced a first lieutenant’s patch: two silver-blue bars on a green shield. Everyone went quiet as he presented it to her. Tavaar sat and stared at it in amazement. The insignia of her new rank. She looked at Shello and smiled. Her eyes temporarily drifted to his left breast where another patch of identical rank was sewn.
“I cut it from my spare tunic,” said Shello. “I know yours should be a black shield, for mines, but this will do for now, won’t it? Will you take it?”
Tavaar wasn’t sure what to do. Technically, Shello was right: this was a Defense Line patch. Should she take it? She wanted to, and not just because she had earned the rank. But what would people think? What would Wheylin think? She looked at him and he smiled, nodding his head. But before she could take it, Khaiu spoke.
“I think she wants you to sew it on for her, little brother.”
A loud jumble of Oohs and laughter filled the campsite. At first, Shello blushed. Then he saw Tavaar’s red face.
“I do have needle and threat!” he exclaimed.
“Don’t you dare!” cried Tavaar, pointing at him.
“She’s playing coy again. We’re going to have to hold her down, folks,” cried Sashwa, throwing Tavaar onto her back and holding her.
Khaiu, laughing, held her, too, and others came to help. Even Wheylin! Shello, also laughing, and holding the patch in one hand and a needle and thread in the other, knelt over her.
“Now, hold still, Darling, or I might stick you,” he said.
“Oh, she would love to be stuck by you, Shello,” said Ahzbah. Once again, Shello went beet red.
This was just the sort of play they had all engaged in just a few years back at village bonfires. Tavaar had often been the victim of the others. One on one, the males respected her and granted her her due. But in the group, she was the patsy. It had not taken long for everyone to fall into past behavior. Except it wasn’t the past. And this behavior was only a step away from the kind of behavior that had got the company into trouble. Tavaar had two fears. One was for the company. The other was for herself. This had to end.
“Stop!”
Tavaar and Sashwa had left their hut after changing clothes. They sat near the camp center and spoke with Wheylin as he finished cooking. When Seratahn finished her interrogation of Khaiu and Shello, the two brothers joined them. Seratahn sat with the other officers.
“So, how does it feel being a first lieutenant?” asked Shello.
Tavaar teased at him. “Don’t you know, ‘Lieutenant’? What’s it like being promoted to first lieutenant twice?”
Everyone laughed. Shello had a playful look about him.
“So, it’s going to be like that, is it? And here I was, all ready to give you a present.”
“Oh, right. Anything I dare accept in public?”
More Oohs and laughter.
“Maybe. Maybe not. Do you want to see it?”
“What have you got?”
“Probably a lot more than you can handle,” said Sashwa, drawing a huge laugh at Tavaar’s expense.
Tavaar let herself have fun and elbowed Sashwa in the ribs. Shello, after watching them tussle for a short while, reached behind and grabbed his pack. He reached inside and produced a first lieutenant’s patch: two silver-blue bars on a green shield. Everyone went quiet as he presented it to her. Tavaar sat and stared at it in amazement. The insignia of her new rank. She looked at Shello and smiled. Her eyes temporarily drifted to his left breast where another patch of identical rank was sewn.
“I cut it from my spare tunic,” said Shello. “I know yours should be a black shield, for mines, but this will do for now, won’t it? Will you take it?”
Tavaar wasn’t sure what to do. Technically, Shello was right: this was a Defense Line patch. Should she take it? She wanted to, and not just because she had earned the rank. But what would people think? What would Wheylin think? She looked at him and he smiled, nodding his head. But before she could take it, Khaiu spoke.
“I think she wants you to sew it on for her, little brother.”
A loud jumble of Oohs and laughter filled the campsite. At first, Shello blushed. Then he saw Tavaar’s red face.
“I do have needle and threat!” he exclaimed.
“Don’t you dare!” cried Tavaar, pointing at him.
“She’s playing coy again. We’re going to have to hold her down, folks,” cried Sashwa, throwing Tavaar onto her back and holding her.
Khaiu, laughing, held her, too, and others came to help. Even Wheylin! Shello, also laughing, and holding the patch in one hand and a needle and thread in the other, knelt over her.
“Now, hold still, Darling, or I might stick you,” he said.
“Oh, she would love to be stuck by you, Shello,” said Ahzbah. Once again, Shello went beet red.
This was just the sort of play they had all engaged in just a few years back at village bonfires. Tavaar had often been the victim of the others. One on one, the males respected her and granted her her due. But in the group, she was the patsy. It had not taken long for everyone to fall into past behavior. Except it wasn’t the past. And this behavior was only a step away from the kind of behavior that had got the company into trouble. Tavaar had two fears. One was for the company. The other was for herself. This had to end.
“Stop!”
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tavaar - 58th Edition
Tavaar began to relax. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right.”
“It’s that stupid premonition. But, Sashwa, I believe it. So do you.”
“Yeah, well, so what? It’s only true if you make it true.”
“And I don’t have to, do I?”
“No, silly. You’re not as wanton as you think. Except with me.”
Sashwa was on her in an instant, tickling her sides. Caught off guard, Tavaar was helpless. She thrashed and screamed, but Sashwa was unrelenting. Finally, she gave respite. Tavaar lay back, gasping for breath, her body alert for a repeat assault. Sashwa was over her, looking down with triumphant pleasure.
“I love to hear you laugh. You should do more of it.”
“I haven’t had much to laugh about.”
“I can make you laugh.”
“No, Sashwa, please don’t! We’re probably attracted attention as it is. I don’t want anyone coming to investigate.”
Sashwa’s eyes widened. “Ah! Interested in some ‘private time’ are we?”
She began lowering herself down dramatically. Tavaar was laughing too hard to fully resist. Sashwa pretended to kiss Tavaar’s neck. Tavaar struggled through her laughs, but she only found herself more and more compromised as she did. Then, with one hand just under the hem of Tavaar’s tunic, and the other at the tie to her britches, Sashwa paused. She put her face close above Tavaar.
“So, how about it, girl? What do you want to do?”
Tavaar hesitated. There was a sense of magical expectation in the air. All of time seemed to have stopped, waiting to hear her reply.
“We could read,” she said.
There was a pause, and then they both started laughing. Sashwa brought her hands up to Tavaar’s shoulders and they hugged. Then they kissed.
“You are a tease,” said Sashwa. “I wondered how you would get out of it this time.”
“I don’t know that I have to. You’d die of fright if I said anything else.”
“You think.”
“Yes. You wouldn’t know what to do.”
“It isn’t the knowing that matters, Darling. The fun part is finding out. You know that. But you’d never dare say ‘go ahead’.”
“So what are we going to do?”
Sashwa reached behind Tavaar’s head and began rummaging through her pack.
“I’m not in your way, am I?” asked Tavaar.
“No. You’re fine.”
“Is there anything of mine in particular you’re searching for?”
Sashwa chuckled and sat up, triumphantly holding Tavaar’s set of Notepacks. Tavaar grunted at the shift in weight.
“Feel like gambling?” Sashwa asked.
Tavaar sighed. “I suppose. What are we gambling for?”
Sashwa grinned. “Same stakes as always, Darling.”
“Great. I’m going to lose my tunic after all.”
Sashwa giggled. “I’m looking forward to that.”
“I know you are. Get off me and deal.”
“Of course I’m right.”
“It’s that stupid premonition. But, Sashwa, I believe it. So do you.”
“Yeah, well, so what? It’s only true if you make it true.”
“And I don’t have to, do I?”
“No, silly. You’re not as wanton as you think. Except with me.”
Sashwa was on her in an instant, tickling her sides. Caught off guard, Tavaar was helpless. She thrashed and screamed, but Sashwa was unrelenting. Finally, she gave respite. Tavaar lay back, gasping for breath, her body alert for a repeat assault. Sashwa was over her, looking down with triumphant pleasure.
“I love to hear you laugh. You should do more of it.”
“I haven’t had much to laugh about.”
“I can make you laugh.”
“No, Sashwa, please don’t! We’re probably attracted attention as it is. I don’t want anyone coming to investigate.”
Sashwa’s eyes widened. “Ah! Interested in some ‘private time’ are we?”
She began lowering herself down dramatically. Tavaar was laughing too hard to fully resist. Sashwa pretended to kiss Tavaar’s neck. Tavaar struggled through her laughs, but she only found herself more and more compromised as she did. Then, with one hand just under the hem of Tavaar’s tunic, and the other at the tie to her britches, Sashwa paused. She put her face close above Tavaar.
“So, how about it, girl? What do you want to do?”
Tavaar hesitated. There was a sense of magical expectation in the air. All of time seemed to have stopped, waiting to hear her reply.
“We could read,” she said.
There was a pause, and then they both started laughing. Sashwa brought her hands up to Tavaar’s shoulders and they hugged. Then they kissed.
“You are a tease,” said Sashwa. “I wondered how you would get out of it this time.”
“I don’t know that I have to. You’d die of fright if I said anything else.”
“You think.”
“Yes. You wouldn’t know what to do.”
“It isn’t the knowing that matters, Darling. The fun part is finding out. You know that. But you’d never dare say ‘go ahead’.”
“So what are we going to do?”
Sashwa reached behind Tavaar’s head and began rummaging through her pack.
“I’m not in your way, am I?” asked Tavaar.
“No. You’re fine.”
“Is there anything of mine in particular you’re searching for?”
Sashwa chuckled and sat up, triumphantly holding Tavaar’s set of Notepacks. Tavaar grunted at the shift in weight.
“Feel like gambling?” Sashwa asked.
Tavaar sighed. “I suppose. What are we gambling for?”
Sashwa grinned. “Same stakes as always, Darling.”
“Great. I’m going to lose my tunic after all.”
Sashwa giggled. “I’m looking forward to that.”
“I know you are. Get off me and deal.”
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tavaar - 57th Edition
“But they still have doubts about us. Actually, I think they have doubts about me.”
“How so?”
“Weren’t you listening? It is because of rumors over the past year – my first year – that disbandment was decided. My guess is that is why the private interviews. I think they’re investigating me more than the company. No doubt they are wondering how I came to be chosen leader, too.”
“But you’ve proven yourself admirably. And Sampka promoted you. Would he do that if he didn’t trust you?”
“He almost had to after Khaiu. To do anything else would tip his hand. And I can be a lieutenant in any company.”
“Then I guess it’s thank goodness for Khaiu.”
Tavaar looked down wistfully. “Yes. Thank goodness.”
“What’s wrong?”
Tavaar looked up, surprised. “What’s wrong? What have we been talking about? Sashwa, we could be separated.”
“I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about you. I mention Khaiu and your mood falls faster than a stone tossed into the lake. Khaiu, and Shello, are probably your two favorite people in the world – after me, and Wheylin, I suppose. But you’ve been odd about them ever since you learned they were our competition. And since bringing them to base camp you’ve been really different. What have you got against them?”
“Nothing.”
“Are you mad because they gave themselves up instead of being captured?”
“No.”
“You know they only did that to save you.”
“I know.”
“They both love you dearly.”
“I know! Okay? I know! Just – quit talking about them.”
Sashwa’s face looked confused. “Why? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just wish they would go away.”
“Why? Darling, both of those boys would do anything you ask.”
“I know that! And that’s the problem!”
“Problem?”
Tavaar groaned and rolled to her back, covering her face with her hands.
“Don’t you see, Sashwa? It’s Gwihnna’s prediction coming true. Until they arrived, I comforted myself with the knowledge I would never lay with any of the males in the company, except Wheylin. But now, they’re here.”
“And your desire for them has not lessoned?”
“No!” Tavaar wailed. “My the King forgive me. May Wheylin forgive me. I remember how it was. I think of how it could have been. Sashwa, I could lay with either or both of them. I wouldn’t be able to help myself. And they would do it, too. You said it yourself. The will do anything I ask.”
Sashwa sighed in exasperation. “I said that because it never occurred to me you would ask them to do anything so stupid.” Tavaar uncovered her face. Sashwa chuckled at her. “You silly chicken brain. Didn’t you tell me you’ve already tried to get Shello to lay with you? And he turned you down? That was before he was married, Darling. Do you really think he’s going to just given in to you now because you’re all eager to fulfill some premonition of Gwihnna’s? I don’t think so, girl. I don’t think so. And you! Don’t you dare lay there and try to convince me you haven’t the willpower to stop yourself from pulling them into your bed. If that were true, it would already have happened. They’ve certainly been here long enough for that.”
“How so?”
“Weren’t you listening? It is because of rumors over the past year – my first year – that disbandment was decided. My guess is that is why the private interviews. I think they’re investigating me more than the company. No doubt they are wondering how I came to be chosen leader, too.”
“But you’ve proven yourself admirably. And Sampka promoted you. Would he do that if he didn’t trust you?”
“He almost had to after Khaiu. To do anything else would tip his hand. And I can be a lieutenant in any company.”
“Then I guess it’s thank goodness for Khaiu.”
Tavaar looked down wistfully. “Yes. Thank goodness.”
“What’s wrong?”
Tavaar looked up, surprised. “What’s wrong? What have we been talking about? Sashwa, we could be separated.”
“I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about you. I mention Khaiu and your mood falls faster than a stone tossed into the lake. Khaiu, and Shello, are probably your two favorite people in the world – after me, and Wheylin, I suppose. But you’ve been odd about them ever since you learned they were our competition. And since bringing them to base camp you’ve been really different. What have you got against them?”
“Nothing.”
“Are you mad because they gave themselves up instead of being captured?”
“No.”
“You know they only did that to save you.”
“I know.”
“They both love you dearly.”
“I know! Okay? I know! Just – quit talking about them.”
Sashwa’s face looked confused. “Why? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just wish they would go away.”
“Why? Darling, both of those boys would do anything you ask.”
“I know that! And that’s the problem!”
“Problem?”
Tavaar groaned and rolled to her back, covering her face with her hands.
“Don’t you see, Sashwa? It’s Gwihnna’s prediction coming true. Until they arrived, I comforted myself with the knowledge I would never lay with any of the males in the company, except Wheylin. But now, they’re here.”
“And your desire for them has not lessoned?”
“No!” Tavaar wailed. “My the King forgive me. May Wheylin forgive me. I remember how it was. I think of how it could have been. Sashwa, I could lay with either or both of them. I wouldn’t be able to help myself. And they would do it, too. You said it yourself. The will do anything I ask.”
Sashwa sighed in exasperation. “I said that because it never occurred to me you would ask them to do anything so stupid.” Tavaar uncovered her face. Sashwa chuckled at her. “You silly chicken brain. Didn’t you tell me you’ve already tried to get Shello to lay with you? And he turned you down? That was before he was married, Darling. Do you really think he’s going to just given in to you now because you’re all eager to fulfill some premonition of Gwihnna’s? I don’t think so, girl. I don’t think so. And you! Don’t you dare lay there and try to convince me you haven’t the willpower to stop yourself from pulling them into your bed. If that were true, it would already have happened. They’ve certainly been here long enough for that.”
Monday, April 20, 2009
Tavaar - 56th Edition
“Are you going to go in or not?”
Tavaar turned. It was Sashwa. Sashwa took hold of her and led her the remaining steps to their hut. Tavaar went quietly and obediently, not even voicing complaint as Sashwa pushed her bottom to get her in more quickly.
Even as Sashwa let the door flap drop, shutting them off from the world outside, Tavaar fell back and lay in an emotional exhaustion. She wasn’t crying, but part of her felt like it. Part of her also felt like laughing and screaming for joy. Where was Wheylin? Oh, yes. She had assigned him to cooking duty. She turned her head and saw Sashwa looking down at her, her face frozen in a beautiful smile.
“Congratulations, Lieutenant.”
Suddenly, Tavaar felt guilty.
“Oh, no! Sashwa. I’m so sorry.”
“No, don’t be sorry. You’ve earned this.”
“But so have you. You’ve been with the company two years.”
“My time will come, Darling. For now, let me rejoice in your glory. I am so happy for you.”
Tavaar hesitated, considering the full and honest smile Sashwa wore. Then she let herself smile and get to her knees. The two friends embraced and kissed.
“It has worked out well,” said Sashwa, playing absently with Tavaar’s hair.
“Thus far. But I have concerns.”
She dropped back down and lay on her side. Sashwa did the same, laying so they faced each other.
“You think they will split up the company then?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. I hope not. General Sampka talked like it had already been decided.”
“Maybe it had. Only something happened to put that decision into question.”
“Something? Like Kelenbah and the others officers all resigning at once?”
“That. And us capturing Khaiu and Shello.”
Tavaar made a face. “They gave themselves up.”
“To save your butt!” said Sashwa. Then she laughed and reached over and caressed Tavaar’s behind. “And I’m so glad they did. You have such a nice butt.”
“Oh, stop it!” said Tavaar, coyly pushing Sashwa’s hand away.
Sashwa continued to laugh, but then became serious.
“You would have done it, too. Seratahn was right. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before. You were going to sacrifice yourself for the company. You would have lost command, but Khaiu figured it out and surrendered before you acted.”
“That’s what you think?”
“That’s what everyone thinks, Darling. Why do you think Alobahr and the others gave you the big honor salute?”
“You saw that, did you?”
“I’m glad I did. It was quite moving. But, by taking Khaiu and Shello, we have put the High Command in a bit of a fix. They came intending to disband us. Had you not seen through Khaiu’s plan, they would have reached West Stop so fast everyone would have to agree we’re incompetent. Disbanding us would be easy. They could rid themselves of the rumors very quickly and quietly. But unbeknownst to them, you had already done that.”
“But they still have doubts about us. Actually, I think they have doubts about me.”
Tavaar turned. It was Sashwa. Sashwa took hold of her and led her the remaining steps to their hut. Tavaar went quietly and obediently, not even voicing complaint as Sashwa pushed her bottom to get her in more quickly.
Even as Sashwa let the door flap drop, shutting them off from the world outside, Tavaar fell back and lay in an emotional exhaustion. She wasn’t crying, but part of her felt like it. Part of her also felt like laughing and screaming for joy. Where was Wheylin? Oh, yes. She had assigned him to cooking duty. She turned her head and saw Sashwa looking down at her, her face frozen in a beautiful smile.
“Congratulations, Lieutenant.”
Suddenly, Tavaar felt guilty.
“Oh, no! Sashwa. I’m so sorry.”
“No, don’t be sorry. You’ve earned this.”
“But so have you. You’ve been with the company two years.”
“My time will come, Darling. For now, let me rejoice in your glory. I am so happy for you.”
Tavaar hesitated, considering the full and honest smile Sashwa wore. Then she let herself smile and get to her knees. The two friends embraced and kissed.
“It has worked out well,” said Sashwa, playing absently with Tavaar’s hair.
“Thus far. But I have concerns.”
She dropped back down and lay on her side. Sashwa did the same, laying so they faced each other.
“You think they will split up the company then?”
“I don’t know. Maybe. I hope not. General Sampka talked like it had already been decided.”
“Maybe it had. Only something happened to put that decision into question.”
“Something? Like Kelenbah and the others officers all resigning at once?”
“That. And us capturing Khaiu and Shello.”
Tavaar made a face. “They gave themselves up.”
“To save your butt!” said Sashwa. Then she laughed and reached over and caressed Tavaar’s behind. “And I’m so glad they did. You have such a nice butt.”
“Oh, stop it!” said Tavaar, coyly pushing Sashwa’s hand away.
Sashwa continued to laugh, but then became serious.
“You would have done it, too. Seratahn was right. I don’t know why I didn’t see it before. You were going to sacrifice yourself for the company. You would have lost command, but Khaiu figured it out and surrendered before you acted.”
“That’s what you think?”
“That’s what everyone thinks, Darling. Why do you think Alobahr and the others gave you the big honor salute?”
“You saw that, did you?”
“I’m glad I did. It was quite moving. But, by taking Khaiu and Shello, we have put the High Command in a bit of a fix. They came intending to disband us. Had you not seen through Khaiu’s plan, they would have reached West Stop so fast everyone would have to agree we’re incompetent. Disbanding us would be easy. They could rid themselves of the rumors very quickly and quietly. But unbeknownst to them, you had already done that.”
“But they still have doubts about us. Actually, I think they have doubts about me.”
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tavaar - 55th Edition
He gave her a slightly more than affectionate kiss. When he released her, Shello was there to take his place. Shello was replaced by Sashwa, Ahzbah, Vohbiv, and most of the company. Last was Nayvahl. He looked proud and happy. She kissed him and then gave him orders.
“Show Commander Seratahn the captain’s hut. She can meet comfortably with Khaiu and Shello there. After supper, that will be where the High Command will begin interviews. Arrange sleeping quarters for the General, the Commanders, and their retinue. Double up where you must. Move who you must. Set an order for the warriors to be interviewed. I am not overly concerned about the order, save that I want it done by squad, beginning with Alobahr’s and ending with Sashwa’s. Squad leaders will go after soldiers. You will be last. Sashwa ill go right before you. If you have any questions, or trouble, see me. Understand, Lieutenant?”
“Yes, Lieutenant.”
When Nayvahl left to carry out his orders, Tavaar at last began to feel the effects of all that had just transpired. Her emotions were mixed and raging like children at a party. Only not everything she felt was joy. The company might be disbanded. It seemed certain that some of her recommendations were going to be rejected. And not everyone had congratulated her on her promotion. Neither Alobahr, nor any from his squad, had done so. Despite all the reasons for joy, a feeling of depression began to drape over her. She needed to get away. She headed for her hut, walking briskly.
As she neared the safety and seclusion of her hut, she abruptly stopped. There was Alobahr, blocking her way. His squad was arranged in two lines of three on either side, forming a lane which led to him. Tavaar walked up slowly, stopping just beyond the lane’s entrance. She waited. She was not sure what this was about. Since returning to camp, none of them had said much at all. Alobahr walked forward, through the lane. As he passed each pair (one on his left and one on his right) they turned to face her. When he reached her, they all knelt to one knee in a single motion.
Tavaar felt her throat tighten. This was an honor generally reserved for warriors having accomplished some great deed, or having made some great sacrifice. It was not generally given to newly appointed lieutenants. She took a breath and forced herself to speak evening.
“Thank you. Please rise.”
They stood. Alobahr looked into her face.
“’Congratulations’, and a kiss, would have been sufficient,” she said.
“This is not for your promotion, Lieutenant. However, we do with to offer congratulations for that.’
He took her shoulders and kissed her, stepping aside as each of the six remaining warriors too their turn. Then they aligned themselves before her as before.
“Congratulations, Lieutenant,” said Alobahr.
The squad disbursed.
Tavaar stood in stunned silence. This had been unexpected, and it only served to fuel her raging emotions.
“Show Commander Seratahn the captain’s hut. She can meet comfortably with Khaiu and Shello there. After supper, that will be where the High Command will begin interviews. Arrange sleeping quarters for the General, the Commanders, and their retinue. Double up where you must. Move who you must. Set an order for the warriors to be interviewed. I am not overly concerned about the order, save that I want it done by squad, beginning with Alobahr’s and ending with Sashwa’s. Squad leaders will go after soldiers. You will be last. Sashwa ill go right before you. If you have any questions, or trouble, see me. Understand, Lieutenant?”
“Yes, Lieutenant.”
When Nayvahl left to carry out his orders, Tavaar at last began to feel the effects of all that had just transpired. Her emotions were mixed and raging like children at a party. Only not everything she felt was joy. The company might be disbanded. It seemed certain that some of her recommendations were going to be rejected. And not everyone had congratulated her on her promotion. Neither Alobahr, nor any from his squad, had done so. Despite all the reasons for joy, a feeling of depression began to drape over her. She needed to get away. She headed for her hut, walking briskly.
As she neared the safety and seclusion of her hut, she abruptly stopped. There was Alobahr, blocking her way. His squad was arranged in two lines of three on either side, forming a lane which led to him. Tavaar walked up slowly, stopping just beyond the lane’s entrance. She waited. She was not sure what this was about. Since returning to camp, none of them had said much at all. Alobahr walked forward, through the lane. As he passed each pair (one on his left and one on his right) they turned to face her. When he reached her, they all knelt to one knee in a single motion.
Tavaar felt her throat tighten. This was an honor generally reserved for warriors having accomplished some great deed, or having made some great sacrifice. It was not generally given to newly appointed lieutenants. She took a breath and forced herself to speak evening.
“Thank you. Please rise.”
They stood. Alobahr looked into her face.
“’Congratulations’, and a kiss, would have been sufficient,” she said.
“This is not for your promotion, Lieutenant. However, we do with to offer congratulations for that.’
He took her shoulders and kissed her, stepping aside as each of the six remaining warriors too their turn. Then they aligned themselves before her as before.
“Congratulations, Lieutenant,” said Alobahr.
The squad disbursed.
Tavaar stood in stunned silence. This had been unexpected, and it only served to fuel her raging emotions.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Tavaar - 54th Edition
“You – you are breaking up the company?”
“It was a consideration. Now, with virtually the entire leadership gone, it seems the time may be right.”
“But these are good warriors, General. They have just accomplished something no one believed possible – and that undermanned. Will you punish them for their success?”
“You only won because of the affection Khaiu and Shello bear for you. They would have slipped through if not for you.”
“I was not the one to drive them into the pass, General! That was Yahrleen and Alobahr and Nayvahl.”
“They acted on your plan.”
"But they still had to do it! As you said, yourself, I was not there. You cannot break this company apart, General. Not now! Not after a victory such as this. Not when it would shame them. Whatever your concerns, I assure you, this company has no problems, save being undermanned and without a captain.”
Sampka remained expressionless. He had made no visible reaction to Tavaar whatsoever, which was frustrating. Had he already decided? Was it too late? This was so frustrating.
“We will remain long enough to speak with each warrior in turn. All will have their chance to speak. In the meantime, there is a captain present. Captain Khaiu!” Khaiu rose to his feet and came to stand beside Tavaar. “Captain Khaiu, I am placing you in command of this company for the short term. Arrange for the warriors to meet with us.”
“With all respect, General, I am against this,” said Khaiu. Sampka’s eyes went wide, and there was a hint of anger. Yet he said nothing. Khaiu continued. “The company has already suffered disruption,” said Khaiu. “It has done well enough over the last few weeks with the current leadership. If the company is to be disbanded, what does another day or two matter? If not, what does it matter if the current leadership remains in place to welcome its new captain? Unless it is your intent I be permanently assigned?”
Sampka’s expressionless gaze now considered Khaiu.
“Very well. However, the company will not be led by a sub-commander. Tavaar, daughter of Odelmaar, stand forth.” Tavaar moved a step in front of Khaiu. She was about to be officially relieved of command. She had known it was coming, but now that it had arrived she felt a sense of loss. “Tavaar, daughter of Odelmaar, of the house of Denya, from the line of Mines, I hereby name you first lieutenant. Arrange to have insignia sewn onto your tunic at your next opportunity. Meanwhile, arrange for the warriors to meet with us. We will after we eat. The rest we’ll see tomorrow.”
“Yes – yes, General.”
Sampka then stood, Seratahn and Muflin rising with him. He came forward, took her by her shoulders and smiled for the first time.
“Congratulations, Lieutenant,” he said, and then he kissed her.
Muflin was next. He also smiled. Seratahn followed, her smile as big as her hat. Tavaar had to bend in order to be kissed. When Seratahn let her go, she turned to Khaiu and pointed at him.
“I will speak with you and your brother before eating.”
“Very good, Commander,” said Khaiu. Then he turned to Tavaar, his face aglow with happiness. “Congratulations, Lieutenant.”
“It was a consideration. Now, with virtually the entire leadership gone, it seems the time may be right.”
“But these are good warriors, General. They have just accomplished something no one believed possible – and that undermanned. Will you punish them for their success?”
“You only won because of the affection Khaiu and Shello bear for you. They would have slipped through if not for you.”
“I was not the one to drive them into the pass, General! That was Yahrleen and Alobahr and Nayvahl.”
“They acted on your plan.”
"But they still had to do it! As you said, yourself, I was not there. You cannot break this company apart, General. Not now! Not after a victory such as this. Not when it would shame them. Whatever your concerns, I assure you, this company has no problems, save being undermanned and without a captain.”
Sampka remained expressionless. He had made no visible reaction to Tavaar whatsoever, which was frustrating. Had he already decided? Was it too late? This was so frustrating.
“We will remain long enough to speak with each warrior in turn. All will have their chance to speak. In the meantime, there is a captain present. Captain Khaiu!” Khaiu rose to his feet and came to stand beside Tavaar. “Captain Khaiu, I am placing you in command of this company for the short term. Arrange for the warriors to meet with us.”
“With all respect, General, I am against this,” said Khaiu. Sampka’s eyes went wide, and there was a hint of anger. Yet he said nothing. Khaiu continued. “The company has already suffered disruption,” said Khaiu. “It has done well enough over the last few weeks with the current leadership. If the company is to be disbanded, what does another day or two matter? If not, what does it matter if the current leadership remains in place to welcome its new captain? Unless it is your intent I be permanently assigned?”
Sampka’s expressionless gaze now considered Khaiu.
“Very well. However, the company will not be led by a sub-commander. Tavaar, daughter of Odelmaar, stand forth.” Tavaar moved a step in front of Khaiu. She was about to be officially relieved of command. She had known it was coming, but now that it had arrived she felt a sense of loss. “Tavaar, daughter of Odelmaar, of the house of Denya, from the line of Mines, I hereby name you first lieutenant. Arrange to have insignia sewn onto your tunic at your next opportunity. Meanwhile, arrange for the warriors to meet with us. We will after we eat. The rest we’ll see tomorrow.”
“Yes – yes, General.”
Sampka then stood, Seratahn and Muflin rising with him. He came forward, took her by her shoulders and smiled for the first time.
“Congratulations, Lieutenant,” he said, and then he kissed her.
Muflin was next. He also smiled. Seratahn followed, her smile as big as her hat. Tavaar had to bend in order to be kissed. When Seratahn let her go, she turned to Khaiu and pointed at him.
“I will speak with you and your brother before eating.”
“Very good, Commander,” said Khaiu. Then he turned to Tavaar, his face aglow with happiness. “Congratulations, Lieutenant.”
Friday, April 17, 2009
Tavaar - 53rd Edition
“I also note your recommendations on promotions,” said Sampka. “You advise we retain the three you named squad leaders, and promote them all to first lieutenant. How so? The custom is to make new officers second lieutenants, and place them over village forces.”
“Except that this company has suffered the loss of nearly its entire command. Only lieutenant Nayvahl remains. I am thinking it would be good to keep the company together.”
“Speaking of lieutenant Nayvahl, you mention him, too. You state that if a permanent commander is to be taken from this company, it should be lieutenant Nayvahl, and that he should be promoted to captain. Why him and not you? Are you not now in command?”
“Yes, General. However, I should not be. With the departure of our other officers, Nayvahl was the only officer we had. He should have been given command.”
“They why did you not give it to him?” asked Sampka.
Tavaar took a breath. “Command had been given to me. I was not leaving. To change an order simply because I did not agree with it did not seem proper.”
Sampka was without expression. He considered Tavaar a moment before continuing. “You also suggest your own promotion to first lieutenant, as well as Ahzbah and Vohbiv, assuming Nayvahl is made captain.”
“Yes, General.”
Sampka sat without speaking. He was studying Tavaar’s report. “You give special praise to your second in command and three squad leaders, particularly in terms of the mission. How do you know how they behaved if you were not with them?”
“The warriors entered the trap, General. They would only have done that had the squad leaders done their jobs well.”
Sampka nodded. “And you give one official criticism: to Wheylin.”
Tavaar felt her face flush. “It was Wheylin who Khaiu saw.”
“An official criticism for a solitary offense? In a test?”
“I do not see testing to be a thing for the lone warrior alone. It is also a chance for the company to demonstrate its skills. Wheylin has been with the company two years. I deem he should have known better.”
“He is your husband, is he not?”
“Yes. But I do not believe in granting special favor to those who are close to me.”
“Yet you seem to have no trouble with the reverse. No matter. You have other items which can be gone over privately. As to the promotions, we will wait for the moment. In lieu of what has happened, the eyes of the entire High Command are going to examine this company. Even before Captain Kelenbah’s departure there was talk. Rumors have abounded around this company for some time, but in the last year they have become – a thing of concern. Part of the reason for doing this test was to initiate proceedings. It was thought that some may wish to leave military service. Others might be reassigned.”
Tavaar’s heart went cold.
“Except that this company has suffered the loss of nearly its entire command. Only lieutenant Nayvahl remains. I am thinking it would be good to keep the company together.”
“Speaking of lieutenant Nayvahl, you mention him, too. You state that if a permanent commander is to be taken from this company, it should be lieutenant Nayvahl, and that he should be promoted to captain. Why him and not you? Are you not now in command?”
“Yes, General. However, I should not be. With the departure of our other officers, Nayvahl was the only officer we had. He should have been given command.”
“They why did you not give it to him?” asked Sampka.
Tavaar took a breath. “Command had been given to me. I was not leaving. To change an order simply because I did not agree with it did not seem proper.”
Sampka was without expression. He considered Tavaar a moment before continuing. “You also suggest your own promotion to first lieutenant, as well as Ahzbah and Vohbiv, assuming Nayvahl is made captain.”
“Yes, General.”
Sampka sat without speaking. He was studying Tavaar’s report. “You give special praise to your second in command and three squad leaders, particularly in terms of the mission. How do you know how they behaved if you were not with them?”
“The warriors entered the trap, General. They would only have done that had the squad leaders done their jobs well.”
Sampka nodded. “And you give one official criticism: to Wheylin.”
Tavaar felt her face flush. “It was Wheylin who Khaiu saw.”
“An official criticism for a solitary offense? In a test?”
“I do not see testing to be a thing for the lone warrior alone. It is also a chance for the company to demonstrate its skills. Wheylin has been with the company two years. I deem he should have known better.”
“He is your husband, is he not?”
“Yes. But I do not believe in granting special favor to those who are close to me.”
“Yet you seem to have no trouble with the reverse. No matter. You have other items which can be gone over privately. As to the promotions, we will wait for the moment. In lieu of what has happened, the eyes of the entire High Command are going to examine this company. Even before Captain Kelenbah’s departure there was talk. Rumors have abounded around this company for some time, but in the last year they have become – a thing of concern. Part of the reason for doing this test was to initiate proceedings. It was thought that some may wish to leave military service. Others might be reassigned.”
Tavaar’s heart went cold.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tavaar - 52nd Edition
“I have only one question regarding your final plan, Tavaar, and that is, when did you conceive of it? The events, as I understand them, do not indicate a spontaneous act. Was this a spur of the moment decision?”
“No, Commander, it was not. Our wait was long enough that I was able to consider alternatives. I deemed this to be the best chance of success.”
“I believe it would have worked,” said Seratahn. Then she smiled. “But I am glad there was a better way you had not considered. It would have been a shame for you to have been deprived of the experience of commanding after a victory.”
“Victory, Commander? But…”
“They were defeated the moment they came to you,” said Seratahn. “I believe that in my heart. I therefore declare, as Chief Overseer of the test, that Khaiu and Shello failed to defeat this company in the test. As payment for their failure, I decree they must buy at least three mugs of ale for each member of the victorious company from Gahrem.”
A loud cheer went up around Tavaar. She grimly smiled, knowing the cheer was not just for the free ale they were due, but because it was official now: they had defeated the mighty Khaiu and Shello in a war game. That had never been done before. (And might not again, thought Tavaar.)
Khaiu and Shello made a pretense of dismay, but it was hardly believable. They would probably wind up buying a large keg, or maybe two, of ale, but they were hardly poor. When things quieted again, Sampka spoke again. Instantly, all became quiet.
“I have read over your recommendations,” he said, solemnly. “I am curious about a couple of things. If I may be permitted, I should like to address them now, instead of privately later.”
“Do as seems wise to you, General,” said Tavaar.
Generally, written reports were discussed privately, although they did not have to be. But it was understood that the company commander was referencing individual behavior of the warriors. Praise, and especially criticism, of this sort was best done quietly. But it didn’t have to be.
“Thank you. I note you have signed your report, ‘sub-commander’. Sub-commander is a village rank, not a field rank. How do you come to use it?”
“When Captain Kelenbah placed me in command, he did not see fit to promote me. The company was at a loss in how to address me. I originally suggested ‘Lady”, but my second in command pointed out this failed to distinguish me from not only my acting Chief Scout, but any other female warrior. He therefore suggested, ‘sub-commander’.”
“And you feel no sense of degradation being so addressed?” asked Muflin, speaking for the first time.
Tavaar looked at him. Muflin clearly considered it to be insulting.
“Not when it is my company who addresses me,” she said.
“No, Commander, it was not. Our wait was long enough that I was able to consider alternatives. I deemed this to be the best chance of success.”
“I believe it would have worked,” said Seratahn. Then she smiled. “But I am glad there was a better way you had not considered. It would have been a shame for you to have been deprived of the experience of commanding after a victory.”
“Victory, Commander? But…”
“They were defeated the moment they came to you,” said Seratahn. “I believe that in my heart. I therefore declare, as Chief Overseer of the test, that Khaiu and Shello failed to defeat this company in the test. As payment for their failure, I decree they must buy at least three mugs of ale for each member of the victorious company from Gahrem.”
A loud cheer went up around Tavaar. She grimly smiled, knowing the cheer was not just for the free ale they were due, but because it was official now: they had defeated the mighty Khaiu and Shello in a war game. That had never been done before. (And might not again, thought Tavaar.)
Khaiu and Shello made a pretense of dismay, but it was hardly believable. They would probably wind up buying a large keg, or maybe two, of ale, but they were hardly poor. When things quieted again, Sampka spoke again. Instantly, all became quiet.
“I have read over your recommendations,” he said, solemnly. “I am curious about a couple of things. If I may be permitted, I should like to address them now, instead of privately later.”
“Do as seems wise to you, General,” said Tavaar.
Generally, written reports were discussed privately, although they did not have to be. But it was understood that the company commander was referencing individual behavior of the warriors. Praise, and especially criticism, of this sort was best done quietly. But it didn’t have to be.
“Thank you. I note you have signed your report, ‘sub-commander’. Sub-commander is a village rank, not a field rank. How do you come to use it?”
“When Captain Kelenbah placed me in command, he did not see fit to promote me. The company was at a loss in how to address me. I originally suggested ‘Lady”, but my second in command pointed out this failed to distinguish me from not only my acting Chief Scout, but any other female warrior. He therefore suggested, ‘sub-commander’.”
“And you feel no sense of degradation being so addressed?” asked Muflin, speaking for the first time.
Tavaar looked at him. Muflin clearly considered it to be insulting.
“Not when it is my company who addresses me,” she said.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tavaar - 51st Edition
“If I may, General?” asked Seratahn. Sampka nodded and set about to reading the scroll. “Why do you insist these warriors were not captured?”
“They surrendered. In my mind, that is very different.”
“I see. So you did not take the markers?”
Tavaar blushed. She had forgotten about the markers. They still hung by a leather tie around her neck inside her tunic. She pulled them out, to Seratahn’s amusement, and to chortling from her own warriors, and presented them to Seratahn. Seratahn examined them carefully, then handed them back to an aide.
“How did you know your team was discovered?” Seratahn asked.
“I was able to see one of the two clearly. As it turned out, it was Shello I saw. He signaled to Khaiu and then waited. I could not see Khaiu, but I did see Shello react to a signal and fade back the way he had come. Since he was leaving, I could only assume we had been seen. This was confirmed in my mind when I saw both brothers meet. Khaiu pointed right at us.”
“And you then did what?”
“I walked into the clearing where I could be seen by all and waited.”
“Waited? Waited for what?”
“For them to come to me.”
“And why would they do that when they were tasked with reaching West Stop? To meet with you would mean certain capture.”
“No, it wouldn’t. I signaled for my team to remain where they were. I was alone. According to the rules of testing, I needed at least two others to make a successful capture – without engaging in actual battle, that is.”
“And did you intend to battle them?”
“No. I just – wanted to talk with them. It had been so long since I had seen either.”
“And you assumed they shared this feeling?”
“We were – friends. I hoped.”
“Hoped? It sounds to me as if you were counting on it. You used yourself as bait to draw them back, knowing they would be unable to resist.”
“It was not a ploy, Commander.”
Seratahn smiled. “Do not discredit your instincts, Tavaar. Neither discredit your ability to think quickly and use your knowledge of the enemy to your advantage. Let me tell you how I see this. You nearly had them, but they were slipping away. So you showed yourself, knowing they would come to you. Khaiu and Shello are not only overly proud and confident of their abilities, they are also extremely loyal friends. And they are males. You knew this. You counted on it. Your intent was to draw them to you. Then you had the option of either trying to get your team to surround them, or you could take hold of one, knowing the other would not leave without his brother. And while it is probably true you could not win a battle one against two – at least, not these two – you did not need to win. You only needed to delay. For once you team saw battle begin they would come to your aid. They would arrive in time to capture Khaiu and Shello, but you would be considered slain.”
Tavaar stood without speaking. Seratahn was shrewd. From the corner of her eye, Tavaar saw Khaiu nod approvingly.
“You were willing to give up your command in order to capture them, weren’t you?” Seratahn asked. “Being ‘slain’, you would relinquish your authority to your second in command until the High Command arrived to reinstate you – if you were to be reinstated at all. You took a big risk. The only thing that spared you the loss of your command was, of all things, Khaiu and Shello. They gave up, and that you had not expected. You defeated their plan. They returned the favor by not allowing you to implement yours. The bonds of love and friendship are hard to fathom, are they not?”
“They surrendered. In my mind, that is very different.”
“I see. So you did not take the markers?”
Tavaar blushed. She had forgotten about the markers. They still hung by a leather tie around her neck inside her tunic. She pulled them out, to Seratahn’s amusement, and to chortling from her own warriors, and presented them to Seratahn. Seratahn examined them carefully, then handed them back to an aide.
“How did you know your team was discovered?” Seratahn asked.
“I was able to see one of the two clearly. As it turned out, it was Shello I saw. He signaled to Khaiu and then waited. I could not see Khaiu, but I did see Shello react to a signal and fade back the way he had come. Since he was leaving, I could only assume we had been seen. This was confirmed in my mind when I saw both brothers meet. Khaiu pointed right at us.”
“And you then did what?”
“I walked into the clearing where I could be seen by all and waited.”
“Waited? Waited for what?”
“For them to come to me.”
“And why would they do that when they were tasked with reaching West Stop? To meet with you would mean certain capture.”
“No, it wouldn’t. I signaled for my team to remain where they were. I was alone. According to the rules of testing, I needed at least two others to make a successful capture – without engaging in actual battle, that is.”
“And did you intend to battle them?”
“No. I just – wanted to talk with them. It had been so long since I had seen either.”
“And you assumed they shared this feeling?”
“We were – friends. I hoped.”
“Hoped? It sounds to me as if you were counting on it. You used yourself as bait to draw them back, knowing they would be unable to resist.”
“It was not a ploy, Commander.”
Seratahn smiled. “Do not discredit your instincts, Tavaar. Neither discredit your ability to think quickly and use your knowledge of the enemy to your advantage. Let me tell you how I see this. You nearly had them, but they were slipping away. So you showed yourself, knowing they would come to you. Khaiu and Shello are not only overly proud and confident of their abilities, they are also extremely loyal friends. And they are males. You knew this. You counted on it. Your intent was to draw them to you. Then you had the option of either trying to get your team to surround them, or you could take hold of one, knowing the other would not leave without his brother. And while it is probably true you could not win a battle one against two – at least, not these two – you did not need to win. You only needed to delay. For once you team saw battle begin they would come to your aid. They would arrive in time to capture Khaiu and Shello, but you would be considered slain.”
Tavaar stood without speaking. Seratahn was shrewd. From the corner of her eye, Tavaar saw Khaiu nod approvingly.
“You were willing to give up your command in order to capture them, weren’t you?” Seratahn asked. “Being ‘slain’, you would relinquish your authority to your second in command until the High Command arrived to reinstate you – if you were to be reinstated at all. You took a big risk. The only thing that spared you the loss of your command was, of all things, Khaiu and Shello. They gave up, and that you had not expected. You defeated their plan. They returned the favor by not allowing you to implement yours. The bonds of love and friendship are hard to fathom, are they not?”
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Tavaar - 50th Edition
The company was at attention as Hehnfit led the delegates from High Command into camp. General Sampka was the ranking officer. He was dressed in green, the primary color of Defense. He walked tall and proud, his eyes taking in everything. With him were two Commanders, one from Defense and the other from Mines. Seratahn was from Defense. She was shorter than those around her and she wore a tall hat to compensate. Her long, yellow hair flowed out from under it like waves of gold. Muflin, Tavaar knew, but not well. He was here to judge the company while Seratahn would judge Khaiu and Shello. Sampka would have the final say on praise or criticism. He would also be the one to make decisions about the company’s command. When they arrived, Tavaar greeted each with a kiss. She then introduced her command, beginning with Nayvahl. Each came forward and gave the kiss of welcome. Then she presented Khaiu and Shello.
“You have done well, Tavaar, daughter of Odelmaar,” said Sampka. “I confess to no small amount of surprise that you should capture these two. We will hear your report.”
“Would you not care to refresh yourselves first?” Tavaar asked.
“No. We will drink ale, if you have any, while we listen.”
“Very good, General,” said Tavaar. She turned and gave orders to Nayvahl. Then she escorted the General, Commanders and their retinue to a place prepared.
When the General and his officers were ready, Tavaar presented herself before them, standing directly before Sampka. To Sampka’s right was Seratahn. To her right sat Khaiu and Shello. Muflin sat to Sampka’s left. Next to him sat Nayvahl, Sashwa, Yahrleen and Alobahr. The rest of the warriors completed a circle around and behind her.
She began with Kelenbah’s announcement to the company that he was leaving and putting Tavaar in command. She ignored his reasons for leaving. She then told how, with Nayvahl and Sashwa’s help, she chose squad leaders and devised a plan to intercept Khaiu and Shello. She told about implementing the plan and how it almost worked. When she finished, she handed a sealed scroll to General Sampka, who took it without speaking.
Before breaking the seal, Sampka looked long and hard at Tavaar. She stood without flinching. Finally, he spoke.
“An excellent report,” he said. “You presented the facts without interpretation or embellishment. You have, however, placed us in a somewhat strange position. You deny capturing the testing warriors, yet here they are in your camp. What are we to make of that?”
“We did not capture them, General. They gave themselves up after my team revealed its position prematurely.”
“And this scroll?”
“It is my written report of actions and recommendations for the company based on this mission and my general knowledge.”
“You have done well, Tavaar, daughter of Odelmaar,” said Sampka. “I confess to no small amount of surprise that you should capture these two. We will hear your report.”
“Would you not care to refresh yourselves first?” Tavaar asked.
“No. We will drink ale, if you have any, while we listen.”
“Very good, General,” said Tavaar. She turned and gave orders to Nayvahl. Then she escorted the General, Commanders and their retinue to a place prepared.
When the General and his officers were ready, Tavaar presented herself before them, standing directly before Sampka. To Sampka’s right was Seratahn. To her right sat Khaiu and Shello. Muflin sat to Sampka’s left. Next to him sat Nayvahl, Sashwa, Yahrleen and Alobahr. The rest of the warriors completed a circle around and behind her.
She began with Kelenbah’s announcement to the company that he was leaving and putting Tavaar in command. She ignored his reasons for leaving. She then told how, with Nayvahl and Sashwa’s help, she chose squad leaders and devised a plan to intercept Khaiu and Shello. She told about implementing the plan and how it almost worked. When she finished, she handed a sealed scroll to General Sampka, who took it without speaking.
Before breaking the seal, Sampka looked long and hard at Tavaar. She stood without flinching. Finally, he spoke.
“An excellent report,” he said. “You presented the facts without interpretation or embellishment. You have, however, placed us in a somewhat strange position. You deny capturing the testing warriors, yet here they are in your camp. What are we to make of that?”
“We did not capture them, General. They gave themselves up after my team revealed its position prematurely.”
“And this scroll?”
“It is my written report of actions and recommendations for the company based on this mission and my general knowledge.”
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tavaar - 49th Edition
Ahzbah gave her a keen look. “Why am I not a lieutenant?”
“For the same reason Sashwa and I aren’t: Kelenbah refused to promote us. Mostly, it was me, I guess. But you two are my friends.”
“But why didn’t you promote me? I deserve it. You know I do.”
“Of course you do, but I have no authority to promote. You know that.”
“You promoted Sashwa.”
“Not really.”
“You made her Chief Scout.”
“Not really. I mean, that’s what I call her, but she really isn’t. Her pay certainly isn’t affected. Nor is mine, for that matter.”
“But she has authority.”
“Yes. She does.”
“So why wasn’t I given authority? You filled three positions. I’m your friend, too.”
“Ahzbah, it wasn’t about friendship. I didn’t make my choices based on friendship.”
“That’s obvious. But I’m as good a warrior as those you chose. In fact, I think I’m better.”
“I’m kind of inclined to agree with you.”
“Then why not pick me?”
Tavaar sighed and paused to collect her thoughts.
“Your name did come up. I considered you. I chose Yahrleen because there was no question about her.”
“But there was about me?”
“Shut up and listen! Yes, there was. You see, Nayvahl is a real officer.”
“He is also loyal to Kelenbah.”
“No. I disagree. Nayvahl supported Kelenbah, but his loyalty is to the company – regardless of who commands. Sashwa is the logical choice to act as Chief Scout. She is loyal to me. That left two positions. One I filled with Yahrleen. I don’t think she has made up her mind. Perhaps that was why there was no dissention about her. The final choice was between you and Alobahr.”
“And you choice Alobahr. Tavaar, he doesn’t even like you.”
“Don’t you understand? This isn’t about who likes me. That’s not how these decisions are made.”
“That’s how Kelenbah decided.”
“And look what he did to the company!”
“Are you saying I couldn’t do a good job?”
“No! No. that is not what I’m saying. What I’m trying to say is that a commander, or leader, if you will, must think of everyone: not just those who like her. With the three I had chosen, three of the four groups were covered: those who liked me; those who weren’t sure; and those who didn’t care. But the fourth group, those who do not like me, they had no voice.”
“Do they need one?”
“Yes. At least, I think they do. With Alobahr to go to, they have their voice. They won’t come to you, Ahzbah. Neither will they speak to Sashwa. They might speak to Yahrleen, but I think not. She may not have made up her mind, but neither is she sympathetic to grumbling. They tried Nayvahl and he stepped on them for it. So, I chose Alobahr.” She sighed. “Look Ahzbah, if it is any consolation, I am sure you will be made a lieutenant when the new captain arrives and we are brought to full strength. In the meantime, this is the way it is. I can sure use your help.”
“For the same reason Sashwa and I aren’t: Kelenbah refused to promote us. Mostly, it was me, I guess. But you two are my friends.”
“But why didn’t you promote me? I deserve it. You know I do.”
“Of course you do, but I have no authority to promote. You know that.”
“You promoted Sashwa.”
“Not really.”
“You made her Chief Scout.”
“Not really. I mean, that’s what I call her, but she really isn’t. Her pay certainly isn’t affected. Nor is mine, for that matter.”
“But she has authority.”
“Yes. She does.”
“So why wasn’t I given authority? You filled three positions. I’m your friend, too.”
“Ahzbah, it wasn’t about friendship. I didn’t make my choices based on friendship.”
“That’s obvious. But I’m as good a warrior as those you chose. In fact, I think I’m better.”
“I’m kind of inclined to agree with you.”
“Then why not pick me?”
Tavaar sighed and paused to collect her thoughts.
“Your name did come up. I considered you. I chose Yahrleen because there was no question about her.”
“But there was about me?”
“Shut up and listen! Yes, there was. You see, Nayvahl is a real officer.”
“He is also loyal to Kelenbah.”
“No. I disagree. Nayvahl supported Kelenbah, but his loyalty is to the company – regardless of who commands. Sashwa is the logical choice to act as Chief Scout. She is loyal to me. That left two positions. One I filled with Yahrleen. I don’t think she has made up her mind. Perhaps that was why there was no dissention about her. The final choice was between you and Alobahr.”
“And you choice Alobahr. Tavaar, he doesn’t even like you.”
“Don’t you understand? This isn’t about who likes me. That’s not how these decisions are made.”
“That’s how Kelenbah decided.”
“And look what he did to the company!”
“Are you saying I couldn’t do a good job?”
“No! No. that is not what I’m saying. What I’m trying to say is that a commander, or leader, if you will, must think of everyone: not just those who like her. With the three I had chosen, three of the four groups were covered: those who liked me; those who weren’t sure; and those who didn’t care. But the fourth group, those who do not like me, they had no voice.”
“Do they need one?”
“Yes. At least, I think they do. With Alobahr to go to, they have their voice. They won’t come to you, Ahzbah. Neither will they speak to Sashwa. They might speak to Yahrleen, but I think not. She may not have made up her mind, but neither is she sympathetic to grumbling. They tried Nayvahl and he stepped on them for it. So, I chose Alobahr.” She sighed. “Look Ahzbah, if it is any consolation, I am sure you will be made a lieutenant when the new captain arrives and we are brought to full strength. In the meantime, this is the way it is. I can sure use your help.”
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Tavaar - 48th Edition
They walked back to the fire. Wheylin took his place and Sashwa stood. Tavaar did not kiss, or even acknowledge him. She and Sashwa walked to where Khaiu and Shello sat. Sashwa wanted to sit between them, but Tavaar said no. They would sit against a nearby tree. Before they sat, though, Ahzbah walked up. She looked annoyed.
“So, what’s this, Tavaar? You going to cozy up after all?”
Ahzbah was too busy being insubordinate to notice the look of fire in Tavaar’s eyes. The others saw it, though, and tried to get her attention. But Tavaar was already walking away.
“Ahzbah, come with me!”
They went to the same hollow where Tavaar had spoken with Wheylin, only further down the hill. When the stopped, Tavaar’s wrath exploded.
“What is the matter with you?”
“What’s the matter with me? I’m not the one who’s different. What’s the matter with you?”
“This isn’t about me. It’s about you. You’ve been surely and insubordinate ever since Kelenbah left.”
“With good reason.”
“What reason?”
Ahzbah growled impatiently. “Don’t pretend you don’t know. And don’t try telling me that you’re in command.”
“I shouldn’t have to tell you I’m in command. And I don’t know what you’re talking about, so tell me.”
“Tavaar. You’re treating me as though I am just a regular soldier.”
“You are a regular soldier, Ahzbah.”
“I am also your friend.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“It means you are being harder on me than anyone else. So I make some jokes. Who cares? You’ve done the same.”
Tavaar sighed.
“Ahzbah, if we are to put an end to Kelenbah’s legacy, we must end it completely.”
“But why do you have to be especially mean to me?”
“I’m not being especially mean to you.”
“Oh, yeah? Well, who else have you taken aside to yell at?”
Tavaar hesitated. Technically, it was none of Ahzbah’s business, and Tavaar had no real right to say. However, they were friends.
“I have spoken with both Sashwa and Wheylin.”
Ahzbah looked genuinely surprised. “What for? I don’t remember seeing it.”
“Of course you didn’t. I did it in private.”
“Then why do I have to be dragged off publicly?”
“Because you can’t keep your big mouth shut. If you would have just presented yourself quietly, we could have left with everyone thinking I was giving you a task or something. But no, you can’t do that, can you? You have to come storming in all mad and irritable, flapping that mouth of yours and undermining my authority. We could have just talked this out. Now, I have to take action.”
“Why?”
“Because we’re friends, you idiot! I can’t be seen to be showing favoritism. What you did will be known to all within a turn of the company reassembling: as will my response.”
Ahzbah was quiet. She seemed to be understanding things she had not bothered to consider before. “So what did you talk with Sashwa about? This same thing?”
“Kind of. It never got this far. And because it was quiet, I didn’t have to take any action.”
“What about Wheylin? He loves you so much, I can’t see him doing anything insubordinate.”
“He wasn’t.”
Ahzbah’s face lit up. “You put him down because of what happened at the pass?”
“I had to.”
“How far did you go?”
“I am putting him on report. It’s going to affect his income; mine, too, now that I think of it. So you see, Ahzbah, I am not singling you out. But as commander of the company, I need respect. Real respect. I think I have a right to expect my friends to lead the way in that. Those who are not my friends I expect to at least pretend.
Ahzbah gave a half smile. “I’m still your friend, Tavaar. I’m just mad at you, that’s all. But if you would like, I can move into a different hut.”
“No. I don’t want you to do that. For one thing, there is no need. I’m only going to command until a new captain arrives. That won’t be long, I’m sure. But even more important, the hut is a place where we can drop the formal behavior. We can be just friends, and you can pick on me like you used to.”
Ahzbah smiled, sheepishly. “Okay.”
“Good. Now, perhaps you would care to tell me what’s been bothering you?”
“So, what’s this, Tavaar? You going to cozy up after all?”
Ahzbah was too busy being insubordinate to notice the look of fire in Tavaar’s eyes. The others saw it, though, and tried to get her attention. But Tavaar was already walking away.
“Ahzbah, come with me!”
They went to the same hollow where Tavaar had spoken with Wheylin, only further down the hill. When the stopped, Tavaar’s wrath exploded.
“What is the matter with you?”
“What’s the matter with me? I’m not the one who’s different. What’s the matter with you?”
“This isn’t about me. It’s about you. You’ve been surely and insubordinate ever since Kelenbah left.”
“With good reason.”
“What reason?”
Ahzbah growled impatiently. “Don’t pretend you don’t know. And don’t try telling me that you’re in command.”
“I shouldn’t have to tell you I’m in command. And I don’t know what you’re talking about, so tell me.”
“Tavaar. You’re treating me as though I am just a regular soldier.”
“You are a regular soldier, Ahzbah.”
“I am also your friend.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“It means you are being harder on me than anyone else. So I make some jokes. Who cares? You’ve done the same.”
Tavaar sighed.
“Ahzbah, if we are to put an end to Kelenbah’s legacy, we must end it completely.”
“But why do you have to be especially mean to me?”
“I’m not being especially mean to you.”
“Oh, yeah? Well, who else have you taken aside to yell at?”
Tavaar hesitated. Technically, it was none of Ahzbah’s business, and Tavaar had no real right to say. However, they were friends.
“I have spoken with both Sashwa and Wheylin.”
Ahzbah looked genuinely surprised. “What for? I don’t remember seeing it.”
“Of course you didn’t. I did it in private.”
“Then why do I have to be dragged off publicly?”
“Because you can’t keep your big mouth shut. If you would have just presented yourself quietly, we could have left with everyone thinking I was giving you a task or something. But no, you can’t do that, can you? You have to come storming in all mad and irritable, flapping that mouth of yours and undermining my authority. We could have just talked this out. Now, I have to take action.”
“Why?”
“Because we’re friends, you idiot! I can’t be seen to be showing favoritism. What you did will be known to all within a turn of the company reassembling: as will my response.”
Ahzbah was quiet. She seemed to be understanding things she had not bothered to consider before. “So what did you talk with Sashwa about? This same thing?”
“Kind of. It never got this far. And because it was quiet, I didn’t have to take any action.”
“What about Wheylin? He loves you so much, I can’t see him doing anything insubordinate.”
“He wasn’t.”
Ahzbah’s face lit up. “You put him down because of what happened at the pass?”
“I had to.”
“How far did you go?”
“I am putting him on report. It’s going to affect his income; mine, too, now that I think of it. So you see, Ahzbah, I am not singling you out. But as commander of the company, I need respect. Real respect. I think I have a right to expect my friends to lead the way in that. Those who are not my friends I expect to at least pretend.
Ahzbah gave a half smile. “I’m still your friend, Tavaar. I’m just mad at you, that’s all. But if you would like, I can move into a different hut.”
“No. I don’t want you to do that. For one thing, there is no need. I’m only going to command until a new captain arrives. That won’t be long, I’m sure. But even more important, the hut is a place where we can drop the formal behavior. We can be just friends, and you can pick on me like you used to.”
Ahzbah smiled, sheepishly. “Okay.”
“Good. Now, perhaps you would care to tell me what’s been bothering you?”
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Tavaar - 47th Edition
She went to check on the doe. Wheylin was turning it. She offered to take over but he declined, instead offering that she should use the time to visit with old friends. She declined, but he insisted.
“I understand how it is,” he said. “Do not worry about me.”
She kissed him long and ardently. “I love you, Wheylin.”
“That is nice to hear.”
“Unfortunately, I just thought of something. Sashwa, take over the spit.”
“Yes, Sub-Commander.”
She gave Sashwa a look. Sashwa just grinned.
“Come with me, Wheylin.”
She led him about a furlong away. She found a place where the ground sloped and the trees were thick enough to provide privacy. When she stopped, Wheylin looked about.
“I suspect this is about one of two likely scenarios,” he said. “And from the look on your face, it isn’t the one I’m hoping for. This is about what happened at the pass, isn’t it?”
She felt terrible; almost ill. But it had to be done. “I’m sorry, Wheylin, but…”
“Never apologize for being in command. With command goes privilege, and responsibility. I’m not a good warrior, but I still understand that. All real warriors do – Sub-Commander.”
“Thank you,” she said. “You were seen.”
“I know.”
“What happened?”
“I was doing well, I thought. I could have sworn I saw just the fleeting glimpse of a shadow, but I wasn’t sure. I stared and stared, but there was nothing more. Then, just as I convinced myself it was nothing, he steps out of the trees plain as day. It caught me by surprise, and I started to stand. Too late, I realized that had been his intent. I’m sorry.”
“Fortunately, this was only a test, so the consequences were minimal at worst. Also, since they gave themselves up, things did not work out so bad. However, I am duty bound to point out that, had this been a mission against a real enemy, your lack of discipline could have cost a life. I have to report this failure. It will affect your pay, I fear. Also, I have to put you on safe duty for a while as punishment. You will cook all meals for the next ten days, or until the new captain is assigned. I am sorry, Wheylin.”
“No need to be sorry, Sub-Commander. I know I am guilty.”
“Tavaar. Or Sweetheart. We’re alone now.”
“No, Sub-Commander. When we drop the flap on our hut door you are my love and my lover. This is military. I can tell the difference.”
“I kissed you at the cooking station.”
He grinned. “Well, you can make some exceptions, but this is serious. I think we should keep it that way.”
She smiled at him. She so appreciated him, and right now all she wanted to do was take him in her arms and lay on the forest floor.
“I will make it up to you at base camp,” she said.
“But I thought you wanted to wait, so everybody…”
“I will make it up to you at base camp.”
Wheylin grinned. “As you wish, Sub-Commander.”
“I understand how it is,” he said. “Do not worry about me.”
She kissed him long and ardently. “I love you, Wheylin.”
“That is nice to hear.”
“Unfortunately, I just thought of something. Sashwa, take over the spit.”
“Yes, Sub-Commander.”
She gave Sashwa a look. Sashwa just grinned.
“Come with me, Wheylin.”
She led him about a furlong away. She found a place where the ground sloped and the trees were thick enough to provide privacy. When she stopped, Wheylin looked about.
“I suspect this is about one of two likely scenarios,” he said. “And from the look on your face, it isn’t the one I’m hoping for. This is about what happened at the pass, isn’t it?”
She felt terrible; almost ill. But it had to be done. “I’m sorry, Wheylin, but…”
“Never apologize for being in command. With command goes privilege, and responsibility. I’m not a good warrior, but I still understand that. All real warriors do – Sub-Commander.”
“Thank you,” she said. “You were seen.”
“I know.”
“What happened?”
“I was doing well, I thought. I could have sworn I saw just the fleeting glimpse of a shadow, but I wasn’t sure. I stared and stared, but there was nothing more. Then, just as I convinced myself it was nothing, he steps out of the trees plain as day. It caught me by surprise, and I started to stand. Too late, I realized that had been his intent. I’m sorry.”
“Fortunately, this was only a test, so the consequences were minimal at worst. Also, since they gave themselves up, things did not work out so bad. However, I am duty bound to point out that, had this been a mission against a real enemy, your lack of discipline could have cost a life. I have to report this failure. It will affect your pay, I fear. Also, I have to put you on safe duty for a while as punishment. You will cook all meals for the next ten days, or until the new captain is assigned. I am sorry, Wheylin.”
“No need to be sorry, Sub-Commander. I know I am guilty.”
“Tavaar. Or Sweetheart. We’re alone now.”
“No, Sub-Commander. When we drop the flap on our hut door you are my love and my lover. This is military. I can tell the difference.”
“I kissed you at the cooking station.”
He grinned. “Well, you can make some exceptions, but this is serious. I think we should keep it that way.”
She smiled at him. She so appreciated him, and right now all she wanted to do was take him in her arms and lay on the forest floor.
“I will make it up to you at base camp,” she said.
“But I thought you wanted to wait, so everybody…”
“I will make it up to you at base camp.”
Wheylin grinned. “As you wish, Sub-Commander.”
Friday, April 10, 2009
A Blog Advertisement
I need to take classes in marketing. I should have posted this hours ago.
The Stories Have Begun Arriving at
The Legion of On-Line Super Heroes!
Today, tomorrow, Sunday and Monday will all produce first entries by four different Authors
Read works from Internationally Known Authors such as:
Writtenwyrdd - the famous Speculative Fiction Writer in the east
Blogless Troll - the dashing Writer from Kiribati
Whirlochre - the clever King of the British Isles
fairyhedgehog - Castle Windsor's Lady in Waiting
freddie - the midwest's Star of Music and Wonder
Lisa - the Poetic Mistress of Feline Purrs
Ms. Sparrow - Famed Minnesota historian
and, how could we forget
Bevie James - ambiguous, paranoid, but good-hearted
If you have time, give the blog a look-see.
Well worth the 500-word reads
The Legion of On-Line Super Heroes!
Today, tomorrow, Sunday and Monday will all produce first entries by four different Authors
Read works from Internationally Known Authors such as:
Writtenwyrdd - the famous Speculative Fiction Writer in the east
Blogless Troll - the dashing Writer from Kiribati
Whirlochre - the clever King of the British Isles
fairyhedgehog - Castle Windsor's Lady in Waiting
freddie - the midwest's Star of Music and Wonder
Lisa - the Poetic Mistress of Feline Purrs
Ms. Sparrow - Famed Minnesota historian
and, how could we forget
Bevie James - ambiguous, paranoid, but good-hearted
If you have time, give the blog a look-see.
Well worth the 500-word reads
Tavaar - 46th Edition
We skip some minor things and now are back at base camp.
When they made camp Tavaar set Ahzbah and Hehnfit as watch. She expected Nayvahl to arrive soon. He had been mandated with driving Khaiu and Shello into the trap. Khaiu and Shello would, of course, have kept a safe distance, but Nayvahl was probably only a couple of turns away. To Khaiu and Shello’s surprise she and Wheylin began the task of making an evening meal. Sashwa was sent out to hunt. She returned just over a turn later with a small doe. They finished preparing it and then stuck it on a spit. Less than a turn later Nayvahl entered camp. When he saw Khaiu and Shello sitting by a large oak, his face broke into a smile. The look he gave Tavaar told her she had won an ally.
“Your plan succeeded, Sub-Commander. Forgive me for doubting.”
“You are forgiven, Lieutenant, if for no other reason than the plan did not entirely work. They figured it out before we could catch them.”
Nayvahl looked confused. His gaze returned to the prisoners.
“They gave themselves up for friendship’s sake,” she said.
Nayvahl stood in thought. Then he gave her a keen look. “Then you still won. It matters not what enticement you used. The mission was to prevent the passing to West Stop. That has been done.”
Tavaar gave an embarrassed laugh. “Only because they bear a great love for me. That is not really defeating them.”
“Yes, it is, Sub-Commander. Great warriors do what they must to win. You knew from the beginning they love you. In fact, were you not counting on it?”
Tavaar smiled at him, appreciatively. “You are wise and loyal, Nayvahl. I am not so sure others will consider my methods pure.”
Nayvahl hesitated. “The perception of impropriety does not always mean it exists, Sub-Commander. That a warrior should be willing to suffer personally for what they believe to be a greater good is remarkable. That another warrior should come to see it the same way is humbling. You have my loyalty, Sub-Commander, because you deserve it, and more. Forgive me again for my slowness to understand.”
She didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t sure she could speak. The look in Nayvahl’s eyes confirmed her suspicion that he had changed the subject. To keep poise, she changed it again.
“I only have two on watch right now, Lieutenant. With your squad, we now number twelve. We should double the watch now. Wheylin and I are cooking. Sashwa hunted. Ahzbah is to the west and Hehnfit is east. I want you to remain in camp. Pick four from the rest and set your watch. Have Ahzbah report to me.”
“Very good, Sub-Commander.”
He walked past her to the center of camp. But before he could speak, she called to him.
“Thank you, Lieutenant. Thank you, Nayvahl.”
He smiled. “You are welcome, Sub-Commander.”
“Tavaar.”
He looked uncomfortable.
“Just this once,” she prodded.
“Very well. You are most welcome – Tavaar.”
When they made camp Tavaar set Ahzbah and Hehnfit as watch. She expected Nayvahl to arrive soon. He had been mandated with driving Khaiu and Shello into the trap. Khaiu and Shello would, of course, have kept a safe distance, but Nayvahl was probably only a couple of turns away. To Khaiu and Shello’s surprise she and Wheylin began the task of making an evening meal. Sashwa was sent out to hunt. She returned just over a turn later with a small doe. They finished preparing it and then stuck it on a spit. Less than a turn later Nayvahl entered camp. When he saw Khaiu and Shello sitting by a large oak, his face broke into a smile. The look he gave Tavaar told her she had won an ally.
“Your plan succeeded, Sub-Commander. Forgive me for doubting.”
“You are forgiven, Lieutenant, if for no other reason than the plan did not entirely work. They figured it out before we could catch them.”
Nayvahl looked confused. His gaze returned to the prisoners.
“They gave themselves up for friendship’s sake,” she said.
Nayvahl stood in thought. Then he gave her a keen look. “Then you still won. It matters not what enticement you used. The mission was to prevent the passing to West Stop. That has been done.”
Tavaar gave an embarrassed laugh. “Only because they bear a great love for me. That is not really defeating them.”
“Yes, it is, Sub-Commander. Great warriors do what they must to win. You knew from the beginning they love you. In fact, were you not counting on it?”
Tavaar smiled at him, appreciatively. “You are wise and loyal, Nayvahl. I am not so sure others will consider my methods pure.”
Nayvahl hesitated. “The perception of impropriety does not always mean it exists, Sub-Commander. That a warrior should be willing to suffer personally for what they believe to be a greater good is remarkable. That another warrior should come to see it the same way is humbling. You have my loyalty, Sub-Commander, because you deserve it, and more. Forgive me again for my slowness to understand.”
She didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t sure she could speak. The look in Nayvahl’s eyes confirmed her suspicion that he had changed the subject. To keep poise, she changed it again.
“I only have two on watch right now, Lieutenant. With your squad, we now number twelve. We should double the watch now. Wheylin and I are cooking. Sashwa hunted. Ahzbah is to the west and Hehnfit is east. I want you to remain in camp. Pick four from the rest and set your watch. Have Ahzbah report to me.”
“Very good, Sub-Commander.”
He walked past her to the center of camp. But before he could speak, she called to him.
“Thank you, Lieutenant. Thank you, Nayvahl.”
He smiled. “You are welcome, Sub-Commander.”
“Tavaar.”
He looked uncomfortable.
“Just this once,” she prodded.
“Very well. You are most welcome – Tavaar.”
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Tavaar - 45th Edition
She was blushing under his praise. To hear him speak well of her meant more than any other praise she could get. Khaiu did not dole out praise because he loved. In fact, Khaiu hardly doled out praise at all. He had no fears about criticizing those he loved. He expected them to understand his love for them had nothing to do with their deeds, good or bad. Therefore, his praise meant all the more.
She took the symbols of victory from the brothers. She managed to fight and win over the urge to cry. She knew better than most what this meant to them. It was not easy to defeat either Khaiu or Shello. For them to admit defeat was an act against their own pride. There were not many they would do this for.
“So, who did you see?” she asked, keeping her focus on the leather patches.
“It was difficult to tell,” said Khaiu.
Shello made an amused noise and turned away. Even Tavaar smiled as she looked up.
“Khaiu, are you trying to convince me you do not know who it was you saw? I must say – with relief – that you still make a poor liar. I insist you tell me. I am still in command of this company and I must know where I am weak.”
Khaiu looked apologetic. “It was Wheylin. He only moved a little, and then he caught himself. Had I not been looking for precisely that to occur, I should not have noticed.”
Tavaar grunted and looked back at the patches to hide her thoughts. She had suspected it was him. Wheylin just wasn’t a warrior.
“He did well enough, I am sure,” said Khaiu.
“He does his best. What more can he do? He is meant for the mines, not the forests. He is out of his element.”
“You will need to keep these safe,” said Shello.
Tavaar was glad for the subject change. “Have you a leather tie in your pack?” she asked.
While Shello rummaged through his pack to produce a long leather thong, Tavaar took her knife and drilled holes into the two patches. She strung the thong through the holes, tied it, then placed it around her neck and let the patches drop inside her tunic. Shello grinned.
“I guess they will safe enough there.”
Tavaar gave him a sardonic look. “Right. Like you’ve never had your hands there before. Just remember, Klarissa may not take it kindly if you try to get it back.” Khaiu laughed, but Tavaar turned to him. “What are you laughing at? Your hands have been there, too.”
Now it was Shello’s turn to laugh at Khaiu.
“I love it!” he cried. “My Darling is still one of the few who can make you blush, brother.”
“Shut up.”
She took the symbols of victory from the brothers. She managed to fight and win over the urge to cry. She knew better than most what this meant to them. It was not easy to defeat either Khaiu or Shello. For them to admit defeat was an act against their own pride. There were not many they would do this for.
“So, who did you see?” she asked, keeping her focus on the leather patches.
“It was difficult to tell,” said Khaiu.
Shello made an amused noise and turned away. Even Tavaar smiled as she looked up.
“Khaiu, are you trying to convince me you do not know who it was you saw? I must say – with relief – that you still make a poor liar. I insist you tell me. I am still in command of this company and I must know where I am weak.”
Khaiu looked apologetic. “It was Wheylin. He only moved a little, and then he caught himself. Had I not been looking for precisely that to occur, I should not have noticed.”
Tavaar grunted and looked back at the patches to hide her thoughts. She had suspected it was him. Wheylin just wasn’t a warrior.
“He did well enough, I am sure,” said Khaiu.
“He does his best. What more can he do? He is meant for the mines, not the forests. He is out of his element.”
“You will need to keep these safe,” said Shello.
Tavaar was glad for the subject change. “Have you a leather tie in your pack?” she asked.
While Shello rummaged through his pack to produce a long leather thong, Tavaar took her knife and drilled holes into the two patches. She strung the thong through the holes, tied it, then placed it around her neck and let the patches drop inside her tunic. Shello grinned.
“I guess they will safe enough there.”
Tavaar gave him a sardonic look. “Right. Like you’ve never had your hands there before. Just remember, Klarissa may not take it kindly if you try to get it back.” Khaiu laughed, but Tavaar turned to him. “What are you laughing at? Your hands have been there, too.”
Now it was Shello’s turn to laugh at Khaiu.
“I love it!” he cried. “My Darling is still one of the few who can make you blush, brother.”
“Shut up.”
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tavaar - 44th Edition
(I've skipped a bit.)
“Not that you would give in,” said Shello. “We feared you might kill someone, or something nearly as rash.”
“Such as leave the military?”
“The family needs you here,” said Khaiu. “You have tremendous warrior skills. Besides, we love you.”
“And that is why we have come,” said Shello.
“To do what?”
“Gahrem convinced us that things in this company have been allowed to go too far,” said Khaiu. “It was clear to me that you are not the only one under pressure – though you suffer the worst. We have come to make an end to it.”
“We would have come sooner, but first we had to serve our punishments. Then we had to come up with a plan to get into this company.”
“Do Klarissa and – Tora – know what you’re about?”
“Tura. Yes. They contributed to the plan.”
“What are you planning?”
“To stop this,” said Khaiu.
“Yes, but by what means?”
“By any means it takes,” said Shello.
“Thank you. I don’t know if you can know how much this means to me. However, you are too late. Everything has been resolved since last moon. Kelenbah and the others are gone.”
“Gone? Who commands then?” asked Shello.
“I do.”
Khaiu’s eyes went wide with sudden comprehension.
“Of course! That explains it. You designed the defense, but you did not have the strength to man all positions. How were you able to remove him?”
“By making him believe he was about to get that which he wanted most.”
Khaiu laughed. “The perfect bait. Well, then, I believe I have no misgivings about handing you this.”
He produced a small leather patch from his pack. Shello did the same. Each patch was about the same size of her palm and stamped with matching symbols of a shield within a shield. These were their badges, given to them at the start of their test. By presenting them to the High Command at West Stop they would prove their success. If caught, they would need present them to the company commander.
“You give them to me, yet I have not earned them.”
“We are here. Are we not your prisoners?” asked Khaiu.
“Are you?”
“We are ever your prisoners. You know that,” said Shello.
Tavaar couldn’t stop her smile. “But I did not catch you. You came of your own accord.”
“Could you find better prisoners than that?” asked Khaiu. “Your plan defeated my plan. You guessed what we were doing and set us up to be captured. It is not your fault you were undermanned. Yet even with that, you nearly caught us. Had I not seen movement to confirm my doubts, we should have walked into your trap. Yet even then you still catch us, but using the one bait we cannot resist. No, Tavaar. In my mind, you have earned the victory. Take them.”
“Not that you would give in,” said Shello. “We feared you might kill someone, or something nearly as rash.”
“Such as leave the military?”
“The family needs you here,” said Khaiu. “You have tremendous warrior skills. Besides, we love you.”
“And that is why we have come,” said Shello.
“To do what?”
“Gahrem convinced us that things in this company have been allowed to go too far,” said Khaiu. “It was clear to me that you are not the only one under pressure – though you suffer the worst. We have come to make an end to it.”
“We would have come sooner, but first we had to serve our punishments. Then we had to come up with a plan to get into this company.”
“Do Klarissa and – Tora – know what you’re about?”
“Tura. Yes. They contributed to the plan.”
“What are you planning?”
“To stop this,” said Khaiu.
“Yes, but by what means?”
“By any means it takes,” said Shello.
“Thank you. I don’t know if you can know how much this means to me. However, you are too late. Everything has been resolved since last moon. Kelenbah and the others are gone.”
“Gone? Who commands then?” asked Shello.
“I do.”
Khaiu’s eyes went wide with sudden comprehension.
“Of course! That explains it. You designed the defense, but you did not have the strength to man all positions. How were you able to remove him?”
“By making him believe he was about to get that which he wanted most.”
Khaiu laughed. “The perfect bait. Well, then, I believe I have no misgivings about handing you this.”
He produced a small leather patch from his pack. Shello did the same. Each patch was about the same size of her palm and stamped with matching symbols of a shield within a shield. These were their badges, given to them at the start of their test. By presenting them to the High Command at West Stop they would prove their success. If caught, they would need present them to the company commander.
“You give them to me, yet I have not earned them.”
“We are here. Are we not your prisoners?” asked Khaiu.
“Are you?”
“We are ever your prisoners. You know that,” said Shello.
Tavaar couldn’t stop her smile. “But I did not catch you. You came of your own accord.”
“Could you find better prisoners than that?” asked Khaiu. “Your plan defeated my plan. You guessed what we were doing and set us up to be captured. It is not your fault you were undermanned. Yet even with that, you nearly caught us. Had I not seen movement to confirm my doubts, we should have walked into your trap. Yet even then you still catch us, but using the one bait we cannot resist. No, Tavaar. In my mind, you have earned the victory. Take them.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)