Tavaar - 39th Edition

That left two positions to fill. At first, Nayvahl seemed hesitant about making recommendations. However, Tavaar pressed him, stating she wanted to know who he believed was best – even if they hated her. It turned out, one did: Alobahr. The other was Yahrleen. Sashwa agreed on Yahrleen, but had reservations about Alobahr. She suggested Ahzbah. Tavaar accepted Yahrleen without question. To do otherwise would only throw the entire process into confusion. Both her advisors agreed. That left one position and two candidates: one who supported Tavaar, and one who did not. At least she knew Ahzbah well, thought Tavaar. Her only unknown was Alobahr. She did not know Alobahr well, despite his coming from Gahrem. He was the same age as Sashwa and Ahzbah, but he was from Defense, not Mines. She had played with him briefly about six years ago, but ended it quickly because she hadn’t found him to be all that fun. She always suspected that was why Alobahr had been against her. Since joining the company, she had only patrolled with him twice. He had been a favorite of Gwihnna’s, but Tavaar had the sense from those two patrols that he hadn’t been all that responsive to her. Perhaps that was why Gwihnna preferred him. For her, it was more about pleasing Kelenbah than herself. Alobahr may have been more of a figurehead playmate than the real thing. In any case, his woodsman skills were better than average. Tavaar thought he was better than Gwihnna. He wasn’t as good as Ahzbah, but he was close. What he did have over Ahzbah was his lack of play sense. Ahzbah had got into the routine set up by Gwihnna almost as much as Kelenbah. In fact, Tavaar had good reason to believe Ahzbah had often taken her play quite far.

She considered the earlier meeting, when she had addressed the entire company. Yahrleen had been very vocal, as had a few others. Alobahr had been entirely silent. Even when the entire company had broke into quiet talk, Alobahr had not joined in. He had sat alone and silent, studying her, as if willing her to fail. He had been one of just a few who hadn’t even bothered to feign appreciation for her command. Well that, at least, she could respect. It was honest, albeit rude.

She sat and listened politely as both Sashwa and Nayvahl spoke in defense of their choice, but Tavaar’s mind was calculating on its own. She had Sashwa, who she knew would follow her into certain death. She had Nayvahl, who didn’t seem to necessarily believe, or like, her, but who’s dedication to military protocol would keep him loyal. She had Yahrleen, who appeared to accept her without question. These three probably represented most of the company. However, there was an element which had no representation: the Kelenbah loyalists. That they did not like her was no reason to punish them. Punishment should be based on behavior, not feelings. After all, she really didn’t know how Nayvahl felt about her, but still she had made him second in command. At least Alobahr was serious. And, if she put all of the loyalists together, they would have her ear through Alobahr. And she just might have theirs.”

“I will take Alobahr,” she said. “Nayvahl, you are first squad. Pick your team. Sashwa, you are second. I want you to take Wheylin. Are you okay with that?”

“I’ll look after him, Sub-Commander.”

Tavaar couldn’t help but react to the title. Their eyes met long enough to share understanding. This was military.

“Alobahr will be third…”

“Third!” Sashwa blurted out.

Tavaar just looked at her. But even Nayvahl was uneasy.

“Sub-Commander, the Chief Scout is correct. There is good reason to believe Alobahr does not wholly support you. Perhaps he should be last.”

Tavaar now directed her attention to Nayvahl.

“I assumed you had considered that when you recommended him. Are you now saying you doubt his loyalties?”

“No, Sub-Commander. I just thought you might be more comfortable…”

“This is not about comfort, Lieutenant. He strikes me as a competent warrior. I suspect he is better than Yahrleen.”

“I believe so, too,” said Nayvahl.

“Then he will be third. And Lieutenant, assign Sohlvin and the others who share his mind to Alobahr. We will keep our discontents together lest they infect the entire company. Can Alobahr handle them, do you think?”

“I think he can, Sub-Commander.”

“Good. After we go over the plan, find Alobahr and Yahrleen and inform them they are now squad leaders. Tell them who is in their charge, and let them know they are to meet with you, the Chief Scout and myself every morning after breakfast when possible.”

“Very good, Sub-Commander.”