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.”
Saturday, April 11, 2009
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.”
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Tavaar - 43rd Edition
“You were worried about me?” Tavaar asked, unable to hide her feelings.
“Why do you think we chose here and now to test?” asked Khaiu.
Tavaar felt confused. “You were worried about me? I thought you meant…”
“I did,” said Shello. “You have studied long enough with us to know our minds. Guessing our plan would be easy for you. But we have been worried about you.”
“Why?”
“We – hear things – from various warriors.”
Tavaar felt her face flush, though with embarrassment or annoyance she wasn’t sure. But they seemed to be in danger of discussing things she would prefer to avoid. So, choosing not to be angry, she tried to change the subject.
“I also hear things – about you two,” she said, teasingly. The brothers looked at her with an ‘oh?’ expression. She couldn’t help but laugh. “It is my understanding that you two were in some kind of brawl in Gahrem not long ago. Supposedly, you were brought before the Council and punished.”
“You have heard correctly,” said Khaiu.
“You two aren’t normally so brutish. What were you fighting about?”
“Something important,” said Shello.
“I bet. Tell me.”
“We didn’t even tell the Council,” said Khaiu.
Tavaar was impressed. “You defied the Council? No wonder you were punished. What were you given?”
“We were demoted,” said Khaiu.
Tavaar’s expectant smile faded. “I’m sorry. I – know what that means to you.”
“It was worth it,” said Shello.
“Why? What were you fighting about?”
“If we refused to tell the Council, what makes you think we will tell you?” asked Khaiu.
Tavaar looked into Khaiu’s eyes. “Because it is me asking now, not the Council. Will you say no to me again?”
Khaiu smiled. “No. I guess not. It took all my strength to do it the first time. You have no idea how hard it was for me to not chase you down and beg you to let me reconsider.”
Tavaar looked at Khaiu with astonishment. In all the years she had suffered since he had turned down her offer of courtship, it had not occurred to her that he suffered, too. Khaiu’s smile was sad, but his eyes were soft and gentle. She wanted to say something, but nothing occurred to her.
“So, why did you fight?” she asked again.
“Someone said something we didn’t like,” said Shello.
“Who?”
“Melvehnit.”
“Yes, I know of him. He often has a foul mouth.”
“Well, he was being especially foul,” said Shello.
“What did he say?”
“He was telling lies.”
“I can believe that. Why are you avoiding my question?”
There was a moment’s pause. Then Khaiu spoke.
“He was telling lies about you.”
“Oh. I think I can guess what he was saying. I won’t lay with my husband, but am laying with everyone else? I’m with child by Kelenbah. Is that what he was saying?”
“Yes.”
She fell back to a sitting position on the rock behind her. She had hoped herself above caring what was said, but it wasn’t true. It hurt to know those who meant most to her were hearing the stories of wickedness.
“That’s why you fought?” she asked.
“I will not sit by and listen to lies about you, Darling,” said Shello. “I don’t care what it costs me.”
“Really?” said Tavaar. She didn’t entirely believe him, but she felt upheld by his loyalty. “And what about Klarissa? I doubt she was overly pleased to learn you were fighting for me. What did she have to say about it?”
“Not a lot.”
“Not a lot? How so?”
“It hurt her to talk for about a week. You see, she was kicked in the mouth accidentally during the fight.”
“Trying to pull you out?”
“No. She was beating on Melvehnit’s wife. And when the two of them crashed to the floor they both got kicked. That didn’t stop her, though. She taught them better use of language.”
“Klarissa – fought for me?”
Shello smiled. “You have more friends than you know, Darling. Klarissa won’t let them lie about you either.”
“Why do you think we chose here and now to test?” asked Khaiu.
Tavaar felt confused. “You were worried about me? I thought you meant…”
“I did,” said Shello. “You have studied long enough with us to know our minds. Guessing our plan would be easy for you. But we have been worried about you.”
“Why?”
“We – hear things – from various warriors.”
Tavaar felt her face flush, though with embarrassment or annoyance she wasn’t sure. But they seemed to be in danger of discussing things she would prefer to avoid. So, choosing not to be angry, she tried to change the subject.
“I also hear things – about you two,” she said, teasingly. The brothers looked at her with an ‘oh?’ expression. She couldn’t help but laugh. “It is my understanding that you two were in some kind of brawl in Gahrem not long ago. Supposedly, you were brought before the Council and punished.”
“You have heard correctly,” said Khaiu.
“You two aren’t normally so brutish. What were you fighting about?”
“Something important,” said Shello.
“I bet. Tell me.”
“We didn’t even tell the Council,” said Khaiu.
Tavaar was impressed. “You defied the Council? No wonder you were punished. What were you given?”
“We were demoted,” said Khaiu.
Tavaar’s expectant smile faded. “I’m sorry. I – know what that means to you.”
“It was worth it,” said Shello.
“Why? What were you fighting about?”
“If we refused to tell the Council, what makes you think we will tell you?” asked Khaiu.
Tavaar looked into Khaiu’s eyes. “Because it is me asking now, not the Council. Will you say no to me again?”
Khaiu smiled. “No. I guess not. It took all my strength to do it the first time. You have no idea how hard it was for me to not chase you down and beg you to let me reconsider.”
Tavaar looked at Khaiu with astonishment. In all the years she had suffered since he had turned down her offer of courtship, it had not occurred to her that he suffered, too. Khaiu’s smile was sad, but his eyes were soft and gentle. She wanted to say something, but nothing occurred to her.
“So, why did you fight?” she asked again.
“Someone said something we didn’t like,” said Shello.
“Who?”
“Melvehnit.”
“Yes, I know of him. He often has a foul mouth.”
“Well, he was being especially foul,” said Shello.
“What did he say?”
“He was telling lies.”
“I can believe that. Why are you avoiding my question?”
There was a moment’s pause. Then Khaiu spoke.
“He was telling lies about you.”
“Oh. I think I can guess what he was saying. I won’t lay with my husband, but am laying with everyone else? I’m with child by Kelenbah. Is that what he was saying?”
“Yes.”
She fell back to a sitting position on the rock behind her. She had hoped herself above caring what was said, but it wasn’t true. It hurt to know those who meant most to her were hearing the stories of wickedness.
“That’s why you fought?” she asked.
“I will not sit by and listen to lies about you, Darling,” said Shello. “I don’t care what it costs me.”
“Really?” said Tavaar. She didn’t entirely believe him, but she felt upheld by his loyalty. “And what about Klarissa? I doubt she was overly pleased to learn you were fighting for me. What did she have to say about it?”
“Not a lot.”
“Not a lot? How so?”
“It hurt her to talk for about a week. You see, she was kicked in the mouth accidentally during the fight.”
“Trying to pull you out?”
“No. She was beating on Melvehnit’s wife. And when the two of them crashed to the floor they both got kicked. That didn’t stop her, though. She taught them better use of language.”
“Klarissa – fought for me?”
Shello smiled. “You have more friends than you know, Darling. Klarissa won’t let them lie about you either.”
Monday, April 6, 2009
Tavaar - 42nd Edition
Getting decent at keeping this short, although the story doesn't move along too well at 500-word episodes. If you would like I can up to 1,000-words or less. Let me know. (Assuming anyone is actually reading this.)
The two warriors had watched her with intent. When she sat they turned to each other and spoke. Then they walked toward her. Tavaar didn't move.
They were about the same size and wearing identical clothing. The one of the left was slightly taller. The one on the right was more stocky. Both walked with a cool arrogance which could only have been born from great skill. When they reached her, they threw back their hoods to reveal pleasant smiles.
“Welcome,” she said. “Like all hunters, I hoped you would stay. I feared you were leaving.”
“You just needed to put out the right bait,” said the one on the right.
She smiled. “Thank you.”
“What? You do not welcome us with a kiss?” asked the taller. “And here we have given ourselves into your hand.”
He held his arms open. For a moment she was tempted. How she did long to be in those arms again. But she was afraid. He sensed her fear. He would. So, he coaxed.
“Come on, Tavaar. Please.”
She felt herself sliding off the rock, though her will had not commanded it. As she stood to her feet she rushed forward into his arms. They closed protectively around her as she squeezed him to herself.
He did not try to kiss her. He let her rest her head against his. She was appreciative of his honor. He had always been honorable. Well, mostly. Unable to resist, she moved so their lips could come together. She had meant it to be a kiss of greeting, but as she had feared, it was more than that. She could tell he had not meant to respond, but he did, just for a moment, and in that moment she took in new life as dry ground laps at new falling rain.
Strong, firm hands pried them apart. With a last kiss she turned to the other. Now there was no pretense. There was nothing to hide. It had been too long since they had kissed at all, much less like this. It might never happen again. She feared that it would.
They did not need outside help to break away. Khaiu had much greater control of himself than his younger brother. When they did break, she took each by their hand and kissed their fingers.
“I have missed you both so much,” she said.
“As we have you,” said Khaiu. “You made the years lengthen between us.”
She bowed her head. “I – I’m sorry. I – I’ve been a bit confused about things. But they’re coming together now, I think. In any case, I am so happy to see you – even if you did defeat my plan.”
Khaiu’s eyes widened. “Ah! It is as I suspected then. You were the architect of this strategy. I would never have believed Kelenbah would listen to you this far. To tell the truth, I was surprised you were able to convince him of our plan.”
“So you knew it was me?”
“Who else?” laughed Shello. “Kelenbah? No way. No. The only concern we had was you. Khaiu said you would know our plan as soon as you heard our starting point, but we weren’t convinced he would even show it to you.”
The two warriors had watched her with intent. When she sat they turned to each other and spoke. Then they walked toward her. Tavaar didn't move.
They were about the same size and wearing identical clothing. The one of the left was slightly taller. The one on the right was more stocky. Both walked with a cool arrogance which could only have been born from great skill. When they reached her, they threw back their hoods to reveal pleasant smiles.
“Welcome,” she said. “Like all hunters, I hoped you would stay. I feared you were leaving.”
“You just needed to put out the right bait,” said the one on the right.
She smiled. “Thank you.”
“What? You do not welcome us with a kiss?” asked the taller. “And here we have given ourselves into your hand.”
He held his arms open. For a moment she was tempted. How she did long to be in those arms again. But she was afraid. He sensed her fear. He would. So, he coaxed.
“Come on, Tavaar. Please.”
She felt herself sliding off the rock, though her will had not commanded it. As she stood to her feet she rushed forward into his arms. They closed protectively around her as she squeezed him to herself.
He did not try to kiss her. He let her rest her head against his. She was appreciative of his honor. He had always been honorable. Well, mostly. Unable to resist, she moved so their lips could come together. She had meant it to be a kiss of greeting, but as she had feared, it was more than that. She could tell he had not meant to respond, but he did, just for a moment, and in that moment she took in new life as dry ground laps at new falling rain.
Strong, firm hands pried them apart. With a last kiss she turned to the other. Now there was no pretense. There was nothing to hide. It had been too long since they had kissed at all, much less like this. It might never happen again. She feared that it would.
They did not need outside help to break away. Khaiu had much greater control of himself than his younger brother. When they did break, she took each by their hand and kissed their fingers.
“I have missed you both so much,” she said.
“As we have you,” said Khaiu. “You made the years lengthen between us.”
She bowed her head. “I – I’m sorry. I – I’ve been a bit confused about things. But they’re coming together now, I think. In any case, I am so happy to see you – even if you did defeat my plan.”
Khaiu’s eyes widened. “Ah! It is as I suspected then. You were the architect of this strategy. I would never have believed Kelenbah would listen to you this far. To tell the truth, I was surprised you were able to convince him of our plan.”
“So you knew it was me?”
“Who else?” laughed Shello. “Kelenbah? No way. No. The only concern we had was you. Khaiu said you would know our plan as soon as you heard our starting point, but we weren’t convinced he would even show it to you.”
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Tavaar - 41st Edition
We shift now to the wild where Tavaar's plan at capturing the two warriors is put to the test.
It was past mid-day on the second day when Tavaar’s heart suddenly jumped. Had that been movement off in the distance? She sat still as stone, studying the place were a shadow had been. After an eternity, it moved again. That was neither tree nor animal. They were here.
Her heart was racing now. Was it both, or just one? Could one have been caught? Not likely. She watched as the shadow worked its way through the trees. He was being cautious; far more so than she had expected. Did he sense a trap? Had she done something wrong? The shadow was in no hurry. Whichever one he was, he was making excellent use of ground cover. He appeared very suspicious of the open area below, but he came to a place where the cover was thin. He wore a dark, green hood, a matching cloak wrapped around his shoulders. His tunic and britches were almost black as his boots and gauntlets.
This area was strewn with many rocks, most half buried, but some sitting proudly on the surface. He knelt by one, resting his hand upon it. He was to her left and gazing across the open place to the east. He was scanning.
With a rush of fear Tavaar realized he was looking for someone, but not his comrade. He was looking for them. He either knew, or suspected, they were here. His stepping out to lurk by the boulder had not been done from necessity. It was a bold move, taken to trick any would-be attackers into showing themselves too soon. Tavaar closed her eyes and prayed the others had enough discipline to remain still. She opened her eyes in time to see him make a hand sign to someone on the east side. They were both here!
They were taking turns scanning opposite sides. Again, she held her breath. They were still too far away. She watched with dismay as the one she could see quietly faded back the way he had come. Had he seen something, or was he merely hiding while the other looked?
She waited for him to reappear. Nothing. Then she saw him again, back where she had first seen him. Another shadow appeared from the east. The two stood in quiet speech. The one from the east pointed toward the ambush and the first nodded his head. They knew. The plan had failed. They would not catch them now. There was only one card left to play.
Tavaar stood up and began to slowly walk down the hill and into the clearing. She motioned for the others to remain where they were. She chose a large rock near the middle and sat upon it. She made no motion to the two warriors. She only sat and waited.
It was past mid-day on the second day when Tavaar’s heart suddenly jumped. Had that been movement off in the distance? She sat still as stone, studying the place were a shadow had been. After an eternity, it moved again. That was neither tree nor animal. They were here.
Her heart was racing now. Was it both, or just one? Could one have been caught? Not likely. She watched as the shadow worked its way through the trees. He was being cautious; far more so than she had expected. Did he sense a trap? Had she done something wrong? The shadow was in no hurry. Whichever one he was, he was making excellent use of ground cover. He appeared very suspicious of the open area below, but he came to a place where the cover was thin. He wore a dark, green hood, a matching cloak wrapped around his shoulders. His tunic and britches were almost black as his boots and gauntlets.
This area was strewn with many rocks, most half buried, but some sitting proudly on the surface. He knelt by one, resting his hand upon it. He was to her left and gazing across the open place to the east. He was scanning.
With a rush of fear Tavaar realized he was looking for someone, but not his comrade. He was looking for them. He either knew, or suspected, they were here. His stepping out to lurk by the boulder had not been done from necessity. It was a bold move, taken to trick any would-be attackers into showing themselves too soon. Tavaar closed her eyes and prayed the others had enough discipline to remain still. She opened her eyes in time to see him make a hand sign to someone on the east side. They were both here!
They were taking turns scanning opposite sides. Again, she held her breath. They were still too far away. She watched with dismay as the one she could see quietly faded back the way he had come. Had he seen something, or was he merely hiding while the other looked?
She waited for him to reappear. Nothing. Then she saw him again, back where she had first seen him. Another shadow appeared from the east. The two stood in quiet speech. The one from the east pointed toward the ambush and the first nodded his head. They knew. The plan had failed. They would not catch them now. There was only one card left to play.
Tavaar stood up and began to slowly walk down the hill and into the clearing. She motioned for the others to remain where they were. She chose a large rock near the middle and sat upon it. She made no motion to the two warriors. She only sat and waited.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Tavaar - 40th Edition
Today's post will be double-long. About 1,000-words. I just couldn't find a good place to break it, and I'm kind of in a hurry. Sorry.
Having made her decision on squad leaders, Tavaar now turned to the mission which lay before them. She spread out a map of the lands west of Fire Lake. The map was not topographical, but it did indicate the two regions of extremely poor terrain which ran like parallel spurs from the Western Mountains. Between them was a fairly wide region of heavily forested flat land. Tavaar pointed to her notes.
“This is typically the starting place for testing warriors,” she said, indicating a place along the Dark Cat River. “They arrive from the south and then make their way east, using one of three logical paths: the quickest way, between the two difficult ridges; the long way, around the south; or the hard way, through the difficult ridge. The standard defense has been to run base camp here, at the mouth of the central plain, with two patrols walking the plan, two guarding against a southern attack, and one guarding the hard ridge. Most of the time, this works. Only the best warriors have been able to defeat it.”
“But we will not be using this defense?” asked Nayvahl.
“No. And this is why. Look at the starting point chosen by our attacking warriors.”
“It is much farther to the north,” Nayvahl said with wonder.
“Cat Lands,” said Sashwa.
“Why should they do that?” asked Nayvahl. “The giant cats are dangerous. It is said one must be level six or greater to face them.”
“And these are not level six warriors, are they?” said Sashwa.
“No. They have begun foolishly. They have limited themselves. By starting so far away they cannot take the southern route, or risk delay in either of the ridges. That leaves them only with the central plain. By rotating our defense just slightly, we cut them off completely.”
“So thought Kelenbah,” said Tavaar. “That is why he delayed in starting out. He did not believe it was possible for them to pass through heavily patrolled land undetected.”
“That would take superior woodcraft,” said Sashwa.
“Their arrogance is astounding,” said Nayvahl.
Tavaar smiled. “That it is. However, I do not believe that is their plan. Therefore, Kelenbah’s strategy will not work. If we follow that plan, we will not even get a rumor of them.”
“What do you think they will do?” asked Nayvahl, agonizing to see what Tavaar did.
Tavaar produced a small piece of chalk. “There is only one reason I can see why they would start at the mountains. They intend to go north. Look.”
She drew a line from the warriors starting point toward Deep Forest to the northeast. Then she changed direction and went straight east toward Urabbi Village. Then she dropped straight south to Fire Lake, ending by following the shoreline to West Stop. The route bypassed all defenses. When she finished, she looked at her advisors. Nayvahl was shaking his head in disbelief. Sashwa was grinning, appreciatively.
“They would not dare,” said Nayvahl. “The first quarter of their route is completely within the Cat Lands. The cats are not like other forest creatures, it is said. They do not suffer travelers, and they seem to be aware of all that goes on in the shadows of the hills. They would have to be mad to risk it.”
“They may be,” said Tavaar. “But they are definitely arrogant, as you have said.”
“They would also consider such a plan good fun,” said Sashwa.
“Fun!” cried Nayvahl.
“Yes. They do like to play,” said Tavaar. “But I am convinced that is what they plan to do. That is why we must leave tomorrow.”
“What if you are wrong?” asked Nayvahl.
“Then I will have handed them West Village and brought shame upon us all,” said Tavaar. “But I am not wrong. I know it.”
“So, do we shift the defenses even further?” Nayvahl asked.
“No. If they get to the inner villages we have lost. They will run to Sunset Village, take a boat and come to West Stop by water. No, we must prevent them from getting that far. We must catch them in the wild.”
“So, what do you plan?” asked Sashwa.
“We will split our force.”
“Split? Sub-Commander, we are already reduced in number,” said Nayvahl.
“I know. But it cannot be helped. You will lead your squad north with Alobahr and Yahrleen. You will march here. Put Alobahr ahead and to your right. Yahrleen should be ahead and to the right of Alobahr. Do not waste time trying to be overly quiet.”
“They will surely hear us, Sub-Commander.”
“They would anyway. They will not be caught by a moving patrol. Yahrleen should encounter them first, but I doubt she will know it. If she does, she is to pursue for one turn only. Then she is to reverse course and make a loop, filling in behind you and to your left. She must do this quickly. The same will go for Alobahr and yourself. When you make your loop, you should find yourself along the ridge.”
“And if we do not encounter them?”
“After three days shift to the next patrol area. After three days there, return to base camp and establish a patrol to the north.”
“And where will you and the Chief Scout be?”
“If all works as it should, they will believe Kelenbah knows their plan. Once convinced of that, they will likely attempt to cross over the ridge. The easiest point to do that is here. Have Yahrleen and Alobahr return to base camp. You will cross the ridge, hopefully on the heels of our quarry. The Chief Scout and I will set up an ambush here. You should drive them right to us.”
Nayvahl studied the map. “So you are hoping to convince them we are at full strength and that all squads have moved north?”
“It is what Kelenbah would do.”
“You are certain?”
“Yes. The reason being the only way Kelenbah would even believe they are north is because of me. However, that is as far as Kelenbah would go. There is little likelihood he would accept my solution. He would therefore over commit himself. Our quarry will soon come to this conclusion. Once they do, they will seek to come to West Stop through the flat area.”
They sat and discussed the specifics of Tavaar’s plan for two turns. Finally, satisfied they all understood, Tavaar ended the meeting. She and Sashwa remained in the hut until Wheylin arrived. Then, after a short discussion about why, they all moved to the campfire and bed down under the stars.
Having made her decision on squad leaders, Tavaar now turned to the mission which lay before them. She spread out a map of the lands west of Fire Lake. The map was not topographical, but it did indicate the two regions of extremely poor terrain which ran like parallel spurs from the Western Mountains. Between them was a fairly wide region of heavily forested flat land. Tavaar pointed to her notes.
“This is typically the starting place for testing warriors,” she said, indicating a place along the Dark Cat River. “They arrive from the south and then make their way east, using one of three logical paths: the quickest way, between the two difficult ridges; the long way, around the south; or the hard way, through the difficult ridge. The standard defense has been to run base camp here, at the mouth of the central plain, with two patrols walking the plan, two guarding against a southern attack, and one guarding the hard ridge. Most of the time, this works. Only the best warriors have been able to defeat it.”
“But we will not be using this defense?” asked Nayvahl.
“No. And this is why. Look at the starting point chosen by our attacking warriors.”
“It is much farther to the north,” Nayvahl said with wonder.
“Cat Lands,” said Sashwa.
“Why should they do that?” asked Nayvahl. “The giant cats are dangerous. It is said one must be level six or greater to face them.”
“And these are not level six warriors, are they?” said Sashwa.
“No. They have begun foolishly. They have limited themselves. By starting so far away they cannot take the southern route, or risk delay in either of the ridges. That leaves them only with the central plain. By rotating our defense just slightly, we cut them off completely.”
“So thought Kelenbah,” said Tavaar. “That is why he delayed in starting out. He did not believe it was possible for them to pass through heavily patrolled land undetected.”
“That would take superior woodcraft,” said Sashwa.
“Their arrogance is astounding,” said Nayvahl.
Tavaar smiled. “That it is. However, I do not believe that is their plan. Therefore, Kelenbah’s strategy will not work. If we follow that plan, we will not even get a rumor of them.”
“What do you think they will do?” asked Nayvahl, agonizing to see what Tavaar did.
Tavaar produced a small piece of chalk. “There is only one reason I can see why they would start at the mountains. They intend to go north. Look.”
She drew a line from the warriors starting point toward Deep Forest to the northeast. Then she changed direction and went straight east toward Urabbi Village. Then she dropped straight south to Fire Lake, ending by following the shoreline to West Stop. The route bypassed all defenses. When she finished, she looked at her advisors. Nayvahl was shaking his head in disbelief. Sashwa was grinning, appreciatively.
“They would not dare,” said Nayvahl. “The first quarter of their route is completely within the Cat Lands. The cats are not like other forest creatures, it is said. They do not suffer travelers, and they seem to be aware of all that goes on in the shadows of the hills. They would have to be mad to risk it.”
“They may be,” said Tavaar. “But they are definitely arrogant, as you have said.”
“They would also consider such a plan good fun,” said Sashwa.
“Fun!” cried Nayvahl.
“Yes. They do like to play,” said Tavaar. “But I am convinced that is what they plan to do. That is why we must leave tomorrow.”
“What if you are wrong?” asked Nayvahl.
“Then I will have handed them West Village and brought shame upon us all,” said Tavaar. “But I am not wrong. I know it.”
“So, do we shift the defenses even further?” Nayvahl asked.
“No. If they get to the inner villages we have lost. They will run to Sunset Village, take a boat and come to West Stop by water. No, we must prevent them from getting that far. We must catch them in the wild.”
“So, what do you plan?” asked Sashwa.
“We will split our force.”
“Split? Sub-Commander, we are already reduced in number,” said Nayvahl.
“I know. But it cannot be helped. You will lead your squad north with Alobahr and Yahrleen. You will march here. Put Alobahr ahead and to your right. Yahrleen should be ahead and to the right of Alobahr. Do not waste time trying to be overly quiet.”
“They will surely hear us, Sub-Commander.”
“They would anyway. They will not be caught by a moving patrol. Yahrleen should encounter them first, but I doubt she will know it. If she does, she is to pursue for one turn only. Then she is to reverse course and make a loop, filling in behind you and to your left. She must do this quickly. The same will go for Alobahr and yourself. When you make your loop, you should find yourself along the ridge.”
“And if we do not encounter them?”
“After three days shift to the next patrol area. After three days there, return to base camp and establish a patrol to the north.”
“And where will you and the Chief Scout be?”
“If all works as it should, they will believe Kelenbah knows their plan. Once convinced of that, they will likely attempt to cross over the ridge. The easiest point to do that is here. Have Yahrleen and Alobahr return to base camp. You will cross the ridge, hopefully on the heels of our quarry. The Chief Scout and I will set up an ambush here. You should drive them right to us.”
Nayvahl studied the map. “So you are hoping to convince them we are at full strength and that all squads have moved north?”
“It is what Kelenbah would do.”
“You are certain?”
“Yes. The reason being the only way Kelenbah would even believe they are north is because of me. However, that is as far as Kelenbah would go. There is little likelihood he would accept my solution. He would therefore over commit himself. Our quarry will soon come to this conclusion. Once they do, they will seek to come to West Stop through the flat area.”
They sat and discussed the specifics of Tavaar’s plan for two turns. Finally, satisfied they all understood, Tavaar ended the meeting. She and Sashwa remained in the hut until Wheylin arrived. Then, after a short discussion about why, they all moved to the campfire and bed down under the stars.
Friday, April 3, 2009
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.”
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.”
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tavaar - 38th Edition
Sashwa shuddered.
“And you call me disgusting. I wish you would stop with that joke. Especially when I’m trying to eat.”
“Yes. But I know you are intrigued by his repeat ability. I think you really do want to lay with him.”
Sashwa made a face. “The only one around here I want to lay with is you.”
It was Tavaar’s turn to react. “Will you stop saying that?”
“Will you stop with the Wheylin jokes?”
“Okay. At least until we’re done eating.”
“Do you think you can make it that long?”
Tavaar smiled, coyly. “Oh, I can make it all right.”
Sashwa choked on her food. “You little hypocrite. You criticize me for making jokes about it, but then you come right back with something like that.”
“Got you excited, have I?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. Now let it be so we can finish supper.”
“Coward. I should have guessed you were pretending.”
“I’m not pretending anything. Nayvahl’s coming after supper, remember?”
“Oh, yes. I guess we should finish before he gets here.”
Sashwa slid over to Tavaar’s side and kissed her cheek. “But if you keep the meeting short, we might have time.”
“Stop that!”
“Now who’s the coward?” laughed Sashwa.
Nayvahl arrived just as they finished eating. They set their plates aside and Tavaar listened to his report on how he had organized the company within her instructions. When he finished, she questioned him about who should lead the squads. With the company down to just over twenty warriors, Tavaar’s thinking was to only go with four squad leaders. The first question had to do with Nayvahl: should he lead a squad, or should he be independent? There were advantages to both. However, since Tavaar was not likely to keep command long, it was agreed that Nayvahl should continue as a squad leader. Sashwa would also lead a squad. The Chief Scout usually did not have an assigned squad. They hand-picked different warriors for each of their missions. This is what Gwihnna did. But Sashwa pointed out that when Tavaar was relieved, she was likely to be made Chief Scout.
“And you call me disgusting. I wish you would stop with that joke. Especially when I’m trying to eat.”
“Yes. But I know you are intrigued by his repeat ability. I think you really do want to lay with him.”
Sashwa made a face. “The only one around here I want to lay with is you.”
It was Tavaar’s turn to react. “Will you stop saying that?”
“Will you stop with the Wheylin jokes?”
“Okay. At least until we’re done eating.”
“Do you think you can make it that long?”
Tavaar smiled, coyly. “Oh, I can make it all right.”
Sashwa choked on her food. “You little hypocrite. You criticize me for making jokes about it, but then you come right back with something like that.”
“Got you excited, have I?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. Now let it be so we can finish supper.”
“Coward. I should have guessed you were pretending.”
“I’m not pretending anything. Nayvahl’s coming after supper, remember?”
“Oh, yes. I guess we should finish before he gets here.”
Sashwa slid over to Tavaar’s side and kissed her cheek. “But if you keep the meeting short, we might have time.”
“Stop that!”
“Now who’s the coward?” laughed Sashwa.
Nayvahl arrived just as they finished eating. They set their plates aside and Tavaar listened to his report on how he had organized the company within her instructions. When he finished, she questioned him about who should lead the squads. With the company down to just over twenty warriors, Tavaar’s thinking was to only go with four squad leaders. The first question had to do with Nayvahl: should he lead a squad, or should he be independent? There were advantages to both. However, since Tavaar was not likely to keep command long, it was agreed that Nayvahl should continue as a squad leader. Sashwa would also lead a squad. The Chief Scout usually did not have an assigned squad. They hand-picked different warriors for each of their missions. This is what Gwihnna did. But Sashwa pointed out that when Tavaar was relieved, she was likely to be made Chief Scout.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tavaar - 37th Edition
I'm going to keep going with Tavaar again, at least for a while. I'm going to try and limit the posts to around 500-words, excluding commentary, which I will try to keep to a minimum. This means the scenes will follow on the heels of the previous unless otherwise noted.
“Oh, go get something to eat.”
Sashwa was still laughing.
“Okay. Aren’t you coming?”
“No. I’m going to look over the maps Kelenbah gave me.”
She took out the pack of parchment she had been given. Curious, Sashwa picked up the pages defining the two warriors. She read part of it and looked at Tavaar, who nodded.
“Now you know why they chose to start where they did?”
Sashwa nodded. “They’re trying to make the company’s task look easy. They want us to be complacent. That’s why we’re still here instead of on our way. Kelenbah was overconfident.”
“That is my guess. What is more, this company has used the same strategy for years, and everyone knows it.”
“A good plan defeats us. Especially since we’re understaffed.”
“Yes.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“We’re going to go after them. We’ll catch them in the wild.”
“It’s bold. Do you think this company is up to it? They’re good warriors, you know.”
“They may be good, but we have an advantage.”
“Numbers may not be enough, Darling.”
“I’m not talking about numbers, Sweetheart. They still think Kelenbah is in charge. They will act accordingly.”
Sashwa laughed. “Darling, I think we’re going to capture them.”
“I know we are.”
“I’ll bring you something to eat.”
“Thank you. And find out what Wheylin’s up to, will you?”
“I hear and obey, Darling. Thanks for the kiss – Lover.”
“Stop it.”
- - - - -
Sashwa entered the hut with two plates of food. Tavaar continued to pore over the maps, making small marks at strategic points. Some represented the deployment of her troops. Some were the logical path of their prey. Sashwa handed one plate to her.
“Eat, Darling.”
Tavaar made a final notation and set the maps aside. Then she sat with legs crossed and took the plate.
“Where is Wheylin?” she asked.
“Guard duty,” said Sashwa, sopping up juices with a piece of bread. Tavaar paused in her eating.
“Guard duty? That means he will be back in camp during the relax period.”
“I believe that is true,” said Sashwa.
Tavaar set her plate aside. She sighed, dejectedly. “And I thought Nayvahl had accepted me.”
“He has.”
“Then why this? I know what it’s about. He thinks I lay with Kelenbah. So, if there is to be a baby, he wants everyone to believe it could be Wheylin’s. I had hoped he, at least, would believe me.”
“He may believe you, Darling. But you can hardly blame him for taking precautions. He doesn’t really know. You admitted that yourself. Besides, you made him second in command. That means he is responsible for everyone here – including you. In fact, especially you. Whatever he believes, this is simply Nayvahl considering all possibilities. Give him credit for that.”
Tavaar smiled. “Okay. I will. All the same, Wheylin and I will not be sleeping here tonight. We’ll bed down under the stars by the fire.”
“To ensure everyone knows you are not laying with Wheylin?”
“Yes. I will send my own message. No one but you knows that Wheylin and I have lay together.”
“I don’t know that it will do any good, but I won’t argue. How long do you intend to do this?”
“At least until the next moon.”
“Oh, that is going to go over well.”
“Wheylin will understand. He’s good about that.”
“He’s good about everything with you. Try not to take advantage of him.”
Tavaar gave Sashwa a look. “Since when do you care about Wheylin?”
Sashwa shrugged. “He’s my brother. I care – sometimes. Look, I know how I would feel if you rejected me. That’s all.”
“I’m not rejecting him.”
“Yeah? Well, tell him that.”
“If you feel so strongly about it, I tell you what: I’ll get him drunk on ale; I’ll blindfold him; you can wear some of my scents and he can lay with you.”
Sashwa shuddered. “And you call me disgusting. I wish you would stop with that joke. Especially when I’m trying to eat.”
“Oh, go get something to eat.”
Sashwa was still laughing.
“Okay. Aren’t you coming?”
“No. I’m going to look over the maps Kelenbah gave me.”
She took out the pack of parchment she had been given. Curious, Sashwa picked up the pages defining the two warriors. She read part of it and looked at Tavaar, who nodded.
“Now you know why they chose to start where they did?”
Sashwa nodded. “They’re trying to make the company’s task look easy. They want us to be complacent. That’s why we’re still here instead of on our way. Kelenbah was overconfident.”
“That is my guess. What is more, this company has used the same strategy for years, and everyone knows it.”
“A good plan defeats us. Especially since we’re understaffed.”
“Yes.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“We’re going to go after them. We’ll catch them in the wild.”
“It’s bold. Do you think this company is up to it? They’re good warriors, you know.”
“They may be good, but we have an advantage.”
“Numbers may not be enough, Darling.”
“I’m not talking about numbers, Sweetheart. They still think Kelenbah is in charge. They will act accordingly.”
Sashwa laughed. “Darling, I think we’re going to capture them.”
“I know we are.”
“I’ll bring you something to eat.”
“Thank you. And find out what Wheylin’s up to, will you?”
“I hear and obey, Darling. Thanks for the kiss – Lover.”
“Stop it.”
- - - - -
Sashwa entered the hut with two plates of food. Tavaar continued to pore over the maps, making small marks at strategic points. Some represented the deployment of her troops. Some were the logical path of their prey. Sashwa handed one plate to her.
“Eat, Darling.”
Tavaar made a final notation and set the maps aside. Then she sat with legs crossed and took the plate.
“Where is Wheylin?” she asked.
“Guard duty,” said Sashwa, sopping up juices with a piece of bread. Tavaar paused in her eating.
“Guard duty? That means he will be back in camp during the relax period.”
“I believe that is true,” said Sashwa.
Tavaar set her plate aside. She sighed, dejectedly. “And I thought Nayvahl had accepted me.”
“He has.”
“Then why this? I know what it’s about. He thinks I lay with Kelenbah. So, if there is to be a baby, he wants everyone to believe it could be Wheylin’s. I had hoped he, at least, would believe me.”
“He may believe you, Darling. But you can hardly blame him for taking precautions. He doesn’t really know. You admitted that yourself. Besides, you made him second in command. That means he is responsible for everyone here – including you. In fact, especially you. Whatever he believes, this is simply Nayvahl considering all possibilities. Give him credit for that.”
Tavaar smiled. “Okay. I will. All the same, Wheylin and I will not be sleeping here tonight. We’ll bed down under the stars by the fire.”
“To ensure everyone knows you are not laying with Wheylin?”
“Yes. I will send my own message. No one but you knows that Wheylin and I have lay together.”
“I don’t know that it will do any good, but I won’t argue. How long do you intend to do this?”
“At least until the next moon.”
“Oh, that is going to go over well.”
“Wheylin will understand. He’s good about that.”
“He’s good about everything with you. Try not to take advantage of him.”
Tavaar gave Sashwa a look. “Since when do you care about Wheylin?”
Sashwa shrugged. “He’s my brother. I care – sometimes. Look, I know how I would feel if you rejected me. That’s all.”
“I’m not rejecting him.”
“Yeah? Well, tell him that.”
“If you feel so strongly about it, I tell you what: I’ll get him drunk on ale; I’ll blindfold him; you can wear some of my scents and he can lay with you.”
Sashwa shuddered. “And you call me disgusting. I wish you would stop with that joke. Especially when I’m trying to eat.”
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