by H. M. Clarke
Kalena rose slowly to her feet, now aware that the eyes of the table were on the Provost Marshall and his two Wing Commanders. She looked a question at Harada but he only gave her a slight shake of the head and silently mouthed–tell you later.
Kalena focused on what Prince Garrick was now saying.
“... Vosloo, you have an early start tomorrow, I wish you and your legions good luck in your march north and Brock, your two wings are set to join him on the road in a day’s time when the other wings return to Darkon.” Brock and Vosloo gave Garrick a salute in acceptance of the command. “Colonel Oded, you will take the Tenth, the Fifteenth and the Seventeenth Legions to the foot of the Bhaliger Ranges on the Suenese side of the pass to act either as reserves or the second line of defense if Foxtern falls. Justicar Videan will accompany you as your Intelligence Officer.” Colonel Oded frowned at this condition but said nothing. “I will stay here at Darkon and call all other available troops here to either be sent on to Oded’s or Vosloo’s command as they are needed. Darkon will be our Command Post. Are we agreed?” Garrick leaned forward across the table daring any of them to disagree with him. All, including Justicar Inman, quickly placed their arms across their chests in salute while saying “Yes Warlord.”
Garrick nodded, “Good, this meeting is now closed.”
As soon as those words were spoken the aides around the edges of the room began quickly to pack away their writing implements and clear the desks of parchments and papers. Captain Vosloo scooped up the pelt that was still lying across the table and handed it to his aide who already had his hands full with his portable writing desk and an arm full of papers. The woman behind Garrick rose gracefully from her seat and stood with her hands clasped in front of her silently waiting. Even from where she stood, Kalena could tell that the Emperor’s Mistress was not happy. The woman must have thought that she would speak at the meeting. What would she have had to say that would have been relevant?
‘What would you know Kalena? You were too busy gossiping to listen to the discussion.’ Adhamh interrupted her thoughts.
Kalena ignored him.
As the men around the table turned to leave, Garrick spoke quietly but was heard by all over the noise of packing. “I wish you all good luck, we may need it in the following months.”
Chapter Four
Back in the Barracks
“ICETIGERS?” HOLM LUNMAN, the newly promoted Wing Lieutenant for Second Wing said as Kalena finished relating a condensed version of the meeting to both the Wings Lieutenants of the First and Second. Harada had filled her in on the little she missed on their way back from the Council Hall.
On arriving back at the Kalar barracks, the two Wing Commanders called an urgent meeting with their senior officers. They were all now seated in various positions around Harada’s room. Most had only just recovered from Tim Righter’s and Parta’s wake.
Gathered around Kalena and Harada were Harada’s two Wing Lieutenants, Gwidion Bessal and Ben Ocbar and Kalena’s Wing Lieutenants, Kral Tayme and the newly appointed Holm Lunman.
“Yes, Icetigers. Captain Vosloo himself lead a patrol that killed one on them. He showed us the pelt at the meeting tonight,” Kalena replied.
“What was it like?” Ben Ocbar asked curiously as he sat forward on his chair, resting his arms on his knees. Ben was in his late twenties and had shoulder-length brown hair that he kept secured at the nape of his neck with a leather thong. His compact, stocky frame was well suited to the roughness of Hatar Flying.
“It was close to nine feet tall, and a pelt made for hiding in the snow. They apparently are ferocious fighters who take no prisoners and leave none that they attack alive,” Harada answered Ben. As senior Wing Commandeer it will be Harada who will make the decisions that will affect the Wing, in consultation with Kalena who on this mission has effectively been placed as second in command.
“These creatures are the main reason we are being sent. We are going to be used in reconnaissance flights to locate where these creatures are and direct the Infantry forces to them. The eyes of the Hatar will be able to spot them out of the snow,” Kalena said to those assembled.
“What about the Arranians?” Kral Tayme asked. “They will not like us massing on their borders.”
“The Justiciary are of the impression that the Arranians are responsible for the Icetigers presence. They think the Arranians are using the tigers as a shock force to put us into disarray before advancing their main army,” Harada said before taking a drink from his cup of wine.
“The Justiciary have always hated us,” Gwidion spoke up from his position by the door. “They have never liked the idea of a conversation that cannot be overheard by their spies. The only reason that no Flyer has been bought to them for ‘questioning’ is that we enjoy the protection of the Emperor.”
Kalena began to move uncomfortably on her feet and she exchanged a worried glance with her lieutenants. No one ever said anything openly disparaging about the Justiciary. The fact that the Wing Lieutenant did, showed just how frustrated Gwidion must be. There seemed to be a history with the Justiciary behind Gwidion that had left a very bad taste in his mouth.
Harada said nothing in response to Gwidion’s outburst. It was better not to, but the look on everyone’s face told Gwidion of their unease.
“There are no Listeners here,” Gwidion said in disgust to their caution. “No Flyer would demean themselves and their Hatar partner would never allow it.”
“It is not the Flyers you need to worry about Gwidion,” Harada carefully replied “There are other Kalarthri in these barracks who would be quite willing to sell their services to the Justiciary. The Justicars are not the only enemies we have.”
“I know, I know,” Gwidion said throwing up his hands. “But those under suspicion were sent to work in the kitchen or the latrines. I can say what I like.”
Kalena cocked her head as she heard a whisper brush her mind. She watched as Gwidion imperceptibly nodded and drew a deep breath as if to calm himself.
“I’m just giving you warning Gwidion,” Harada said. “I do not want to wake up one morning and find you and Talla missing.”
“If the Justiciary try to come for him, they will have to go through us first,” Lunman said, rising from his chair.
From the look on his face, Kalena thought he looked excited by the prospect of standing up to the Justiciary. Privately she agreed with him. If the Provost Justicar tried to take any of the Flight members for ‘questioning’ then they would have to fight their way past the rest of the Wing.
But this should be stopped before her Lieutenants get too far ahead of themselves.
“Lunman, sit back down. No one is going to be taking Gwidion. We have more important matters to discuss.”
At Kalena’s command, Lunman sat back obediently in his seat and stared at his feet, shame-faced.
“Sorry Wing Commander.”
“Wing pride is nothing to be sorry about Lunman, but now as Wing Lieutenant you have to watch your tongue.”
“Yes Wing Commander,” Lunman replied.
“Let’s get back to business,” Harada suddenly spoke up before something else could be said.
“Once the other Wings are back from their patrols, our Wings will be sent out to catch up with the Calvary and Infantry that will be sent north. We will primarily be under the command of Captain Vosloo and we are only to act under his orders.” Harada swept a steady gaze over the surrounding officers. They were all competent leaders but being brought up as Kalarthri made them automatically respond to the orders of a Free Man Officer. All Kalar are supposed to obey an order from a Free Man officer without question but the Provost Marshall had given him explicit orders after the war council and he had to impress this need on his officers.
“Yes Flight Commander,” they all responded. Even Kalena. Harada knew that even though she hated being a Kalar, she was more likely to jump to obey any Freeman order. This is most probably a response to her forced acceptance of the K
rytal. The reasons for this were never told to Harada but somehow he knew there was something important about Kalena.
“This order of non-obeyance includes the two Justicars that are accompanying the infantry. Any order that they wish to issue to us needs to come from Captain Vosloo and must be told as much if they try to bypass his authority. Do you understand?”
“Yes Flight Commander.”
“Go now and talk to the Wings. Tell them everything that is going on and impress on them the fact that they only obey orders given by the Captain.”
With that, all the Lieutenants and Kalena rose and gave a farewell salute and left the room leaving Harada alone with his thoughts.
Chapter Five
Bedtime Stories
KALENA MADE HER WAY carefully along the dark corridor of the Kalar barracks. She had not bought a candle or lantern with her, trusting that the occasional lamp along the corridors would provide sufficient light. The corridors of the barracks were empty as the Flyers were either now in bed or in the mess hall enjoying some decent food and drink before going on the campaign. Kalena had just come from the mess hall and was heading back to her room.
Suddenly Kalena was caught from behind, a strong arm snaked around her waist and a hand planted firmly across her mouth to prevent her from crying out. For a moment she stiffened in shock, then she relaxed back against the man who held her. She would know the smell of him blindfolded in a pigsty. It was Kral Tayme.
“I saw you leave the Mess Hall,” he whispered in her ear, his breath warm against her cheek. “I cannot believe that I was able to sneak up on you–and catch you completely unaware...”
Swiftly, Kalena dropped down through his loose grip into a crouch while sweeping a leg out behind her. She then had the satisfaction of hearing Kral’s grunt of surprise as he fell to the hard stone floor.
“You’re growing a little lax, Kral to fall for a move like that.” Kalena smiled indulgently at him in the darkness.
“It was unexpected,” Kral huffed as he collected himself off of the ground and then brushed off imaginary grit from his trousers for form.
“You should always expect the unexpected from me.” Kalena stepped forward and reached up to pat him cheekily on the large red birthmark that covered much of the right-hand side of his cheek and neck. “Am I forgiven?”
Kalena could see Kral’s teeth gleam in the darkness as he smiled. “We’ll see. It’s Holm’s turn next to try to get the better of you. Speaking of Holm, he’ll be joining us when he’s finished eating.”
It had grown into a tradition over the last six years for the three friends to get together the night after a briefing to discuss their orders.
“I thought he would be having an early night as this will be his last sleep in a decent bed for a while.” Kalena turned and moved a few steps until she reached a closed door, Kral following behind her. It creaked open with the pressure of her shoulder and they stepped through into the plain chamber of a Wing Officer. Kalena’s room.
After the door latched closed behind them, Kalena twisted and punched forward with an open fist into Kral’s chest knocking him back against the door with a thud.
“What was that for?” Kral asked rubbing his chest where Kalena had hit him. “You actually hurt me!”
“That’s was for trying to ambush me on the day I get promoted and the hurt is for not succeeding.”
“That’s a little harsh Kalena.”
Kalena moved away from Kral and moved to the plain wooden table to pour both of them a drink. Kalena watched Kral as she poured.
A tall, well-built man with a mass of curly black hair and a face that most women would have considered handsome if not for the harsh red birthmark that stained the right side of his face. Kalena smiled warmly to her Wing Lieutenant as she handed him a cup. Kral took a brief sip before pursing his fine lips in disgust.
“The way you water your wine leaves much to be desired Kal. It’s as if you want to drink water instead.”
“You know I prefer water. Adding a little wine to a jug removes the bitter taste that Darkon water leaves in the mouth.” Kalena sat down on the foot of the bed and stared at Kral over the rim of the wine cup.
“There’s something on your mind Kal. You better speak it now,” Kral said as he seated himself on the only chair in the room.
“I want my wing to have the reputation for getting things done and succeeding where others fail. Which means that both my Wing Lieutenants will need to be competent and capable of keeping their Wing Commander ready for all situations. I want to up the ante on our ambush game.”
“Thought as much,” the Lieutenant murmured as he took another sip from his cup. Kalena saw his face stiffen and his mark looked darker in the glow of the flickering candles.
“This needs to be discussed, Kral. It was different when we were both Wing Lieutenants but now...”
“Now you are a Wing Commander and you want both me and Holm to deliberately try to hurt you to see how you will react?” Kral’s hand tightened around the bowl of his cup. Kalena watched his reaction curiously and then she suddenly knew. By The One she could be so blind.
“You’ll only hurt me if you can catch me.”
Slowly, she rose from the bed and sat carefully on the edge of the table near Kral. Kalena then sat her cup on the table and enclosed Kral’s hands within her own. She stared into his eyes, making sure that he looked at her as she spoke.
“You do know that I do not love you. At least not in the way that you would like?”
“I know,” Kral replied. Placing his cup on the table beside hers he then gripped her hands tenderly in his own. “I know that it’s just...” Kral suddenly looked about him, trying to find the words he wanted.
“Just what Kral?” Kalena asked, gently pulling his attention back with the sound of her voice.
“I love you Kal. I always have.” Kral knew he was taking a risk saying this but he might not get a better chance to say what was in his heart to her again. “I had the hope that one day you might have the same feelings for me.” He then snatched his hands from Kalena’s and rubbed them nervously against the thick leather of his trousers.
Kalena sat a moment, staring at her Wing Lieutenant, wondering what to say to him. Sugared words would do no good, not in the long run. Anyway, she did not know how to make or speak them. Kalena prided herself on always being blunt and she quickly decided that that telling him the truth now would help him come to terms with her feelings.
“You are my best friend. After all, we grew up in the Wing together. I trust you more than anyone else in this Wing and I would give my life to save yours. I love you as a friend, not as a life partner. You know that.”
Kral groaned.
“Yes. I do. But it is my right to live in the hope that you will see me differently.” Kral drew back from her in the chair as if having some distance between them will stop the hurt he felt.
At that moment a loud rapping filled the room. Kalena shot up from her desk and opened the door to admit Holm Lunman who’s impeccable timing made her grateful for the interruption.
“Good Evening Wing Commander,” he said giving Kalena a quick salute before closing the door behind him.
“Good Evening Wing Lieutenant.”
A smile suddenly pierced Holm’s face. “Are you going to let me drop the formalities yet or are you going to make me bow and scrape to you for the rest of my natural life?”
“Though having you dogging my heels for the rest of your natural life does sound tempting, I think I could let you call me Kalena when we are in private.”
Holm saw the wine cups and gave a grimace. “Kral, is it still flavored water?”
Kral raised his cup and nodded accent. Kalena noted that his face now masked any feelings he was experiencing a moment ago. He’ll get over it–I don’t want to lose his friendship because of this.
Holm grinned at the action and sat on the foot of Kalena’s bed. He stretched out his legs and leaned back on his elbows to
make himself more comfortable. As if sensing the tension in the room, Holm looked piercingly at first Kral then Kalena.
“Have I interrupted something?”
“Nothing that can’t wait.” Kral placed his wine cup on the table and turned what he hoped was a reassuring smile to Holm. “What does it feel like to be in the Officer ranks now?”
Holm looked as if he did not believe Kral but did not push the issue. “I have not felt very different, but I have only been a Wing Lieutenant for a few hours so far. I might feel different tomorrow.”
“When you get your rank pins from the Provost Marshall in the morning, you’ll notice the difference. I certainly did.”
Kalena sat on the side of her bed next to Holm. “We’ll both go over to Brock’s office together to collect our rank pins. I’ve still to get mine.”
“Thanks, Kalena.” Holm slowly drew his legs in and sat up properly on the end of the bed. “Is it really true about the Ice Tigers?” he suddenly asked. “It’s just that some of the other Flyers in the Mess Hall think that this is just one big charade to give the Justicars more power.”
“I wish what were the truth Holm,” said Kalena. “It would make things a lot easier.” Kalena got up off the bed and started to pace the room, her mind again going over the events at the meeting. “I saw the pelt with my own eyes and it was real enough.”
“Do we know anything true about these things that haven’t been thickly brushed over with barbarism and glory in the legends and fairy tales?” Kral asked as he picked up his cup again. “After all, IceTigers have not been seen in Alleron for hundreds and hundreds of years.” Kral looked around the room at Holm sitting on the bed and Kalena with her furious pacing. “You both know the stories... Over twelve feet tall, could live in the shadows and had strange magical powers that could kill a man without leaving a mark on them. For all we know we could be flying into a trap where members of the Wing could be killed by a single thought from one of these things.”