Dahlia saw Ravin walk towards the Captain of Barrack Two, Belakris, a young-looking man with sandy hair. She remained where she was as Borreal moved to take the platform. Having the most people to coordinate, he would logically stay in the meeting hall.
Ravin finished speaking with Belakris and motioned for the captains of his division to follow him into the captain’s lounge off the hall. The room was typically used for captains that wanted to relax and have a drink without their barrack around. Dahlia had only been in it a handful of times, preferring the privacy of her room or office. She followed the captains of Barracks Six, Seven, and Eight: Adenji, Symom, and Jynsen.
The lounge was comfortably furnished with stuffed seats and low tables. Ravin dropped into one in a corner of the room, filling the large seat and dwarfing the three captains that joined him. Dahlia grabbed a pot of tea and cups and placed them on the table. Then she sank into the chair closest to both Ravin and the table before pouring a cup for herself. Symom and Jynsen poured themselves tea as well as Ravin laid out the plan in his deep rasp.
“Belakris and I agreed to overlap division shifts. We’re seven in the morning to eight in the evening. His division is seven in the evening to eight in the morning. Adenji, Symom take the first half. Jynsen, stay in reserve to help when we have to defend and relay messages between us and the other divisions. Send two members of Barrack Eight to each shift. They can run for help and run messages. I’ll take second half with DeMorra. Keep ranged weapons on the soldiers at all times.”
He paused and the other four captains nodded. “Arite then, relieve the men currently at the gate. I heard some of them are yours? Good, keep them on. Send someone to me and Mazaran if anything interesting happens. DeMorra, I’ll see your barrack at the gate at two.”
Dahlia nodded again in assent. Ravin rose with the other three following suit to see to their barracks. Dahlia remained for a moment with her tea, contemplating Mazaran and Ravin’s strategies. Her pairing with him was natural. He and his barrack were indisputably the best in combat. Dahlia’s strength in psychic and stealth attacks covered an area his team was not as strong in and her barrack’s unstructured fighting style would mix well with his. He also excelled individually in unstructured and larger scale combat which Dahlia did not and, as a known target, could be vulnerable to.
But Ravin was unpredictable and utterly fearless. It wasn’t that he was brave. To be brave you had to overcome fear. Ravin simply had none. He loved combat and pitting himself against opponents. He excelled at it because he was single-minded in his approach. Nothing interfered and nothing distracted him because, in his view, nothing should. It was black and white. Dahlia couldn’t help remembering what he’d been like when he’d appeared in her garden, pulling her into a hunt with him. In this case, his interest in her might be just as black and white as his interest in fighting. He wanted it so nothing should interfere. He wouldn’t see any reason the two goals should conflict.
Single-minded didn’t mean dumb. Quite the opposite. Intense focus provided extremely astute strategy. Ravin had demonstrated that many times, even during her short time in the captains’ ranks. If anyone could watch her back and keep her secure it would be Ravin. Mazaran would not be above using the knowledge that he’d been in her room that one night to ensure that she, as a potential weapon, remained out of enemy hands. He may have been manipulating Ravin and Ravin may have seen it and taken the opportunity anyways. What would he care how the opportunity was made available? Dahlia’s head spun. Naturally gifted at pulling others’ strings she’d caught on early how internal politics worked and tried to fly as far below the radar as she could. The recent attention from other captains and exposure of not only her abilities but her erratic relationship with Ravin made her exceedingly anxious that she’d begin to get pulled into maneuverings she’d rather have had pass her by.
She left her cup and the rest of the tea things on the table and made her way back to her barrack. She felt herself relax marginally as she entered the area she considered her home with the people she’d collected into an odd sort of family.
Fidelity was lying on her back in the grass under a tree. Her feet delicately rested on her hammer and she twirled a flower between her fingers. Her expression was oddly serene for the volatile, passionate woman. Dahlia leaned over her and the dreamy expression in her eyes cleared as she bounced to her feet.
“Captain DeMorra, what’s the word?”
“Get everyone together in the common area so I only have to go over it once. We’re on the gate, second day shift.”
“Yes, ma’am!” The woman darted away.
Within ten minutes her barrack had assembled, lounging around the common area. Dahlia stood and addressed them, “Alright you all, we’ve been assigned to a division of five barracks under Captain Ravin that will be stationed on the gate during the day. The division has been divided into two shifts. Barrack Six and Seven are on the first and we’re with Barrack Nine from two to eight in the evening. Barrack Eight will stand by so they are fresh to provide support at any time our area sees action. Everyone is to carry ranged weapons and members with ranged abilities will be stationed in key areas. We haven’t worked with Captain Ravin’s barrack regularly but it shouldn’t be difficult; our method of organization is similar to theirs. They adapt to the flow of combat easily and should be able to read our movements quickly and respond. I heard from our lieutenants that that was the case the last night we worked with them and I’ve seen it in the past. When looking for direction watch me, Captain Ravin, and your lieutenants. If I am unavailable or called elsewhere they will be able to direct your movements just as ably.”
“We’ll likely be tasked with watching for veiled attacks so Arreal, Fidelity, and Jo-jo be prepared. Our psychic abilities will work well there. When we are off-duty everyone be available and armed. If there is an attack we’re likely to be called in to support defense. Raschel, members with an ability to manipulate earth are to report to Captain Jenue. Any questions about our role?”
Genji stood, “Captain DeMorra, would you prefer medium or long range?”
Dahlia nodded at her ranged weapons specialist, “You take both. Other members with ranged abilities take long range. Everyone else take medium. That should about evenly distribute it. Anything else?”
No one else stepped forward so she moved to general information. “Captain Jenue will be working with soldiers with abilities rooted in the earth to monitor for any attempt to collapse a portion of the wall. Captains Horan and Lenoi are preparing arial defenses. Captain Borreal is leading the other eight barracks on perimeter defense. Our division’s counterpart with be lead by Captain Belakris over Barracks One through Five monitoring the gate during the night. Captain Mazaran is running offense and will pull soldiers as needed. If you are pulled let me, Lieutenant Sabir, or Lieutenant Arreal know and leave immediately. Raschel, you will inform Captain Jenue. Letting me know will be a second priority. You may go now, Barrack Sixteen.”
Raschel stood, bowed, and left to join Captain Jenue’s team.
“The rest of you, the most likely strategies for our opponent in terms of our gate will be breaking through it, weakening it with a stealth team working on a key point, or infiltration and opening it from the inside. If they try to break through hopefully we’ll notice, it’d be difficult to keep that subtle,” Dahlia smiled at her joke. “Be on the lookout for anything that looks like a construct or trap designed to damage it so we can try to counter before they deploy. A stealth attack to weaken it will be up to our members monitoring for psychic hints to detect and locate along with whatever skills Captain Ravin’s soldiers have for detection.”
“Our best defense against infiltration is to stay alert and rigorous. Do not take appearances for granted. Particularly if it is someone you recognize but in a place you don’t expect. If I were attempting to infiltrate an enemy guard post I would use projection or illusion to switch places and appearances with someone they expected to see. It’s much
less taxing and easier to pass off if someone starts to see through the illusion or veil. Soldiers stationed on the edge of the group, this will be especially important for you since you are the first defense against them and also the most likely to be targeted.”
She paused and let them take in everything she’d said.
“Questions?”
Genji stood up again. “Captain DeMorra,” he said with a very serious expression, “can we have a code word to identify ourselves with?”
Dahlia suppressed a grin, not entirely sure if he was having fun or making a contribution. The idea wasn’t a bad one. Being Genji it was likely both. “Of course, Genji, what would you recommend?”
“How about a question/answer code? We could start it with ‘What’s for dinner?’ then answer with ‘Axes and arrows’.”
Dahlia nodded to her third ranked member. “Alright, everyone remember that and if you see a team member doing anything that seems even remotely odd, ask them what’s for dinner.”
To their credit, her barrack took it in stride and all nodded seriously. Genji sat back down.
“Anything else?”
No one spoke up so she dismissed them. “Ok, everyone stay close and keep both combat and ranged weapons on or nearby in case we’re needed. Lieutenants, if you could stay with me.”
The rest of her team spread out, a few remaining at a seperate table in the common area. Sabir and Arreal pulled up seats near Dahlia.
“I want to make sure that you are both prepared to take over for me at any time so that if I am called away or incapacitated the barrack can support the defense effort as seamlessly as possible,” Dahlia told them.
They both nodded and listened.
“We are overlapping the last hour with Captain Belakris’s division. Captain Ravin will probably take charge in making sure they are up to speed and secure in the handoff. I’d like to show up to relieve our division’s first shift early so that we are confident in the handoff.”
“When we see any activity from our enemy I’d give initial orders, watch to see what Captain Ravin does, and then adjust accordingly. There will be two members of Barrack Eight there to send for reinforcements or communications. Again, make sure we prioritize a quick response and then send for help as needed. If you’re not sure then look to Captain Ravin to lead communications. If another division sends for our barrack while we are posted send half immediately, check in with Captain Ravin, and then follow with the rest.”
Dahlia racked her brain for a moment trying to think of any situation her lieutenants wouldn’t have clear direction. “I trust you both to run point for the barrack in my stead. If there’s any question, trust your judgement, don’t hesitate, and I believe it will be the best option.”
“We’ve got your back, Captain,” Arreal smiled at her.
“I know, thank you both.” Dahlia rose to retreat to her office. She answered urgent communications, sent a request for four emergency communication tools to Professor Engail, and pulled out her simple jet bow. Ranged weapons were not her speciality so she kept it as easy as possible, preferring to use psychic attacks and her focusing bands when necessary.
Having gotten her office duties out of the way, Dahlia situated herself in the garden to meditate. The small frays and stresses on her mind she repaired or let drift away. The bigger worries she let flow through her, taking the knowledge and grounding the emotional disruptions so she could continue to work through the coming days without any baggage or build up.
She did a quick check on the injuries she’d sustained the previous day in her trial with Mayuera. The treatment she’d received had accelerated the healing. A few areas were sore or tight but nothing pained her or threatened to reopen.
She was debating joining the members of her barrack practicing their ranged weapons when a messenger knocked and she bade him enter.
“Captain DeMorra,” he began, bowing, “the prisoner has requested to speak with you. Will you come?”
Dahlia nodded, curious, “Which prisoner?”
“The one brought in yesterday when you, Captain Borreal, and Captain Ravin were attacked after the trial.”
Mayuera then. Interesting. She followed the messenger to the infirmary holding area where they were admitted to find Mayuera still restrained but apparently receiving care. Enough so that he was clean and seemed to be in little discomfort.
Dahlia dismissed the guards and the messenger, assuring them that he posed no threat to her in his current state. She then turned to address the older man. “I was told you requested my attendance.”
He gave her a small, warm smile. “Yes, you see I’ve been contemplating the situation and what you told me. If you are able to give me a bit more information I believe I may be able to offer you something valuable.”
“You’ve changed your stance then to accept the possibility that I may be telling the truth?”
He nodded, “Yes. The longer I thought through it the more I thought it likely that your abilities are not mature enough yet to do everything that they’ve accused you of. Maybe you are playing a much deeper game and hiding the extent of what you can do to the point of letting me cut you up a good bit yesterday but I doubt it. More likely you do not have the ability to take the people they say you have in an area so far away and still be here in time to command your soldiers into battle with us. The latter conclusion is in line with what I saw of your psyche yesterday.”
Dahlia said nothing. It was true and she had to wonder why he hadn’t arrived at the same conclusion earlier. If her abilities were that strong it would have been suicide to face her in that trial. He hadn’t seemed shocked to find his opponent was not outrageously superior in skill. Mayuera allowed the silence to sit for a moment.
“And what was it you wanted to tell me?” Dahlia prompted.
“I’m not sure, I’d like to ask you a couple things first to see if I have anything worth telling.”
Dahlia resisted the urge to grow frustrated with the man. “Alright. Of course you know you’ve placed yourself in the situation of having to tell me whether or not I am able to answer your questions now that you’ve told a captain that you have information? To be fair, I’ll give you answers as I am able, providing the information is not something your forces could use against us.”
He nodded, “I suppose I have placed myself in that position. However, as I said, I’m not sure if I have something helpful or not and you likely don’t have time to pry half-composed thoughts out of me right now. Easier to answer a few questions.”
“And what are they?”
“The two men who followed you onto the field. One I saw had a solid shield, without cracks or purchases. Behind the shield stalked a predator. I couldn’t get a good look at it but I sensed bloodlust, savagery, and cunning. Who was that?”
“Sounds like Captain Ravin.”
“And what is he?”
“I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking,” Dahlia said carefully, not sure how much the blind man could see of Ravin’s psyche.
“What abilities does he display.”
“That’s something your force would consider valuable knowledge.”
“I understand. Tell me what they would already know. I’ve been told you were attacked after you knocked me unconscious.”
“Very well,” Dahlia conceded, “I can describe that. Zarek threw a dagger at me, Captain Ravin moved faster than Zarek and tackled him off the horse. I saw fire around Zarek as he tried to defend himself but Captain Ravin shook it off and killed him. He’s strong, fast, and isn’t affected by most physical attacks.”
“You saw fire? And Captain Ravin wasn’t hurt?”
“No, he was unmarked.”
“And the other man?” Mayuera asked. “I saw another man but it was hard to get a clear view and I don’t know quite how to describe it. I’ve never seen anything like him. It was as if his reality changed and shifted as he stood.”
The description fascinated Dahlia. She couldn’t imagine wh
at it would be like to see someone’s psyche that way, even shielded. “That must have been Captain Borreal. He was the only other person with me.”
“And what observable abilities did he display?”
“None.”
“None?”
Dahlia nodded her head and then realized he wouldn’t be able to sense it right now. “Yes.”
“A captain that outnumbered fought with no observed abilities?”
“Yes.”
“Is he arrogant?” The man’s tone was not offensive, merely curious.
“I’m not sure if that counts as observable but I don’t see what harm it would do with you knowing. No, Captain Borreal is not arrogant.” Her curiosity got the better of her and she continued, “I’d like to ask a question now. What did you see when you looked at me?”
Mayuera looked slightly shocked at what she’d told him of Borreal but he recovered well and answered her, “I saw contradictions. A light manifested shadows that wrapped around you while echoes of voices chased through your body. One hand held wires woven in patterns that moved and shifted down your wrist while the other hand was bathed in blood. One shadow shot through from that hand, pierced your heart, and ran through your center. You wore your shield like a liquid that poured over your body.”
“Is everyone that...vivid?”
“If I can see them fully. Most hide behind their shield. That was what most surprised me. You didn’t have a seperate, wall-like shield. It was as much a part of you as your own skin.”
“Interesting…now what were you going to tell me?”
“I’m still not sure it’s relevant but if your Captain Ravin could remain unaffected by an attack like that from Zarek and if Captain Borreal’s abilities involve shifting reality as subtly as I’m led to believe then they, and you, are further evidence of what Master Ko and I had begun seeing.”
“And what is that?” Dahlia wished he’d get to the point.
“A number of individuals have begun turning up with abilities that far outstrip what we could expect. You normally have one person, maybe two, every couple generations who manages to get to a level I’d term “extraordinary”. In this generation a handful of people are being born with abilities that rival the masters while at a very young age. You are one. I suspect the two captains who were with you are two more. I have shared this information, as I imagine Master Ko did. If I were a ruler with a large force, I would be seeking proof and trying to find a way to protect against these people since it is difficult to identify them without either my gift of sight or having their abilities disclosed to you. I imagine anyone with these abilities is careful to downplay them, making disclosure unlikely.”
Dahlia: A Novel of Dark Desire Page 19