“At no point did Mage Halcyon indicate she wished to escape my custody,” Stonewall said. “In fact, she'd told me that she requested the transfer to Whitewater City – something to do with a childhood injury, I believe.” He hesitated. “She did not give the impression that she was dangerous...in the manner you're thinking.”
Interesting. Talon resisted the urge to tap her fingers against the desk, as she often did when deep in thought. “What manner would that be, Stonewall?”
He grimaced, perhaps thinking he'd made a misstep, but recovered quickly. “She was cooperative for the entire journey. I never felt that her magic posed a threat to me or to others, even though we encountered a few civilians along the way.”
Talon did not reply right away as she thought over not just what he'd said, but how he'd said it. There was conviction seeped within his words and she saw no hint of deception. Stonewall believed the truth of what he was saying.
It was just as it should be, but somehow still disquieting.
Suddenly exhausted, Talon made a few mores notes, but was able to keep her hands steady despite the increasing weight on her shoulders. Once she was done, she showed Stonewall the finished product so that he could swear to its accuracy, after which they both signed their names at the bottom. She sealed it and set the parchment aside.
Perhaps she should have questioned him further, but it was late and there were shadows under his light-brown eyes. “Thank you, Stonewall,” she said, rising from her chair. “As I said before, you are welcome to spend the night here and make use of any supplies you need before you return to Starwatch.”
“My thanks, Commander.” He'd gotten up as well, but at her words he paused and seemed to consider something before straightening his spine in a formal posture. “There is something else, ser.”
“What?”
“I request a transfer to this garrison, Commander Talon.”
Now, this was unexpected. “Is Starwatch truly that unpleasant?” she could not help but ask.
His forehead creased in confusion. “Ser?”
“Gray has also requested a transfer here.”
Emotion flashed across Stonewall's face, but it was too fleeting to identify. “She didn't wish to return to Starwatch, ser? Nearly two squads were lost.”
“The High Commander has sent replacements to Starwatch,” Talon said. “Given the sheer number of mages we keep, Whitewater needs as many talented sentinels as the garrison can hold. Why do you wish to serve here?”
“I'm a southerner by birth, and I find this area more to my liking. The mountain cold in Starwatch never agreed with my thin blood.”
Talon did not bother to hide her smile, though it was faint. “I'm afraid the winters here aren't much more pleasant. As the crow flies, we're not that much farther south than Starwatch.”
“A little is better than none at all, ser.”
“It would be good to have a sentinel like you here, Stonewall,” she said after a moment. “Your actions speak volumes for both the strength of your character and your skill as a fighter. But I'm in need of an officer – at least a sergeant.”
His shoulders sank. “Very well, Commander Talon.”
As he made to salute her, Talon lifted her hand, making him pause. “However, the issue of your rank can be easily rectified.”
“Ser?” A startled look crossed his face as she regarded him. “With respect, Commander, I'm not...ready to be an officer, though I would still be honored to serve here. Gray, however, has a fine record of service, and would be–”
“Gray is willful and argumentative,” Talon interrupted. “And the injuries she sustained during her flight here are still healing; I'm in need of an officer now.” Yes, and it would also be wise to keep Stonewall nearby, if only so she could observe him further and perhaps get a better sense of what it was about him that felt off.
He took a deep breath and nodded once. “Aye, Commander Talon. Thank you, ser.”
“You're dismissed,” she said. “Get some rest while you can. We'll work out the details tomorrow.” Since she was awake and moderately alert, she may as well to draft her own report now, including the request for his transfer, and send everything off with a fleet rider as soon as she was done. It would reach Argent in the capital city sometime tomorrow night.
As Stonewall gave a warrior's salute, Talon glanced up from her desk and offered him a smile. “Welcome to Whitewater, Sergeant.”
This is Lauren. I really hope you liked Catalyst Moon: Incursion. Please leave a review on Amazon!
Acknowledgements
Ideas begin within the individual, where most of them stay. A few lucky ones, however, grow into something more, something fit to be shared, even if it's a bit messy. This little idea of mine grew large enough to branch into others' lives, and those kind, generous, patient souls made this story bloom. I can say with all sincerity that this story would not be what it is without their efforts.
Imke, Diana, and Isabella, my indefatigable (and patient!) beta readers: Hyphen Assassins, Continuity Keepers, and Slayers of Passive Voice.
Ali, Linda, Leo, and the rest of the Inkitt team: your passion, hard work, and dedication made the publishing process much less daunting for this newbie.
To you all, “thank you” isn't nearly enough, but it will have to do.
Table of Contents
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN
ELEVEN
TWELVE
THIRTEEN
FOURTEEN
FIFTEEN
SIXTEEN
SEVENTEEN
EIGHTEEN
NINETEEN
TWENTY
TWENTY-ONE
TWENTY-TWO
TWENTY-THREE
TWENTY-FOUR
TWENTY-FIVE
TWENTY-SIX
TWENTY-SEVEN
TWENTY-EIGHT
TWENTY-NINE
THIRTY
Catalyst Moon: Incursion (The Catalyst Moon Saga Book 1) Page 30