by T. Sae-Low
She stood outside the door, impatiently waiting for them to unlock it. She thought she could hear Gama laughing inside. Gama is a fat idiot immediately sprang to mind. The thought repeated over and over in her head. She usually enjoyed Gama’s company, his jovial and light hearted nature when the time was appropriate, but when the situation called for a more serious tone, Gama’s light-heartedness, especially his laugh, just pushed every wrong button in her. She flicked, twisted, and spun the butterfly knife through her fingertips, blade and handle alternating in a hypnotic dance, when the door opened slightly.
“Who is it?” She could see Gama peeking through the crack.
“Just open the door, Gama!”
“Alright, alright! Calm down there, little girl.”
The door opened and in she walked, butterfly knife still writhing between her fingers. Her eyes locked onto Gama’s with an unusual intensity. Gama stared back, trying to match her coldness, but within seconds his eyes darted towards his feet. Kara always had that effect on people. Cold-blooded and heartless were just two of the many adjectives soldiers used to describe her. Not that she minded, though; Kara always knew she was an excellent soldier. The fact that she only came up to the shoulders of most soldiers, and weighed about half of what they did, were all the more reasons to motivate and prove her worth. What fearsomeness she lacked for in physical appearance, she more than made up for with attitude.
“Hey, Kara, how’s it going?” asked Gama with a sarcastic tone.
“Cut the crap, Gama, you know how it’s going. Let’s talk business here. Save the chit chat for later.”
Gama looked at Raden and raised his eyebrows with widening eyes. A look that Raden knew meant, what’s her problem? He tried to chuckle silently, but the effort to stifle the laugh backfired and Raden let out a snort.
Kara glared at Raden with angry eyes, as if she had been the object of their amusement and was about to let them hear it, when Raden interrupted.
“You’re right, Kara, let’s get down to business.”
Raden informed Kara of his discussion with the Prophet, but purposefully left out the portion about his visions. He still wasn’t entirely sure how he felt about that part and figured, when the time called for it, he could inform his companions if need be.
Kara put away her butterfly knife and leaned against the wall. “I never would’ve imagined…”
“I was told I can only bring two people with me on this mission, and you’re the two that I’ve asked to accompany me. Gama and Oli, for your tracking skills. Kara, you’re one of the highest ranked intelligence officers in all of the Lion Tribe. I need your abilities to ensure this is a successful mission. Gama, we’re definitely going to need Oli if we’re going to get past some of the Vicedonian encampments west of Kih Bayar.”
“For sure, Rad, Oli’s been itching to get back out.”
“Good. So we’re set. At 0600 tomorrow we move out. Not a word to anybody about this mission. I mean it, Gama; don’t be blabbing about this to anyone, even the new girl in the kitchen.”
“Alright, alright, sheesh!” exclaimed Gama, exasperated by the mere notion that he couldn’t keep a secret. “I won’t say anything,” and motioned his fingers zipping his lips shut.
“Kara, you can’t tell your father either. The Prophet ordered this mission to be kept secret from everyone, even him.”
Kara’s eyes glanced to the right briefly, as if doubting her own ability to keep a secret. “It’s better that he doesn’t know anyways, he would just… worry.”
“Then rest up tonight, eat your last meals, and offer up your prayers at the Temple of the Holy Monk. This mission could change the course of this war. We might not make it back if it all turns out to be true.”
Chapter 9
