by Auryn Hadley
Without waiting for him to reply, she turned and walked away from the men of Azure Silence. Reko followed on her flank. Behind her, the men grumbled and Trax screamed obscenities about them. Sal ignored it all and made her way to meet a man named Pig.
Reaching for her link, she made one last check. Anyone have eyes on Viraenova yet? Any idea how long until they get here?
Yeh, Jase said. And they're gonna put on one hell of a show. Sal, I wish ya could see this. He sent her a glimpse of hundreds of soldiers, all in shades of ivory and gold, their uniforms pristine and their horses matching. The tack glinted in the late morning light, and their unit moved silently.
Fuck me, Audgan whispered across their minds. We're going to look like stray dogs compared to that.
I think that's the point, Sal told them. They're wanting to make a powerful impression. Blaec?
I'm listening.
You ok with me making a show for the iliri and not necessarily the Conglomerate?
Oh yeah. I was hoping you'd figure something out.
Sal, Zep chimed in, I got Pig. Don't make these guys into a joke, ok?
Nah, they're good. Anyone have a time frame?
Razor spoke up. Less than three hours. Those horses they're on are swift and look as fresh as if they just started. Tiny, but so are the riders.
You close? Sal asked Razor.
Close enough. The 112th was covering that sector. We made a production of letting them know they're welcome. I want to say they're all iliri, Sal, but they aren't.
What do you mean? Mixed?
No. Imagine if you and Risk had kids and you get the idea. Iliri, but not.
Gotcha. And silent. That's good to know. Almost to you, Zep. Sturmgren asked for a head's up. Hwa? Roo? One of you free to run up there later?
I can, Roo said. But I'll have the pups.
That's fine, Sal assured her, letting her amusement show. His receptionist is smitten with them. You girls be good to her; she's nice.
Yes, amma, the pups thought back.
Sal broke the link as she neared the mounted soldiers. The Devil Dogs knew something was up, and they'd all pushed closer to their leader. Like professionals, their horses stood quietly. Sal and Reko wove between them.
"Lieutenant," A small man greeted her. "I'm Feofilakt Pigaris, but call me Pig."
Sal saluted. "Yes, Major."
He lifted a brow, making a joke of her formal response. White teeth flashed against his dark skin before he schooled his features into place. "Can we help you?"
Sal liked the man already. "You already have, and it's appreciated. I'm to let you know that both Major Doll and General Sturmgren are aware of it."
Pig chuckled. "You have words just as sweet as Blaec Doll’s. Now tell me. Are they just as elastic?" Sal watched Zep stiffen out of the corner of her eye, but Pig ignored it. "I owe Blaec a few. He took that shit down at Stonewater Stables pretty hard, too. Never saw a man so drunk. So I'm not playing blind here Lieutenant."
"Yes, sir," Sal said.
"So there's something up. Valcor said Viraenova?"
"Yes, sir. It's confirmed now, sir."
He leaned forward slightly, meeting her eyes easily. From the way he stared, he knew exactly what he was doing. "It's Pig, Sal, not sir, not Major. I can't put you in grey, but we run as tight as the Blades. Stop dancing around and tell me what I need to know."
So she cut right to the point. "Viraenova is about three hours out, they're making one hell of a statement, and they're running silent."
"Explain."
"They're iliri, all of them, or damned near. They won't speak Glish, and I only know of a few of us that can talk to them, unless we want Anglia to translate for us. That means Reko and myself - and Cyno if we can get him from the sector. Nyurin from the 97th pikes might work, but I honestly don't know if he ever learned Iliran. And I need all of you parade ready. You're the only unit right now that can pull off a show that won't embarrass us."
Pig looked over his men. "Sevas, I need you to find... Shit, who's he with, Sal?"
"Cyno's with Blue Eagles, North Sector." She held up a hand. Jase, where's your commander? Pig's sending someone for you.
He's at the Eagles' camp. Two klicks north of the gate, half kilometer west. Large group of trees on a hill.
"Their encampment is two kilometers north of the gate, half kilometer west, next to a large group of trees on a hill. The commander is there - or was before Cyno rode to patrols."
Pig chuckled. "That's how he did it. Blaec you sly fucker. Sevas, where she said. Quick." He turned back to Sal. "I'm guessing that's what you mean about running silent, right? They gonna be friendly?"
Sal shrugged. "No way to know. Body language still works. Most of us gesture even when we're just thinking." Sal giggled. "That's why some of you probably think Zep has a twitch."
Pig's head snapped to the man in question. "Aren't you a human, Valcor?"
"He's iliri," Sal growled.
Pig slowly turned his head back to her and lifted his hands slightly. From the smile on his face, he wasn't upset at her reaction. "Fair enough. No offense meant, Kaisae. Ok, guys, you heard the Lieutenant. Get the horses shined, make sure the tack is cleaned, and I want to see parade uniforms. Be quick about it. Back on the field in an hour. Move people, this ain't a drill, I want to see my reflection in your horse's ass before you're back here. Go, go!"
The horses spun, and the Devil Dogs scattered. Reko flinched at the mounts thundering past him, but Sal waited patiently, standing beside Pig's roan. When the sound died down, she looked at Reko.
"Go get ready. Parade uniforms. I'm sorry, but it has to be Azure. I'll catch up."
"Yes, sir," Reko said, saluting crisply before jogging back to the camp.
Pig leaned over his mount's neck, kicked his feet from the stirrups, and landed easily beside the horse's shoulder. He was only a few inches taller than Cyno, she noticed. "What else?" he asked, holding Sal's gaze.
She refused to look away. "I reported Trax to Sturmgren. There's going to be an investigation. I'm also worried about Wyra."
Pig nodded. "K. I've heard the mumbling. His losses have been hard, but so have his missions. You sure there's something there besides animosity to iliri?"
"Stances and formations," she told him. "That's all he's drilling. They aren't elites, Pig. They're worse than novices. I dropped four of them the first day."
"Yeah, but you could probably drop four of mine. Blaec told me about you. I believe it, too."
"Not like this. I'd have to work to drop a Dog. I sparred with a man named Ryekir last night. He had new weapons against my familiar ones, and I had to pay attention. He's good. Azure? They're a joke."
Pig chuckled, turning back towards the barracks. He let his horse trail behind them on a loose rein. "Yeah, Ryek's been bragging all day about that. Said he got to spar with steel daggers."
Sal slipped a blade from the sheath and held it hilt-first for Pig. The Major took it gently, testing its heft. "Ok, I see what you mean. That's a completely different feel than what we have. Think he'll make an assassin?" He offered the blade back.
Her brow furrowed as she returned the steel to the sheath. "Thought he already was. He'll be good in a few months, sir. He's got the talent."
Pig nodded. "K. I'll have him reassigned. Can I note the recommendation from you in his file?"
"Please."
"Ok. So what can I do for Wyra? My hands are a little tied there, you know."
"I do," she assured him. "Just have the men keep an eye on him? Azure's going to try something. I put Trax on his ass this morning."
His head slowly rocked from side to side, but he didn't meet her eyes this time. "Mm. I can't support that, Sal. He's your officer."
"He also thought that beating me would make my stances better when even the humans admitted they were perfect. Look, I can do stances in my sleep. I'm certainly not bad enough to deserve a human slapping me around for it."
"Ok. But curb th
at temper a bit." His eyes flicked over, watching her from the corner of his eye.
"I was, sir. That's what I'm trying to tell you. A human male, who hates me, struck me hard enough to draw blood." She pointed to her lip. "I dropped him and reported to the General. I did not attack, I only defended."
Finally, Pig's shell cracked, and a chuckle slipped out. "Your defense is an attack, Lieutenant. And you keep showing off those knives - I'm assuming you pulled them - and they'll get confiscated."
"Nope. Diplomatic gift. Covered that. The offhand is actually from Anglia, too."
"K. I'm not going to tell you to do it again, but I see where you're coming from. Humans need discipline, Sal. Maybe the Blades work well without it, but we don't. Either way, I'll have my men keep their eyes open. We're playing in the rules, though. Might be the rules LT taught me while I was a Blade, but we'll stay in them."
"Thanks, Pig. I appreciate it," she said honestly, offering him her hand.
He paused, looking at her strangely. "I'm human. I may be a little shit of a man, but I'm still human."
She shrugged. "So was Zep, once."
His hand thumped into hers, clasping her palm solidly - like an equal. "He's still yours, but he's one of mine now, too. I also understand why Blaec was such a mess thinking he'd lost you. You're one hell of an asset to your unit - and I don't mean Azure. I'm not pleased you're taking up with Valcor, but I won't stop it."
"Blaec's pleased with it, so you shouldn't worry."
Pig just sighed. "Iliri. It's going to suck when we lose you." Sal looked at him, startled, but he waved her down. "Oh, I know. LT's gone rogue. All of you have. You and Valcor are the only ones even remotely tame, right now. I know what's going to happen. I owe Blaec Doll my life a few times over, and my position. I'm staying out of your way and covering your back when you decide to retreat, just like we did in Prin." He tried to smile but only made it halfway. "I just hope we don't end up on opposite sides of a line."
She caught his arm, making him look right into her eyes. "We don't forget favors, sir. Even if it happens, your men will live through it. I promise you that."
Pig nodded. "I believe you, Sal. You sure Blaec's still leading the Blades? Looks to me like he's been replaced."
Letting him go, she turned back to the barracks. "It's complicated."
Chapter 21
Three hours later, the Devil Dogs sat on their horses silently. Sal made it very clear to them how important it was for them to be as quiet and respectful of the Viraenovans as possible. The other soldiers mingling in the area weren't as professional. They knew something was up, but neither the Devil Dogs nor Sal had any intention of enlightening them. When the first horse was visible outside the gate, Sal reached for Roo.
Get the General. They're here.
A double line of mounted riders marched directly to the gate. Sal lifted her chin and waited. Jase stood behind and beside her. Reko waited at the side, next to the line of Devil Dogs. The column of pale soldiers kept coming. Sal and Jase stood perfectly still in the middle of the entrance until the Viraenovans came to a perfect halt. The first horse's nose was close enough for Sal to touch. She ignored it, looking at the man sitting easily in the saddle - then the rider behind him. A mature woman in full armor sat among the younger soldiers. Sal focused on her.
"Laetus, Kaisae," she said in clear Iliran. "Welcome to the Conglomerate's Myrosican Outpost."
The woman smiled and nudged her horse out of the line, moving closer to Sal. She leaned over her pommel and asked softly, also in Iliran, "Do you link?"
Sal offered her hand, and the woman clasped it. The Viraenovans relaxed but never broke their crisp formation.
Thank you, the matriarch said to Sal. My title is Kaeen. My name is Tseri Janoyc.
Well met, Kaeen Janoyc. I am Lieutenant Salryc Luxx. My Ahnor is Sergeant Jassant Cynortas. We have been asked to speak for the leaders of the Conglomerate of Free Citizens.
The woman's head tilted slightly. You are not Kaisae?
Humans do not understand Iliran titles, Kaeen. We are simply soldiers, although I am Kaisae of my pack.
I see. That does not bode well, the Kaeen thought. Should we form an alliance with these people, Kaisae?
You should, Kaeen. The Emperor of Terric seeks to destroy anyone who can claim to be related to iliri. That includes Viraenova. The enemy of your enemy should be your friend, even if you are not friendly.
Tseri nodded. I understand. Should I assume that only the two of you can speak with us?
Sal shook her head. My pack, although many have mixed ancestry, can all speak with you. Some can also speak Iliran.
I see. What do you know about Anglia, then?
Anglia is a friend.
The Kaeen laughed, and Sal saw the Viraenovans smile. Behind her, the humans glanced among themselves, but the Devil Dogs never stirred.
Anglia has humans as well, Kaisae. Do you suggest that we can trust them?
I do. King Dominik Jens is a good man, and he not only is sympathetic to our people, he also encourages us to feel at ease. He embraced the grauori as his equals. He and Orassae Rragri are close friends.
Tseri moved her horse a step closer. I see. And you wouldn't by chance be the Kaisae Sal?
I am.
Then why are you here? She gestured to the encampment. I thought you were the reason Dominik Jens decided to fight for our people.
The answer is simple, yet complicated, Kaeen. Human laws.
And the complicated part?
The Conglomerate does not like my kind. I can only assume that they will not be completely friendly to yours, either. That does not mean we can ignore them. I'm a citizen of the Conglomerate, and I served in Anglia as such. My mission was to defend Anglia and obtain a discussion of alliance. I achieved that, yet I admit, my personal goals were my first priority. Anglia embraced those goals. Unfortunately, there are human laws still to consider. Before we can address the Terran threat, we must play politics.
And the Conglomerate is necessary to that?
At this time, they are, Kaeen. The Conglomerate's military is as strong or stronger than Anglia's - without the grauori, of course. Myrosica is sympathetic to them.
Tseri tipped her head. Of course.
Terric controls half of the continent, easily. They believe they're on a divine mission to cleanse the planet of us. Both Myrosica and the Conglomerate are controlled by humans. I know little of Myrosica, but the fact remains that Anglia can not hold off the entire continent alone. If they decide to break the Conventions of War, that is exactly what would happen.
Thank you, Kaisae. That makes things much more clear to me. I would not like to delay, though, and humans spend so much time posturing that little gets done. I will need a translator, and quarters for my family. I expect to meet with Anglia tonight since I have spoken with you first. Tomorrow, I will speak with the Conglomerate. Will you be attending, Kaisae?
Probably not, Kaeen. I am merely a Lieutenant who is iliri.
Tseri laughed. I doubt that, but I can see how the humans would believe it. I will accept one of your men, then. Which one has a stronger mind?
Sal shrugged. My ahnor, most likely. He is also fluent. My ilus, Reko, speaks some Iliran, but his mind is strong even if he is new to the link and my pack. I already have approval to assign my ilus to you. I will see if we can have my ahnor also assist you.
Kaeen Tseri shifted her eyes over to Jase. Ahnor, would you be willing to work with my maagra? Their minds are not all strong, and speech may be necessary. When he nodded, she looked back to Sal. I will gladly accept your ilus for my own translations, Kaisae.
Thank you, Kaeen, Sal said.
I would be honored to assist your soldiers, Kaeen, Jase said, bowing deeply and dropping his gaze.
Tseri smiled. You keep them well trained, Kaisae.
He is only trying to impress you, Kaeen. I have not trained him at all. His amma did that.
Very nice. You will have to introduce me
to your pack. We have seen so few iliri that remember the old ways. I am pleased to know it still happens outside of Viraenova. The nuvani will be overjoyed to know we're not alone.
Sal nodded, overly aware that the humans had no idea what they were talking about. I will ask if that is possible, Kaeen. Am I right to think that nuvani is the name of your people?
Yes, Tseri said. We are no longer truly iliri, as you can see, but we hold the traditions. When Viraenova closed its doors to the humans, we began to call ourselves the nuvani. Iliri means corrupted ones, but nuvani means new creation. We are like you, yet not, and prefer to believe that we have done well with what we've become.
I think you make our people proud. Sal stepped back. Please, be welcome here. Our space is limited, and our housing is primitive, but we are happy to welcome you. Then she stepped aside and gestured toward the compound.
The nuvani moved forward, and Kaeen Tseri guided her horse back into its place in the line. Hwa nodded at the men in the front. When they acknowledged him, he moved to the head of the line, leading them to the barracks.
Reko, Sal thought, go attend the Kaeen. Treat her as a Kaisae and make sure the humans do not show disrespect.
Yes, Kaisae, he said, running off.
Sal and Jase moved casually behind the line of Devil Dogs and watched the procession enter. Dozens of their golden horses passed by, each carrying a rider in ivory armor. Everything about the Viraenovans was intended to impress, and from the scent in the air around her, they'd succeeded.
Shielded by the Devil Dog's horses, she leaned back against the wall and took the chance to relax. Tseri didn't intimidate her, but the situation did. Sal was trying to represent the Conglomerate, the same people who thought of her as no better than an animal. But without Viraenova's help, Terric would destroy all iliri on the continent. With it? Maybe Sal could figure out a way to make their lives better. She just hoped the Kaeen understood what she'd been trying to say. Anglia was the ally. The Conglomerate was just a nuisance they had to tolerate for military strength.
