by Amanda Twigg
“Carry on,” Father prompted.
“Yes. Yes,” she said, trying to get back on track. She glanced at Thisk, who stared forward.
No help? Thanks.
“Anyway, Thisk was outside my door, and he wouldn’t let me down the corridor to see you.”
“Thisk?” Chief Hux interrupted, turning his attention to the ranger.
“There was a schedule,” the ranger answered.
“That’s not what I mean. She calls you Thisk? Not Warrior Ranger Fourth?”
“I… Yes.”
Chief Hux’s eyes narrowed. He turned his gaze back to Landra, and she felt like her Soul was under scrutiny. “Carry on, Chief Elect.”
Without training, Landra’s report jumped between events and tracked back in repetition. She skipped Soul-related events, and when her story reached the temple incident, her eyes flickered to Oakham’s badge. Her knees weakened, and her thoughts scrambled. She gathered herself and explained her descent into the pit as aiding a veteran. It wasn’t a lie, but it didn’t come close to the full story.
She found it hard to decide which parts of her adventure were pertinent, so useless tales spilled out, like descriptions of the cluttered contents of the ranger’s house and which berries tasted good. She didn’t brag about her successes, figuring he didn’t need to know that her personal high point had been when she’d learned to piss and shit in the forest without soiling her clothes. Her tale wandered aimlessly until she ran out of words. Then, she just stopped.
Chief Hux rolled his lip under his teeth. “Hrmph. Sort that out, will you, Dolan?”
“Yes, Chief Hux. We had a lot to get through. Teaching our chief elect to report didn’t come high on the list.”
Griffin nodded and closed his eyes. He took a cup of green liquid from his desk and sipped from it, grimacing. “Holy shelk. I’m sure Gren’s medicine is worse than any injury.”
“What happened, Father?” Landra asked. She wanted to know the details of the attack. How badly are you hurt? Who died?
He waved her concerns aside but answered Thisk’s inquiring frown.
“Really, it’s nothing, Dolan. Well, it’s not nothing, but I’ll make a full recovery, so you don’t need to look concerned. Pass me that bottle, will you?”
Thisk retrieved a half-empty scute bottle from the top of a chest and handed it over. The chief swigged three good gulps.
“Ah, that’s better. Now, Dolan?”
“Griffin?”
“Relax, will you? Your stunt caused me no end of worry, but I’m glad to see you both safe. Tell me everything.”
Stunt? Landra’s misadventures and training had felt far from a stunt.
Thisk reported on events in order and with detail. The first interruption came when the ranger described punching out several Templers, breaking a treaty, and invading the temple on a rescue mission.
Thisk had beaten Landra, allowed her to half-starve, and trained her like a prisoner on punishment duty, but his indiscretion had been her fault. Despite everything, she didn’t want him to suffer. She held her breath, wondering if she would have to admit her magic to save him.
“Did you really have to do that, Dolan? I had the worst time straightening things out with the priests.”
And there it was. All Landra’s worrying and sleepless nights had been for nothing. There wasn’t even a mention of Oakham’s death. It felt like someone had pulled a plug and drained the energy out of her body. She’d held onto her dread for so long that it felt exhausting to let go.
“I didn’t know what had happened to the child,” Thisk explained. “Did you want me to leave her there?”
Child? What happened to chief elect?
“She shouldn’t have visited the temple alone in the first place. Why else would I post you as her guard?”
Why did you do that, Father? Surely, there was someone else.
“Yes, sir,” Thisk said, his words staying tight, but the limits of his aura relaxed, as if his worst fears had fled.
Chief Hux sighed. “I know the job I gave you, Dolan. My daughter goes her own way and finds trouble in unexpected places. I think you’re realizing that now. Thankfully, it came out all right. Her attentions to the dying sentry helped me smooth things over. Seems like the priests were fond of the old man, and she did see the plaque, so it’s not all bad.”
“Yes, sir,” Thisk repeated.
Chief Hux waved a hand toward him. “Continue.”
The ranger launched into the rest of his story, and Landra saw gushes of relief flow through his aura. The second interruption came at mention of their trip to the cabin.
“The remote lands, Fourth? Really?”
The Warrior took his cue from the change of address and pulled to tighter attention. “I did what I thought best to keep the girl safe and let the fuss settle, sir. And it wasn’t the remote lands. We barely left the city perimeter.”
Griffin stared at him for several minutes and then relaxed. “Don’t get huffy, Dolan. I suppose she was safest there, especially with everything that’s happened on base.”
“What has happened?” Thisk asked.
Yes, tell us what happened. I want to know.
“It’s a long story for another time.” The chief twisted his neck and signaled for the historian to leave. “Report back tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir,” Lyster replied. He blew on his newly written words, collected his pens into a bag, and left.
Once the door shut, Chief Hux took another swig of scute. “Now, Warrior Ranger Fourth, report on Citizen Hux’s suitability to fulfill the role of chief elect.”
Landra stiffened her shoulders. She didn’t want to be in the room for this. In fact, she would have been happier if Thisk and her father weren’t in the room either.
The ranger stared at the wall to deliver his verdict. “Citizen Landra Hux is immature.”
The chief nodded, leaned an elbow on the desk, and cupped his chin in his palm.
“She acts on impulse and allows her heart to rule when strategy is required. It’s clear she’s incapable of keeping information secure. Despite effort, her lack of height and bulk leave her below championship fighting standard. Her education is limited to textbook explanations where real-life experience would be of more use. She doesn’t give orders naturally and chooses to ignore clear rules. Hux has little desire to be chief elect.”
Landra wanted to sink into her boots. She hadn’t sought a glowing report, but Thisk’s direct reciting of her faults was worse than anything Winton had ever delivered. All she needed to cap it off was for him to report on her responsibility for Oakham’s death and that he considered her Soul-touched.
Where would that leave me? The answers running through her head didn’t get better than exile to the remote lands.
“Some of her ideas are misguided.” Thisk continued. “At first, I thought she was stupid, but I changed my mind. She learns quickly and retains information. I came to realize she sees problems as a challenge and looks for unconventional solutions. She cares about people, sometimes to the detriment of wider problems. Landra Hux is…”
Don’t say it Thisk.
“She’s nice.”
It was impossible to comprehend the criticism delivered in that one word without hearing the ranger’s tone. It struck Landra to the core, but she had no time to recover because his litany continued.
“She has some fighting skill and works hard to maximize her abilities. Her hethra is developing, but we’ve terminated instruction for the moment. There are signs she will be able to command, given time. She is proficient with some remote land skills and might survive the warm time alone. Despite her ambitions lying elsewhere, I believe she will fulfill the chief elect duty to the best of her ability.”
Chief Hux’s eyes had narrowed with each condemnation, until now when they closed. He scratched his stubbled chin. “So, you think her an appropriate choice for chief elect?”
What? After that?
“Yes, sir,” Thisk answ
ered.
Landra listened for doubt in his voice and was shocked to hear none. Only his aura showed his concern.
“And you would follow her?”
That’s a bigger question. Darker streaks tracked through Thisk’s aura, and she guessed the main source of his doubts. Will you tell Father I’m Soul-touched?
“Yes, sir,” Thisk said. “I will follow her.”
Chief Hux eyed his Fourth. “But you think she’d make a better ranger?”
If Landra had been shocked before, now she was stunned. It felt like Thisk was eternally disappointed with her performance. She hadn’t expected him to say anything good. Winton certainly hadn’t. She now wondered if her time with the ranger had been about training or if it was a test.
“This is your decision, Griffin,” Thisk said, “but if you change your mind about how best to use the girl, I’d consider taking her on as a trainee. It would be a shame to waste the gains she’s made.”
Chief Hux gave a small smile. “A waste indeed. Thank you for your report, Fourth. You are dismissed.”
Thisk snapped to attention and saluted. Once he left, Landra felt more vulnerable than if she were naked. Jagged azure strips shot through her father’s aura, signaling more trouble to come. Now, she had to face it alone.
Chapter 30
Chief Hux sipped more of Gren’s medication and followed it with a slug of scute. “Takes the taste of that swamp slime away. So, you managed to impress Dolan. That’s not an easy achievement.”
“I didn’t think I had, sir.”
She enjoyed a rare smile from her father.
“Not known for sharing, our Fourth. Most Warriors take on cadets as runners, but you’re the first Dolan’s shown an interest in training.”
What Landra remembered most was Thisk sharing his fist with her face. Accepting a position as his runner didn’t sound safe or enjoyable.
“But I need you here,” the chief said. “You do understand that, right, Landra? I can’t spare you to roam the remote lands.”
“Yes, sir. So, you plan to go ahead with the promotion ceremony?”
“Of course. Your appointment’s been written into the new treaty.”
Of course. She shuddered, readjusting to the future she’d given up hope of seeing.
“We need to regroup and confirm our authority,” the chief said. “Otherwise, it’s war. We’ve kept it quiet, but a guard died in the raid on the hall. Protesters march every day, and this—"
“Guard?” Not Bexter then. Baylem?
“Focus Landra. Thisk was smart taking you to the temple. What did you make of the plaque?”
She wanted to admit that she’d done more than see the plaque, but how could she explain meeting Chief Gallanto? I’m Soul-touched and shared a vision with the last sentry. I have orders from your dead grandfather. Shelk.
“I’m not sure, sir,” she said.
“You understand we can’t close the temple.”
Landra nodded.
“If my talks go well, we can come to an agreement everyone is happy with, secure the power supply, and ensure peace. I can’t tell you how vital a successful chief elect investiture is to the process. You have six days before the ceremony.”
She wriggled to feel the Collector between her shoulder blades, barely believing she was back on the course Father had set into motion the night of their fight.
“I have something to show you,” he said. “Come sit beside me.”
Landra’s world skewed another notch. She’d never sat beside her father, and now she took a place beside him, looking like a vagrant and smelling worse.
“This is an invitation list.” He dropped a file in front of her without opening the top cover. “Memorize the names and some facts before the investiture eve party.”
“What facts?”
He flipped the top cover open. “Personal things. Like Warrior Second Tasenda has three husbands and five children she never sees. She will be important to you when you’re confirmed as the elect. An ally, if you like. The more you know, the less likely you are to offend.”
Landra looked shocked. “Three husbands? How does she manage that?”
“Tiredly,” Chief Hux replied, and they smiled at each other. “No one at the celebration will know who the chief elect is going to be.”
“Mostly no one,” Landra said.
“True. There will be speculation, and you have to join in. Any hint that you’re the new chief elect will bring risk. We don’t want objections or attacks before the ceremony completes and your elite protection guard is in place.”
“What will happen at the ceremony?”
“I’ll walk you to the platform. Watch those steps up to the stage. They’re bitching wide, and I tripped at my investiture. Make sure to polish and sharpen the Collector before the day. It’s an important symbol, and everyone will look out for a glimpse of the handle. Tradition dictates you wear it on your hip.”
Landra’s mouth dried. She remembered pictures of Father wearing it in the same place, and the truth hit. This is real.
“There are speeches and testimonials,” he said. “Thisk will speak on your behalf. Will that be a problem?”
“I don’t think so, but you’ll have to ask him.”
“Once the words are over, I’ll drape your new cloak around your shoulders and fasten the chief elect insignia pin into the collar. Then you head to the chair for your haircut. I asked Leo to perform the honors. I hope that’s all right.”
Landra smiled. A familiar face. “Where will Dannet be standing?”
Chief Hux’s face tightened. “In the crowd. He doesn’t know yet. I’m sure he suspects the position hasn’t gone to him, but he doesn’t know you’re stepping up.”
Landra’s relaxed disposition fled. Her good intentions to share the news with Dannet had been lost on the overlevel. “You have to tell him.”
“No need for a fuss. He can find out at the ceremony like everyone else.”
“Not with me as chief elect. You can’t do that to him, Father. Promise me you’ll tell him before the day.”
“Enough Landra! I’ll do what I think best. Now, you should go and clean up before rumors spread of you going feral. It’s hardly what soldiers want from their leader. There’s more to the job than having fun in the remote lands.”
Fun? She hadn’t the energy to argue.
“Dismissed,” he said, and there was nothing to do but leave.
With her boots barely outside the door, she heard her brother’s voice.
“Where the shelk have you been?”
“Dannet?”
Her brother stood there, a sharp new haircut framing his angry features. Bexter stood at his side.
“Bex,” she blurted out. Her gaze tracked over his body looking for damage. “I thought you were hurt.”
He didn’t shy away from her scrutiny. “You heard what happened? I’m fine. That rumor spread when Baylem’s blood sprayed over me. I took a few blows during the battle, but nothing serious. Gren’s declared me fit for duty.”
“Yeah,” Dannet said. “He’s quite the hero, our Bex, charging in to fight the invaders before the guard arrived. He has to get an achievement ribbon for this. If I hadn’t been tinkering with Barthle’s ovens again, that might have been me.” He straightened and glowered at Landra. “But what about you?”
She returned his scowl, wanting to tell him her news. “What about me?”
“Where’ve you been, Lan? No one knew, not even Chief Hux.”
“Field trip.”
“And what are you wearing?” Dannet gaped as if unsure what to criticize first.
Landra realized she still wore the outdoor cloak from her room around her shoulders. She swung it off but was dismayed at what lay beneath. Her dust-shaded trousers and tight-fitting jacket looked worse. Dannet stared at the crust of dried mud breaking into crazy patterns over her boot caps.
“Don’t look at me like that,” she said, her face heating. “These are cold-weather cloth
es. I told you I’ve been on a field trip.”
“To the remote land bogs? You stink worse than Bex’s socks.”
His guess wasn’t far from the truth, and she was certain her hot cheeks must be glowing brighter than Bexter’s red ears.
“I don’t need your opinion,” she said, mortified to be seen in such a state. Bexter’s presence made it worse. She’d not bathed properly for weeks and hadn’t looked at a mirror in a cycle. The young cadet’s turnout was entirely the opposite. Only some Jethrans fulfilled their soldier destiny with style. Raven Bexter carried his athletic frame with dignified confidence.
“Why were you both even in the hall?” she asked, trying to change the subject. “I thought you went back to the academy.”
“We did,” Bexter replied. “For most of the cycle. They closed for the chief elect preparations, so we were sent back to the hall. Everyone knows how that turned out.”
“The staff decamped here after the attack, and we were ordered to come along,” Dannet said.
“Ordered?”
“Anyone with the Hux name is on strict security lockdown. I’m surprised you managed to stay out on your holiday for so long.”
She let that pass. “You sound cheerful for someone who’s homeless.”
“Look where we are, Lan. Warrior Hall. I thought it would be years before I came through those doors. There are Warriors everywhere, and you should see their achievement ribbons. I even got to spend time in their group training sessions.”
“Sounds fun, but I really need to clean up and find Baylem. Is she bad?”
“No word yet,” Dannet said. “She came in with another injured guard. I think they’re still with the medic.”
Landra caught Bexter staring. “Is something wrong?”
“You’re looking very—”
“What?” she snapped. Dirty? For sure. Battered? Accurate too. If rumors are back from the temple, add Soul-touched and murderous to the list.
Bexter and Dannet gaped at her outburst.
“Don’t be like that, Lan,” her brother said. “We’re all feeling stressed with what happened back at the hall, but that’s not Bex’s fault.”
