Dahral nodded as he pinned on his insignia, but still had to try and apologize. “Still, I feel responsible for us getting on the general’s bad side before we even reported. I was the one who insisted it was our duty to chase down those bandits.” He glanced around and found that each of their companions had followed their example, and now wore the simple crossed swords of a lieutenant in the Evandian Regular Army.
Kalin looked at Dahral and shook his head again, then sighed. “It didn’t take much insisting to get all of us to agree, especially after what they did to those little girls.” He looked at the other four lieutenants and got nods of agreement. “And when dad found out what had happened, there would have been no more questions.”
Dahral nodded. “Maybe so. The stable of the 8th Raiders is over there.” He pointed toward a long building where a red pennant painted with a white number eight on it was blazoned across the front, above the doors. They gathered their horses and walked them across the fort as their companions split up and went to meet their commanders.
The main doors of the stable were open and they were met as soon as they entered. “Gentlemen,” a major said as soon as they had fully entered the stable, “I am Major Jeffran Zel’Carvan, commanding officer of the 8th Raiders.”
Dahral took the lead, coming to attention and bowing with Kalin just a blink behind him. “Sir, Dahral Zel’Fordal, Lieutenant, reporting for duty.”
Kalin immediately added, “Sir, Kalin Zel’Andral, Lieutenant, reporting for duty.”
“Very good,” the major replied as he inspected his new officers. “You will place your mounts in the first stall to either side of the doors.” He looked at them expectantly and both young men snapped to attention and bowed before carrying out their orders.
After they had both tended their mounts, they came together again in front of the major and stood at attention. The major remained silent as he inspected both horses.
“Lieutenant Zel’Andral, shift your saddle to face the same direction as the others. Otherwise, well done, both of you.” Kalin quickly did as he was told, then reported back to the major.
“Very good. We place our saddles in that position to allow us to saddle our horses in a hurry if needs be. Now to introduce you to the reason there are two of you.” He led them through the stables to a door in the back, and into an office. A young lieutenant struggled to rise as they entered, and the major hurried over to help him stand.
“Lieutenants Zel’Fordal and Zel’Andral, allow me to present Lieutenant Thadian Zel’Corkal, recipient of the Evandian Order of Courage.” Both young men instantly snapped to attention, then bowed deeply. “Lieutenant Zel’Corkal and his junior, Lieutenant Zel’Terral, rode their horses into a flooded river to save a farm family that had been trapped by the rising water. They placed the family members on their horses, then tried to walk them back. All seven of the farmers reached safety, but Lieutenant Zel’Terral lost his footing on the crossing. Lieutenant Zel’Corkal went in after him. When we found them, Lieutenant Zel’Terral was dead, and Thadian was nearly so. His back will never be whole again, so he has decided to retire gracefully rather than ride a desk.”
Lieutenant Zel’Corkal eased back down into the chair. “Those who shuffle and squint also serve--but it’d drive me insane in a short time. I have completed my full two years, so I can honorably go home.” His expression turned rueful. “Mom and dad have my future planned.”
Major Zel’Carvan put one hand on Thad’s shoulder. “Once we have the official turnover, we’ll be making a long tour of the area. Until then, you young lords are dismissed to officers’ quarters. Have your room ready for inspection by final call. Dismissed!”
Kalin and Dahral snapped back to attention and bowed to the major, then again to the lieutenant, before Dahral led the way out of the office.
They had only taken seven steps before Kalin said, “I remember reading the incident report about Thad and Lukan. What the major left out was that they made two trips across the river. They took the children first, at the parents’ insistence, and then went back for the parents. It was on the second trip that Lukan fell. Thad left the farmers with their horses and tried to rescue Lukan.”
Dahral nodded. “And he received Evandia’s third-highest honor for it. But I’ll bet you a crown he’d give it back if it’d bring his friend back to life.” He picked up his travel-bag as Kalin retrieved his.
Kalin shook his head. “No bet. I saw his eyes the same as you did. Where is officers’ quarters?” They both picked up their travel-bags by their stalls.
“This way,” Dahral said as he turned to the right. “That three-story building straight ahead of us. We’ll be on the top floor.”
“How do you know?” Kalin asked as his head tilted to the side.
“Evandia only has seven or eight designs for forts. My father’s last command was Fort Zel’Devran. Same design as this one.” He smiled at Kalin. “I know four of the designs by heart.”
Kalin looked impressed, but didn’t say anything. They entered the officer’s quarters and were met by a lieutenant sitting behind a desk. “Names?” he asked in a bored tone. Each of them answered for himself. “Thirty-two A and thirty-two B.” He handed over two identical keys. “Top of the stairs, then left.” He went back to what he had been doing, which appeared to be a word game of some kind, and the two new officers headed toward their room.
Kalin waited until they were in the room with the door closed before he said anything. Turning to face Dahral, he asked, “Is there a reason for that kind of insolence?”
Dahral sighed and nodded. “Impressing upon us what lowly creatures we are now. Did you see the pip on his insignia?” When Kalin shrugged, he continued. “He’s completed his two years, but he’s staying. Quartermasters Corps is a slow-promotion position. Combat positions, like the Raiders, tend to make rank much faster. You and I will probably make captain before he does, in spite of the two-year deficit.”
“So, he uses what little authority he has to make himself look more important?”
“Precisely,” Dahral agreed as he looked at Kalin. “Would you prefer left, or right?”
“Does it matter?” Kalin asked. The room contained two mirrored sets of furniture: bed, desk and chair, book shelf, wardrobe, and an armor stand.
“No.”
“Left, then. I usually got up on the right side of my bed at home.” Kalin said as he tossed his bag on the bed.
“Fine by me. There isn’t any other difference.” Dahral busied himself putting away his clothes, and Kalin soon copied him.
Kalin’s cousin Heran had provided him a map of where everything was supposed to go in the wardrobe. “Dahral, I have instructions on how to arrange the wardrobe, if you want to use them.”
Dahral turned and smiled at his new friend. “Thank you, Kalin. Why don’t you inspect mine and I’ll inspect yours?” He smiled shyly. “I was in the Cadets for the last four years before I reported to Twin Bridges for assignment. This is how they taught us to arrange things.”
Kalin gave him a wide-eyed look and took a step back. “But doesn’t that count toward your years of service?”
Dahral nodded. “Four-to-one. That’s probably why we were both sent to the raiders. Technically, I am already in my second year. I am Thad’s replacement, you are Lukan’s.”
“Then I should call you sir?” Kalin asked timidly.
“Not unless the general tells you to. And certainly not when we’re alone.”
Kalin nodded and looked at Dahral’s wardrobe. He wasn’t surprised to find it everything laid out exactly as it should be. “Perfect,” was all he said.
“Yours as well. Any books must be on the shelf,” Dahral said as he went back to his side, “unless you are actively using it. If you have or acquire any mementos, they go on the top shelf or above your desk.”
Kalin brought out a miniature portrait of his parents and placed it in the center of the top shelf of his bookshelf. “This is all I brought.” As he looke
d at his mom and dad, he struggled not to be home-sick.
Dahral laughed. Kalin turned around to find a similar portrait on Dahral’s shelf. Kalin’s grin matched Dahral’s as he said, “So much for being grown-ups.”
There was a knock at the door, and Kalin, as the junior officer no matter what the technicality, opened it and came to attention. Major Zel’Carvan walked in, a senior sergeant a step behind.
“Is your room ready for inspection?” the major asked in a neutral tone.
Dahral and Kalin answered, “Sir, yes, sir,” together.
The major spent a long time inspecting their wardrobes. He paused for a moment when he reached the portrait of the king and queen, then looked at Kalin.
“You have both done well. This is Sergeant Bel’Neven. He’s been with the raiders longer than I have, so pay attention to what he tells you. Our schedule has been moved up a bit. A small town called Harney Point has been raided by what are presumed to be Farindian bandits. At least that’s what the report said. Zel’Fordal, you’ll have half the command with the good sergeant as your second. Zel’Andral will be my second. Mess dress uniform at the evening meal tonight. Field uniform at the morning meal tomorrow. We leave at the third span, and won’t be back until we’ve put an end to these bandits.” With that he led the sergeant out of the room.
Kalin closed the door softly and turned toward Dahral. “What do you think of that?”
“I think we’d better get dressed. Mess dress isn’t normal for the first evening meal with the command. Something else is going on.”
The evening meal was intimidating, even for Kalin. He found himself hovering close to Dahral as they circulated through the room. The other four new lieutenants soon joined them. Dahral maneuvered them to the end of the table, and everyone sat when a glass bell rang at the general’s end of the room.
Lord General Zel’Faran had remained standing, and addressed his officers as soon as every eye was on him.
“Gentlemen, the village of Harney Point has been slaughtered. The information we have is that every man, woman, and child was put to the sword by raiders. The tracks into and out of town lead north, toward Farindia. The 8th Raiders and 20th Scouts will take to the field in the morning. The 16th Cavalry, 6th Archers, and 32nd Infantry will escort the command staff. We will go to and occupy Harney Point unless we are needed to reinforce the Raiders and Scouts.”
The general paused, then squared his shoulders. “This was supposed to happen day after tomorrow, but that can’t be helped. Thadian Zel’Corkal, step forward.”
Dahral elbowed Kalin as he stood, and the two of them reached Thadian’s side at the same time, working together to help their fellow officer to his feet, and bracketing him as he faced the general, then taking one step back and coming to attention.
The general gave his two new men an approving glance, then focused on Thad. “Lieutenant Thadian Zel’Corkal, recipient of the Evandian Order of Honor, the family of Lieutenant Zel’Terral could not make it here in time. Therefore, the king asks that you accept the same honor in the name of Lieutenant Lukan Zel’Terral, to be delivered to his parents when they arrive.”
Thad clenched his jaws tightly closed as he nodded, then said, “I am honored to accept in Lukan’s name, Lord General Zel’Faran.” Thad bowed, and Dahral and Kalin bowed behind him, then they helped him stand upright again.
The general displayed the ribbon and medal to the gathered officer, then carefully hung it around Thadian’s neck, beside his medal. The room was dead silent until Colonel Zel’Freedan led a cheer that rattled the windows.
Thadian remained at attention through it all, then let Kalin and Dahral help him back to his seat. Once he was in his place, Dahral led Kalin back to their seats.
The bell rang and the stewards began serving, starting with the higher-ranking officers of course. A captain that neither of them had met spoke softly and said, “Well done, both of you.”
Dahral bowed in his seat, and Kalin was just a blink behind him. Fortal Zel’Bordal said, “Gentlemen, this is Captain Victan Zel’Kerval of the 6th Archers. Captain, these young gentlemen are Lieutenant Dahral Zel’Fordal and Lieutenant Kalin Zel’Andral.”
The captain bowed his head slightly. “I am aware of who they are, Fortan. I dare say they are probably the best-known lieutenants who have ever reported here.” He looked at all the young lieutenants before continuing. “I hope you are all ready for what’s coming. This will most likely be a long and bloody campaign. Some of you may not return.”
The conversation around the table was muted for a few moments, but the invincibility of youth soon had the young lieutenants again discussing their assignments excitedly.
Major Zel’Carvan caught Dahral and Kalin before they left the mess. “Sleep as much as you can. This is going to be a long campaign. We will meet in the stables as soon as we eat in the morning. Be sure your room is ready for inspection before you leave. Dismissed.” Both young men snapped to attention as the major turned away.
Dahral took the lead when they reached their room. “Put your dress uniform away carefully, and get your field uniform out, then straighten your wardrobe again. Just because we’re not here doesn’t mean there won’t be a surprise inspection.”
“They’ll inspect our room while we’re in the field?”
Dahral nodded. “There will be thirty or forty men from the Support Battalion left behind as caretakers while we’re away.” He shook his head and gave Kalin a sad look. “And if you have anything valuable, put it in your pouch or saddlebags. Not all our soldiers are trustworthy, and most of them think we’re all spoiled rich brats who deserve to be robbed.”
Kalin looked at him with a stunned expression for a moment, then grew angry. “Those dishonorable...”
Dahral nodded, then said, “There aren’t many of them, but a few rotten apples can spoil a whole barrel. You, being a prince, will be a particular target. You’re rich, so they think you can afford to lose a few crowns.”
Kalin shook his head and sighed. “I have two gold, five silver, and seven sparks left of the five gold crowns I started with. Dad wouldn’t allow me any more than that.”
Dahral smiled and shrugged. “Same sad story for me. Take it with you all the same. Who knows, we may go somewhere that we can get some good non-Army-regulation food.”
Kalin looked puzzled. “I think the food has been pretty good.”
“So far, in the fort,” Dahral said over his shoulder. “In the field, you’ll quickly learn to hate beans and boiled grains.”
They both bathed, then went to bed. Kalin couldn’t sleep. We’re going into the field! I’m finally going to get to do something other than sit and nod my agreement, like it mattered to anyone.
Morning was announced by someone pounding on their door and shouting, “Four spans to first light, sirs!”
Kalin muttered, “Oh, Gods Below,” as he swung his legs out of bed.
Dahral chuckled, and said, “Enjoy it while it lasts. Tomorrow you’ll be waking up to a bugle call. That’s an experience you’ll never forget.”
Kalin just grumbled as he got dressed.
The pair checked their room thoroughly before they left. Each carried his travel-bag and valuables. Even in the field they had to remain clean-shaven and neat.
Breakfast was disappointing. Runny scrambled eggs, soggy bacon, and oat porridge was unceremoniously plopped on their plates. Dahral led the way to a pair of vacant seats and said, “Eat quick.”
Kalin did as suggested, but still couldn’t match the speed at which Dahral was shoveling food into his mouth. Still, he was finished before Major Zel’Carvan stopped behind them and said, “On me, Lieutenants,” before walking toward the door.
Dahral and Kalin were just a step behind him when he reached the bottom step of the officer’s mess. He spoke without looking back.
“Lieutenant Zel’Fordal, you will lead the second company with Sergeant Bel’Neven as your second. Lieutenant Zel’Andral, you’re with me and
the first company. We’ll be splitting up once we reach the road to Harney Point. Miserable little cart track doesn’t even have a name. When we split, Captain Zel’Lamal and his junior lieutenant will join you with ten of their men and take charge of the second company while his senior lieutenant will bring the other ten with us. Questions?”
They both said, “No, sir.”
“Good,” the major continued. “Supply has provided us two saddlebags full of trail rations, but save them until we have to eat them. There is a cook-wagon that will be accompanying us until we reach Harney Point.” Now he looked back at Dahral and shrugged. “You’ll have to make do once we split up.”
Dahral smiled as he headed for his horse, as did Kalin. All down the central aisle of the stable, their men were seeing to their own horses and gear. Kalin saw to his horse quickly, then came to attention holding the stallion’s bridle.
Major Zel’Carvan walked his horse to the center of the stables and explained their orders to their troopers. “We’ll be staying together for about two days. When we split up, Captain Zel’Lamal will have command of the second company, but you’ll still answer to Lieutenant Zel’Fordal for day-to-day matters.”
A thunderous shout of, “Yes, Sir!” filled the stable, and the major led the way out into the parade ground. They walked their horses through the fort and formed up on the road. The twenty-three men of the 20th Scouts were already assembled, and Captain Zel’Lamal walked over to greet them with a bow.
“Major Zel’Carvan, we are ready to proceed at your convenience.”
The major bowed in his saddle before saying, “Very well, Captain. Take the lead and deploy your men as you deem appropriate.”
“Sir!” the captain replied before turning away and ordering, “Scouts, it’s time to earn our pay. First squad, south of the road. Second squad, north of the road.” He paused for a moment as he mounted his horse, then shouted, “Move out!”
The scouts started moving together, then ten men led by a lieutenant headed away to the south while ten more, led by Lieutenant Zel’Teran, headed north.
The Coravian Conflict (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 5) Page 27
