by Taki Drake
“Was it just a few hours ago that I met you? I’ve known Mikhail for a long time, but how can you know me for such a short period of time and pay me this much money? And especially for just an introduction?”
A look of sympathy on her face, Zhanna answered, “We agreed on a percentage. I gave my word, and so did you. The fact that our efforts were successful relied on your contribution. Think how much different results might’ve been if we had gone to someone less principled than Vadim.”
Shuddering, Dov persisted, “I had no way of knowing how much money you got out of the transaction. You could have kept a lot more money for yourself if you chose. Why didn’t you?”
“This is who I am, who we are. I hold myself to a standard of honor that has been missing for many years. I have made a deliberate choice to be honorable, to keep my word both by contract and by intent, by statement and spirit.”
Dov and Zhanna stared at each other, the big mercenary with a lost and yearning look on his face, the young Witch glowing with resolve. With a voice that flooded the quiet room with the harmony of purpose, Stefan said, “We choose this also. We stand with Zhanna.” Sitting beside his friend, Mikhail nodded, his typically smiling face set in lines of serious intent.
Glancing at each of them in turn, Dov shook his head. Almost stammering an explanation, the big mercenary said, “I thought you were selling your grandmother’s jewelry or something. The percentage is a fair amount for disposing of small goods, and everyone thinks their items are more valuable than they are. Apparently, everyone but you.”
“Dov, we really didn’t know how much the items were worth. We had estimates but didn’t know if we could get that much money for them. Without your introduction to a merchant of good character, we would have received less, and the buyer might have tried hard to cheat us. Instead, with your assistance, we now have a budding relationship with someone that we didn’t know a few hours ago. We have the money needed to execute the mission, and Vadim is even helping us with our logistics.”
“I guess I can accept that, Zhanna. However later on, when we have time, I would very much like it if we could sit down and talk a little more about this concept of a Standard of Honor. I would like to understand what your plans are and your strategies. Perhaps, we can talk about how my group might join in.”
A knock on the door broke the intensity of the moment. When Mikhail opened the door, Kirill was standing there holding a tray. He said, “I brought you water and some food to help you recover. Even though Vadim did not mention it, I thought you would like some tea also.”
“Thank you very much,” said Zhanna. We all appreciate the hospitality.
After setting the tray down on the table, Vadim’s bodyguard left the room, carefully closing the door behind him. The next few moments were occupied by the distribution of water and hot tea from the small samovar that was on the tray.
The plates of sliced bread and cheeses were greeted with pleasure since all of them had worked up an appetite. Zhanna noted with amusement the stifled reactions of the men to the assortment of candied fruit and confections that had been included. It was nice to know that little boys never got over their sweet tooth no matter how big and scary they grew up to be.
Stefan and Mikhail both began talking excitedly to Dov. Words tumbled out of their mouths faster than could be heard or reacted to, the flow of words reminding Zhanna of the cold winds of winter, and blowing drifts against the door. The young Witch smiled to herself to hear their excitement while unobtrusively handing off some of the food and a bottle of the water to the Hidden Folk in her pack. Catching sight of what she was doing, Stefan also made sure that his passengers receive refreshments.
Unsure of what foods the Hidden Folk preferred, Zhanna started by slipping them small amounts of everything. Murmurs of quiet pleasure wafted up from her backpack, as her stowaways explored the tastes of the different foods. The candied fruit was a big hit with them also. She could tell when Saroc tasted it because the first involuntary sound out of the little amphibian erupted, producing a musical, liquid trill that had all the mercenaries glancing around for the source. When there was no follow-on noise, the men shrugged almost in unison and went back to their discussion and snacks.
Before the men could get wholly absorbed in their discussion, Zhanna broke in and quickly began to summarize the meeting that she had with Vadim. Concluding with an explanation of the old man’s concern about her safety, the young woman explained that they would be receiving a car shortly. She also told them that the strategy selected was to be blatant and upfront about the whole thing. Rather than trying to sneak out of Brasilov, Vadim would be making it apparent that they were now valued customers. He would also be putting on a big show about his own immediate exit.
Dov had managed to get over his astonishment, although his expressions during the recital of the meeting with Vadim provided Dascha with immense amusement. It had been difficult for Zhanna to keep a logical order to her briefing with Dascha continually making small comments and sarcastic rejoinders to the Witch’s speech that only she could hear.
Seizing on Vadim’s concern, Dov said, “I agree that if you are carrying this much money that it is dangerous for you to be traveling with only two men for protection. I know how competent Mikhail is and I assume that Stefan is as good. However, they are only two people, and you can’t support a fight with just two people. My group would be interested in additional work if you would like to hire us.”
Zhanna immediately responded, saying, “Let’s talk about what it would take to have members of your group supplement our team for both the main mission and providing backup in case of need.”
“How many additional members do you think you’ll need?”
“According to Stefan, we probably need 2 to 3 people.”
“We can easily provide that in the form of extremely experienced mercenaries. It doesn’t sound like you will need significant additional Witch power, but trained soldiers would relieve some of the challenges that you’re going to face. Especially ones that have some Magical abilities.”
Zhanna looked at Stefan, and he nodded his head. She said to Dov, “Stefan’s more experienced in staffing and command. If he thinks that that is what we need, then I’m fine with it. However, you need to work out the money end with me.”
Dov laughed and said, “We will take the amount that we would normally charge for the 2-3 bodies for the mission out of what you’ve already paid us. The money that you have given us is so much larger than I anticipated getting that you have a significant credit balance with us. We will also maintain a backup and logistics group here for you, and I will remain in town here so that it is well coordinated.”
Once again, the young Witch turned to her companions. Stefan and Mikhail both nodded in agreement and waited for her to commit them. Zhanna turned to Dov and affirmed the arrangement, saying, “Then we are all set, at least for the basics. However, some additional factors need to be considered before we can finish the mission planning. I believe those are better covered by Stefan and Mikhail. Now I’m going to take myself out of the planning session and leave it to those of you that are more experienced in this arena.”
Stefan smiled broadly and responded, “I actually agree with Zhanna that there are some significant factors that you would need to take into account before we could make a decision on whether to look to you for more help.” As he finished speaking, he glanced at Zhanna and tilted his head in question. At her sharp nod of agreement, Stefan said, “Much of what we would have to tell you is privileged information. We would have to have assurances that it would go no further, and that assurance would have to come not only from you but from whomever you would add to our party.”
Dov’s sharp eyes had noticed that Stefan looked to Zhanna for approval. He also had observed her as she had given the older mercenary her permission for his actions. In a low tone, the agent said, “She really is the head of your group, isn’t she? I thought it was just a polite fiction, a way
of misdirecting attention away from the person who was actually in charge. But that’s not a false mask, an illusion. This young woman is really the boss!”
Stefan and Mikhail answered in unison, “Zhanna is definitely the boss!”
<< And neither she or any of you had better forget it! >>
Chapter 13 – Casting Call
After a brief discussion with Stefan and Mikhail, Dov pulled out his cell phone and made a couple of quick calls. Slipping his phone back into his jacket, he said, “I have given my two subcommanders a quick summary of the general situation. They and one other person from each of their teams will be joining us shortly. If they have any problems getting escorted back here, they will call me.”
Stefan, who had been having a low-voiced conversation with Zhanna, looked up at the sound of Dov’s voice. He commented, “That sounds fine, although I am uneasy about the rapid expansion of our team due to the speed at which we have to move. We don’t have an effective way of vetting them before we have to travel and that puts us in a very vulnerable position.”
Dov nodded his head, and said, “That makes sense, although I’m not sure you really have a huge number of options. The subcommanders are people that I can vouch for personally. However, I only have limited interaction with some of the other mercenaries that have retired to this area. That is why I asked them to pick someone that they thought would be useful from their people.”
Zhanna added, “I think the approach is viable. However, anyone that in our estimation will not work as a member of the team will not be accepted. As long as you understand that, I think the risk is manageable. Of course, we will not discuss many of the details of what we are doing and why until we are comfortable with the team members.”
Gone was the slightly diffident young woman. Left in her place was a woman that was setting the shape of their future interactions. There was no give in her voice, no acceptance of any variation. She was calmly and firmly setting the terms of the engagement. Defining her expectations of behavior, and not willing to compromise.
Dov responded to the note of command in her voice. Straightening to a posture of attention, the man gave the only acceptable response, “Yes ma’am. I understand, and we will comply with that.”
At that moment, there was a knock on the door, followed by Kirill’s voice saying, “There are some men here to see you. They say that you asked them to come and Vadim told me to bring them on through. The old man also said to tell you that his side should be ready in about an hour and a half.”
Mikhail was closest to the door, so he opened it. Nodding to the strangers, Mikhail thanked the OMF mercenary and waved the strange men into the room. Each of the mercenaries carried a go bag with them, packed and secured. From the various muted clicking sounds, it was evident that the bags were packed with more than just clothing.
The newcomers were very different from each other and from the men that were already in the room. Zhanna watched them carefully as they came in and noted where they stood in relation to each other. She observed their reactions to entering an unknown place filled with strangers. She was first amused and then supremely irritated at the way that two of the men obviously dismissed both her and Dascha. She was also surprised that five men entered, not the four that she was expecting.
<< The big blonde one sure doesn’t think we are important at all, does he? I wonder how he would like to have his pretty pants covered with black cat hair and clawed into ribbons? >>
Dascha’s mental voice carried her annoyance. When Zhanna looked down at her Familiar, she noticed that Dascha’s fur had started to fluff out and her eyes were glowing with a slight sparkle of green and red-tinged light.
<< Dascha, please get hold of your temper. I saw the curl of his lip when he saw you and me, and I know already that he is not going with us. >>
<< I wouldn’t want him watching my back! >>
<< He just feels wrong. I realize that I haven’t even been introduced to him, but he doesn’t feel right. >>
<< Off like Krava? Or just a general dislike for an arrogant, presumptuous, hubris-filled sack of idiocy? >>
Zhanna managed to swallow her inappropriate gurgle of laughter, turning it into a slight cough. Dov chose that moment to bring his men over to Zhanna for introductions.
“Zhanna, I would like to introduce you to my two subcommanders, Pavel Vasilek and Nikko Popov.” As Dov introduce them, his gestures identified Pavel as the dark-haired man on the left with a carefully tended short beard. Nikko appeared to be somewhat older with a balding head and clean-shaven face. Both of them had an air of competency about them. Standing at ease, they nodded pleasantly to Zhanna and waited for more from their commander.
Dov continued, “I have briefed them on the dynamics of the group and also that we will be providing additional security for you on a journey. Right now, the bones of the agreement are that we will continue to supply security for your trip ending when you are safely back in your home village. We will also assist you in achieving the objectives of your mission. At a high level, is that correct?”
Zhanna replied, “Yes, that is correct.” Turning to Nikko, the young Witch asked him, “It would appear that you have some reservations, Nikko.”
Startled, the man responded without thinking, “I find it difficult to believe that you’re actually in charge. I’m worried I’m sending my men out on a mission that will not be well directed or thought out.”
“I can appreciate that, and if you are unsure or uneasy with our ability even without knowing further mission details, I would suggest that you withdraw your participation.”
“Such a decision I would expect to be made by those that are more qualified to lead a mission, rather than a youngster who has obviously never been in a fight.”
Dov’s face darkened in anger, and he opened his mouth to speak. Zhanna’s sharp gesture cut him off as she turned to squarely face the now embarrassed subcommander. “Nikko, that sort of behavior and attitude is unacceptable on this mission. I don’t want to waste any more of your time or that of the people that you brought with you. Especially since you were told to bring one person and you brought two instead. Mikhail will escort the three of you out.” The young woman’s voice was cold and her gaze very level.
Nikko would have argued further except that Dov added his voice to the conversation saying, “Yes, I was going ask you why you were accompanied by two instead one. And I agree with Zhanna that such behavior is unacceptable in a small team. We can speak more of this later, but for right now you and your men should leave.”
All of the people in the room had been paying close attention to the interaction with Zhanna. The two men that had come with Nikko were very different. One of them, the taller man, was the blonde that had so irritated Dascha. He was dressed in more casual clothing than the other, smaller man. His dress and the presence of a short wand at his waist identified him as a mercenary Witch.
When Zhanna had confronted Nikko, the fair-haired man’s face had darkened in anger, and his hand had dropped to the wand. Stepping up beside Nikko, he burst into speech, “You are disrespectful of my commander. If you want any help from us, you had better learn to control your tongue, woman.”
Zhanna took one step closer to him, moving within arms reach and staring straight up into his eyes. Although he was significantly taller than her slight frame, she didn’t seem to care. The shock of her aggressive move stopped the words in his throat, and he gaped at her in astonishment.
Her voice as cold as ice, Zhanna’s words dropped like a stone on glass, shattering the silence with a vicious snap, “I thought I had made it clear that we did not want your help. If I need to repeat that in smaller words I will do so.”
Even her apparent anger did not cow the man facing off with her. He continued his impassioned speech, declaring, “Nikko is smart not to accept leadership from inexperienced people. I know of both Stefan and Mikhail. They are too soft to be successful mercenaries. They let their feelings, their sympathies, ge
t in the way of filling the contracts. They gave things away for free, showing their stupidity.”
Nikko attempted to interrupt, interjecting, “Ivan Petrin! This is unseemly. The discussion was not in your hands, and you should’ve left it to Dov and me to handle.”
The subcommander’s attempt to derail the argument failed. Ivan had a full head of steam and was determined to beat down the irritating woman in front of him. His face set into a sneer of disgust, the blonde man continued, “All of the mercenaries from that village are subpar. We even had one that thought he was a Witch with notable power on my last mission before retirement. He stupidly threw his life away trying to save a bunch of brats that had more money than sense. I would not trust any of them with my life. They would throw it away on something senseless like that.”
<< Oh, oh! Things are about to get rough. >>
Zhanna’s anger was switched off as if by lightning, leaving her cold and controlled. Her voice was smooth as silk, coiled with all of its heat contained. “You were on the mission that dealt with the avalanche that killed all those people? The one where 14 mercenaries died?”
Drawing himself up in pride, Ivan answered, “Yes, I was. I got my brat out of there. I was not going to stick around and try to protect the rest of them. That wasn’t in my contract.”
“What about the mercenaries that were killed trying to save the rest of the children?”
“Again, that wasn’t in my contract. Why should I throw my life away for something that I’m not getting paid for? Krava understood that. I even got a bonus for my adherence to the agreement.”
“I see. It is also obvious to me that you will not be working with us.”
“You are absolutely correct. There is no way that I would accept a contract with you, and I hope that Nikko wouldn’t dream of it either. No woman can structure a mission. You should go back to your village and look for a husband!”
