Reclaiming Honor

by Marc Alan Edelheit

  From the trees came the steady staccato crack of axes as Corporal Gamok’s squad worked. Shortly after the work on the trench started, Fourth Squad had begun hauling in a steady stream of not only firewood, but defensive stakes for the trench and berm.

  Even Thegdol joined in, laboring alongside Tovak, so close that they almost at times bumped shoulders. What really surprised Tovak was that the lieutenant was also working. After he’d finished marking out the camp, Benthok had produced a trencher from his pack and set to work digging, breaking ground alongside his soldiers. Tovak still felt angered with Benthok, but at the same time, he felt a growing respect towards the lieutenant.

  Tovak wiped sweat from his face and glanced over at Thegdol. The other warriors kept their distance from him, including Gorabor, but none of them hazarded any open abuse with the corporal or lieutenant within easy earshot. All Tovak received was the occasional hostile glance.

  Since they’d left the encampment, his corporal had been close at hand, never straying more than a few yards. He glanced over at Benthok and felt his brows furrow. The captain had selected a different section to accompany today. Why had Benthok remained with First Section? Was it because of Tovak? He glanced over at Thegdol, wondering . . . . Whether it was coincidence or not, he was grateful for the peace and freedom from abuse the corporal’s presence granted. He returned to the task at hand and kept on digging.

  “Corporal Thegdol.” Lieutenant Benthok had appeared and was looking down on the corporal from outside the trench. “Care to inspect the work?”

  “Aye, sir.” Thegdol reached up a hand to the lieutenant and was hauled out of the trench. “I believe we are nearly done, sir.”

  “My thoughts too,” Benthok said. They set off, walking slowly around the camp as they inspected the defensive works.

  “All right,” Thegdol called, a short time later. “That’s enough. Take a break.”

  Tovak felt a vast relief at those words.

  “Squad leaders on me,” the lieutenant said as he strode across the bridge and into camp. He paused and looked back. “Corporal Thegdol, has a latrine been dug yet?”

  “No, sir,” Thegdol replied.

  “Since I sent Jodin out to scout, assign someone the job,” Benthok said.

  “Aye, sir.” Thegdol turned and scanned about. His gaze passed right over Tovak to Gorabor. “Gorabor, you’re on the latrine. Dig it over there.” He pointed. “Downstream please, if you don’t mind.”

  “Yes, Corporal,” Gorabor replied. He pulled himself out of the trench and began moving to where Gamok’s squad had set a log not far outside the gap in the berm.

  Tovak was surprised he’d not been picked for the extra duty. He gave a tired shrug of his shoulders and then climbed out of the trench. Along with several others, Tovak made his way into camp, where his pack waited.

  “Incoming,” Gulda, posted on sentry duty near the bridge, called out.

  Tovak looked and saw Logath, Dolan, Bane, and Cena returning. They were sweaty and out of breath.

  “Corporal Logath,” Benthok called as soon as they entered the camp, “your timing is impeccable. Kindly join us.”

  “Yes, sir,” Logath said, then turned to Bane and Dolan as Cena stepped away towards Corporal Hilla. “Get some water and eat something. I imagine the lieutenant will want to send hunting parties out before long.”

  The corporal made his way over to the lieutenant and the other three corporals, leaving Bane and Dolan behind. Bane shot Tovak an unfriendly glance but said nothing as he passed by.

  Tovak ignored him, grabbed his pack and spear, and found a spot well away from the campfire that Gamok’s squad had just started. Placing his back against the newly constructed berm, he opened his haversack and peered inside.

  The night before, they’d been issued with precooked rations for the next day. It wasn’t much. Each soldier had been issued with a half-pound of an unknown salted jerky, which had come out of a dusty crate packed with salt, and three rolls of buurl. When the rations had been issued, Sergeant Bahr had called it “meat surprise” and then cautioned the company not to eat any of it until the following day as marching rations.

  Tovak was hungry. He pulled out the small bundle wrapped in a rough woven cloth. Unfolding the cloth, he exposed the three hard loaves of buurl, their gray, rock-hard surface about as unappealing as the river rocks they were named after. He dropped one of the rolls into his mess bowl. The hard bread made a solid-sounding clunk. Tovak hated buurl. He poured water over the roll and filled the bowl about halfway, hoping the bread wasn’t too hard and the water would quickly soften it so it was edible. Setting the bowl aside to sit for a time, he waited and enjoyed the feeling of doing nothing.

  Eventually, Tovak stirred himself. Pulling out his dagger, he poked at the roll, testing. The hard outer shell gave a little. He cut a piece and chewed the bland, earthy-tasting bread. It was as if it had been made with sawdust. Swallowing hard, he repeated the process, until he’d managed to down the entire roll. Tovak could not bring himself to eat the other two rolls. Instead, he carved off a bite of the dried mystery jerky and found it just as unappealing. It was so salty, it made him thirsty to the point where he drained the rest of his waterskin.

  Tovak yawned and glanced around. Several of the section had taken advantage of the break and gone to sleep. Tovak realized he was dead tired too. Leaning back against the berm, he shut his eyes and was almost instantly asleep.

  “Right, you lazy bastards,” Thegdol called loudly. “On your feet. Break time’s over. It’s time to earn your pay.”

  Tovak opened his eyes. He felt groggy, but surprisingly rested. He glanced up at the sky. The two suns had not moved much, so he’d not slept that long. He pulled himself slowly to his feet and cracked his neck. Gorabor was standing with Gulda, who had been posted on the berm for sentry duty. They had been talking, but with Thegdol’s words, that was done. Gorabor moved over to his pack.

  “If you haven’t already done so, fill your waterskins,” Thegdol said. “Squads are to form on their corporals outside camp. Bring your slings and shot. Leave your spears.”

  With that, Thegdol himself turned and walked over the bridge and out of the camp.

  Tovak made his way to the stream, where Staggen and two warriors from Fourth Squad were already filling their own skins.

  “Hey, look, Balor,” a warrior by the name of Fallon said, “it’s our resident Pariah.”

  Balor, blond with thick arms and virtually no neck, raised his eyes. He spotted Tovak and spat in the dirt next to the stream. “Make sure you fill those things downstream of us,” he snapped. “I want none of your filth in my drinking water.”

  Staggen rose stiffly to his feet and walked past Tovak, back towards Thegdol.

  Tovak ignored them and moved downstream a few yards. Untying his helmet and setting it aside, he dunked his head into the stream. The cold water brought instant relief from the heat and felt wonderful.

  “Son of a coward,” Fallon said, “you’re a disgrace.”

  “You got that right,” Balor replied. “I used to be proud to be in the Baelix Guard . . . but now . . . I don’t know anymore.”

  Tovak continued to ignore them as he washed the sweat and dirt off his hands and arms, then set about filling his waterskin.

  “Balor, Fallon,” Corporal Gamok called out from behind Tovak. “Stop dragging ass.”

  Tovak turned to see Gamok with the rest of his squad, waiting impatiently a few yards away.

  “Yes, Corporal,” Fallon said. They finished filling their waterskins and then walked off to join their squad.

  “Tovak,” Thegdol called. “You’re keeping me waiting. I don’t like to be kept waiting. Get a move on.”

  First Squad had gathered around Thegdol. Tovak joined them, wringing out his beard as he came.

  “The lieutenant wants us to head up that way.” Thegdol pointed uphill to the northwest. “Jodin was sent out earlier to have a look around and he spotted heratta up there i
n the trees.”

  “A lot of them,” Jodin said, “just up that way, about three hundred yards. We should have an easy time of it.”

  “Any murinok?” Tovak asked. The words slipped out before his mind could catch up.

  Jodin’s gaze hardened.

  “None of that now,” Thegdol said. “We’ve got work to do and don’t need to be fighting amongst ourselves. We work as a team. It is that simple. You both got that?”

  “Yes, Corporal,” Tovak said.

  “Jodin?” Thegdol asked when the other did not reply.

  Jodin gave a curt nod.

  Thegdol patted his sling, which was secured to his sword belt. “Everyone have their sling?”

  There were nods all around.

  “I have extra shot.” Thegdol patted a bag hanging from his belt. “If you need more, come see me. Remember to stay together and keep a sharp eye. Any questions?”

  There were none.

  “Let’s go then.”

  They began moving uphill, and before long entered the tree line, which was boulder-strewn. The temperature under the shade of the trees was cooler. The ground was rough and the going was difficult, so any relief at being out of the suns was short-lived. They came to a small clearing, where several trees had fallen.

  “If there is any trouble, and we get separated, this will be our rally point.” Thegdol stopped and made a point to look at both Gorabor and Tovak. “Remember this spot.”

  “Yes, Corporal,” Tovak said.

  Gorabor gave a nod.

  “Let’s head up that way and see what we find.” Thegdol pointed farther up the hill and started off, the squad following.

  After a short hike up the slope, they found themselves on an open, rocky ledge of sorts covered with pines, mountain grasses, and an occasional rock outcropping. Four hundred yards to their front, the slope climbed again, but this time into thick forest. There were several dozen heratta scattered about to their front, with more beyond those.

  “Looks like we’ve come to the right place,” Morda said.

  “Grab your slings,” Thegdol ordered. “Drag your kills to this spot here. We will dress them later. Now, spread out a bit and make your shots count. I will not remind you to stay in sight.”

  They set to work, spreading out. Tovak brought down two hoppers in rapid succession. He dragged them back to the collection point and met Staggen, who had just dropped off a hopper.

  “That’s a big one,” Tovak said, admiring the kill. It was the largest heratta he’d seen so far.

  “He’s a big buggar, isn’t he? The mother of all daddies, I guess,” Staggen said, with a pleased grin. Then he seemed to remember himself. He turned his back on Tovak and walked off the way he’d come.

  Tovak blew out an unhappy breath and returned to where he’d gotten his last kill. He was about to continue forward when he spotted a denser clump of trees off to the right, just at the edge of the hill. The ground below was covered in a patchwork of shadows. It looked like animals had bedded down in the area with some frequency, as the grass was flattened and there were tracks all about. He had no idea what kind of animal had made the tracks. And then he saw something that made him smile. There was a ring of small, dark purple mushrooms surrounding the entire area.

  He glanced around and saw Thegdol a few feet off. Just beyond him was Gorabor, dragging a dead hopper to the collection point.

  “Corporal, look what I found,” he said, pointing. “Dain caps.”

  The mushrooms, like the blackheads he’d found before, were perfect for adding flavor to meals.

  Thegdol glanced in the direction Tovak was pointing, then stepped over.

  “Good eye,” Thegdol said. “These will make Shrike very happy.” Thegdol pulled a small foraging sack from his belt. He tossed it to Tovak. “You found them, you get to pick ’em.”

  Thegdol turned and stepped away.

  Tovak got down on his hands and knees and began to gather the mushrooms. He’d harvested about three-quarters of the patch and nearly filled the bag when he heard movement, the crunching of a boot on dirt. He looked up and saw Jodin. He and Morda stood, just a few feet away, where the hill ended and dropped off, down a steep, grassy slope.

  “Rooting around like a little piggy, are you? Thegdol’s got you doing proper work now.” Jodin laughed and Morda joined in. Tovak felt a stab of anger snap at him.

  Still laughing, Jodin kicked dirt in Tovak’s direction. Chunks of small stones peppered him in the face.

  Rage bubbled up inside Tovak, and he lost his hold on the fury that burned within his breast. He slowly rose to his feet and stepped up to Jodin.

  “Say it again,” Tovak barked, shoving Jodin hard in the chest. “Say it again.”

  Jodin staggered back a step and nearly went over the lip of the hill.

  “I don’t need to,” Jodin said and grabbed Tovak’s arm. Before Tovak could react, he was pulled forward. Caught off balance, he stumbled by, teetering on the edge of the hill. Jodin stuck out his foot and shoved Tovak in the back, sending him careening down the grassy slope.

  Tovak yelped, rolling over several times before regaining control and sliding the last few yards, until a boulder brought him painfully to a complete stop. He lay there a moment, stunned, then sat up. He was covered over in dirt and grass. It would take a lot of work to get his armor clean. He pulled himself to his feet and looked up the hill. Jodin and Morda stood there, laughing at him. Fury filled his heart. Before he knew what he was doing, he was scrambling on all fours back up the hill.

  “You filthy coward,” Tovak shouted as he scrabbled his way up towards his tormentor. “Watched me while I fought the murinok and did nothing. Is this your way of making yourself feel better? Are you going to stab me in the back next?”

  The laughter ceased.

  “You dare call me a coward?” Jodin raged back at him.

  “Best own it, because that’s what you are.” Tovak moved up the hill and stood before Jodin. “Throwing me down a hill? Kicking dirt on me? What would you call that? A deed worthy of Legend? I am not your enemy.”

  “No,” Jodin said. “You are worse, Pariah.”

  Tovak poked Jodin in the chest plate. “Say what you will. Call me whatever name makes you feel better and helps you to sleep at night. It was I who killed the murinok, not you. No, you just looked on like a scared little girl and watched. I would rather be named a Pariah and son of a coward, than be a coward like you.”

  Jodin’s face went crimson, and he cocked his fist. Tovak raised his arm to block it.

  “Enough,” Thegdol’s voice boomed, and they turned to see the corporal and Gorabor approaching at a run. Staggen and Lok were running over too.

  Jodin lowered his fist and turned to face the corporal.

  “Thegdol, I demand an Adjudication Circle,” Jodin said, seething mad.

  “Don’t be a fool, Jodin.” A concerned look came over the corporal. “With the Great March, aren’t there more important things to concern ourselves with?”

  “He called me a coward to my face,” Jodin shot back.

  Thegdol sucked in a breath, his eyes going to Tovak.

  “I’m within my rights,” Jodin said.

  “Aye,” Thegdol said, “you are within your rights.”

  “Then I demand satisfaction.”

  “You seriously want a Circle?” Thegdol asked and shook his head in disbelief. “I ask you to reconsider. I saw you throw him down the hill. You provoked this, Jodin.”

  “I will not change my mind, for I am no coward.”

  “The lieutenant will have to grant your request for a Circle,” Thegdol said. “Be certain you want to take this little spat to him.”

  “Spat?” Jodin glared over at Tovak. “There is nothing little about it. Either we have an Adjudication Circle or I’ll find another way to settle this, one you will not like.”

  “I don’t take kindly to threats,” Thegdol said and it came out almost as a growl.

  Jodin was apparentl
y undeterred. “I want a Circle. My Legend demands it.”

  Thegdol took a long breath and let it out slowly. He stared at Jodin for several heartbeats and then shifted his gaze to Tovak. He ran his fingers across his chin and through his beard thoughtfully. He was clearly trying to think of a way to defuse the situation.

  “Do you accept the challenge?” Thegdol asked Tovak in a weary tone.

  Now that things had come to a head, Tovak’s rage was starting to fade. He’d never been in a Circle before and knew they frequently ended in death. He took a deep breath and looked at Jodin. Suddenly, the rational part of him felt like an Adjudication Circle was the last thing he wanted. But the other part, the one still fueled by rage, wanted nothing more than to pound the coward into a broken heap of blood and bone.

  So be it. The die had been cast. Jodin had started it. Tovak would finish it. If nothing else, his Legend demanded that he accept the challenge.

  “I do,” Tovak said.

  “All right, you dumb bastards,” Thegdol said, his voice a mixture of resignation and disappointment, “let’s go see the lieutenant.”

  They found Benthok back at camp, speaking with Shrike and Corporal Hilla. The three of them turned when they saw the squad approaching without any kills. Benthok met them at the bridge.

  Thegdol stepped forward and saluted the lieutenant.

  “What’s wrong?” the lieutenant asked.

  “Sir,” Thegdol said, “I regret to inform you that Jodin has challenged Tovak to an Adjudication Circle, demanded it even.”

  “Has Tovak accepted?” Benthok’s gaze locked onto Tovak.

  “He has.”

  Benthok’s eyes shifted between Jodin and Tovak. “You know Karach frowns upon Circles, yes?” he asked Jodin.

  “I do, sir,” Jodin said, “but they are not forbidden.”

  “This is hardly the time for such contests,” Benthok said, “hardly the time. The company is understrength as it is. We can’t afford to lose anyone.”