* * *
It was long after midnight when Treston arrived at the forward Army command post south of Memphis. The many flashes of light and a constant rumbling told him that the battle was far from over. Before he could dismount, a squad of armed sentries surrounded him.
A sergeant holding a short-barreled shotgun politely but firmly asked, “What’s your business here?”
Treston knew there was only one thing to do if he didn’t want to risk being shot. Officers were not enlisted, and thus rarely took to being interrogated by the enlisted. He must prove to them he was an officer without becoming arrogant and maybe getting himself shot anyway.
He brushed the sergeant’s question aside as if unimportant. “My business is not of your concern.” He began to dismount as he continued to speak. “I am Colonel TrestonOikos-phulaxHegemon, counsel to General PalaHar.” He hopped to the ground.
Slapping the snow from his sleeves with his fur cap, he eyed the sergeant. “Now be a good soldier and take me to your commanding officer…and care for my mount, please.”
The sergeant raised the barrel of her gun, stopping him. “Give up your weapon, Colonel, and I may think of letting you live.”
Treston did not even flinch. “My friends, Contorie and Ysuah, remain with me! They do not like the hands of strangers touching them.”
The sergeant slipped her thumb over the safety of her weapon, readying it. “Your friends have no say here. Now hand them over!”
A sudden gust of wind tugged at Treston’s long coat, pulling open the flap, so that a portion of his sword could be seen. An eerie, pale, white light flashed from it just before the coat’s flap closed.
Treston, sensing the sergeant’s surprise, softly replied, “My friends feel differently. May I suggest you reconsider your request?”
Though shocked by what she saw, the sergeant did not back down and prepared to force Treston into surrendering his weapons. The distinct sound of a bullet being delivered to the chamber of Treston’s rifle while it hung freely from his shoulder stopped her cold. A greenish-blue glow started radiating from the weapon as it began to struggle with the strap holding it over Treston’s shoulder.
Treston reached across with his hand, gently stroking the rifle, whispering strange words to it. At first it did nothing, apparently upset with the sergeant. Treston repeated what he had said. Finally, the weapon quieted and its light faded away.
The sergeant stepped back, eyes wide. Treston smiled. “Now, would you please be kind enough to take us to your commanding officer.”
Telling her squad to ‘keep a sharp eye’, the sergeant directed Treston to follow her. It was awkward for the sergeant, to say the least. Who this stranger was, she did not know. Friend or foe, it mattered not, for she was well aware of just how little power she held against him. What was there to do but take him to her commander and hope her actions were treated with understanding?
The remainder of Treston’s visit went smoothly. The division commander was awake and very interested in hearing any news about General PalaHar. She was saddened by Treston’s report and his fear that the general’s wounds were fatal. There was also a lot of interest in Treston’s account of his experience with the man on the battlefield. He had omitted the part about the riddle and some other details that were better left untold.
General Maliazia-Daaning suggested to Treston, since he was an adjutant to PalaHar, thus also to the field marshal, he should continue north and then east to HerpetonMnema. “There you can find General Copeland and relay your findings to her. She may desire a report be sent to Field Marshal Trisha. In any event, it will do you good to see what is going on. This way High Command will be able to receive an overall view of conditions on the field.”
Treston was offered a tent for the night and encouraged to wait until morning to start his journey, the general stating that other trigger happy sergeants might be lying in wait along the road. The sergeant, who had been asked to remain, winced at the remark.
Smiling, Treston came to the sergeant’s defense. “I find this soldier’s deportment commendable. She did the best she could under such circumstances. I would have surrendered up my weapons had things been different but, you see, I had no other choice.”
He motioned to his rifle, Contorie. “It won’t tolerate anyone but me.”
General Maliazia asked if she could have a look at it. Treston nodded. Much to the amazement of everyone, including Treston, Contorie shot sparks at the general when her hand came within inches of it.
Stepping back in surprise, while rubbing her stinging fingers, the general exclaimed, “I guess you had little choice!”
She then bid Treston good night, concluding with a question. “May I help you in your journey? Is there something else you may have need of?”
Treston thanked her. “Yes, there is one little thing you could do for me. This is a hostile land, filled with the dangers of war. If you would gift me with an escort, it would be much appreciated.”
“That is an easy request.” General Maliazia replied, offering, “I have some rangers at the ready. Will they suffice?”
Treston felt that offer unnecessary. “I need someone who is fast with a safety and can handle a horse. Your offer is generous, but beyond my needs. May I suggest the sergeant and three of her squad…that is if the sergeant can sit a horse.”
The general grinned. “Sergeant, can you sit a horse?”
The sergeant did not see any humor in this very embarrassing predicament, but she maintained her composure. “Yes, General, I have done courier and scout duty on occasion.”
“What’s your name, Sergeant?” Maliazia asked, as she walked over to a nearby table.
“Sergeant DaishoTalwar, Sergeant of the Guard, Gillison Company, Fourth Watch, Security Division.”
“Well, Sergeant Daisho, please see to our guest’s needs.” The general handed a written note to the sergeant. “Give this to your captain. It’s self-explanatory. I trust you to pick your traveling companions well.”
General Maliazia looked at Treston and then back at the sergeant. “Do not take your duties lightly. If you haven’t already guessed, the good colonel is not of our kind. His presence is not accidental nor is his visit casual. And let me warn you about this man who wears the sword of our brother, VanGoddawin. There are those you cannot see who direct his steps. It will be wise on your part not to question his decisions.”
Daisho was confused and somewhat apprehensive. “Yes… yes, Commander. I will be careful.”
Maliazia turned to Treston and grinned. “The wind heralded your coming this very evening. I waited your arrival. VanGoddawin and I have shared the blood grape. His passing was not secret to me. His sword is now yours because you were chosen to carry it. There is still some destiny it seeks to fulfill. You keep secret the breeze while releasing the tempest.”
She pointed at the sergeant. “Please keep my child safe. I fear more for her than I do for you.”
Bidding the colonel goodnight, the general directed him and the sergeant from the command tent. Once they were a little distance away, Treston turned to the sergeant, apologizing, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know things would become so complicated. I only desired you for my escort because I feel comfortable with you, as if we were destined to be together. If I have angered or upset you in any way…”
Sergeant Daisho stopped him. “No, Colonel Treston. I’m fine…nervous and confused, but fine.” Then, looking around, she offered, “There’s room in my compound, sir, if that will be acceptable to you. I feel a strange disquiet and think it best your presence here not be advertised.”
Treston smiled, his shiny white teeth reflecting the camp light. “I agree. But it’s not this place that disturbs me.” He looked into the distant north. “It’s beyond those hills in time and space.”
Lifting his head as if smelling the air, Treston asked, “Are you afraid of me?”
Daisho thought about it. “Yes, in a way I am, but not of what you may do to me. I fear you for who you might be…or might become. Something inside my heart fills me with foreboding and dread. And what I fear most is I see my own soul being drawn into the darkness with you should my journey be with you.”
Treston agreed. “I don’t understand many things and I have no idea of what my destiny really is other than to protect some very important people. I have chosen wisely in asking for your assistance.”
He placed his hand on Daisho’s shoulder. “Listen, take your orders to your captain. I wish for us to travel alone without any added escort. Also, we must leave as soon as may be, taking provisions for a week. Are you with me on this?”
A chill ran up the sergeant’s spine. “Death rides with us should our journey begin this night, but whether it is ours or another’s, I cannot tell.”
Treston agreed. Twenty minutes later, two shadowy horsemen disappeared into the darkness, their destiny as uncertain as the trail they were taking.
* * *