Chapter 9 - The Commander

The commander sat behind his large, ornately carved desk in a well-fitted but worn uniform. His bald head bore a sparse gray beard, and despite his age, a palpable presence of vigor and authority emanated from him. The group, led by the officer, filed into the commander's office, and the general was already pushing aside some paperwork as they entered.

The dragonboy recognized him of course. You don't get raised at the Skyfort for ten years without learning who's in charge. But there had never been a reason for the man to talk to him.

Ash moved off to one side, closer to a window overlooking the fortress walls, and Rasp quickly followed, glad to put some distance from the other humans.

The commander looked questioningly at the dragon and the boy before fixing his attention intently on the officer.

The officer stepped forward and saluted, “General Lukes, dragonboy Ash here claims to have discovered something requiring your immediate attention, sir.”

General Lukes leaned back in his chair and gestured for the escorting guard to return to his post. As the door thudded shut behind them, the room became quieter. Rasp hissed softly, keeping a vigilant eye on the exit.

Ash stiffened as General Lukes pinned him with an intense gaze, “Well? Out with it boy.”

Ash stepped forward, saluted, and blurted, "Rasp smelled- err, I found Vickers dead in the forest. Um, he's one of the scouts, sir. With an arrow in his back!"

The boy's face heated with embarassment. I just sounded like an idiot in front of the General.

The commander was startled for a moment, "You were out in the forest?"

Then his face cleared as comprehension dawned. "Ah, you must be that dragonboy I signed off on for Vor." He glanced down at the black dragonling peering right back from between Ash's legs. "The one with the new variant."

General Lukes shook his head before leaning forward with a tight look on his face. He addressed the officer, "Is what he is saying true?"

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The officer hesitated, his words measured as he glanced at the boy. “The problem is sir, is that according to the guards at the gate, Vickers checked in last night. But the boy seemed so insistent that I decided you needed to hear it yourself.""

There's no way Vickers checked in! I know what I saw, Ash wanted to howl. Before he got the chance however, a heavy, oppressive atmosphere began to exude from the commander.

The bald man scowled, “He checked in last night? That’s news to me. If a scout checked in then why haven't I received a single scouting report all day?"

He slammed a fist on his desk, and his voice grew stern. "Arrange a squad to bring Vickers to me, immediately!”

The officer swiftly nodded, "I’ve already arranged for a squad to fetch him, sir.”

The general's temper abated slightly. He nodded approvingly at the officers foresight.

Only for the grim mood to deepen once more when the door opened and one of the guards stepped in, saluting.

Rasp loudly disapproved. Ash lightly rubbed on his partner's snout to both calm and distract him.

“General Lukes, sir. A messenger just arrived. He reports that the squad sent by Lieutenant Dan hasn’t been able to locate Vickers, but they are still looking.”

Ah! That's his name, Ash realized.

The commander's face darkened, and he ground out, “Is the messenger still out there?”

“Yes sir.”

"Get him in here now."

"Yessir!"

The guard withdrew quickly, and in a matter of moments, a man in a blue courier uniform entered the room, saluting as he did. The door closed behind him. "Sir?"

The general was succinct. “Last night, there was a gate guard who checked in one of my scouts. Get a squad together to escort him to me.”

“Right away, sir!”

"Also, keep an eye out for unfamiliar faces. If you do see one, see to it that they are apprehended. Now go."

"Ah, yessir!" The messenger left the room as swiftly as he had entered.

The commander's gaze snapped to the waiting officer. "Lieutenant Dan."

Lieutenant Dan stepped forward for orders. "Sir?"

"I'm giving you ten minutes to inform some other officers. Have them coordinate a hunt for this 'Vickers'. Then report back immediately."

"Yessir!" Lieutenant Dan snapped a crisp salute, then departed as swiftly as the previous messenger.

Then the general's attention shifted to the dragon. Then to the dragonboy. Then to the pearlescent horn stuffed into Ash's belt. An eyebrow shot up in surprise momentarily before he shook his head. "Dragonboy, what was your name again?"

Ash responded, his voice steady, "Ash, sir." Ash was relieved. Didn't stutter that time. Better.

"Well Ash, when the Lieutenant returns, you'll be guiding him to this body you found."

Ash glanced down at Rasp, feeling a mix of apprehension. He had been impressed with how calm Rasp had been in the presence of other people. But Ash didn't want to push the limits of his dragon's patience too far. "Can I stable my dragon before we leave?"

General Lukes considered the question briefly but ultimately dismissed the boy's request. "No, I think it's best to resolve this matter of the body first. I doubt Lieutenant Dan will keep us waiting long."

The young boy nodded, while hiding his disappointment. Can't say I didn't try.