Chapter 33 - Promotions, Demotions, & Premonitions

Despite the cold, Kalin opened the window to his office room. He felt the need to breathe fresh air. Thin sheets of snow covered the surfaces of the garrison's many roofs. A pleasant sight, he thought. Snowfall wasn't particularly heavy in Xenaria's southern regions. Outdoor training grounds were easily cleared away by the soldiers.

Kalin had finally managed to get through all of his paperwork. It was time to return to Metsiphon. He slumped back in his chair and stared at the soil filled flowerpot sitting at the corner of his table. Sar'tara had brought it up without explaining her reasoning. She was reading aloud the condensed report for the current lunar month.

"Spending Costs & General Reconnaissance Report for Elaina's third cycle, Year 4222 of the Second Calendar," she said, reading it with slight stutters. Kalin smiled. She had picked up on it faster than he'd expected. He closed his eyes and let her read out the entire report, indulging in the sound of her voice. "Iron costs, one-two-five gold crowns." Sar'tara frowned. "One-two-five. A hundred and twenty-five. Is that not five more than the tenth month of last year?"

"So it is… I'll need to have a word with Jasim Galadin. What is this flowerpot for, Sar'tara?"

"You said you wanted a lamp. Luminite is expensive so I thought a flower instead…"

He frowned at her.

"You'll see when the sun sets," she assured him with a childish grin.

Kalin shrugged and looked away. Despite his temporary freedom from paperwork, he didn't feel very relieved. He felt as if a hand was slowly enclosing itself around his heart. Sar'tara always looked forward to spending nights with him. She would often wake in the middle, crying into his chest and he would comfort her. Her nightmares had lessened of late and she consistently thanked him for it. Kalin ground his teeth and swallowed hard. Sar'tara thought their relationship wholesome. He saw it different. It was illicit and wrong. It wasn't how he was raised. The mainline family of House Serene had maintained an impeccable reputation for centuries and he'd become the first of the bloodline to break the vows he'd taken before his parents.

Kalin had eventually mustered the courage to explain to her what their relationship meant. Explain to her what it is that could result from it. The thought of explaining that to a grown woman brought heat to his face. Sar'tara had seemed disaffected by the explanation, rather taking it as confirmation that he loved her.

Kalin didn’t have the heart to tell her the truth. She needed him as a pillar. Needed him to mend her heart. He knew that. He had observed her from afar at times during the last few months. She laughed about with others, though never truly fitting in. The soldiers distanced themselves from her. Some called her the lady of House Serene, fearing and respecting her as their superior. Others had labelled her his mistress —the one rumor Kalin had feared. A looming shadow hung over his head. One that bore down on him with every passing day. He feared leaving an even deeper wound in her chest than the one he was supposed to mend.

But Sar'tara had made his life much easier. Since learning to read, she would aid him through his paperwork, oft proffering sound advice that he'd once thought rash. He kept his marriage proposals away from her, not wanting her to find out what they were for. He wanted to keep her by his side. Wanted it desperately. But he didn't dare chain up a free spirit like Sar'tara. She was too easy going. Wedding her would be to clip the very wings of hers that brought joy into his life. She'd be subject to the worst forms of treatment in social gatherings and consistent insults would undoubtedly find their way to her in the form of letters. It pained him to see tears within her beautiful green eyes.

Then keep her at your side and prevent her from crying ever. Kalin didn't know if he was strong enough to make such a decision.

"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?" she asked.

He shook his head, realizing he'd been staring at her. "No. I just got lost in your forest."

"Forest… If only I could see what you claim to see in my eyes."

"Sar'tara, I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I'm not hurt. I'd just like to be in a forest again."

"There are other forests in Xenaria. We could visit them if you'd like. Perhaps during summers when the roads clear." Her eyes lit up. It made him smile. Much of her early adorable reactions to learning new things had disappeared. It almost felt nostalgic to see her like this again. "Of course, tomorrow, we're leaving for Metsiphon. The queen's coronation is part way through the sowing season. You will likely get to see the capital city of Xenaria as well. It is the largest city of this nation." What are you saying Kalin? You'd bring her to the very social events you want to keep her from?

Sar'tara's eyes twinkled just as a child receiving their most wanted gift on their birthday. "Largest… and grandest?"

"Hmm. I think Metsiphon is grander. Though, that may be my personal bias since I was raised there." Kalin glanced over the report she'd just read. His eyes lingered on the last bit. A Union inquisition legion was still hovering around the Estré Forest near the border between Xenaria and Tarmia. Inquisition legions normally travelled around to settlements seeking 'darkspawn'.

"Did I err in my readings?" Sar'tara asked, noticing his gaze.

"No." Kalin didn’t mention his worries to her lest her smile disappear. She'd read over the part about the Union without flinching. "I've completed your paperwork as well. You're officially a soldier of House Serene. I'll be assigning you as an aid to Captain Faren."

"Can I be higher? Faren treats me as the leader."

Kalin pinched the top of his nose. "Why am I not surprised. Much of the day still remains. How about you show me what you've learned in regards to our methods of battle?" Sar'tara's expression turned stern. She gave a sharp and energetic salute to which he was surprised by. The same kind of salute boys at the garrison's academy were forced to repeat on end to instill respect and discipline. Except she was wearing her usual clothing rather than a uniform. It looked… silly in an endearing sort of way. He made no mention of it, suppressing a laugh behind a twitching mouth and standing up to acknowledge the salute.

Captain Faren's newly comprised unit of five hundred was meant as a prototype to match the mobile riders from the Empire's southern regions. A unit comprised of young men skilled at riding horses. The one thing they lacked was archery skills and Sar'tara's addition was quickly closing that gap. Faren reported much improvement in that regard. Kalin thought it fitting to put Sar'tara in a lightly equipped cavalry unit. To let her fly freely on a battlefield and disrupt enemies with pestering arrows as well as hunt down any slow retreaters.

"Your Grace!" Faren saluted, once Kalin and Sar'tara had reached the ground floor.

"Gather your unit, Captain. Show me what you've learned."

The young man gave a sharp nod. He half-heartedly called for his unit to gather around. Kalin frowned. Sar'tara stepped in and relayed the same orders, screaming. Her commands were met with immediate obedience. Kalin pulled his soldier aside. "Captain! What is the meaning of this?"

Faren gave a nonchalant shrug. "I'm sure I've written a report on Lady Sar'tara's vast improvements. I've given my approval as her higher to have her promoted to the same rank as me."

Kalin's temper flared. "You don't want to be near her then?" he hissed. "I've assigned her as your aide. If she's promoted, she'll be transferred to an entirely new unit. Are you trying to be rid of her?"

"Apologies, grace. That isn't my intent. Given your reaction, the report is likely still stuck with Commander Rask and has yet to reach you. As much as it hurts what little pride I have, Lady Serene has outdone even me within a few short months. I sincerely believe her to be more fit to be this unit's captain."

Kalin scratched at his beard. "I don't follow. Are you asking to be assigned a different unit?" Or was he still going on about his 'undeserved' promotion?

"Hardly. The lady is unfamiliar with a few things still. It has been my pleasure to serve her and teach her about our ways. I wish to continue doing that. But of course, given your reactions, the reports of my misconduct have yet to reach you as well."

"Misconduct?" Kalin asked with narrowed eyes.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

The eighteen year old smiled brightly as he began tattling on himself. "The fact that Lady Sar'tara and I ran a gambling ring in the mess hall and swindled soldiers out of their money? We bet on who could hold their drinks. She really can hold her liquor. Oh, and before this blows back on her as well, I fully admit to coercing her into such behaviour. She is also ignorant to its wrongful nature. I do believe a minor offense like this should lead me to either a month of incarceration or a slight demotion and pay cut should my rank be high enough?"

Kalin was taken aback. He did recall seeing a fat purse in his wardrobe next to Sar'tara's clothes, though he'd never bothered to question it. Despite having been played, he didn't find himself hating the situation. Faren had played his cards perfectly. A slight demotion would cause him to become the aide to 'Captain Sar'tara', assuming her promotion went through. The boy was shrewd for his age. "Given everything, I should perhaps train you to be a spy instead, Captain. I can see how you ended up in a position of leadership despite your age. I'll consider your propositions after today. For now I want to see with my own eyes whether Sar'tara is truly as remarkable as you claim."

Faren bowed and led himself away. Kalin asked for his own horse to be brought out and saddled. He led Faren's unit outside of the garrison to the flat grounds past the hill where cavalry were trained. Each and every rider displayed their individual prowess, firing arrows from horseback and simultaneously maintaining their balance. They rode through artificial obstacle courses with ease and followed base maneuvers ordered by Sar'tara without flaw.

Kalin noted everything from the back of his own mount, nodding his approval at every turn. Sar'tara also showed decent improvement on her sword skills while riding. She used a weapon not familiar to Xenaria's soldiers. A curved shamshir used by desert mercenaries that the garrison's armory only carried few of. Their purpose was to have soldiers gain experience in facing varying weapon types. Sar'tara had grown accustomed to its sleek design and used it rather gracefully compared to the straight blades of Xenaria.

Impressed, Kalin called an end to the session and led the soldiers back to the fortress.

"So? What did you think?" Faren asked, once back inside. Kalin coughed intentionally, eyes narrowing. The young soldier straightened his back and rid himself of his giddy expression. "What is your opinion, grace?" he said, correcting himself.

"You will subsequently be demoted and Sar'tara will be promoted. Now, let me ask your opinion in turn. Do you think this unit is a match for the quick riders of Tarmia that you faced in the last battle?"

"A match. Maybe. Their mounts are better than ours, but the Lady's skills could give us an edge."

Kalin nodded thoughtfully. "You are dismissed then." Faren bowed and left. Sar'tara was still adoring a horse while a stable boy patiently waited. Kalin observed the animal for a while. It was the same one she had been given a few months back. A proud stallion with rust colored fur and a black tail and mane. The muscle outlines in its leg were very clearly visible. A powerfully built animal worthy of carrying the Ivory Hussars. A beast with a strong sprint but not good enough mileage. It didn't allow any other rider to mount it other than her. She seemed to have a natural affinity with animals.

But it wasn't worthy of carrying a hunter. Sar'tara was more suited to the quick runners of the desert. They were famed to be the fastest at covering great distances without tiring. Their thinner frames made them ill-suited for brutal wars but for a unit built to hunt… Except desert breeders are known to charge exorbitant prices.

Sar'tara finally handed the reins over to the stable boy. She walked over to him, smiling, fully aware of her masterful display of command. "I'm getting you a new horse," Kalin said. Here it comes. 'No, I like that one!'

Sar'tara's lips parted, creases of worry and panic marring her forehead. "No! I like that one!"

Kalin once again suppressed a laugh behind twitching lips. "I'm going to get you something more suited to your unit. The entire unit in fact will have a change in mounts if the budget allows." She continued to pout. He turned around, afraid her silent protest would be enough to convince him. "You've also been promoted." Kalin walked away. The sound of her boots followed. It was well into the evening. Sar'tara normally ate her meals in the mess hall with others. Kalin expected her to make the appropriate turn but she continued following. "Aren't you going to eat?" he asked without turning around.

"I'll eat with you," she said, humming, clearly pleased by the promotion.

He shrugged. Now that he was relieved of paperwork, he had more free time on his hands. Time he could spend with her. He ordered a passing servant to have specific food items brought to his office. Dusk was fast approaching by the time he and Sar'tara had made it back to the highest floor of the castle.

Kalin opened the door to his office. Nothing was out of the ordinary save for the flowering pot that'd been left on his table. Within it, a glowing flower was slowly blooming. A flower of deep blue with pale blue edges around the petals that glowed. A light akin to the moons shining on open water. It wasn't bright enough to encompass the entire room as a high quality luminite stone would, but it was enough to brighten his desk as a half dozen candles might.

"Do you like it?" Sar'tara asked with a shy smile. "I was hoping for a shade-wisp. I suppose it is fortunate that a shade-wisp grew on the first try."

"First try?" he breathed, taken aback at the supposed magic before him.

"Daughters of Ny'Danis carry the blood of the Forest Deity. Our blood gives rise to glowing everflowers. There are a few different ones. I let a drop of my own blood fall to the dirt. The flower will never wither. Nor does it need to be maintained. It will exist forever unless ripped from the dirt. It is a lamp. Just like you wanted."

"Sar'tara… you mean to tell me everflowers can only come from the blood of the Vashiri people?"

She nodded. Kalin felt a stabbing pain in his chest. It drained him of all his strength. Wealthy from all over the world desired everflowers. Paid dearly for them. But never as dearly as those from whom the flowers were born. Kalin himself had admired them. He'd come across them at large merchant auctions many a time, thinking them to be products of a distant land created through some sort of a Divine Artifact. He hugged Sar'tara tight, clenching his eyes shut from crying.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. Had he known, he would've put more effort into protecting the Papillion Forest all those years ago. Would've tried harder to establish a connection. It hurt enough to know he failed. Hurt enough to know Sar'tara's tears and nightmares were the fault of none but his own. But to think her people were left isolated and at the mercy of humanity's greed because of his neglect…

Records of everflowers dated back centuries. That meant the forest had consistently come under attack before from groups small enough to have gone unnoticed. People had risked their worthless lives throughout the ages just to obtain a drop of Vashiri blood.

"Sorry for what? Do you not like it?"

"Sorry for everything," Kalin breathed, squeezing her harder. He felt her heartbeats against his own. She likely didn’t understand his sorrow, but put her arms around him regardless. Kalin meant to comfort Sar'tara, but he was feeling relieved at her embrace instead. A drop of saltwater fell upon her back and slowly rolled down. "The flower is beautiful. I will treasure it forever. But… do not ever mention that you were the one to create it. Flames forbid the wrong people hear of this."

He felt her nod in reply. Kalin held her there for a long moment, using her as an excuse to hold his own emotions in. He'd been a failure as a High Lord. All of his ancestors had been failures. They'd remained oblivious to such injustice so close to home. And Kalin was the worst of them, letting the Vashiri peoples perish.

Sar'tara sniffled. Kalin let her go as she quickly wiped the edges of her eyes. "Did I hurt you?" he asked.

"No. It's just I haven’t seen an everflower in a long while. I had no reason to. But…"

Kalin kissed her, not wanting to let her painful memories plague her further. She clutched fistfuls of his shirt.

A while later, a subtle knock came from the door. Kalin pulled away, his fingers sliding along her cheeks. She smiled at him and seated herself by his desk, no trace of her pain remaining. He opened the door and let a maid leave the requested food on his table.

Sar'tara stared at the food with more longing eyes than he'd ever caught her looking at him. He took more pleasure in watching her shovel it all inside her mouth than satisfy his own hunger. All his life he'd been raised to be the perfect nobleman with transcending mannerisms. And here he was, watching Sar'tara take large bites out of her bread and cheese and sip hot stew from the bowl itself, completely ignoring the spoon within it. Kalin kept his eyes on her the entire time while sipping from his own bowl. A drop of liquid rolled down the bowl's edge and fell on his trousers. He frowned. Sar'tara was practically inhaling her food, but doing it with utter perfection, spilling no drops. Though the area around her soft lips was soon glistening with the shine of oily gravy.

She finished her meal many times faster than he did. Her eyes kept drifting to a loaf that lay wrapped in a thin sheet. Kalin smiled, taking his time eating, wondering just when she would break and finally ask the quest—

"What's that?"

He sighed. "That is cake. A simple pound cake. You can dig in if you'd like."

"Cake… Made of this sweet crystal called sugar?"

"That would be a key ingredient."

Eyes glowing, Sar'tara unravelled the cloth, revealing the golden loaf within. A perfectly clean knife lay at the plate's side. She tore the loaf in half with her bare hands, her own piece slightly smaller.

"You can take the larger piece," Kalin said, lifting his bowl high above and draining it of its last remaining contents.

Sar'tara took a large bite. "Sho shweet and shoft," she said, talking while chewing. Something a noble lady would never dare to do. Kalin chose to use a fork to eat his own piece, not wanting to end up with sticky fingers afterwards. Most of his meals were eaten in silence and lost in thought. He enjoyed every second of his time with Sar'tara.

And seconds were all that it felt like.

Their moment of peace did not last. Heavy fists drummed against the door to the office room. Kalin's mouth twisted. He crossed the length of the room slowly. By the urgent sounds of knocking, it was unlikely that he would be returning to Metsiphon any time soon. He opened the door to find a breathless Commander Rask with raised fists, a paper in his hand. "Speak," he commanded, for once letting the lines of frustration remain on his face rather than appear disaffected.

"A village north of here burns. Northeast more. It lies close to the river. Empire's red hand banners. Worse yet, spies report a gathering army. And boats to cross the river. Not a measly force of a few thousand either. They're trying to start a full scale invasion away from the typical frontier by the sounds."

Kalin snatched away the paper from his commander's hands. His eyes skimmed through it multiple times. "Is it Idris?" he mumbled. "No. Reports state mere militia…"

"Idris Khan is known to seek challenges," Rask said. "Something else is still bothering me though."

"The Union inquisitors?" Kalin asked looking up. Rask nodded. "Their purpose is their own. They have no reason to defend our civilians. And yet," Kalin turned to look at Sar'tara. "They've been known to lie before. No Empire commander is fool enough to start an invasion elsewhere along our borders with Arcaeus Peak still standing. Yet the fact that they gather numbers remains."

"Perhaps they cooperate with the Union?" Sar'tara said softly. Her fists were closed.

"It’s a possibility. Rask, mobilize the army. I want half of the garrison ready to march by dawn."