Sajani Tails

      “You can’t possibly mean to keep the Ambassador with us,” Tess was saying. “He’s old. He can barely walk without help.” They were meeting in the old wolf’s office. He’d encouraged them to use it, since it was one of the more private places in the embassy.

      “He gave his word,” Sajani said with resolve. “I won’t make light of it by not holding him to it. Besides, Doc Cutter can use an assistant.”

      “Great!” Tess added sarcastically, “Someone old enough to be my grandfather can have someone old enough to be my great-grandfather helping him out. And,” she added, “Cutter isn’t his name. It’s what we call him. You should probably know that.”

      Sajani didn’t comment.

      “Ghenis is probably more needed here.”

      Sajani let out a melancholy laugh and tossed a display box from the desktop to her.

      The sergeant’s eyes went wide. She read the citation at the base aloud. “‛May Ahj, Komal, and Indira have witness that the Drtithen Council and Riteyai Lords have seen fit to award the National Medal of Valor to Lieutenant Colonel Rass “Claw” Ghenis of the Second Regiment and Twenty-Second Infantry Battalion for selfless service during the Rhidayar Border Skirmish.” Tess looked up at her with her eyes wide, but returned to reading almost immediately, “Lieutenant Colonel Ghenis led the charge of his battalion against Rhidayar forces in the battle to retake the chapel located at Altaza, Vharkylia on 23 Chandra 1457. He engaged the enemy with rifle and, once out of ammunition, with saber.”

      Tess continued with enthusiasm. An unwritten rule demanded the whole citation be read. “‛Taking a shot to his left leg early in the battle, he refused treatment on at least three different occasions and sent medics to heal soldiers more wounded than himself. When the battle turned and left him and his aide stranded without support, Lieutenant Colonel Ghenis refused to leave his stricken aide behind, but despite his wounds, carried her back to friendly forces for treatment, taking three grazing shots to his side in the process. Despite the loss of blood and without regard to his health or safety, Lieutenant Colonel Ghenis rallied his troops for a second charge, taking a bullet to his left leg. During that charge, his troops lost sight of him, but later passed his position. He’d taken down at least twelve enemy soldiers before being overcome by loss of blood and being left for dead.

      “‛His selfless and courageous service reflect great credit upon himself, the Vharkylia Army, and the nation he serves. Presented this day, 15 Zula 1457.

      “‛I can still hear the cannons.’”

      In a very subdued voice Tess added, “I’m sorry my lady. I understand now.”

      Sajani knew the medal would explain more about what she was feeling than any words she could offer. There was no higher military award and in the copper wolf’s mind, no living person could possibility deserve it more. “He pulled it from a desk drawer to show me and seemed somewhat embarrassed by it,” Sajani told Tess. “He said he wanted to serve with Malita’s daughter, since he couldn’t be there for my mother.”

      “Did you know about him before he showed you this?”

      “No,” Sajani said thoughtfully. “I knew someone named Ghenis led the charge, but I’d never guess it was him. I’ve walked among too many giants to recognize them all. In his case, better to die with us than die in a chair here.”

      “It’s a good omen, my lady” Tess told her, “that you’ve met someone who worked near your mother.”

      “An omen of some kind, at any rate.” She didn’t mention the old woman at the shop. “What about this spark? He seems trustworthy enough and we can use someone to help figure out the elf magic and equipment, but…”

      “I like him!” Tess confided.

      Sajani wasn’t sure what to say to that.

      The look Tess was receiving wasn’t lost on her. “It’ll be fine,” Tess reassured Sajani. “As far as Sparks go he’s…”

      “…young.” Sajani said flatly.

      “You’re just used to old sparks, but to live that long they have to be pretty tame.”

      “Tame can be good…” Sajani began.

      “But not nearly as fun!” Tess exclaimed.

      Having never seen this side of Tess before, Sajani thought it best to drop the topic. She’d tasked the young sergeant with finding out if Ginger could help them and she wasn’t the sort to second guess her subordinates without very good reason. Besides, Ginger managed to show them how to safely use the elven weapons. They’d see what he could tell them about the transports tomorrow. “You don’t question my choice of Ambassador Ghenis…” Tess tried to interrupt, but Sajani kept going, “… and I won’t question your choice of Ginger…”

      “Deal.” Tess added before the name was even off Sajani’s lips. “I’ll get with Lieutenant Marshel and make sure he has everything before he leaves. There’s only so much we can commandeer.” She quickly and neatly jumped out the door. “I’ll leave you to your business, my lady.”

      Sajani took a moment to place the medal and its display back in the rather large desk drawer it’d come from. When she looked up, Simon was entering the room.

      “Well, that’s done it, my lady,” he said softly. “All packed and ready to go. I’ll need to be leaving shortly.”

      He caught her eye briefly and she was surprised he looked away from her. Good, she thought, he should feel guilty leaving at this point.

      “I wish,” he began lamely.

      “Don’t even start on that again, Simon. I can’t believe you’d shy away like this.”

      “I never intended to go with you past Rhidayar.”

      “No, but you promised last night…”

      “In part I was taken up in the moment,” he began, “and in part, I’m being very true to my word. There’s much to be done for you behind the scenes—things I can’t discuss at the moment—but I had this job before we set out.” He smiled at her: not the ingratiating smile he used so often, but the almost timid smile she’d only seen a few times before. It was like he’d removed his mask and allowed her to see the real Simon Francis.

      She’d only asked him to take her to Rhidayar. The days of them traveling together had been over for a long while now and parts of it she honestly didn’t miss.

      “I can say,” he added rather clumsily, “I’ll be meeting an old friend, and he might be interested in helping out. Mauro is back on the Western Continent. “

      She nodded slowly, mostly trying to placate him and hide the emotions coming to the surface. The next days would be frightening and the presence of her old friend would’ve done much to help her keep up appearances. Simon was a catalyst for those wishing to keep up a good façade.

      He placed his hands on her lower arms and looked up at her. “I’ll be back, my lady,” he said softly, “and when I am, you’ll be so grateful for what I’ve done.”

      She pushed him away from her. “Get to your business, you old gong farmer.” Her voice was harsh and pitiless.

      He turned and walked out.