Chapter 3

Eleven? Janco was starting his story at the age of eleven. Ari rubbed a big hand over his face and gave Valek a this-is-all-your-fault look.

Janco ignored Ari and continued. "As a result of my father's death, we moved from the coast of MD-7 to my uncle's farm in the middle of nowhere. Oh wait, I think the tiny village in central MD-7 had a name… Boring Ville? Or was it Yawn Town? The only improvement from coastal living was the lack of sand. Sand is an evil substance. Let me tell you just how evil. One time?—"

"Stay on topic," Ari warned.

"Oh. Right. Where was I?"

"Yawn Town."

"Right. The place was surrounded with crops as far as the eye could see. Bored to a point that one more conversation about green beans would literally cause my head to explode, I began an earnest career in getting away with things."

"Things?" Valek asked.

"Yup. Anything. Stealing, swearing, sabotaging, refusing, arguing, shirking any and all responsibility. Anything. The goal was not to get caught, but if I was…" He shrugged. "The punishments didn't stop me or slow me down. Just encouraged me to be smarter. And then the Commander's Code of Behavior arrived in town, and I had an entire new list of things to get away with."

"Except murder," Ari said as he added another log to the fire. Sparks flew into the air.

"Oh yes. Of course not murder or harming another person. I'd never do that. Well, I would defend myself if someone attacked me, but I wouldn't instigate. One time, my annoying cousins stuffed?—"

"No one cares about your cousins," Ari said.

Janco pouted.

"Do you have siblings?" Valek asked.

"No." He sounded horrified. "Thank fate. My mother said I was a difficult baby."

"Still are," Ari muttered.

"Cute. Anyway, over the next seven years I became a frequent visitor of the local jail. My mother would bail me out. But while I was in there, I made friends with Anders, a man who was serving a twenty-year sentence for burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. He claimed it wasn't him and that he'd been framed."

Valek huffed. Everyone incarcerated claimed they were innocent.

"I freely admitted my guilt and bragged about it. But to meet someone who was so sincere and so miserable…" Janco rubbed the scar that crossed from his right temple to where the bottom half of his right ear used to be. "And so convincing. I stopped my getting away with things and switched to breaking Anders out of jail."

"How old were you?" Valek asked. This hadn't been in Janco's file.

"Seventeen. I learned how to pick the complicated cell locks, figured out the best time to avoid the guards, forged the paperwork so Anders could relocate to MD-2, and packed him a travel bag. When the time came, I slipped past all five guards and unlocked Anders' cell door. We were almost free when an alarm was raised. Next thing I knew, we were surrounded. Anders grabbed me, pulled a knife, aimed it at my throat, and threatened to kill me if they didn't let us go. I thought he was pretending. The guards let us escape the jail. Once outside, I thought he'd release me, but I'll never forget what he said." Emotion gripped his voice and Janco paused. His flippant attitude gone, he stared at the fire, seeing into his past.

Valek exchanged a glance with Ari. Should they change the subject? Ari shook his head.

"Anders said, ‘Thanks for the help, kid. It's amazing how someone so smart could be so stupid. I can't leave you behind and I'm not taking you with me, so goodbye.'" Janco rubbed his neck. "He moved to slit my throat. I moved to get free. All I remember is standing over his prone form with his knife in my hand and my blood dripping on him. Instead of slitting my throat, he'd sliced half my ear off. He was arrested and sentenced to another twenty years. By the time I recovered from the injury, I was eighteen years old. As an official adult, I was given the choice to be sentenced to ten years in prison for my part in the escape attempt or to sign up for the Commander's army for ten years. That was an easy choice. I figured the army had to be more interesting than sitting in a cell for ten years."

Interesting. The Code of Behavior had strict sentencing for each crime. No deviations. No negotiations. No leniency for a first offense. It didn't matter who you were or who you knew, everyone received the exact same punishment. Clearly, Janco's judge didn't agree with the Code of Behavior. In this case, neither did Valek. In fact, there were a number of cases over the years where Valek held the opposite opinion of the Commander regarding the code. Valek would never have met and fell in love with Yelena if he didn't circumvent the Commander's harshest sentence.

"How much time in the army do you have left?" Valek asked Janco.

"One year!"

"Are you planning to find another job?"

"Hell no. My army career is finally getting interesting. These past three seasons have been a blast. I can't wait to see what's next."

Rogue magicians, plotting generals, poisonings, and black-market dealers weren't what Valek would consider a blast, but he also appreciated a challenge.

"You almost died," Ari reminded him.

Janco pished.

"Basic training must have been boring," Valek said.

"It was. I started out as a private last class, or so it felt. I could either have fooled around and tried getting away with things again, or I could go all in. I found out pretty quick that I loved winning sparring matches. After that, there was no turning back. So, I went all in, practicing eight hours a day. I climbed the ranks and fought everyone until there was no one left at the MD-7 garrison who could beat me." He grinned.

"Even the garrison's Weapons Master?" Valek asked.

"Not even him. I received my promotion to lieutenant and transferred to the Commander's castle soon after I bested him."

"Now we're finally getting to the good part," Ari said.

"Ha ha," Janco deadpanned.

"How long did it take for you to reach lieutenant?" Valek asked.

"Seven years."

That was remarkable. Most soldiers weren't offered the chance to go from a non-commissioned rank to an officer during their entire careers.

"My first unit in the Commander's garrison focused on teaching us special skills. We were all new and, on the first day, we were given a list of skills to choose from. I picked scouting. Sneaking around in the woods sounded fun and better than being in charge of supplies or guarding the treasury. Yawn! Then our captain wanted to test our fighting abilities. I naturally challenged the most impressive opponent in order to show off my superior techniques."

"Naturally," Ari said.

"You challenged Ari," Valek said.

"Yup. Do you want to guess who won?"

Valek considered the two men. Ari had strength and speed. Janco was also fast, but he was more flexible. "It would depend on the weapon. If you fought with swords, you would win. If you fought hand to hand, Ari would win."

Janco looked at Ari. "I should have picked swords. The big lout knocked me unconscious!"

"You wouldn't concede the match," Ari said in his defense. "Nor would you for the next five, nine, dozen…who knows how many more matches. Annoying. And to my increasing irritation I had also picked scouting."

"What about my irritation?" Janco asked. "Paired up with the most boring and serious man in the world, who I couldn't best!"

"And still can't," Ari shot back. He looked at Valek. "Even with swords."

Now that was impressive. "Noted."

"It's just a matter of time," Janco muttered.

"What changed your attitudes about each other?" Valek asked them.

"Janco's tenacity. He doesn't know how to quit. We once tracked an enemy for days because of him. Didn't matter that, once we caught up, our enemy turned out to be an elk and he wouldn't shoot it for dinner, he still considered it a win."

"She could have had elk puppies waiting at home for her," Janco interjected.

"Calves. They're called calves."

"Details." Janco waved it away.

"And that brings me to my other point, his view on life is completely different than mine. I see dinner after a grueling six-day hunt and he sees a family," Ari said. "Plus, out of all the people in our unit, no one else could touch his skills. If I aim to be the best, then I need to have the second best by my side."

"Ha! You wish," Janco said.

"I know." Ari sobered. "He's the brother I wish I had."

For the first time since Valek had known Janco, the man appeared stunned. He opened and closed his mouth several times, but no sounds escaped.

Ari ignored him. "I grew up in MD-4. I'm the youngest of three boys. The runt of the litter." He smiled, but then it faded. "My father and brothers were soldiers for the King's army. I was twelve when the growing resistance arrived in our town. Since I was much younger than my brothers and they were well known as soldiers, they asked me to attend Ambrose's somewhat secret meeting and report back. Honored and excited about spying, I agreed."

Valek sensed where Ari's story was headed, but he kept quiet.

"Except, Ambrose's speech made sense. He was well spoken and obviously intelligent. Every point he raised matched what I'd been thinking about the monarchy. The corruption. The greed. My father and brothers would never be promoted since they had no connections in the upper ranks. They didn't even earn a living wage. We all lived together, scrimping even though my father worked two jobs. And yet…"

Now it was Ari's turn to stare into the flames. "Yet, when I told them about what Ambrose planned, what he intended to fix, they rejected his ideas. Claimed he was just another charlatan; duping idiots like me. What did I know? I was twelve. But I couldn't dismiss his ideology so easily. Ambrose moved on to the next city, but he left a group behind to continue recruiting supporters. Without telling my family, I started helping the resistance in my town. Small things like delivering messages or tipping them off about raids."

"How long before your family found out?" Valek asked.

"Not until after the Commander successfully took over Ixia. I was thirteen, and my father and brothers were given the choice to switch sides. They were offered double their salaries. My brothers could have afforded to live on their own, get married, have children. I couldn't believe it when they stubbornly remained loyal to the monarchy. I argued with them, but all that did was get me disowned. They were arrested and incarcerated for a few years before being assigned menial public works jobs. They considered themselves heroes."

"Thirteen is rather young to be on your own," Valek said, remembering when he'd been disowned at the same age. At least, Valek had a purpose. A goal.

"I would have been living on the streets, scrounging to survive if the King had been in charge. But the Commander kept his promises. His people found homes for all the kids on the streets. And since I helped with the resistance, I was adopted by Ohin, the captain of the patrol."

"A good man with no sense of humor," Janco added. "None. We don't get along. That shouldn't be a surprise."

It wasn't.

"While most people were still reeling from the change in politics, the change in everyday life, and having to readjust biases that had been based on bloodlines and wealth, Ohin understood the ample opportunities the Commander's military offered to everyone. He started training me right away," Ari said. "I enlisted as soon as I turned eighteen and worked my way through the ranks. Unlike Janco, it took me two years longer to get promoted to the Commander's garrison."

"That's because single-minded determination doesn't work," Janco said. "You'd think it would, but it leaves no room for imagination and invention. Again, Ohin is a great man, and his fighting technique is textbook. So textbook that it's predicable. I had to work on Ari to embrace the crazy. Took me forever just to get him to crack a smile."

"If I had no imagination, how did I manage to beat you all those times?" Ari asked.

"I didn't say you didn't have it. It was buried under all that rule-following seriousness. Choked by the conviction that this job is too important to have any fun. My antics were what brought out your wild side that you needed to win."

"Or those textbook techniques actually work, especially against an opponent who didn't bother to read the textbook."

"Textbook, shmeck-book," Janco said. "When we started working together, Ari quoted rules and regulations to me all the time. And, yeah, sometimes following a certain protocol worked, but I began to suspect that deep down there was more to Ari than a boring grunt. I've since discovered he's the brother I didn't know I needed."

Valek was glad these two found each other. He had a few other agents who clicked and worked well together, but it was rare for two people to sync so well and balance each other out—one's weakness was another's strength. Was it like that with him and Yelena? He'd like to think so, but they'd only had such a short time together.

"Okay, so we spilled our guts, what about you?" Janco asked.

Surprised, Valek asked, "Me? Everyone knows my story."

"Worked as the Commander's assassin and killed the King and the entire royal family. Yeah, but no one knows what drove you to become an assassin."

"I look good in black," Valek joked.

Only Ambrose and Yelena knew his full backstory. Knew about the King's men killing his three older brothers and setting him on the path of vengeance. How he enrolled in the School of Night and Shadows to learn the art of assassination. How Valek had been hired to target Ambrose and failed, becoming his loyal second instead. It wasn't something he liked to talk about, and Ari and Janco weren't officially assigned to his corps. Even though he was hoping they'd become part of a team that would eventually become his seconds, they were currently unaware of his plans.

The silence stretched. Apparently, the joke wouldn't be enough. And he did owe them something in return for their stories.

"You both compared your relationship to brothers. My story started with my brothers. Like Ari, I was the youngest and I was also disowned." He gave them a watered-down version of the events that led him to the Commander, skipping some details.

Eventually, the fire died down and they each spread their bedrolls on a lower bunk. Valek didn't set a watch. They were still in MD-5, and he thought the chances of being ambushed were low. As he drifted off to sleep, he realized Janco had been right. Their stories had taken longer than anticipated.

* * *

They encountered no problems the next day, however by the end of the third day, Valek noticed Janco sat stiffly on Lovey, no longer moving easily with her. His face was pale and drawn, and he hadn't joked or teased the night before. Valek suspected Janco's injury didn't like the jarring gait of the horses. They had crossed into MD-4 that afternoon and had increased their pace. Valek would need both men to be at their best.

"Change of plans," he told them. "We're overnighting in Pelator instead of in a shelter."

"Isn't that risky?" Ari asked. "Word might get back to General Tesso."

"He's bound to find out regardless. We need fresh feed for the horses, and I need a hot meal and a soft bed."

Ari glanced at Janco, who clutched his reins as if they alone kept him from toppling from his horse. Then he flashed Valek a grateful smile.

"There's an inn that is frequented by the Commander's officers, so they have a stable." The innkeeper was one of Valek's agents and could be trusted to keep their visit quiet.

They reached Pelator an hour after sunset. The town, if he could call it that, had four main east-west streets and six north-south roads. Most of the citizens worked in extracting ore from the mountains and houses outnumbered businesses. The single inn, The Spot, sat at the northern edge of town.

Myzel, the innkeeper, heard the horses and came outside. She took one whiff, and said, "You're not stinking up my inn. Go to the bathhouse and I'll take care of your horses."

"Sweet lady," Janco snarked when they were well away. But it was half-hearted, and he seemed eager to follow her orders.

At the bathhouse, Janco stripped off his cloak and uniform in no time. He sank into the hot water with a sigh of contentment. Valek studied the purple scars on Janco's stomach and back, looking for signs of infection. None. His muscles were either still healing or stiff from not being used for so long. Not ideal.

Back at the inn, Myzel's staff had set out bowls of hot stew, bread, and tankards of ale. A feast. Janco groaned in pleasure.

After dinner, Ari and Janco went up to their rooms while Valek had a chat with Myzel. Around fifty years old, she was one of his more experienced agents. The combination of her kind face and friendly demeanor made people instantly trust her, spilling all their secrets. Handy for a spy.

"What's the gossip?" he asked.

"All the buzz is about the shake-up down in MD-5. Has General Brazell really been arrested?"

Valek gave her the short version of Brazell's plot to overthrow the Commander.

"That explains the rumors that the Commander is planning to replace all the generals and that he's sent you out hunting magicians."

"Did that make anyone in Pelator nervous?"

"No. The people who live here are law-abiding. It's the travelers that are far more interesting."

"Oh?"

"I had a caravan come through here a couple days ago. They were delivering wool to MD-3."

"Isn't it too early for wool?" Valek asked. Sheep were usually sheared at the end of the warm season, which was four months away.

"Yes, but I searched the wagons, and they were full of skeins that needed to be dyed."

"Did you inspect the wagons? Some have false bottoms for hidden storage."

"I didn't get a chance. One of the merchants must have spotted me snooping around and sent a guard to watch the merchandise."

Which wasn't unusual for a caravan. Except wool wasn't high on the list of stolen goods. It was odd, but not overly concerning. The wool could have been left over from last year. "Keep an eye out for more caravans and let me know if you find anything."

"Yes, sir. Anything else?"

"Do you have any pain powder?"

"For that poor young man of yours?"

"Yes."

"You should leave him here to recover. We've a couple capable people in the local patrol who could take his place."

"Capable enough to beat you?" he asked.

"Well, now, let's not get too excited." Myzel gave him a sly smile.

He laughed. "That's what I thought. Besides, if I leave him here, he'll drive you crazy. And I'm not ready for you to retire. You're too valuable."

"Then why did I get assigned to this speck on the map?"

"Because Boaz was transferred here."

Myzel blushed. "How did you…"

He waited. Would she deny her feelings for the patrol captain? It'd been obvious to Valek when they'd all worked on a case in MD-1. The patrolman had been promoted after that successful mission. And, like all newly minted patrol captains in Ixia, he had been sent to a speck on the map to prove he could run a patrol station before he could be assigned to a larger city.

"Yes, well…" She cleared her throat. "I'll go get that powder." Rummaging around her kitchen cabinets, she found a pouch and gave it to Valek along with a spoon. "Mix a teaspoon with some hot water as needed for pain. There's a kettle in the hearth."

"Thank you, Myzel. And just so you know, this speck is on a vital travel route, and I wouldn't trust anyone else to watch over it."

Her cheeks reddened again. Adorable.

Valek poured a cup of hot water before heading upstairs. Even though Ari and Janco had their own rooms, they were together. Valek paused outside the half-opened door. Although they spoke in low tones, it sounded as if they were arguing.

"…going to be left behind," Ari said. "Why didn't you say something?"

"I felt fine. Who knew riding a horse could hurt so much?" Janco argued.

"When's the last time you rode?"

Valek entered, Ari sprang from the chair, but Janco didn't move from the bed. He lay on his side and his tragic expression told Valek he expected to be removed from the mission.

Setting the cup on the nightstand, Valek spooned powder into the water and stirred until it dissolved. "Drink all of this," he ordered Janco, waiting until the man downed the entire contents. Janco grimaced at the bitter flavor but didn't complain. A miracle.

"Did you get that from your agent, Myzel?" Ari asked.

"Why do you think she's one of my corps?"

"She didn't ask for our papers."

"Maybe she recognized me."

"She wasn't scared of you, and she treated you like an equal. Only your corps members do that."

"Good point." Valek handed the pouch to Ari. "Give him one spoonful mixed in hot water when the pain gets bad."

Ari looked stricken. "Sir?"

"I don't trust him to take it when he needs it. You know him best, so you can oversee his pain management."

"But, the mission?—"

"We leave at dawn. I hope you sleep better tonight, Janco." Valek left.

* * *

Janco bounded down the stairs the next morning despite his claim to be allergic to dawn. The good night's sleep and pain powder had done their jobs. They ate a quick breakfast, thanked Myzel for her hospitality and the fresh supplies, and headed north.

They reached General Franis's manor house by mid-afternoon on the sixth day of their journey. Stopping at the stables first to see to the care of their horses, Valek spoke with the MD-3 Stable Master. If the tall man wondered about the extra horse, he didn't say anything. Soon after, one of the boys bolted for the main building, probably to warn the general of their arrival.

When the horses had been settled, Ari said, "We'll stay in the barracks. They're a good place to pick up on the local chatter."

"But we expect to be invited to any fancy meals or celebrations," Janco chimed in. "I'm a great dancer."

"Of course you are." Ari humored him.

"Really. My mother taught me." He beamed.

Valek bid them goodbye with instructions to find him if they heard anything concerning.

"What's your definition of concerning?" Janco asked.

Ari waved Valek away. "I got this."

"I'm serious. Valek might be looking for something that we wouldn't know is concerning because we haven't been trained as one of his agents."

Valek paused. Janco had a point. "In this case, it won't be anything subtle. Would you like to train to be in my corps?"

"We'd rather train to become your seconds," Ari said.

"No one has said that you can't challenge me if you're in my corps."

The Commander had urged Valek to find a second in command and so Valek had issued a challenge. If anyone could beat him in a fight, they'd earn the right to the job.

"But we don't want to be assigned to some remote town, working undercover. We want to continue working with you."

"Ah. I'll see what I can do."

Valek considered their request as he headed to the manor. Their desires were in line with what he wanted, but would it be unfair to the other people who hoped to become his second? He'd be working besides his second or seconds on a day-to-day basis. It'd be better if he actually liked and respected them.

General Franis met him at the grand entrance. Not a good sign. The general's manor was built the same in all the Military Districts. A four-story brick building shaped like a square U with three equal sides.

"Valek, it's a pleasure to see you," Franis said, shaking his hand. "What brings you here?"

"I'm here at the Commander's request." Valek glanced at Franis's advisers, who hovered at the edges.

"Of course. Come on in." Franis dismissed his aides and led Valek into the main foyer.

While the manors were all structured the same, each general had decorated them to their own styles. Each organized them differently as well. At age forty-five, Franis was the youngest of the generals and his aesthetic had a modern feel with sharp-edged geometrical artwork in bright colors, granite topped tables, and minimal decorations, adding to the drafty chill of the air.

They climbed to the second floor. Franis's black hair was military short, but the top was a bit longer and styled. Tall and lean, he still had his youthful good looks. He wore a general's uniform, which consisted of black pants and a black jacket with gold buttons. Each Military District had been assigned a color and purple was MD-3's. Over Franis's left breast were five embroidered purple diamonds.

When they entered the general's office, Franis took off his jacket and hung it on a hook just inside the door. Underneath he wore a black shirt that had small purple diamonds stitched onto his collar—five on each side. His office's decoration matched the rest of the house, except glass topped Franis's desk.

"Would you like a drink?" Franis asked, gesturing to his sideboard filled with bottles.

Valek would love a drink. "No, thank you." He needed to stay sharp.

"Have a seat." Franis settled behind his desk. Files and stacks of papers had been neatly arranged on the surface, with a cleared area in the middle for him to work. "Is this regarding the unpleasantness in MD-5? I'd no idea Brazell was plotting with a southern magician. He had joined Ambrose's resistance later and wasn't one of the original members."

Valek thought it interesting that Franis was distancing himself from Brazell. As for his involvement, they'd found no evidence that any of the other generals were involved. Not yet.

"It is regarding the unpleasantness. The Commander has promoted your Colonel Ute to general of MD-5, and I'm here to deliver her papers personally." He watched Franis's expression closely.

Shock blanked the man's face for a moment before he visibly collected his wits. "Ah, that's…fast. Why the rush? Is it a temporary assignment until she proves herself or we find another who is more…suited?"

Valek noted he used the word suited and not qualified. "The Commander has made up his mind. Where can I find Colonel Ute?"

"Ah. She's…ah. On assignment, I think."

"Think? She's your highest ranked officer. Wouldn't you know?"

"She works with my advisers. Let me…" He stood and pulled on a cord near the window. "I'll find out. In the meantime, please make yourself comfortable. Ah, here's Jasia. Please escort Adviser Valek to one of our guest suites so he can rest up after his long journey."

"Yes, sir," the young woman said.

She wore a page's uniform, but she bore a striking resemblance to the general. One of his two daughters?

"Adviser? This way." She swept a hand out, indicating that Valek should precede her.

Valek debated if he should go or remain here until he learned the location of Colonel Ute from Franis. He outranked the general, but it would generate more ill will if he reminded the man of his rank. In the end, he thought he'd get more cooperation if he went along with the fake hospitality. Besides, he had other avenues available.

He followed Jasia to a well-appointed suite of rooms. Thinking of Ari and Janco sharing a bunk bed in the barracks, he smiled at the lavish accommodations.

"Is there anything I can get for you? Tea and biscuits? Or something else from the kitchens?" she asked. "Our chef is one of the finest in Ixia."

"No, thank you. Do you know where I can find Colonel Ute?"

Jasia probably knew more about what went on in the household than her father.

"Her office is on the ground floor, east wing. She splits her time between here and the garrison, which isn't far. If she's not here, you can find her there. Are you going to be inspecting the base?"

"If I have the time. Thank you, Jasia."

She flashed him a smile. "If you need anything, pull that cord and someone will come to assist you." She left.

Valek inspected the long rope of fabric that hung from the ceiling. The cords hadn't been part of the original design, and the Commander wouldn't be happy to know Franis had installed them. They had been used by the King. The Commander required his people to be self-sufficient and to avoid excesses. It had been years since the Commander had visited all the Military Districts. Perhaps it was time for another trip.

Setting his pack on the bed, Valek changed from his adviser's uniform into a standard sergeant's uniform with purple diamonds. He grabbed the papers for Ute and hurried to the east wing.

The door was ajar, and voices sounded inside. Valek paused to listen.

"…say why I needed to leave this afternoon?" a woman asked.

"No, sir, but it's urgent."

"Captain Wells?—"

"The general has ordered you to personally handle it, sir."

"I guess I ought to be honored. Okay, Lieutenant, please tell the general I'll leave within the hour."

"Yes, sir." A man rushed from the office but stopped short when he spotted Valek. "Is there something I can help you with, Sergeant?"

"I've a message for the colonel."

The man bristled and straightened. "All messages are supposed to come through the proper channels."

"Oh, I assure you, Lieutenant. This is as proper as it gets." Valek stepped closer and lowered his voice. "A direct channel." He gave him a knowing nod like the man should know what he was referring to. Would the man's ego allow him to ask more questions? Valek guessed not.

"Of course. Carry on, Sergeant."

"Yes, sir!" He snapped and entered the office.

Colonel Ute stood in the middle of the room. Her hands were on her hips and her posture radiated disproval. "A direct channel? Care to explain, Sergeant?"

He moved closer. Ute's uniform was similar to Franis's, except she had four diamonds stitched on her unbuttoned jacket. She'd pulled her honey-colored hair into a bun, but a few tendrils had escaped and curled around her oval face. Golden eyes flecked with brown stared at him, as if daring him to lie to her. A formidable woman in her mid-thirties, she was an excellent choice for general.

"It's a message from the Commander."

She relaxed when she recognized him. "Adviser Valek, why are you in disguise?"

"Because I suspected the general would send you away on some distant mission, and I wanted to intercept you before you could leave. Am I right?"

"I've been ordered go to an outpost near the border of MD-2 and the Northern Ice Pack."

Valek laughed. That was about as far away as one could get from the manor house while still being in MD-3.

"I'm glad you find it amusing. It's cold and icy near the NIP, even in the hot season and it's where we transfer all the problem soldiers. The only explanation is that I somehow pissed off the General. He knows how much I hate the cold." She shuddered.

"Would the climate in MD-5 be more to your liking?" Valek asked.

Her gaze sharpened. "It would. Why?"

Valek pulled out the scroll and handed it her. "Because you've been promoted to general of MD-5."

Stunned, she stared at him. "Are you serious?"

"Open it."

Breaking the wax seal, she unrolled the parchment. Her eyes widened as she read the official missive. When she glanced up, disbelief warred with elation. "Me?"

"You." He enjoyed watching her reaction. "Do you accept the assignment?"

"I've a choice?"

"Of course. You can refuse the promotion. It'll be a difficult posting due to the recent activities in MD-5. Frankly, it's a mess and will take seasons to sort out. The other generals won't be happy they weren't consulted. You saw what General Franis did, ordering you to the farthest reaches of MD-3 just to buy him some time to contact the others."

"He ordered me to leave right away. I should be pack?—"

"As a general, you don't answer to anyone except the Commander."

"And you. But you never seem to use that privilege."

"It's very rare, but I've used it. Do you need more time to think about it?"

"No. I accept." She grinned. "I like a challenge."

"Then let me be the first to congratulate you, General Ute." He shook her hand. "The Commander has asked me to escort you to your new posting. When would you like to leave for MD-5, General?"

"General Ute." She marveled. "Not sure I'll ever get used to the title. I thought it would never happen. We heard about MD-5, but there are so many qualified colonels in the Territory of Ixia."

"There are. However, the Commander chose you. He has faith in you. Remember that when the other generals are pushing back, claiming you're not the best candidate."

She sobered. "Do you have faith in me?"

"I do. And don't hesitate to ask for help or advice from me or the Commander. It's not a sign of weakness or a sign that you can't do your job. You have a hard road ahead of you, General. Use your resources. We're on your side."

"Thank you." She pulled in a deep breath and looked around her office. "I'll need four days to pack and tie up a few loose ends. And say goodbye."

"Do you have a family, General?"

"No. Like you, I'm married to my job."

He wanted to correct her, to tell her he had Yelena. Yet here he stood in MD-3 and Yelena was far to the south in Sitia, living a separate life.

"Shall we inform General Franis of your decision?"

Ute squared her shoulders. "We shall."

"Then let's stop by the guest quarters, I've something for you."

Back at his rooms, Valek changed into his adviser's uniform. He dug into his pack and pulled out the general's jacket with five green diamonds stitched onto it.

"I had to guess your size." He handed it to her.

"What if I had said no?"

"It would have remained in my pack getting even more wrinkled."

She laughed.

* * *

To say General Franis was not happy about Valek finding and delivering Ute her promotion was an understatement. He demanded to see the paperwork and studied it for a long while. Then he placed it on his desk.

"I'm sorry Ute, but I can't accept this as authentic. The Commander has recently been compromised by Brazell. He was trapped in a magical coma for days and was being influenced by magic for months. According to generals Tesso and Hazal, he wasn't completely recovered. Therefore, he's not in his right mind to make big decisions like this. We're going to discuss the situation. Don't worry, you'll still be one of the top candidates under consideration. In the meantime, I believe I ordered you to the NIP outpost."

Poor Ute just gaped at Franis with a crushed expression. She started to remove her general's jacket.

Valek put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "I assure you the Commander is fully recovered and not in the mood for these games, General Franis."

"Games? This from the man who is supposed to be keeping the Commander safe? Where were you when Brazell and his pet magician targeted the Commander? How could you allow that to happen? Perhaps you are in league with them?"

Valek admired the General's efforts to undermine his integrity. "I'm not going to explain nor defend my actions to you. The Commander will brief you on the incident when he is ready."

"Not good enough. I'm not releasing Colonel Ute until I've talked with the Commander."

"It's not up to you. In fact, by refusing the Commander's orders, you're committing treason. Unlike you, I obey the Commander's orders and will escort General Ute to MD-5."

"You're in my district, Valek. You're outnumbered."

If he had a gold coin for every time someone had told him he was outnumbered, Valek would be a very rich man. He waited for Ute to respond. This was her first challenge. Would she cave to Franis's demands or assert her rights?

"You no longer have any authority over me, General Franis," Ute said. "I'm leaving immediately. Please have my personal effects packed and sent to MD-5." She turned on her heel and left.

Valek silently celebrated as he followed her from the room. He caught up to her in the hallway.

"Now what?" she asked. Her hands were shaking.

"We'll grab my knapsack and then swing by your rooms so you can pack a travel bag."

"I can pack while you?—"

"No. We stay together."

"Do you really think?—"

"Yes." He hurried to the guest quarters. Time wasn't on their side. Good thing Valek had never unpacked. He grabbed his bag and they headed to her suite on the ground floor.

"I would have liked to say goodbye, and thank a few people," she said.

"You can come back to visit." When she gave him a dubious look, he added, "Eventually."

She impressed him by how fast she gathered her belongings.

"I'm getting a raise," she said. "I'll buy what I need."

They rushed to the barracks to pick up Ari and Janco. Halfway there, Valek spotted armed soldiers. They had formed a defensive ring around the stables.