Chapter 9 – Part 14

The major had been introduced to her only as Major East. She knew that it was a code cover, and she could easily think of three good reasons why without straining, so Pienna didn’t take any offense. She was surprised that she’d been taken directly to such a high-ranking officer, but it wasn’t long before she found out why.

“I don’t doubt you,” the major said. He had deep-set, hollow eyes, and his face carried two day’s worth of gray stubble. “But it seems strange that you would return to Varna by this great magic, and not go right to the city.”

“I seek the lay of the land, Major,” Pienna said softly. She stroked Missy’s fur and the big cat rumbled, making three nearby guards nervous. One of them wore a red scarf, but Pienna did not grasp its significance. “That is all.”

“You had a goblin with you?” the Major asked. A soldier to his left nodded.

“Brezzy,” she said. “A Gatekeeper follower, although not a druid. He is trustworthy. He is checking out some things for me. Nothing to do with your army, I do not sell information to Audnair.”

“You do not,” the Major said. “You are Chu-bat’s friend, yes?”

A tear came unbidden to her eyes. “Yes,” she said.

“And another Gatekeeper living with Vadalis, making potions for them, and elf, he wants to see you badly, does he not?”

She blinked at this. “I wasn’t aware that this was common knowledge.”

“We are a careful people, Pienna,” the Major said. “And it is my job to keep track of such things. But you have caught us at an – uncomfortable time. And your request for aid, well, we wouldn’t mind helping you, if we knew everything that you know.”

She smelled suspicion, and she saw that the soldier with the red scarf seemed to take a very serious interest in things. They clearly wanted to help her, and get helped by her in return, but just as clearly they were frightened of trusting.

Someone had burned them, and recently. There had been a bustle of activity as she’d been lead to the central of the camp, and she’d then been made to wait for a good fifteen minutes. She’d been patient, and had caught someone whispering about calling for the Medani.

She hadn’t understood what that meant, but the tumblers were beginning to fall into place.

“Major,” she said. “I know little of the local situation, and it is clear that I have come into a situation that is developing. Perhaps if you could tell me in what way I can assist you, then I can demonstrate my trust to you, rather than expecting you to take it on faith.”

The Major considered this, and then a weak smile broke out on his face. “I’m sorry, Ma’am, we’re just very nervous right now. Maybe you could come back later?”

“Of course,” she said, tapping Missy. The great cat rose to walk beside her.

“I mean no offense, Ma’am,” Major East assured her.

“I take none,” she said. “Your time is valuable, Major, and I appreciate it.” She turned to leave.

“Ma’am,” he said, sprinting to catch up to her. She turned towards him, surprised. “This Aruunis, the money he’s been spending, the alliance that he made with House Vadalis, who is spared the bombardment that periodically afflicts Varna, well…the fear is that after you assisted us, you would feel that you had to prove that you were neutral, and so you’d have to…well, we don’t know what to think right now.”

She suddenly comprehended. “You just caught a changeling, so you’re as jumpy as a spring-loaded gnome’s toy.” His face showed shock, then a sheepish acknowledgement. She gave a small head bow. “Major, as long as I am in Varna, you may call on me.”

He grinned, gave a small salute, and they parted ways amicably.