Captain of Mercenaries

Part 4. Old Friends

After Malin had left, Allein sat for a while in silence. At last the inner door opened, and Brinn shuffled through, worn, foul. His eyes were still heavy with poison.

"So," he said. "I'm the great fool again."

"Yes, I suppose you are. Here, drink some tea, then we'll get cleaned up."

"Clean. Huh. That's a joke."

"Well, we can laugh about it after we get your boots on the right way round. Then a bucket of water for the smell, and hey, you'll look better than half the good citizens. Come on, we're needed. Council meeting."

"Don't know how it happened. Stood my troop down, went for a drink, then it was singing, then... then...". Brinn waved his hand in a vague circle. "And then I think. And then I'm angry. Too much. All this, you know? "

"The fighting?"

"Yes, the fighting, the raids and patrols and blood in the dirt. Always stand to, stand down, stand to. But, that's not the worst. At least when we're out there, active, I'm too busy. Too busy to think about... you know."

Allein stood, and helped Brinn to walk to a wash basin. "I know," he said. "I remember too."

"You always try to help me, Allein. Why? It brings me back. You should let it go. It'd be best. Why don't you let me go!"

"That's not me you're shouting at, now. You shouldn't think so much. All that... past... is just broken glass. In both our heads."

And when they were ready, they marched in step to the council.

...

Now Malin had thoughts of his own to hurry his steps. He crossed the main square to a large, squat building with the beginnings of a formal garden in front, a vain attempt to soften the look of heavy efficiency. Acknowledging a salute from the guards outside with a curt nod, he entered and swung down a series of corridors with familiar ease. Finally he came to a small door, extracted a key from his pocket, and slipped inside.

She was already there, he noted with satisfaction, looking nervous. She looked at him, then out the window at the guardsmen drilling below.

"Captain Duroc has gone."

"I know."

"And now you run here. You want the command. Why should you have it? And why do you think it's in my power to give?"

"You're still in charge here, my Lady. You are the Company Legate. First, by law."

"Is this the only reason you wanted to see me? To serve your ambition?"

"You know it's not. Duroc was a buffoon, but you knew you could count on him in the pinch. Now... you feel you're alone." She looked at him and he could see fear behind her proud gaze. He continued.

"You've called a council meeting. It will go hard for you. The merchants are unhappy. The soldiers are tired - and worried. They're only mercenaries, you know. Here for the money and fun. When they see dead bodies and lost cargos instead... they get itchy. I came to tell you - I'm for you. I always have been." Looking her in the exes, he walked to her and put one hand on her hip. The other moved across her belly, then cupped her chin to turn her head. He kissed her. For a moment they remained, locked together. Then she pushed him away.

"Those fools! Stupid! Always whining. Why can't they see how hard I have to work? They used to need a whole army to protect them. Where were their profits then? We had to cut costs..."

Malin allowed her to finish.

"I know, darling. You made a bold move, calling the council today. Noone expected that. Seize the moment! Appoint me Captain - for now at least - and we'll sort it all out."

She shook her head and spat out her words

"I didn't call the meeting. I received the same message you did, commanding - commanding! - me to come to the council meeting tonight."

"What?" Malin stood back. "By whose order?"

"I have no idea."

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