Page 16 of The Study of Fire
“There is still plenty of time.”
Valek left his office with Kenda. They parted ways as she headed to the hexagon that housed his corps. He went in search of Ari and Janco, hoping to catch them before they left for dinner.
Ari opened the door when Valek knocked, inviting him into their two-bedroom suite. The large common room held a couch, a couple comfy chairs, a table and chairs, and two desks. Doors on opposite sides of the room led to the bedrooms. Through the open doorways, Valek immediately recognized who occupied which bedroom. Ari’s bed had been made with military precision. Janco’s wasn’t. The same could be said of their desks.
“I hope you have some good news,” Janco said. He sat on the couch, juggling three knives.
“What would you consider good news?” Valek asked.
“A mission. An exercise with the puppy dogs. Anything other than lectures and studying.”
“You’re in luck. I’ve a mission for the two of you.”
Ari straightened with interest. Janco whooped and threw his knives higher into the air.
“Where to?” Janco asked.
“MD-1.”
“Ha. Ha. Right. Where are wereallygoing?”
“MD-1, to stop General Kitvivan from hunting snow cats.”
The weapons clattered to the floor. “Ow!” Janco sucked on a fingertip. “I’ll pass. I’m not that bored.”
“Details?” Ari asked.
Valek explained about the cages and Kelia’s follow up report.
“How do we stop the general?” Ari asked.
“I suggest after the hunt is an utter failure, you introduce yourselves to General Kitvivan and let him know the Commander is extremely unhappy.”
Janco perked up. “Ooohhh, thinly veiled threats. I like.” Then he shuddered and wrapped his arms around his torso. “But I don’t like the cold, and we might get stuck until the warming season when the snow melts.”
“Which is why you’re leaving tomorrow. Take the horses and lots of warm layers. Our seamstress, Dilana, can help kit you out with the proper clothing,” Valek said.
“I’m assuming you expect us to leave at dawn.” Another shudder.
“Stop moping, Janco,” Ari cajoled. “We get to threaten a general and sabotage his hunt.”
“Sabotage is always fun,” Janco agreed. “Is Maren coming with us?” His voice held a hopeful tone.
“No. The Commander has another mission for her.”
Janco slumped. “Boo.”
“I’ll bring your paperwork to the stables at dawn,” Valek said.
“Paperwork?” Ari asked.
“You can’t expect the general to trust that you’re my new seconds-in-command without a missive from the Commander. The generals have been reluctant to trust anyone since the incident with the magicians.”
“Magicians,pah,” Janco spat.
“Just curious. Are there missions we can pass on?” Ari asked.
“It will depend on the reason. It has to be a damn good one and not something like Janco hating sand or the cold or mornings or magic.”
