A novel by Meredith Skye

* ^ * ^ * ^ * ^ *

In the end, Chief Nyan had ordered an evacuation of even the village of Drealea, which was also swallowed up by the desert storm. All units were ordered back to Urrlan.

Koethe and Nyan had arrived hours ago with all the troops they'd managed to save. Every hour, more troops straggled in.

Some of Koethe's militia had broken and run when the storm hit, knowing that Koethe hadn't approved the attack. Now, they straggled back to Urrlan in small groups. Some on foot, some in airships.

Terrible damage had been reported by both Chanden and Garran villages alike, due to the storm.

The orders to stop the attack on the clan homes had not all been received. Some of the auxiliary units had attempted to carry out the orders with mixed results. A few clan homes had been hit hard. Others had defended themselves, causing great casualties on both sides.

All of Garran was a mess.

In all of this, there had been no word from General Godwin nor his officers. Nyan had waited patiently, and had sent out troops to search, once the storm began to die down.

Koethe's officers: Becnand, Richt and Fauke had been released and were assisting in the recovery operations. Captain Fauke stayed close to Koethe, partly to guard him, as well as to assist him. Nothing more had been said of their arrest. Apparently, that was on hold.

Quietly, Koethe ordered all Chanden evacuated from Rhashan, Chiel, Anik, Hobset and Sonthhe—all of the northeastern Chanden colonies. It had been Asta's request. He used the hostilities as an excuse. And in truth those outposts were too far out to protect. It was perfectly reasonable. The Outlands were full of the wildest of Garrans and not safe in these explosive times.

"Commander," said Fauke. "A ship just arrived from Drealea. Chief Montani has been recovered."

Koethe felt a dread. She had been given charge of his militia. And she wouldn't be one to let this go. Chief Nyan had heard that and walked over. "Very well," Koethe replied. Nyan and Koethe exchanged a glance. Both of them hurried down to the landing pad to greet her.

Chief Montani looked ragged and exhausted. Anger flashed across her face when she saw Commander Koethe not in chains. "What is he doing here?" she demanded.

Nyan ignored the question. "What about General Godwin?" he asked her.

She shook her head. "I saw his ship go down. He's dead."

Nyan greeted this news solemnly. "I see." He glanced at Koethe. The General's death left a vacuum in the hierarchy of power. Chief Nyan was next in command.

"Shouldn't he be under arrest?" Montani demanded, nodding to Koethe.

Godwin had ordered Koethe's arrest, but circumstances had been different then. Hesitating, Nyan looked at both Montani and Koethe. A decision had to be made. "No," said Nyan at last. "I think not."

A feeling of relief flooded over Koethe.

"What?" demanded Montani. "The General gave the order, we all heard it! I won't sit still for this!"

"This is a Tier One order," countered Nyan. "You know this. It has to be put into writing. There are forms to be filled out."

Bless Nyan's pedantic nature!

"You're going to let him go because the paper work was never done? Are you crazy?" demanded Montani. "I will take this to the High Court on Vhorlend! He was the cousin of the Emperor. I will take this to the Emperor himself!"

"You are welcome to do so," said Nyan. "I will await word from the High Court. Meanwhile, as far as I'm concerned, it's status quo."

Montani and Nyan stared at each other a moment. Finally, she stormed off without a word.

"Thank you," said Koethe to Nyan.

"You're welcome," said Nyan. "I think as to matters on Garran, you know best. I'm content to leave you in charge."

Koethe nodded, slowly feeling the balance of order restored.

__________________________________

Thanks for reading and voting!

Please like my Facebook page!

Updates on my activities.

http://www.facebook.com/meredith.e.skye