The Tales of the Wanderer Volume One: A Book of Underrealm (The Underrealm Volumes 4) Garrett Robinson (poetry books to read TXT) 📖

my expression deadpan. “He requests your presence to discuss the assignment of a scouting party to hunt down the Shades. We are mustering our squadrons in anticipation that it might be us.”

“Very good,” said Tou in a resigned voice. “I shall be along presently.”

“As you say, ser,” said Mag. Her gaze swiveled to Dibu. “You have a quarter-hour, soldier.”

She let the tent flap fall, and we collapsed in on ourselves. Seizing each other’s shoulders, we shook with laughter that we tried frantically to silence. We were reduced to stumbling through the rest of the tents, throwing up the flaps and gasping out “Muster” before choking back another peal of hysterics. Yue came to us when we had almost finished, and she scowled down at me.

“What under the sky has gotten into you?” she said. “You look fit to erupt, and I do not like the way that vein is throbbing in your forehead.”

I said nothing, but only pointed back down the line as I kept giggling. Tou was just emerging from Dibu’s tent. His cloak was in his hand, and he whirled it on against the cold before marching off towards his tent.

Yue stared at him for a moment, frowning. “Oh,” she said slowly. Then her face lit with understanding. “Oh.”

“I knew it,” said Mag. “I knew it from the first.”

“Knew what?” I said. “The two of them? Wait.” A realization struck me. “Is this why you put Dibu against him for the test?”

“I did not know the captain would choose Tou, so of course not,” said Mag. “I picked Dibu because he was the best I had. But I was elated when the captain chose Tou.”

I buried my face in my hand. “You are the most conniving—”

“I already told you I had no idea who the captain would choose,” said Mag, folding her arms with a smug grin.

“Are the two of you done with petty gossip?” said Yue with a scowl. “Our squadrons are supposed to be assembling for muster.”

“You are right,” I said. “Let us get them in line.”

It was not very long before it was done. Tou appeared, and Kun walked beside him. Kun’s smile was back, and it looked no less bright for the early hour. He nodded to the sergeants, and the whole company gave him a salute. Tou studiously avoided looking at Mag and me, and I am confident our foolish grins never left us.

“Good morning,” said Kun. “Today, I hope to bring this expedition to a close. We are going to advance into the hills, and we are going to bring our enemies to bay. To ensure our success, I mean to send a scouting party ahead to hamper the Shades’ march in any way possible. Lieutenant Shi?”

Tou gave him a nod and then addressed us, fixing Mag and me with a steely gaze. “Black Squadron. Green Squadron. You will form the scouting party. Head north into the hills, track the Shades down, and follow them. Each of you fetch one horse from the train. Use them to rotate messengers back to camp, informing the captain of the Shades’ movement.”

“Ser,” said Mag and I together. I believe we kept our tone somewhat professional.

“The main force will advance behind you,” said Kun. “I am giving the reinforcements two hours to rest from their march, and then we will follow you into the hills. We will catch the Shades and wipe them out. A swift and fitting end for those who have betrayed the High King and all the nine kingdoms.” Suddenly he paused, and though his smile remained, his brows furrowed. “Sergeant Baolan?”

Mag and I looked at Yue in surprise. She had her hand raised, and she kept her eyes fixed on the captain. “Blue Squadron is available for the scouting party as well, ser.”

Kun’s smile softened. “Thank you, Sergeant Baolan. Green Squadron and Black Squadron will serve for the purpose, though your willingness is appreciated.”

“We owe them a debt of blood, ser,” said Yue fiercely.

“And you will pay it,” said Kun. He stepped closer to her and lowered his voice so that only Tou and we sergeants could hear. “I am not holding you back to slight you. You lost people yesterday. That is a tragic honor, but an honor nonetheless. Let the fresher squadrons take the fore now.”

“Ser—” began Yue.

“No, Sergeant,” said Kun, but gently. “This is an order. And if you need any further assurance, think of the fact that I am keeping my Mystics with the main force as well. Do you think that an insult to them?”

Yue’s nostrils flared. “Of course not, ser.”

“Then be at peace.” Kun stepped back and once again spoke to the whole company. “You have your orders. Dismissed!”

“Yes, ser!” we cried in chorus.

Mag turned to me. “Ready for another day on the field?”

I glanced sidelong at Yue, who was fuming and not looking at either one of us. “I suppose so,” I said. “But quickly—before we go, we should speak with Dryleaf. I would guess he has been worried about us while he followed along in the train with Zhen.”

With Yue, we hurried to the east end of the camp, where Zhen’s troops were getting themselves arranged. In the rear of the column, with the other followers, we soon found Dryleaf by the sound of Oku’s excited barks. As soon as the hound scented us, he came bounding forwards with a loud baying of joy, and Dryleaf followed behind. Orla and Nikau were with him, each of the lovers holding one of his arms, but for comfort rather than to help him along.

“Are those my friends?” he called out, feeling his way forwards with his walking stick. “How have you fared without me here to protect you?”

“Well enough, old man,” said Mag with a laugh, taking his shoulder and guiding him to us. “We appreciate your service in guarding the reinforcements.”

“One does what one can, I suppose,” said Dryleaf. His head swung back and forth. “Albern? Yue?”

“We are here,” I said, placing a hand on