True Love's Seventh kiss: Part 2 Dungeon Break

Ch.2 Holy Rurapenthatic Church

Once Marion and Commander Bennett had submitted to their will, Novak and Irina left as swiftly as they came.

"Most kids get an arranged marriage at your age, or the oath of a personal knight guard. How did you get a Commander as a subordinate? If I'm guessing right, we'll get a whole frigate and a mage Squadron to go with it." Miles shook his head. "But I guess I haven't properly introduced myself." Miles stood up and did a soft salute. "Commander Miles Bennett, at your service, my lord. Ace flier of the whole Cliffgard Sky fleet and probably the whole Empire. I can make anything soar from a Broom to a Dreadnought. I also led the mage squadron, Bennett's Reach, under Naval Commander Ezra Copse. I specialize in Gravity magic but also know the basics of Wind, Light, and Curse magic."

"Bennett's Reach, I heard commoners who join the mage squadrons take on the name of their squadrons as their last names. Does that mean you'll be Miles... something else now?" Marion asked.

Miles shrugged. "Probably. Now that I'm a commander and will get to pick my own unit I'll get to come up with one. And since I'll get to pick it, I'll probably stick with it even after I retire."

"Better pick a good one then." Marion said.

"Don't have to tell me twice." Miles slapped his leg as he stood up. "And with that, I'll leave you 'nap buddies' to your nap. I have a lot more to think about then when I first walked in."

"Get some rest while you are at it, you look terrible. Like you just got a promotion or something." Marion teased.

"Haha, no kidding. G'night kid." Miles left the room and ran into Kaliban as soon as he left.

"Pickle crisps?" Kaliban said as Miles closed the door. Kaliban held a small sack from the kitchen that matched Miles' empty snack bag.

"Aren't you too efficient?" Miles asked as he accepted his favorite treat from Kaliban.

"You always have Hazel's Pickle chips when you stop by. She keeps a dry barrel on the top shelf just for you." Kaliban waved a hand, inviting Miles to walk with him.

"The old bat still has the magic touch. You and her always looked after me, ever since you picked me up off the street." Miles said.

"As the lady said just the other day, we are not so plentiful in manpower that we can overlook talents, especially if they are orphans. And you've more than earned your way up the ranks, just like I knew you would." Kaliban said proudly.

"You sound like you already know about my Promotion."

"It's only natural, since I suggested it." Kaliban puffed out his chest proudly. "Congratulations, Miles. I am proud of you. You are definitely one of the best fliers in the Empire, although Marion may start giving you a run for your title if you aren't careful." he chuckled.

"Sheesh, it's just one thing after another isn't it?"

"On that topic, I know you will be picking out your new family name so i have a thought about that, just something to help stimulate your imagination." Kaliban said. "Think of it as a gift of parental affection."

*

The next day, Marion's little nap buddy was entranced with his stories.

"Wow! So cool!" Erabella was at the edge of her seat while cuddling Stormy at the edge of the bed.

Both Marion and Miles had mixed reactions to Erabella's misplaced enthusiasm. They looked at the drawing that Marion had made for the story he had told. It was the headless horseman carrying an ax and a jack-o-lantern pumpkin while on the back of a horse. It was just better than average if Marion had to admit the honest quality of the picture.