The Wolf, the Butterfly, and the Kraken

Chapter 36

Joann
He nuzzled me. I sensed that he longed for something, and I thought I knew what, but this wasn’t the time or place. Besides, we were both working. “Wish me luck!” I told him.
He chuckled, “You do not need luck, but I wish it for you nonetheless.” He continued grabbing bags to lug down the path to Finton.
I silently vowed to get him in a tub for healing tonight. The fight had scared me today. Every man in Finton was larger than him.
I made my way to the Lyngaran camp, in the usual way. A boat, to the beach, where I waited, until a bag could be placed over my head, so I could be carried to Battlemaster Rajits tent. The tent was not as warm today as it had been in the past.
The flap opened, and I sensed Rajit, and 4 others. “Greetings,” I said warmly.
The hood did not come off, like it had previously, so I asked, “May I ask who has come?”
Rajit answered me, “I, Battlemaster Rajit have come.” He was oddly conflicted.
I smiled, “It is good to hear your voice.” None of the others introduced themselves, or were announced. Was I not supposed to be aware of them? I decided to play along.
Rajit asked, “What brings you to our camp this time, Joann of the Red Moon Green Scythes clan?”
“Venerans have a custom, around Midwinters Festival, which they also celebrate with friends and family. There are times when they can’t be with their friends or family, for one reason or another, during the festivities. When that happens Venerans send each other seasonal greetings, and we let our friends and family know how we are doing.
“I asked Lord Eureces last evening, in a short meeting, if in accordance with the nature of the season, a message could be sent from Finton to you. Would you like to read it?”
He hummed curiously, “I would very much like to read it, but first tell me something.”
“Of course, Battlemaster Rajit.”
“Why do you smell like the blood of three lycants, and why did we hear a funeral over in Finton?”
Under the hood I frowned. “I will tell you about the funeral first. Vam and I were summoned from our distant home when the Venerans didn’t know why there was so much noise coming from Finton. We arrived on the last day of the funeral for Reega of the Jumping Fish clan. It was very sad to lose such a fine warrior.”
Rajit asked, “How did he pass?” I could tell he felt the ache of loss for Reega just as strongly as everyone at Finton did.
“Battlemaster, we thought we had thought of everything for Finton, but we were wrong, and it took his death to realize it. We forgot medical supplies. We forgot fuel for fires, and a way to deliver it without breaking the treaty. Buildings that had offered shelter were burned for cooking food that would last a Veneran legionnaire 3 months, but not a lycant.”
I felt anger rising in the tent. “Are you saying he starved to death?”
“No. None have starved. Vam and I arrived in time to remedy that situation, and as we speak everything is being worked out. Reega died of an infection. Apparently when he left here he had a cut, which he tried to keep clean, but it got infected, and the infection spread.” I let them absorb that.
Then I continued on. “I have the blood of 3 lycants on me today because I have been working in my capacity as a healer at Finton. One man has a gut wound. He is making small improvements today.”
“What is his name?” one of the silent others asked.
I shrugged. “I have not been told. I do know that Garbaj of the Black Mountain clan is doing much better. I do not ask the names and clans of my patients so that I can treat them with no reservations.”
“Are you saying the second blood scent is that of Garbaj?” the voice asked again.
  “No, I finished working on him yesterday. The second is my mate, Vam. The third is a raider, Skiea. They got into a fight.”
“A fight? Why?” Rajit asked.
“Well, once Vam and I knew the situation in Finton we worked to remedy that. The raider hunters sent out riders to collect supplies and bring them back. One man sent out has a family that lives about a week out, walking. I have known the lady of it since I was a small child. My family stayed with hers when Oceanus had a growth spurt. Her husband goes after the raiders specifically. They lost family to raiders. Anyway, he sent his 12 year old son with many supplies for the warriors of Finton. The boy decided to bring a bag down the small path that leads from the top of the mesa to the bottom.
“And Skiea attacked the boy then?” Rajit asked.
“No. Young Alden was well met by the council of Finton. He had traveled day and night to reach Finton so soon. He and Vam were headed to the inn, to get some beans and water into a tired boy, when Skiea attacked. Vam managed to get Alden safely out of the way.”
“And your mate killed Skiea?” a third voice asked.
“No. My mate is a runtling, and was losing to Skiea. Alden was able to trap Skiea in soil. He is an earthcaster. It took him everything he had to do it, but he saved Vam. No, it was Kroser who served the punishment to Skiea.”
I felt relief pouring off three people in the tent. One was Rajit. One person was frustrated. The last was stunned, and deeply saddened, like they knew Skiea.
“May I remove the hood yet?”
Rajit took a deep breath, “Not today Joann. Hand me the Midwinter missive.”
I started digging through my sack and it fell completely off my lap. “Oops! Sorry. One second.” I felt around on the ground and pulled it up. Everything fell out, “Shit!” I found the scroll and held it out while trying to recall everything I had in my bag.
Rajit took the scroll, seeming to watch me for a moment before saying, “Be still Joann. We will pick up your things.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, feeling embarrassed. I waited silently in the chair.
Rajit asked, “Have you read what was written here?”
I ducked my head a bit, “No. I am honestly not so good at reading heiroglyphics yet. I am working on it, but I'm like a child, just learning all over again. Besides, it's rude to read messages for other people.”
“Would you like to hear what is written here?”
I shrugged. “If you want to share your Midwinter missive with me I would love to hear it. I often shared messages from friends with other friends.”
He hummed, and started reading. “Garbaj writes: Midwinter greetings to my brethren. I have lost my arm to infection, but my life has been spared by the healer and generous lady, Joann of the Red Moon Green Scythes clan. She and her mate make this winter manageable. They are good, honorable people. I wish you warmth and food in your bellies.
“Mogan writes: We are warm and have enough food. We have learned some of the uses of an animal called a fluffer. They have very long hair that can be spun and made into nets. Reega has died, and we gave him the best sending we could. Vam of the Red Moon Green Scythes clan deserves honor for the actions he has taken for us. His mate bravely tries to take care of 300 warriors. She is currently treating my godson, Tuar, who should have perished a week ago. I wish you victory in battle.
“Kroser writes: Tell Ailna that her son is dead by my hand. He acted dishonorably, and I upheld the treaty. The Venerans have been more than fair. They upheld not just the letter of the treaty, but also the spirit of it as well. We are safe here. Joann treats those who need the most help, and Vam brings supplies for all of us down, without asking anything in return. Wishing you food, and warmth this season.
“Kern writes: We are well here in Finton, and all look forward to going home. Life here in Finton is improving daily. I am quite enjoying my first council position - as you know I have always enjoyed organizing things,” at this Rajit snuffed a chuckle. “The food isn’t battle gruel, but it’s edible.” At this there were a few more chuckles. “Lady Joann of the Red Moon Green Scythes clan is quite astounding, and fearless. She has recruited warriors to play nursemaid without hesitation. They all obey her, knowing that Garbaj would throw them in the river here, and if not here then her family at home would.” They laughed. “Her mate is small, a runtling, but very much his parents son. I am proud to see the Red Moon Green Scythes clan in action once more. They are honorable people. Wishing you warmth, food, and valor this Midwinters.
“Hirke writes: The moon is high, and I sing for my brethren in battle, and at home. I sing thanks for safety, shelter, and Vam and Joann of the Red Moon Green Scythes clan. They watch over us all. Wishing you warmth, food, and valor.”
There was silence in the tent, except the sound of my tears splashing onto the hood, and my sniffing. I caught my breath, “Now I’m kinda glad you didn’t remove the hood.”
Rajit hummed thoughtfully, “Yes, let me help you retrieve your dropped things.” I heard the squeak of his leather as he bent down, and picked up some things. “What is this? Is it some sort of arrowhead?”
I was confused. “Arrowhead?” I had nothing weaponlike in my bag. I held out my hand, “Hand it to me.” A small object was placed in my hand. I smiled the second I felt it. “It is a toy for my son. I found a green and red top at the market and thought I could gift it to him on Midwinters Festival.” I missed Oshie.
“Would you bear a message to Finton, and also Lord Eureces for me?”
I sat straighter, “Of course Battlemaster.”
“I will ask you to wait elsewhere while it is composed.”
I shrugged, “Of course.” I was taken out of the tent, and sat down between two bemused warriors near a fire. I think I fell asleep against one of them while I was waiting. It was warm, cozy, and even though I was hooded I knew I was safe.
I woke when I was lifted and taken back to the tent. Rajit lifted my hood. It was just us. “I thought the hood couldn't be removed.”
“There were some others who did not wish you to see them earlier. I do not mind you seeing my scarred visage. I am very glad you came today with these tidings. It reminded me of things at home.” I sensed the same emotion from him as I had from Lord Eureces, a tentative hope, and patiently waited for him to say something hard for a warrior to say.
He handed me a scroll. “This is for my brethren in Finton.”
I smiled softly. “I am certain they will enjoy hearing from you.”
He nodded slightly. Then handed me another scroll. “Yes, and this is for Lord Eureces, the Veneran commander. It spells out some ideas for revisions in the treaty, so others can help bear the burden that you and Vam have been carrying alone.” I took the scroll, and he hesitated.
“Also, I have a thought, but I must make it clear that I do not wish to appear weak.”
I blinked, and cleared my throat. “Rajit, you are ten feet tall, could lift a war horse, and you command thousands of highly trained warriors. Nothing you could ever say would make you appear weak.”
He chuffed a laugh. “Not to you, but Lord Eureces is a formidable opponent. I can not appear weak in his eyes. However, I believe it would do the warriors good to take a day or so away from battle, and remember home.”
I nodded, tapping my knee thoughtfully, as though Lord Eureces had not already suggested the same thing. “Perhaps call a two day truce to honor the traditions of both cultures?”
He grumbled agreement, “Yes! We would like to honor the traditions of Midwinter with a two day truce. Do me a favor, and test his mood about this. If he thinks it may be a good idea have him write me a proposed time to stop battle, and when to restart. Bring it to me with his response of the proposal for treaty revisions, if you can. And remember, do not-”
“Make you appear weak. Of course not. I will do my best to bring a response tomorrow.” I was excited. I already knew how it would go. I just had to figure out the wording.
He eyed me. “Honor?”
I nodded. “Honor.”
He ran a finger across the top of my chest, from shoulder to shoulder. His claw was sharp, and I started bleeding. One more honor for my family. I thanked him, and placed my bag back on my shoulder.