The Legacy of Arthur

Part 7

"Marvelous," the major said quietly, turning the crystal sphere slowly in his hands. Merlin glared out at him silently, barely visible through his thick forest of hair. "Not only did you find Camelot but you've retrieved Merlin intact. We couldn't possibly have hope for a better outcome.

"You couldn't possibly have hoped for a better outcome, sir," I corrected, pointing down at the sphere. "I never want to see that thing again."

"Come now, Lieutenant. I think you'd best hear what he has to say. Our legendary wizard friend has told me that he has something to tell to you."

I immediately moved to shake my head, but the major held up a calming hand, before settling the sphere into a setting on the table.

"I'm not going to say it's an order, but," he trailed off, giving a fatherly smile.

"What is it?" I snapped, my temper still frayed by having my left arm in a sling, not to mention the dozen minor burns that I had barely noticed in the aftermath of the fight, but which had made themselves known soon after. My wool uniform, usually a source of great comfort, itched and grated against the wounds.

"I understand your title is Lieutenant," the small, hairy wizard began. "Which I have chosen to consider as mark of minor nobility."

"Oh, well, thank you," I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Masters," the major warned, but Merlin continued unabated.

"And thus, Lady Masters, I have chosen to remark upon your exemplary performance at Camelot. For one of your sex, you fought exceptionally well." He paused, as if waiting for me to respond poorly. I kept my lips sealed together. "While any knight of Arthur's table could have handled a single dragon, the feat is still quite an accomplishment."

"Thank you, I think," I murmured, shooting a glance up at a very self-satisfied major.

"But where is Sir Wes?" Merlin asked, concerned. "Surely he deserves my congratulations as well, and my thanks for not allowing the impetuous Lady Masters to throw me into the ocean."

"What?" the major asked, suddenly alert again.

"Never mind that," I said quickly, laying my palm on top of the sphere. "Where is Private Hartley? I assume you didn't just send him back to that sapper squad."

"Oh, no, certainly not," the major said happily, although I suspected he wasn't as distracted from my threats toward the wizard as I hoped. "The Special Courier Service could use someone capable of facing down enchanted armor and dragons on their first mission. I've instructed Recruiting to offer him a position with us."

"Excellent," I said, honestly, and sat back in my chair. "He'll make a great agent."

"Ah, more than that!" the major said, gently sliding Merlin across to the side of his desk. "He'll make a great partner for you."

I hissed involuntarily, slouching down in my chair.

"Now, Lieutenant, are you going to say that you didn't work well together?"

"No," I said, disgruntled.

"And you know that the Special Courier Service works in pairs for a reason?"

"Yes." I knew I was being childish, but I had been enjoying my independence.

"Then I'm sure you'll understand why you're being assigned together. Once he's been properly run through his paces, we'll have you set up with another mission. Until then, Masters, I'd suggest getting a bit of rest and relaxation." He jutted a finger out at my shoulder and smirked. "And let that heal. We need you back in action as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir." I sighed, standing to leave.

"At least men are still in charge!" Merlin said happily.

"Masters, no!" the major shouted, but I had already thrown the ball out the window.