Steel Wolf

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As the days wore on, all there was for the Royal Guard to do on board was exercise, and care for the horses. A few old wooden logs had been retrieved from somewhere belowdecks, being quickly pressed into service as weights and attack dummies. The ship's crew were invited to take part in the exercises during their off-duty hours, the Guardsmen demonstrating holds, blocks, and other hand-to-hand skills. The crew, for their part, were more than happy to impart their own nautical expertise. A couple of Guards became more than just friends with some members of the crew. Tanaya and Captain Withburn discussed this at length. They decided that natural attraction could not be dissuaded, especially in such close quarters, and as long as everyone did their jobs, there was no problem.

"Unto death!" Four warriors tossed a log to the four opposite them. "Unto death!" was yelled each time the log was caught. "Unto death!"

"Drop it! Ten laps in your own time!" yelled Tanaya, dripping sweat. Although the breeze was continuous as the ship moved through the water, the warriors were drenched. The log hit the deck with a resounding thud, the Guardsmen quickly running away to do ten laps around the deck. Her hair was wrapped around her head to keep it from whipping around in the steady wind. The battlemage, Jarana Duncaster, held off running, flagging Tanaya before she could follow the group.

"Commander, can I speak to you alone?" she asked.

"Of course, private." She used her sleeve to mop her brow. They moved toward the rear of the ship, still within sight of the princess who was leading a Percheron in a large circle.

"What can I do for you?

"What happens on a full moon?" Her face serious.

"I'm not sure I understand what you're asking, Jarana," replied Tanaya, lightly shaking her head.

"The Princess' condition. All signs point to a massive shift in biology during a full lunar cycle for lycanthropes. Most lose the ability of higher brain function and revert to more primal instincts. If that happens on this boat...the confined space...it could be very disastrous for all concerned."

Now that Tanaya thought about it, to her knowledge, none of the guards reported seeing Serenna during a full moon. Had she always been sequestered in her room at the castle? Was she locked in the dungeon until the change passed?

"How long until the next full moon?"

"The Crow Moon will appear in three nights, ma'am," answered Jarana. "Predictions say this one will be blue."

"Have you expressed concern to anyone else about this?" Her blue eyes speared the smaller woman.

"It was brought to my attention by Privates Siari and Baknel, but I'm not sure if anyone else has the same thoughts. It's probably crossed a few minds."

"I'll find out about it," said Tanaya. "Your worries do have foundation, private. Have Sergeant Rosada report to me when she gets off guard duty. Anything else on your mind?"

"Can I have permission to wear my own clothes for my date, tonight? One of the stevedores asked me out. I don't what he has planned, but I really don't want to wear the brown things," Jarana said, biting her lip.

"You may," answered Tanaya. "But, be available for a short meeting before dinner."

"Thank you, commander. By your leave?"

"Dismissed."

Jarana fairly floated away with the knowledge she could be herself tonight.

Tanaya turned to watch the warriors run past.

"The first one to do ten laps in full armor gets a twenty-four-hour stand-down!" She smiled as she watched them all scramble for the hatch, knowing their armor was in their quarters.