Steel Wolf

Honor and Duty

"Do you people ever slow down?" asked an out of breath Shao Lim, legs pumping furiously as the squad tore around the park.

"Only when we're sleeping, my brother," heaved Agrim, keeping double-time pace. "Step it up, slacker. We're lagging behind."

"Cào nǐ zǔzōng shíbā dài, you flaming lǎn dàn. Who are you calling a slacker?" Shao increased pace, blowing like an overloaded oxen team.

Tevya, two steps ahead of them, began laughing too hard to run anymore. He sidestepped out of the way to let the others pass, holding his ribs as his laughter increased.

"What's so damn funny, Rosso?" asked Agrim, as he and Shao stopped beside the man. Shao sported a smug grin.

"He...! He...!" Tevya could barely speak through his laughter, sucking air into his lungs. "He told you to fuck your ancestors to the eighteenth generation! Then he called you a lazy egg!" Tevya's legs gave out, and he rolled around on the ground, holding his sides.

Laughing heartily, the two men helped Tevya back to his feet, the three sprinting after the running group.

-o0o-

They'd run his ass ragged. After several laps around the park, the Blood Shadows broke into groups of two and began their own version of training "the new guy."

Pushups, wind sprints, acrobatics, sparring, along with a host of other physical and mental exercises designed to break a lesser person. These exercises also served to welcome him to the squad. Weaknesses were found, as well as strengths which he could use to teach them. Everyone learned and taught.

Of course, he wasn't ready to fight the remaining pair of the Hand of Five, but in a standard skirmish, he could certainly kick some ass.

"Slag-dammit, Tanaya," he puffed at the end of the day, rolling a shoulder, "I hurt in places that haven't hurt since Entry Camp."

"After tomorrow night," she chuckled, "we can start your training in earnest. By the end of the month, you won't hurt so much, and your muscles will be rocks. Another month will see you slinging two swords at one time, being so precise that you can shave a single hair from someone's face."

"Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Highness," he said sincerely. "I won't fail you or the Shadows."

"You certainly have the right attitude, and your command skills are excellent." She shifted in her seat. "You've had a rough day, even for a Shifter. So, go get cleaned up and grab some chow. You and Benton see me after dinner. Also, we are very informal. There's no need to address me as Highness. Benton will be happy to teach you protocol; when to make the proper addresses and such."

"Okay. See you in a little while, Tanaya," he responded, heading for the door.

-o0o-

FOR THE QUEEN'S EYES ONLY

This letter is to be placed directly in Her Majesty's hands only by a Designated Courier. OPD.

Queen Serenna: 4

Hello, My Dearest Love,

I trust this missive finds you and Mom in good spirits and health. I regret not writing any sooner, but I'm sure that you understand, given the situation at hand.

As you are reading this, we are aboard the Kennitt's Blade, heading home. We will leave Goxell-Galbria two days after the Grass Moon sets.

On the way here, we stopped overnight in Dunston Greave for rest and to see my family. My parents are most eager to "meet the woman who stole our little girl's heart."