Steel Wolf

Honorword

It was shortly after noon when Tanaya approached the perimeter of the Regular Military camp by herself. She flagged down a sentry.

"Listen to me very carefully, soldier," she said, towering over the woman. "Go get Regimental Commander Rapashaw and her second. Send a rider into town for Royal Guard Lieutenant Commander MacNaulty and his second. I want them all here on horseback in full armor in one hour. If anyone asks what I want, you have my authority to tell them in no uncertain terms to fuck off. You are under my personal protection. Repeat your orders if you understand them."

Word for word, the soldier repeated what the queen consort had said, then dashed off to find those in question.

As she'd expected, a few minutes later, a lieutenant drew up on horseback. Tanaya wasn't in the mood to be pleasant.

"Lieutenant," she addressed the man before he could speak. "I sent a sergeant into the camp for purposes which don't concern you at present. If that sergeant is not in motion carrying out my orders at this very moment, rest assured that you will be a private and placed in her squad before the day is out."

"By your leave, Highness," was all the lieutenant said as he wheeled his horse, spurring it into a gallop back to camp.

Several minutes later, two full squads of Regular Military soldiers surrounded the queen consort as a protective detail.

-o0o-

Tanaya swung into the saddle of a spare Percheron provided by Rance. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed being astride one of the mighty beasts. Her mood lightened instantly. This was close to heaven. Side by side, the five made their way toward Collin's Canyon, leaving the protective detail behind. Tanaya told the group the reason for their little trip.

"It seems to be a recurring theme for me, Tanaya," said Rance, as he rode next to her. "But, I'll ask it again...are you out of your fucking mind?" He was one of a handful of people who could speak to her in such a vulgar manner.

"I want you all to see the sincerity in their eyes. I spoke with them for two solid hours before coming to get you," she replied. "They'll be strictly under my command. They fully understand the implications behind their actions and are willing to swear fealty to this kingdom and its potentate. You four are going to be official witnesses. I'll need for you, Rance, to speak with Tree Elder Dragonspring and smooth his ruffled feathers. He's gonna pop a blood vessel when hears that we have orcs in our ranks."

"I dunno, Tanaya," Rance said, scratching his nose. "This is really serious shit. Orcs and elves. Slag dammit."

"Look, Rance," she turned her head to look at him, "all we're going to do is pass through this stretch of elven territory on our way to the docks. Once inside the city, the elves don't need to give them a second thought. They'll never see these orcs again."

"If you say so, Highness."

"All of you, listen closely," Tanaya said, as they neared the campsite. "We'll remain here tonight, returning shortly after dawn tomorrow. That will give you enough time to ready your troops and settle things with the elves. I've heard all the rumors about how nasty I can be; skinning people alive, decapitating people and sucking out their brains, eating the hearts of my enemies. My personal favorite is ripping off an arm and beating the soldier with it." She chuckled. "The Royal Guards know the truth; none of it has ever happened. However, it helps my case. Let the Regular Military know that I will be most displeased should anyone mess with the orcs. Leave it at that. Let their imaginations run rampant as to what will happen. The orcs are under my command and protection."

"Highness," addressed Colonel Rapashaw, "I refuse to lie to my troops."

"You won't be lying, Colonel," responded Tanaya. "You just won't be giving them the full story. Put it under the heading of 'need to know,' and they don't really need to know, do they? You're not going to be telling them anything. You know how the rumor mill operates."