Peacebringer

Chapter Twenty Six - Back at Base

Before the fighters were able to retire to their homes, they had a debriefing meeting at the gathering space where they first discussed the attack plans. Rone was clearly overjoyed, as were the other fighters. They hadn't had an attack this successful in many months, and it felt good to be able to celebrate a victory.

Rone approached the podium first this time. "Fellow warriors, I thank you for your bravery and commitment! Now that we have a fire spinner on our side," He gestured to Asha in the back row where she was sitting with her team, "We might have more of a chance rescuing the prisoners in the castle."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, Rone," Tana chided gently. "That kind of mission would take a lot of planning, but I think it is definitely something we can consider." She strangely did not seem as jubilant as the rest of the team, she still maintained her calmness. Maybe Tana wasn't really the joyful type. Nevertheless, she smiled with the rest of the resistance.

"In addition to some of our lost family members," Rone started again. "We have gained several people willing to join our cause and fight against the king. Our numbers have grown again!" More cheers erupted.

"Tonight, we shall feast and be merry!" Rone raised a fist in the air, followed by even more cheering.

"I'M STARVING." Finn clutched his stomach in overdramatic false agony.

"You always are!" Natalya elbowed him.

"I was a dragon today. It gives you an appetite."

"I'm actually hungry too," Asha chimed in. She had almost completely recovered on the walk back. She still felt a little weak, but she figured food would help with that. She figured that spinning expended a lot of energy, and she just needed to refuel.

"I know mom was going to help make dinner," Havi spoke up. "I mean she always does, but whenever they are going to have a feast she makes sure to make some of our favorites."

He turned to Valda. "And now that she knows you like roasted potatoes...."

"YES." Valda punched the air in triumph.

"I feel weird knowing that our princess likes potatoes..." Natalya said. "That seems like information I shouldn't have."

"From this day forward, our team shall be known as the order of the potato." Finn was speaking very stoically. Valda suppressed a giggle. "I ask you all to take with me this very solemn oath of initiation." They all raised their hands, some of them shaking with the effort to not burst into laughter.

"I, state your name." They all repeated accordingly

"Do solemnly swear," Finn stated

"Do solemnly swear," they echoed.

"To honor the order of the potato,"

"To honor the order of the potato," now their voices were breaking and cracking.

"To serve potatoes at all my meals,"

Now he had lost them, the oath remained unfinished as they all dissolved into raucous laughter. Despite their cacophony, they noticed all the other members had gone, and they followed the group to the feast.

Someone had laid out tables in the streets between the houses, and the tables were laden with food. Asha could see at least three different potato dishes, so she knew Valda would be happy. There also appeared to be roasted chickens, and steaming bowls of vegetables, and warm fresh bread. Her stomach growled louder than she had ever heard it before.

She and the order of the potato sat down at one end of a long table, making sure to sit next to a heaping bowl of boiled potatoes. The golden brown skin of the potatoes gleamed with melted butter.

Asha finally felt relaxed again. As soon as she noticed other people eating, she started mounding her plate with as much food as she thought her stomach could handle.

The five friends had a marvelous time talking, laughing, and most importantly eating. When twilight had set and their bellies were stuffed, the stood to head home. It wasn't far.

As they were walking home, they noticed Tana waiting on the doorstep of Havi's house. She looked irritated. Asha became worried, she had never seen Tana look like that before.

All the color drained from Finn's face. Clearly he had never seen Tana look like that either. Even Natalya halted for a moment, unsure of whether or not to proceed.