Eulia And The Butterfly Dragon

Chapter 20 White Flag

Jacob, David and Jeremy where in the briefing room waiting for the rest of the staff to assemble. "It has been very generous of Euly"s grandma to quarter the staff in her home for all this time," Jacob said.

"Speak for yourself general," Jeremy said, "I'm in a tent."

"I've had no time with Fee for almost a month," David complained.

"They're either flying or volunteering in the hospital," Jeremy said, "especially now that typhus and dysentery has been on the rise."

"We only get short glimpses of them at the meetings," Jeremy complained.

"Did you see what they had on yesterday?" Jacob asked.

"A red corset," Jeremy whispered, "they're leaving two buttons open all the time now and I couldn't miss it."

"I don't know if I prefer the white, the black or the red," David said then laughed. "Jake's been very quiet."

"He can't get his mind of that kiss Euly gave him," Jeremy teased.

"I had no idea she could kiss like that! She's my shy little farm girl or was."

"What's this boyfriend with a capital 'B' she keeps calling you," Jeremy asked.

"Haven't had a chance to ask her."

"Fee's been calling me the same thing," David said.

"SH-H-H I hear them coming." The dragon riders were in an animated conversation as they walked into the meeting room. The men stood as they entered.

"Ladies," they said and offered them seats. The three dragon riders smiled and took the offered seats.

"Gentlemen," they responded.

"So formal!" Jacob said with a sigh. The ladies giggled in response. At that point they all rose to their feet as General Thaddeus and the rest of the staff walked in.

"Go ahead and sit, please," the general said. "Ladies give your report first."

"Things have been pretty static," Jo began. "The defense lines are unchanged and there has been no incursions. We saw the marines have established a beach head on the peninsula and there has been little resistance. I full expect them to reach the panhandle in weeks."

"I must give you three special praise for all the work you have done at the hospital."

"A lot of people are helping there, General," Eulia said.

"How bad are the losses,"

"We had a lot of remedies flown in from Bountiful," Eulia continued, "so we were well prepared. So far no losses."

"We had blankets flown in too," Phoebe said, "It's been hitting the low forties at night. That's unusual for this late in April."

"I'll say it again," Thaddeus said, "You three have been truly a godsend. Now Colonel Jeremy lets hear your report on the southern rails."

"We've cut the line in several strategic places, no trains are moving on the line."

The morning briefing continued its usual pace. General Thaddeus concluded, "We have got to break this siege, if you have any ideas speak up."

"We could disrupt the aqueducts, General," one lieutenant said. "And deny them water."

"We could, but they are starving in Dexter," the general said, "I will do that only as a last resort." The meeting had ended and General Thaddeus and his staff were the first to leave. They were all filing out when Jacob said, "Eulia, could I have a minute?"