Eulia And The Butterfly Dragon

Chapter 21 The Mud

The general's staff met in the former palace of the imperial magistrate now renamed "The Eastern Seat." All traces of the imperial regime had been erased. The blue flag of the republic flew over the citadel and the residence of the provisional government. David and Jacob had refused the title of provisional governor so it fell to General Thaddeus. The spring rains had started and rivers and lakes were at their peek some areas already flooded.

"Dexter appears to be stable," Jeremy said during the morning briefing, "there has been no resistance and most of the population appears pleased with being part of the republic. Our ability to restore order and the bringing in of food and supplies has help relieve much of the first few weeks tension.

"About a dozen families have indicated their desire to seek refuge in the empires colony on the southern continent.," Jacob added.

"Passage to the southern contentment will be offered to all that wish to leave," Thaddeus said, "and the republic will compensate for any propriety lost. How about transportation."

"The mud has really stopped everything," David said, "we will have our forces begin the siege of Houston-Whittier by the weeks end. The railroad is now functioning and we have a railhead established two miles from Houston-Whittier. This has been most helpful in our drive south."

"Now, let's hear from out Dragon riders," Thaddeus said, "I saved you for last today."

"The mud is everywhere. The marines are slogging through and have taken the entire west coast of the peninsula and panhandle. And are as we speak the marines have entered Beaconsfield and set up a provisional government. We saw our flags flyinhg. The southern imperial army has moved to Somerset but the mud is hindering their drive north," Jo reported.

"Ive been hearing stories of awful atrocities to civilians in Beaconsfield perpetrated by imperial forces when they were driven out," Thaddeus said. The dragon riders looked shocked but said nothing. "Also, the imperial navy was sending an invasion force but they have been turned. An all sail navy is no match to our fleet of steam powered raiders.Tell me about the hospital."

"Typhoid continues to keep the hospital filled and busy," Eulia said. "I've suggested that we boil all water prior to use all this rain is making any attempts at sanitary precautions almost moot."

"I will make boiling an official order," Thaddeus said, "I want the dragon riders to take a five day leave."

"But general," Phoebe said, "the hospital..."

"It will still be their after five days. You three are running yourselves ragged. Stay at the inn, use the bathes, give yourselves a break. Visit friends in Bountiful.This is far from over. I'll need you at your best very soon."

The dragon riders walked briskly across the city. None of them spoke, all three were furious at being given leave. They were oblivious to the city's inhabitants response to them as they walked dressed in their uniforms. They simply stopped traffic as they were stared at and the path before them cleared.

"Where are you leading us, Euly," Jo finally asked.

"The baths of course,"

"Is that the bear fountain you both skinny dipped in?" Jo asked.

"Yes it is," Eulia said smiling with mischief, "we could forgo the baths and bathe in the pond."

"I'm game," Phoebe said. Jo laughed.

"It's hard to stay angry with you two goons around."

"I need a long soak," Eulia said, "I'm so tired. I worry so much about everything."