The Iron Skeleton

Chapter 3

Wendy glared at Aaron. "Perhaps if you could learn to shut your bloody mouth once in a while, you'd learn something! Danlash and diplomacy mix together about as well as Ferange and stable government. Regardless of who's delivering said diplomacy!" 

Chariya sighed. "Miss Archer, we are hanging from our last thread. We must seek as much foreign aid as we can, as quickly as possible, for surely, Jasmidian will be doing the same, and we cannot afford to be beaten. This is not an order, but a request. I should like you to journey to your homeland, and attempt to persuade your people to come to our aide." 

Wendy grumbled and rose to her feet. "Haven't seen those blessed shores recently enough, anyway." 

Aaron smirked. "Would you mind some company?" 

"I need the bloody Sand Dollar, but you don't need to come with it." 

"I'm sorry, precious, but we're inseparable." 

Wendy gagged. "Don't call me that! And fine! If you're gonna insist on coming, you might as well. Just don't be a nutter." 

Aaron nodded and slowly peeled his eyes from the blonde to look at Chariya. "Okay, so I'll take Wendy to Danlash, and I'll be taking Sila along, of course. Anybody else?" 

Keira stood up. "I'll go with you." 

"Somebody's got separation anxiety." Wendy muttered. When Keira's glare rested on her, she closed her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Keira, that was quite rude of me to say. My apologies." 

Keira squinted at the blonde. "It's okay." she said unconvincingly. 

Aaron glanced between the two women somewhat worriedly. Then he cast his gaze on Chariya. "And what about you, your highness? What will you do?" 

"I suppose I shall take a small squad with me to Antapeño. I believe negotiating with them will go smoothly, given their culture of levelheaded reasoning." 

Aaron nodded. "Sounds good. I'll get the Butterfly primed for you, then." 

"Thank you very much." Chariya turned to the mass of men. "Thank you for listening, men. You are dismissed."

********************

Hannah threaded through the bustling hallways with a full tray of food in her hands. She was supposed to be preparing to accompany the princess on her journey to Antapeño, but nobody else had taken up the task of feeding Falcon. Dodging another dashing soldier, she found herself at the door to the medical center. After taking a breath, she opened it. 

Sure enough, Falcon turned his head at the sound of the door creaking. He studied Hannah curiously as she approached his bed. She smiled reassuringly and sat on the bedside, placing the tray on her legs as she did so. 

"Hey," she said softly, "I brought ya somethin' to eat." 

Falcon nodded slowly. "An explanation as to why I can't move my arms would be nice, too." 

Hannah wrinkled her forehead. "They gave ya some shots to deaden the nerves. Dont'cha worry, though, they'll be fine in a few hours." 

"You're Odegoan." he remarked in a matter-of-fact tone. 

"I am." Hannah replied proudly, "I reckon mah voice gave me 'way?" 

"Of course." 

"Whelp, I'ma have to spoon feed ya, if ya don't mind. Do ya like honey or syrup in your porridge?" 

Falcon shook his head vigorously. "I hate sweet stuff." 

Hannah raised an eyebrow. "Alright, then. Ya just want it plain?"