We Three Mages (Editing)

Chapter Thirty One: Deserters

It had taken Ross only a day to get used to the fact that she no longer was a lieutenant. But that didn’t stop her from being a soldier. Now that Calvin had joined their little party, Ross had her hands more than full. As a result, she had neglected Devin’s education and that was something she was not happy with. She so found a solution to the problem.

“You four, come here.” Ross commanded Nadia, Jared, Mari, and Calvin over to her.

“What?” Mari asked.

“You four need to find a way to work together.” Ross stood tall as any commanding officer would.

“But we all ready do. Like when we saved you, that was perfect teamwork.” Calvin swung his arms around to loosen them up a bit.

“That was you three being unpredictable. They did not think children would come to my rescue nor did the officers there suspect someone would come for me so soon.” Ross narrowed her eyes at Calvin. “Your action plan was a simple three step plan that only had one of you acting per step. A plan I do believe Ms. Grayson came up with.”

“It was a good plan it what I’m hearing.” Calvin didn’t feel very intimidated by the pressure Ross attempted to put on him.

“I a-agree with Ross.” Nadia spoke up. “I-I knew that an a-attack plan wouldn’t go well e-even with Mari so the retrieval was t-the best way to go.”

“Seriously?” Calvin blinked. “Damn.”

“You four need to get a feel for each other’s combat style. When one of you are about to cast a spell or enchantment, when one is about to bait, when one is in danger; you all must get a feel for this while working together. It is a vital need.” Ross looked at every single one of them. “And training can only get one so far.”

“You giving us a mission?” Jared asked.

“Yes. I had Devin travel to a nearby outpost and take a look at their desertion list.” Ross said.

“Devin went alone?!” Jared felt slightly upset over this matter.

“He’s far more capable than you give him credit for. He has a talent for keeping out of view.” Ross tried to say that as delicately as she could because it was a skill Devin had picked up hiding from bullies. “Anyway, he retrieved a map and a list of names and a location where these names may be.”

“Here.” Devin handed Jared the map and a piece of paper.

“Thanks, and good job.” Jared ruffled his hair.

“I want you four to capture the names on that list and deliver them back to the outpost. Don’t get caught.” Ross finished.

“That’s it? Don’t get caught? Can you guys just feel that love?” Calvin smirked.

“Oh I feel it all right.” Jared rolled his eyes. “We better head out now if we want to get at least half way before dark.” He looked at the circled spot on the map. “Which way is North?”

“That way.” Calvin pointed behind him.

“Eestri army teach you that?” Mari asked.

“Nope, my old man did.” Calvin didn’t see all that comfortable talking about the subject.

“Enough flirting. Let’s go.” Jared grabbed his knapsack and tossed the map to Calvin. “You’re in charge of getting us there.”

“And who put you in charge of putting people in charge?” Mari followed Jared.

“I’ve always had a way with people.” Jared said over his shoulder.

“Well I think the oldest should be in charge here, what about you Nadia?” Mari asked.