Rage and Rebellion (Histories of Havenhearth)

7.4 Ally

A hushed argument had now broken out, for which Ally, mounted on her horse behind the commandaire could not quite hear. But it didn't last long since the commandaire interrupted by calling out to Gwinael. "I need more information, not background- we are all aware that the Petroviese would welcome us leaving to open Cassion to their occupation- but the Fuchsjaegerlanders, what do you know?"
"There is apparently another agreement with the Petroviese ascendancy, permitting then full access and entry into Cassion."
"Them? But not us? None of this makes sense. And anyway I asked about the Fuchsjaegerlanders, be brief and precise combattant," Ally was happy her mother wasn't commandaire in the Tainish protectorate. She felt sorry for Gwinael, who was stuck in this mess because of who her mother was.
"They intend to clear Cassion of Tainish, and then fortify entry points to keep us out. I believe the Fuchsjaegerlanders are being paid by the republic to help with that task, in exchange for certain trading rights. And that the Petroviese May be next on the list, which, as I see it, could lead to a war."
"I do not need your interpretation Snowberry, just the facts please. Of what you have said, could you confirm that the Fuchsjaegerlanders are here already on contract by the republic?"
"That is my understanding, yes."
"And that the second agreement is permission for Petroviese entry?"
"Yes commandaire," Ally thought of her own mother, at home on Albion, probably worried sick about her daughter.
"And why are those lands permitted but we Tainish must withdraw,"
"That I cannot answer," she said honestly, although she suspected it was because of some of the common negative attitudes towards Cassioni held by Tainish. The commandaire took a moment to ponder her daughter's answers, and resumed conference.
"Snowberry," she called out again, "why does the rebel think you can persuade me to accept the terms?"
"She feels you would trust me more than her, and she persuaded me," Gwinael did not sound confident in her answer, as if she had just made it up, but figured it was the most likely.
"Of what?"
"That bloodshed can be avoided if we accept the inevitable." Gwinael seems to realise immediately that she had misspoke, because a flash of fear appeared on her face. "Now you listen here Snowberry, there is nothing inevitable about the Tainish protectorate. Except victory, especially in the un-civilization of Cassion," there it was - the slurs, insult, blind pride the Tainish were know for. Gwinael seems to scramble, looking around frantically, for someone to help her revert the conversation, which until now far had been heading, Ally thought, in a positive direction.
"I believe the rebel when she says that she has large support from the common people, and that the Tainish are working for a republic which does not have its people's interests at its heart. There is nothing gained from a victory that must subsequently be maintained by further force and external protectorate action."
"You impertinent fool. Our opinions matter not. Our orders come from Tainish ascendancy. Questioning them is treachery. You know nothing about protectorate matters- neither do Tainish ascendancy for that matter, but this is just how the system works. Now, this rebel leader is surrounded by Tainish forces, except for one small gap behind us, and thus all of the power of which she speaks depends entirely on that gap and if she can't get what she needs through there in time, or loses it to us, then none of her terms will come to fruition. My orders, your orders, our orders are to fill the gap, and stop the supplies coming through. Do you understand?"
"Yes, commandaire,"
"You will return now to Chevelles, tell them what I have said, that I reject the terms, that there will be no further exchange on the matter."
"Commandaire-" Gwinael interrupted her mother, whose face seemed to swell up in anger over her own collar. "You'll nonetheless pass on the request?"
"I think not!" There was no thought given to the question at all. "The terms are there to divide opinion, and our efforts will be weakened and allowing the ascendancy time to discuss anything is a waste of time and the worst possible way forward. You can tell the rebel bandit that too!"
Gwinael pleaded through her eyes with her mother, to make her understand something, Ally knew not what. But it was too late, her mother had already turned her horse, with an energy of finality. There was something else there that Gwinael had not said, that she wasn't allowed to say, Ally guessed. There must be an explanation for her insistence, Ally was certain of it. Though she knew she might get in trouble, but she had to try: "Commandaire, may I please speak to the combattant?" Heathtree and others turned to her in shock, she was a junior assistant after all. To everyone's surprise, the commandaire waved her arm, "be my guest," Ally rose immediately forward, conscious of the raised swords, which now pointed towards her instead of Gwinael. She searched her friends's face, if friend was the right word, acquaintance more likely. She looked anxious still, but seemed grateful. "Don't worry Gwin," she said, "you are a prisoner of battle, and there is no shame in that,"
"Thanks All...I think my mother has been overly hasty,"
"You do?" Ally studied her friend's face, looking for information in the blue eyes.
"The terms should be forwarded."
"Can you tell me why you are so insistent?" Ally's mouth turned downwards. Gwinael glanced at her captors. "It's just very important."
"Is there anything else you need to add?" Her eyes flickered, but there was no answer. "Are you well, my friend?" she finally asked.
"Well enough,"
"And the others?" Gwinael's forehead crinkled up, her eyes widened. Ally could tell that was the answer she was looking for. "They are fine too,"
"No bad treatment?" There was a slight, meaningful pause.
"Not that I'm aware of,"
"I'm glad to hear it, since you know well that even if it were otherwise, that your mother would take no action about it?"
Gwinael's face fell. "I do." Ally stared at her again, "Then, I wish you well," she turned her horse and returned to the group of Tainish, waiting for her.

Ally, to her surprise, was asked to explain. The commandaire seemed angry at first, but was listening intently at first, her expression softening as she did. After her explanation a minor debate followed, Ally herself was on the the-terms-should-be-forwarded side, while Heathtree headed the there's no action to take side. Meanwhile, the rebel party waited to hear the outcome. Gwinael also who Ally hoped, had been able to make out some of the words. Ally looked at the hills behind the Tainish, knowing of the protectorate forces waiting there, whose fate might even depend on the result of this very conversation she was participating in. She, like Gwinael, wanted no more fighting and sometimes it was hard to understand the decisions of higher-ups, who seemed to be ok with battle and the inevitable loss of life or life-long casualties. But no one would blame those same higher-ups that we're responsible. They would only blame the enemy, ironic since she wanted peace and had worked out a way to get there. But the ego of the decision-makers. Stubborn, ignorant, selfish. They did not care about the loss of their own people, as long as it occurred under the guise of patriotism. It was stupid. This fight, these battles, they were all stupid.
This proposed agreement would likely save more lives, on both sides now, and in the future. But Gwinael's mother was now not really even listening, her back was turned, and she was looking off into the hills. When the meeting was finished, again Ally was sent back.
Gwinael once again, caught a glimpse of Heathtree's face, and in it there seemed a look of smugness and slyness, but Ally seemed relieved.
"The commandaire has decided that the terms will be forwarded to the higher authority," then she turned away to rejoin the Tainish, all of which turned for the hills as soon as she arrived among them.

"There's just no way they will be accepted," Ally heard the commandaire say after a few moments of trotting, "but I'll forward them nonetheless," she spoke contemptuously.  "Later," she added slyly, spurning on her horse.
Ally accidentally let out a noise of complaint. "More to say, do you?"
"No commandaire, just worried for those being kept captive. They are being made to suffer I am certain of it."
"I have no doubt, but do not forget my own kin is with them,"
"Yes of course, I'm sorry commandaire,"
"No need to say sorry, greenie, it's a good thing to be able to worry about the personal well-being of colleagues, or friends. A privilege I no longer have."
Ally wondered what she meant, but said no more.