TBK - Interlude 6 - II

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Interlude 6 – Anarchic Tribulations2
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Stress was a fickle feeling that could grip hold of a person until he or she succumbed, or it could vanish momentarily when it is needed to keep a person’s head clear and focused. Heidi Lakshme breathed lightly, her expression relaxed as she relished the sensation of galloping across the field on the flaxen-maned equu. Her vision felt extended and her pedestal raised, like she was freed from any earthly burdens. However, in spite of the wind blowing through her hair, troublesome thoughts clung on and weighed down on her enjoyment of this ride. Before she could sink into her worries, the steed would increase its pace and throw her musing into disarray. Ala’s equu, Zephrine, was trained to resemble its owner, it seemed.

Heidi’s grip on the reins tightened slightly as her destination came in sight. She was given temporary reprieve from the stress that usually marred her visage, so she was grateful at least.

With a few practiced tugs and light taps to the equu's stomach with her foot, the Maned Wolf slowed down enough for the sentries to recognize her and gave her entry into the camp.

A week had gone by since the war council in Sidonia, and slowly but surely, Southern Fenrisyr’s army was becoming a cohesive unit of fierce patriotism. The tactician surveyed the site with pride as she headed for the equu stable. The majority of the troops from the HDC were now camped across the Hroovit River, readying themselves for the battle to reclaim Desmocyn. She, Talskhan Alsace and General Sergei Kovalchuk were the military leaders in charge of this operation. Currently, Sir Devonshire and Alpha Usui were stationed around Lake Calugarul in defense of Carrera as well as making sure the Tyrian army would not flank the camping troops. Dame Kipcha remained in charge of the HDC, where Heidi had just left after one last meeting with her aunt. Depending on intel from the scouts, these military leaders’ position would be shifted in support of their upcoming assault on the Felines occupying Desmocyn.

Therefore, it was vital that the army at this campsite became the infallible core it needed to be.

Heidi glanced over at some of the soldiers dressed in simpler garments and couldn’t help but raise her tail proudly. There were quite a number of civilians who enlisted and worked so hard under Tal’s training regiment. Here they were, standing amongst troops under the Noble Dogs’ banners like they were equal. Naturally, dissent and prejudice still existed amongst the army, but it was fortunately less than Heidi expected. Patriotism had truly united these Canines, and they all wished one thing.

The liberation of their land.

On a more personal level, however, the Maned Wolf was well aware that some of the soldiers were dissatisfied about having Tal and herself as their superiors. While it already required time for a new leader to form a true sense of camaraderie, it would be harder for the two Rebels to do so. Tal’s social status did not bode well with the noble-born, while her stony demeanor had not won over any. It took a friendly individual like Esmeralda some time to feel comfortable working around her, let alone tense and edgy soldiers.

At least, most of the troops were well-trained and respectful enough of the tactician to take commands without rebuttal. The few exceptions would just have to be dealt with differently.

Heidi furrowed her brows when she picked up the jesting tone from three Malamutes conversing near the temporary stable. Their postures were brimming with confidence, perhaps even arrogance, and their voices did not lower even as she approached them.

“...Si, she was a mere medic in the war then, and now that Mutt struts around the camp like he is our superior!”

“How glad I am that a real general like Señor Kovalchuk is here to lead us.”

“I am sure there are more capable Maned Wolves under the Dame’s command. I wonder what really happened in the council for them to make such decision-”

The flaxen-maned equu neighed loudly to interrupt the Sidonian youths, and Heidi half-heartedly brushed Zephrine's mane. Unsurprisingly, Ala had trained her steed to be sensitive and even hostile to gossipers. Maybe this was the very reason behind the Husky’s insistence that she rode Zephrine here.

After making sure the equu had settled, the auburn-haired woman turned to stare at the Malamutes, whose eyes met hers without faltering. Amused at their gradually stiffening tails, she prolonged the silence just a few more moments before hopping off her ride. The stableboy, sensing the tension, hastily took the reins from her and made himself as scarce as possible. Her expression remained placid as she resumed her appraising stare at the Sidonian youths even with her height disadvantage.

“Si? Is there something you required of us, Señora?” One of the Malamutes finally had enough and growled quietly at her, while resting his hand on his rapier.

The three men looked fairly young, maybe in their early twenties, so she was not surprised by their insubordination towards her. To be fair, even without her association with the Rebels, she had been living in Riphaeus for the past decade and Aunt Kipcha indeed had other Kamuyan officers qualified for her position.

However, none of these Pups had ever tasted war.

“Your grip emphasizes only your arrogance, and such display of intimidation would not work on someone who actually knows how to handle a blade in combat,” Heidi said calmly without taking her eyes off the more outspoken Malamute. “Even with your rapier’s range and speed advantage, I can still unsheathe my spatha and bury it in your gut before you can even move.”

Expectedly, the muscular Canine’s hand clenched around the hilt but she immediately drew her weapon just enough to make her blade ring warningly.

“In that case, I could just drawn my pistol while you are trained on Juan here,” another Malamute spoke up, his ears flattened in indignation, “Bullets still travel faster than blades, Señora Lakshme.”

The Maned Wolf was unfazed by the sneer used to utter her surname. Her tail did rise slightly in annoyance at these youngsters’ impudence. “Not in the current setting they don’t. Would you like to test your speed against mine?”

“Now now, there is no need for that, Heidi. I don’t want the boys to lose any arms today. They just need a sound cuff.” A gruff chuckle came from a towering Borzoi striding leisurely towards them. General Sergei Kovalchuk looked exactly as she remembered him, with his soul patch and mussed hair. The only differences from then and now were the medallions that adorned his military jacket and the way he held himself. There used to be uncertainty that rivaled his fierce protectiveness over his country, but now he stood as an experienced military leader who had survived and would do anything to best the chess game of life and death again.

Immediately, the three Malamutes saluted to their superior, but that did not exempt them from reprimanding whacks to their necks. They let out disgruntled growls but nodded submissively upon the general’s glare. Heidi was still frowning, but she relaxed her stance enough and allowed her partially drawn blade to slide back into its sheath.

“Heidi here, even back then as a medic, was formidable with her spatha and gladius, and she had fought me to a draw. You do not want to be on the receiving end of her stabs, entiendes?!”

She only raised an eyebrow at the stiff mutters of ‘lo siento’ that followed the sharp reprimand. The Borzoi then ordered the three Sidonian youths to wait for him by the training area before turning his attention back to her.

“I apologize for their behavior,” he stood ramrod straight and flicked his tail brusquely. “I thought they understood perfectly what it means to work as a true pack.”

“I do not completely fault them. While I would not outwardly express my displeasure, I would feel the same as they do if I were in their shoes,” Heidi said honestly, “Do not punish them. It would only aggravate their discontentment. What you had done is enough.”

“Very well.” Now that the serious matter had concluded, Sergei relaxed and leaned against the wooden beam with a lazy wag of his tail. The cordial glint in his eyes was something she vaguely remembered, so she walked towards her equu and began to unload her satchel, politely declining the stable boy’s offer to help. The poor Pug looked anxious enough without being under a general’s scrutiny.  

“Just as I told those muchachos, we did fight to a draw the last time you were on Fenrisyr. I definitely wouldn’t mind dueling you again,” the Borzoi winked roguishly at the Maned Wolf, who had already tuned him out.

“Perhaps after we have finished everything that needs to be done, General,” she replied flatly.

Smiling charmingly, Sergei took down a fairly heavy luggage for her before she had to tiptoe to reach it. Though annoyed, she still thanked him anyway.

“Where would you like me to carry this, Heidi?”

“Heh, I’ll take that for her.”

The Maned Wolf only rolled her eyes as a certain Alsatian sauntered up to them and grabbed the trunk, his grin too wide to be natural. “Alright, Tal. Now that you’re here, we might as well get some work done.”

Sergei seemed confused but greeted the Rebel good-naturedly before excusing himself. The Borzoi may be a flirt, but he indeed tolerated no disobedience in his troops. It would be awhile, if ever, for Sidonians to fully respect her and Tal even with the General’s words. At least, based on the earlier display, those young Malamutes truly acknowledged him as their leader so having Sergei amongst their ranks was definitely helpful in molding this core army.

“It’s been a decade and he still wags his tail for you,” Tal grumbled as they walked through the camp, one shoulder carrying the heavy trunk and one arm carrying the satchel Heidi dumped on him.

“He’s like this with any female,” the auburn-haired woman shrugged, nodding curt greetings at some of the soldiers she had talked with before. Carreran troops were certainly much easier to communicate with.

“Yeah, but the way he looks at you is different. I don’t like it,” the Alsatian’s tail was uncharacteristically still, “Just lookin’ out for ya, Heidi. Ala would have my head if a womanizer like him were to get his paws on ya.”

“First, Ala would just sit back and watch the events unfold, perhaps even make commentaries. Second, I can handle this myself, Tal. You just worry about yourself.”

“Huh? Me? What happened?” The quizzical tilt of his head was something Ala found utterly endearing, but Heidi just suppressed an exasperated sigh.

“… never mind. Just drop those at my tent and take me to the Rogues.”

Still wearing a confused expression, Tal wagged his tail and then resumed his rant on how he aimed to keep the Sergei from nosing after her. Heidi could practically hear her best friend’s giggle if she were to know of this incident. Rubbing her forehead, she tried to keep the stifling sensation of stress at bay by focusing her thoughts on objective matters.

Several days ago, a ragtag group of a dozen Canines requested audience with the commander of the HDC. Most of them stayed at the center, either for further questioning or for treatment, but their wish was to eventually join the liberation effort for Desmocyn as well as future operations against the Tyrian army. The Rogues, as they called themselves, were survivors of the Hodous bombing from the insurgents group known as the Balkans. After their leader Conrad Balkar perished in the attack, they evaded capture and gathered intel throughout the coastal cities, and one such information was the rough estimate of the Tyrian troops stationed in Desmocyn.

In return for their efforts, it was decided that the most combat-worthy Rogues may join this operation under Tal’s command. Heidi was grateful for the addition, especially because of the news they had of Sakura’s group. The ex-Balkans told her of the Foxroach’s inspiring speech against their former leader, and how she held her head high even after having her whiskers ripped out. The Maned Wolf felt so proud of Sakura, not because she was Hector’s legacy but because of what she represented. According to Kalti Greybeaver, the chosen correspondent between the Dogs and the Coyotes, the Foxroach now had gone north to speak to the Wolves.

With the Archiduc’s reassurance of the Red Wolves’ aid, perhaps the three Great Packs of Fenrisyr would finally reunite and drive off their invaders.

“Miss Lakshme,” a nasally voice greeted. “We’ve b’ waitin’ for yer ‘rrival.” Jock Chappers, a Scottish Terrier, gave her a friendly smile as she and Tal finally got to their camp.

The thick bearded man was one of the four Rogues permitted to join this operation, and so far Heidi liked his sharp wit and amiable disposition. His wife, Trisha, was a remarkable shot in spite of having her arm injured in the bombing a month ago. The Bloodhound’s no-nonsense demeanor matched the Maned Wolf’s quite well. Mogens was an imperturbable Great Dane of massive build even for his species.  The ex-bartender used to own an establishment that was utilized as the entrance to the Balkans’ HQ, even though he was not personally involved in their activities. The fact that he directly got drawn into this snowballing conflict reminded Heidi of Rui Brewfort, who also owned a bar. But unlike the golden Fox, Mogens had fully immersed himself in being a Rogue, not that the tactician could judge either of their decisions.

However, Heidi had plenty to say about the last but certainly not least of the additions. Gertrude, as a fighter, was probably the best recruit they had, for she already displayed her dominance over various weapons in a mock drill. As an individual though, the huge Doberman confused the tactician in her choice of an idol, especially due to how rough and tumble she appeared.

“S-So, Talskhan, I couldn’t stop thinking about the Battle at the Biwa Bay after you told us last night,” the intimidating-looking Doberman smiled rather bashfully at the grinning Alsatian.

Yes, this woman, somehow, idolized Tal of all the people.

“Hehe, I told ya it was an exciting adventure! Oh, you can just call me Tal, y’know.”

The goof greatly enjoyed the attention, yet being the dense Mutt he was, he didn’t sense Gertrude’s attraction to him. Heidi had debated whether to enlighten Tal but decided against it. He would fluster like an idiot and, as much fun as it would be to watch his stammering attempts to tell the Doberman he was a happily married man, Heidi would rather he keep his dignity in front of the civilian recruits.

“Rudy has always looked up ta ye, Talskhan Alsace,” Jock chuckled heartily, “all tha Rebels, but especially a rogue Dog like ‘im.”

“That’s where our new group name came from,” Trisha wore a small smile, for even an austere woman like her couldn’t help but be entertained by her friend’s uncharacteristic behavior.

“Aye! Speaking of which, we admired ye too, lassie. Er, maybe it’s no’ appropriate tae call ye so, ma’am, as ye’re our superior,” the chipper Scottish Terrier pulled at the lapels of his worn thick coat, trying to look dignified in spite of his slip-up.

“I don’t mind,” Heidi said evenly, repeating the same words she had spoken to Esme some time ago. “In times of war, we should forgo formalities so we could speak quickly and frankly. But, Jock, I was a medic in the last war, so I don’t understand the admiration.”

Mogens spoke up amiably in his bass tone. “You were a teenager back then, yet you’ve shown courage exceeding many of your kind, our brethren even, and had worked alongside the great Hector Arthland, brilliant Alfonso Calatrava and even one of the leading generals here, Kovalchuk.”

It was one thing to be told words of reverence from children or acknowledgement from nobles, but another to be held in such regard by fellow survivors of the wars that ravaged them. Heidi’s lips curved a little, warmed by such genuine sentiment that the stresses of command seemed to lift temporarily.

“So about the next few days,” Tal began to speak of their plans, which garnered immediate attention from the Rogues. Even Gertrude’s eyes sharpened as she smoked profusely, every inch the image of a hardened warrior Heidi thought she was before the Alsatian appeared on the scene. These Rogues’ experiences and intel were extremely valuable, so it would be best to partner them with some of the newer recruits. Even Dog officers could learn a thing or two from these survivors.

“Speaking of which, I would like to know how you came by these weapons,” Heidi spoke up after the Alsatian finished. She stared hard at the dozen crates of firearms around the Rogues, wary of their origin. She had never seen these variants of G3 battle rifles, for they appeared to be custom made using the known models as base. Machines guns were expensive, so any addition to their artillery was welcomed.  

“Oh, ‘bout that,” Gertrude bit her cigarette and puffed a few times before chuckling heartily. “You understand how difficult it is to escape the watch net of that Chirpy Cheetahman, yeah? We barely got to Xenoc when we were accosted by a group of Reptiles. Mogens recognized’em.”

“Indeed, they were from the Yerkar Corps, though I do not know the orange-haired Python,” the ex-bartender said thoughtfully, “their attitude was neutral, perhaps even friendly. We did not know what they wanted to do with the information we parted with them.”

“Information?” Heidi frowned and glanced at the crates of firearms again. Having lived in central Riphaeus and made frequent trips to Middleport the past decade, she knew of that arms dealer company.  There were times the Rebels considered making contact with the Yerkar Corps but decided against having any relation with a company based in the Tyradum-friendly nation of Samaria.

“Don’t worry, all they wanted to know was what happened in Hodous before and during the bombing,” Trisha spoke calmly, “no sensitive information was parted.”

“That’s weird, I would’ve thought they want to know how you all got away from the Tyrian army,” Tal scratched his beard, to which Gertrude became distracted so Jock chuckled and answered for her.
“Aye, we thought it strange too but we weren’t about tae complain. That Python seemed amused by what we said and gave us these weapons fer ‘being entertaining’. We’ve checked every single one o’ them fer bugs, and they’re all clean.”

“Is that so,” Heidi’s arms were folded, conflicted about receiving support from such unknown, and potentially dangerous force. Nevertheless, these free semi-automatics and GPMGs were much appreciated.

To lift the now sombre atmosphere, Tal decided to share his adventures from the days of the Rebellion. Starting from his first battle in the outskirts of Yoshito, he quickly captured Matagian troops’ interest, since that coastal city was under Matagi’s jurisdiction and the Rebels’ involvement had helped them vanquish the bandits that had long plagued the area. The Carreran soldiers soon gathered around as well, when the Alsatian got to the skirmish outside of Jarnivor, where the Rebels first battled the marauders from the Sagarmath Mountains. The fights dragged on until Hector Arthland decided to end the Hundred Years’ War between Acantiladon and Southern Fenrisyr. Eventually the great Sabertooth received support from the other Dogs, including the Sidonians stationed at Palencia, as well as a battalion of Lemurian soldiers. Given the sour history between the Canines and Insects, the troops reveled in Tal’s tales of how the two species actually worked together to defeat those outlaws.
Heidi listened with a small smile, having been part of the story since its early beginnings. It almost seemed surreal, like something one would find in a novel, but those bloody battles and the indescribable bonds they had forged were very real. How young and naive she was back then, but her heart had never wavered. For the sake of her loved ones and innocent people, she would fight against her nightmares again and again.

She must give credit to Tal for knowing how to captivate his audience. Even the most scornful of soldiers, including the three young Malamutes from earlier, stood in the growing circle as the Alsatian spoke of the frontlines in Aldnawack. There were terrible losses for certain, as the Rebels and the Wolves were fighting against the notorious Fangtian Tigers, who were responsible for the annihilation of the Berynian Bears.

“In the end, nothing can fight against the might of sons of the great Fenrir! The Pack will always prevail!” Greatly inspired, the troops cheered for Tal when he concluded his reminiscence with a fist raised in the air.

Not to be outdone by the Lupines’ efforts in confining the invaders to the Peninsula, the Dogs then called for General Kovalchuk’s tale of how Cynarc and the other coastal cities were reclaimed from the formidable Blitzkrieg soldiers of Tyradum.

Sergei glanced at Heidi, who slightly shook her head to decline in sharing her experience. She was all for boosting the troops’ morals, but she knew that the charismatic Borzoi was a much better speaker than she was. Nodding, he cleared his throat and spoke loud and clear. “Our brothers and brethren had fought as if the very spirit of Fenris the Great Wulf had possessed them! This is our land, our country! We have done it before and we will do it again, brave and loyal men of Fenrisyr!

While he went into details of the consequent operations, the Maned Wolf slid away from the still-growing crowd. One way or another, the whole army had been listening to Tal and Sergei’s speeches. She felt fatigued after dwelling in memories of the past, for the Alsatian’s words made it so that she relived those moments, good and bad. Before heading for her tent, she decided to go by the stables to check up on Ala's equu. To her surprise, Carlos Aragon was stroking Zephrine's flaxen mane and feeding her a carrot. The young prince’s ears were perked in alertness though, perhaps even listening to the two veterans’ words.

“You seem fond of equi, Don Carlos,” Heidi spoke up quietly so the speech could still be heard in the background.

“Señora Heidi,” the tall Malamute greeted almost sheepishly, “I was walking by when this equu called out to me. I believe she is Princesse Alainna’s steed?”

“Yes, her name is Zephrine.”

A brief moment of silence descended upon the two, as neither had spoken much outside of professional matters.

“She is well-taken care of, and well-trained as well,” a small smile appeared on the young man’s face when the equu nosed his pocket and persisted until he dug out another carrot.

“Naturally. Ala has a gift in training creatures. She used to keep several feli back in Alsailles’ castle. They would scratch everyone, even the Archiduc, yet they only purr submissively around her.”

“Es verdad? That is incredible. I thought feli could not be kept as pets. The Princesse is truly amazing.”

The Maned Wolf thoughtfully appraised the young prince, noting his tense posture and the nervous stiffness in his tail even though he tried hard to appear at ease. The wistful way he talked of the Husky also spoke volumes of how anxious he was to be part of this operation. She had seen the young man’s resolve in the war council at Sidonia, so she would not question his heart.

And so, as always, it all came down to one question.

Am I good enough?

As the childhood friend of Ala and Alfie, Heidi had the privilege of understanding the terrible burden that the two royal Dogs carried. The heir of Sidonia was also around the same age as Alfie was when the Husky volunteered to be the tactician of Hector’s rebellion. The twinge of sympathy grew more persistent, but the Maned Wolf knew not what to say to lessen his load. She did not know if the engagement between Carlos and her goddaughter Elaine still stood, as it was never formally nullified, but that was not the only reason for her to be concerned of his well-being. The Archiduc had requested her to keep an eye on him and she intended to fulfill it.

After the cheers from the crowd had subsided, the young Malamute glanced contemplatively at the direction of the speaking general and sighed inaudibly. “General Kovalchuk is a fine leader, is he not? Yet my anxiousness grows just as much as his words fuel my patriotism.”

“That is understandable,” Heidi murmured, her eyes trained on Tal’s figure in the distance. She didn’t have to see it to know that the Alsatian was grinning broadly, and for the umpteenth time, she wondered how he could appear so relaxed in spite of the trepidation that must be clamping around him.

Carlos’ ears drooped tiredly as he patted the equu’s neck. “In answer to your earlier words, Señora, I like being around the equi. They… calm me.”

The Maned Wolf tilted her head a little without looking at him to show that she was listening and so he would not feel awkward. Encouraged, he continued with only a slight falter of humility.

“The equi are gentle creatures, sensitive and thoughtful. They care for their herds, which include their owners. They seem to understand the troubles people carry, and they try to respond in kind when you treat them well. Y-You might find it strange, but sometimes I feel that the only one who understands me the most is my late madre’s equu D'Angelo.”

Carlos cleared his throat and flicked his tail briskly, as if to clear himself of the spell of insecurity that took over his voice. “Well, rather, I feel like D'Angelo could see through me whenever I act the opposite of what I really feel -” he trailed off when Zephrine nudged his arm rather forcefully, causing his tail to lower and a weak smile to appear on his face. “It seems like Princesse Alainna’s equu knows I am hiding behind my mask as well. Castilla, my equu, would often do the same thing when- cough, lo siento, Señora Heidi, I did not mean to just chatter on and unburden such trivial worries upon you.”

“No, that is quite alright. In fact, I am glad that you chose to share something so personal. It disproves my belief that I am unapproachable,” Heidi glanced at the young man from the corner of her eyes, mildly amused when he shifted his weight in embarrassment. She truly did not expect the prince to speak so much, let alone about something private, but she supposed it was the compounded effect of stress and the equi’s calming presence that compelled him to talk.

And somehow, that same coaxing effect worked on her as well. She certainly felt more talkative than usual.

She struggled to think of a topic that might motivate him or erase doubts of his own ability, and finally decided upon a sensitive memory.

“Speaking of D'Angelo, I once took care of him for a brief period of time,” the Maned Wolf exhaled deeply and steeled herself. “After Dona Aragon passed away.”

Expectedly, Carlos stiffened at the mention of his mother and seemed to close off, but he was unable to hide the curious gleam in his blue eyes. “... did you know mi madre, Señora Heidi?”

“I never had the pleasure of speaking to her, but I did indirectly work for her in the last war. As you know well, Dona Aragon was involved in supplying the army and the Rebels and, sometimes, she would personally accompany the entourage to oversee the exchange as well as speaking to the troops in hopes of raising their morals.”

“Si, mi madre… I was but a young boy, yet the image of Mother speaking passionately and proudly to our brethren is still vivid in my mind,” the Sidonian prince trailed off, his expression now soft in reminiscence of Dona Lenora Aragon.

Heidi had never liked the House of Aragon due to their indifference towards those without pedigree. However, the charismatic Don Diego and his beloved wife always got things done, whether it was reinforcements, financial support, or protection of refugees. Unlike the shadow of the man he was today, Diego took the initiative in many operations and only showed reluctance whenever the Rebels were involved. Otherwise, thanks to his fierce pride in the Dogs, combined with Lenora’s sincere concern over individual troop’s welfare, Sidonia was a formidable ally back then.

Alas, war was cruel and left no one unscathed. Just as many prominent members from the Dog Houses had perished, the Dona was ambushed during one of the supply trips. Heidi could still remember the pandemonium that day, filled with confused howls and vengeful cries, as well as the abrupt disappearance of the drive that kept the Alliance so powerful.

Losing his wife on top of getting grievously injured must have driven Diego over the edge, for nothing was heard from the House of Aragon since. Any urgent messages were ferried by Dr. Matthias Draque, the one responsible for treating the nobles, and the decisive verdict was Sidonia’s withdrawal from the Alliance.

Heidi glanced at Carlos and noticed that the young man was frowning in dismay. While she was deliberating whether to coax him to speak his mind or to leave it be, Zephrine whinnied softly and snapped him out of his trance.

“I often wonder if he ever cared about Mother.” There was no doubt the Malamute was referring to his father. “Perhaps he did grieve for her passing, but he dishonored Mother’s memory by cutting off Sidonia’s support. Our people always come first, yet Father, even now, disregards their safety and could only see what he wants to see… does he not know how many meaningless deaths would have to accumulate before the war could conclude, let alone his preposterous goal of taking down Webgate Fortress?”

The Maned Wolf only waited patiently as Carlos exhaled with veiled anger and clenched his fists to contain his frustration. “I do not mind being part of this operation, Señora, not at all. I would have volunteered myself even if Father did not command me. However, now that I am here, I certainly will do everything I can to minimize the casualties.”

He lowered his ears, maybe in shame, before giving her a wry smile. “I apologize for speaking as if my presence could accomplish that. I do agree with mi padre that I am inexperienced about wars, but that does not change my wish to help however I can.”

Heidi flicked her tail dismissively. “It is imperative not to keep your opinions hidden, Don Carlos. You’re in the frontlines now, and we value different viewpoints from anyone, is that clear?”

“...Si, Señora.”

For a brief moment, she wondered if her authoritative tone had crossed a boundary since the young man seemed surprised. She shrugged off such frivolous concern, for this was not the time or the place to abide proper decorum. The only formality that should be kept was the ranking of commanding officers.

“I commend you for thinking of the troops’ well-being, but it’s crucial that you must think your decision through before acting upon it. Just because there is a benefit to a certain action doesn’t mean it’s the best choice to make,” Heidi couldn’t help but add sternly, the scars on her cheek tingling in bitter reminder.

Carlos’s drooped ears perked. “... Esmeralda said something similar. ‘Don’t die simply because it’s the right thing to do.’”

“Oh? She spoke to you after all, did she?”

“Well, I do not believe she meant to speak aloud, for by the time I shook myself out of my stupor, she was already gone.”

Heidi did not miss the confusion and affection in his eyes as he spoke of the Dhole. Indeed, nowhere was the imposing Alpha in the Sidonian prince, but a lost youth who just wanted to do what was best. The Maned Wolf recalled Esme’s hesitation in talking to him in spite of the obvious empathy in her sad eyes.

This war had already stolen the cheerful spark in the young woman’s gaze, and the fact that Heidi had witnessed the whole transformation made her chest ache terribly.

“Esme is correct, Don Carlos.”

“Perdon?”

“Death… is only a possibility, not an answer. I am not one to judge what is right or what is wrong. I cannot even fathom the courage one has to muster to give up one’s life for the greater good. Just know this,” the tactician’s voice turned harsh. “No matter what the outcome is, there will always be someone mourning, lamenting and carrying the stigma of self-condemnation.”

Carlos nodded in acceptance, seemingly at a loss for words, but his resolute gaze showed that he had taken her words to heart.

Zephrine whinnied quietly again and rubbed her snout against Heidi’s ear. Sighing wearily, she caressed the equu in gratitude before continuing in a gentler tone. “The day when the Don and Dona were ambushed, I was there as Dr. Draque’s aide. I only saw Don Diego briefly, as I was bringing in fresh bandages. Though blinded in one eye, your father never looked away from your mother. Dr. Draque had to slip him sleeping agents before her body could be moved away.”

The Malamute’s tail lowered in consternation, unprepared for the subject to resurface again. “I-I do not… h-he has never told me that. He never… he does not even speak to me.”

Heidi nodded lightly. “That’s why I hesitate in speaking of this. It’s not my place, but…” she glanced at her best friend’s equu and whispered. “I just thought you need to hear that. Perhaps it’s not the loss of mobility and eyesight that afflicts Don Diego to this day.”

Carlos swallowed hard and dipped his head, unable to reply.

Feeling that he might want some time alone now, she patted his arm before excusing herself. As she walked away, she heard his quiet and rather timid voice.

“Muchas gracias, Señora.”

The Maned Wolf flicked her ear in acknowledgement, and resumed her steps with a lighter heart. Surely, another dark-haired Canine prince would have approved of her words to the troubled young man.

She stared in the direction of Southern Fenrisyr and easily pictured the beautiful scenery of their homeland across the Hroovit River, from the indomitable castle of Alsailles and the gleaming waters of Lake Loire, to the peaceful docks of Kamuy, as well as the fortified HDC and the congregation of all the Dogs. Grim russet eyes closed briefly before looking towards the coastal region, where the tactician’s mind immediately formed the image of the half-destroyed coliseum and the ravaged rubbles of Hodous.

Frowning, Heidi grabbed her hand before it started shaking, and took a deep breath to ease the tension in her body. A state of tranquility came over her and she found herself smiling in spite of everything.

She should be terrified, but she wasn’t.

Because she knew she couldn’t afford to be scared.

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