The mockingbird was riding atop the boars haunches one day, talking of unimportant things, when it spied the raven sitting solitary on a branch. It flew up to greet the raven, wishing it a good morning.
The raven returned the greeting, but said nothing more.
This irritated the mockingbird, who had hoped for conversation. He scolded the raven for being unfriendly, and said such a practice would see him alone and friendless.
At this, the raven turned to set his eye on the mockingbird. He said that the mark of a friend was not what was said in greeting or passing, nor in any words said to ones face. Those with limited sight may count themselves rich in friends, and only discover their poverty when need arose.
Those with true sight saw the words whispered in shadows, and acts done in secret. Why else do wise n discard all but their robe and bowl? True friendship did not change with distance or company.
The mockingbird wished the raven a good morning all the sa, and flew back to the boar that it might speak further of unimportant things.
- Pre-Gharic Ardan manuscript, vellum, c. 500 PE
Michaels own celebration had not strayed far from the ordinary; he woke early the following morning, disengaging from his covers and kissing Sobriquet on the forehead before setting off towards the airships ss. The long tal halls felt deserted, over-quiet. Only a few airn were eating when he arrived.
Vernon was not among them. He had elected to stay with Emil as part of the Transitional Committee, and had made his goodbyes before Michael and Sobriquet left the celebration. The food was bland and unsatisfying; Michael abandoned it and returned to his quarters.
A short ti later he set out with Sobriquet, departing the airship with nothing but a light pack. He had managed to accrue a surprising amount of notional possessions during his brief stay aboard. They remained aboard save for a change of clothing and his favorite canteen.
They walked through the streets of Is until they reached a certain cafe, of little note save that it was operating despite the sorry state of the towns infrastructure. The chairs and tables were mismatched or cast roughly by an artifex, the windows were shattered and the kitchen stood open to the sky courtesy of a half-collapsed upper storey; nevertheless, Michael slled coffee and so variety of cooking at.
It felt better than the sterile confines of the ss. There was texture and color in the broken street, a feel that fit the mont. A small breakfast ca and went. Michael sipped at his coffee and waited; they were early, after all. Midway through his third cup, Sobriquet sat upright.
Michael turned and saw Unai walking briskly down the street, which was expected. Zabala walked on his heels, which was not. The two n approached the table and sat.
Good morning, Michael said, lifting his eyebrow at Zabala. I didnt think Id see you here. Werent you shipping back to Estu?
Ive been summarily discharged, Zabala said. Sothing about rank insubordination, youd have to ask Antolin for the details. Hes confident that ti will reveal it to have been an unfortunate misunderstanding. For the mont, though, Im looking for employnt.
Convenient timing, that, Sobriquet noted. I suppose we do need a liason for the peacekeeping force as well as Lekubarris thugs.
I doubt they shall bother us overmuch, Unai said, nodding pleasantly to the waitress as she brought coffee for the two new arrivals. Our presence in your group should help to resolve any issues before they beco noteworthy.
One can hope, Michael sighed. Has there been any word from the northwest?
Zabala shook his head. Were monitoring for reports of fire or illness, but theres enough of that amid the evacuation to thoroughly confuse the issue. Well need to be there on the ground to investigate and verify. Fortunately, the motor pool has lost four trucks; we should be able to return them to a convenient forward base of our choosing.
Four? Michael frowned. Im not sure that will be enough. The Ardan soldiers were most of a battalion, last I checked.
Now theyre most of a company, Zabala said. Their unit cohesion was minimal at best, Im surprised your idiot captain convinced that many to sign on. He turned, looking down the street. Wasnt he supposed to be here as well?
Oh, hes coming, Sobriquet snorted. As is Charles. Theyre just slightly delayed from yesterdays events. Give it a few monts. She nodded towards an alleyway.
The three n turned to look; after a short pause Charles and Lars erged into the street, staggering drunk. Each had his arm across the other for support, making for a shambling, raucous approach.
Zabala lifted an eyebrow. Ive changed my mind, he deadpanned. Id like to return to the military after all.
Unai chuckled and rose from his seat to drag over two additional chairs, then walked to intercept the approaching n; he drew his glove off and slapped both of them lightly across the face.
They recoiled, first in shock, then in sudden, horrified sobriety. Unai wiped his hand on his trousers and put his glove back on, taking his seat wordlessly.
Michael watched with interest as the two n promptly vomited into the street. I didnt know anatontes could do that, he said.
An old soldiers trick, Unai said. Theyre not actually sober, but theyll feel that way for a spell. Best to conclude our business early, though, as theyll be useless afterwards.
Status quo, then, Zabala muttered, wrinkling his nose in distaste as Lars staggered to sit beside him.
Morning, Lars, Michael said pleasantly. Charles.
Morning, milord, Lars rasped, rubbing at his eyes. Deepest apologies, I was coordinating with your man Charles here and the ti- He paused, gratefully accepting a coffee from the waitress. Thank you, love, youre a treasure. The ti simply ran away from us.
Charles took his coffee with a grunt, saying nothing.
Are your n ready to move? Sobriquet asked. Or are they still coordinating as well?
Never you worry, my n are light on their feet, Lars said. Theyll all be right when we get where were going. He sipped his coffee with a wince, grabbing a lump of sugar with his free hand. Do we have a direction yet?
To the new Safid border, Michael said. Or at least the general region. If Luc ans to press his attack against them, hell be moving that way - probably in hiding amid the emigrants. Traveling by truck we may be able to intercept him before he crosses into Pashaluk Qalo.
Capital, Lars said. My n will be delighted, weve been spoiling for so action.
No action, Sobriquet said. Were searching for Luc. Your n will be serving as lookouts, scouts and runners. She frowned at Lars, her eyes lingering on his black uniform shirt; he had lost or discarded his distinctive Swordsman jacket at so point. Civilian clothing, too. Ardan uniforms will cause problems, especially in that part of the country.
Lars grimaced. I expect that youre right, he said. Very well, Ill have my n scrounge-
Charles fell out of his chair, sprawling to the ground in a small puddle of coffee.
That usually works for longer, Unai said. He must have had quite a bit to drink.
Zabala sighed and plucked Larss coffee cup from his hand; the Ardan captain shot him an indignant look - then toppled sideways.
Seems like well be getting a late start, Michael said. Zabala, I dont suppose ndian could conveniently lose so clothing along with the trucks? And rations, while were at it?
No promises, but probably, Zabala said, standing up. Ill drive over to the Ardan camp and see what I can make of them. He spared one last weary look at Lars and shook his head, turning to walk back the way he had arrived.
Michael glanced between Unai and Sobriquet. Perhaps not the most auspicious start, he said. But well work it out.
The other two exchanged a glance. Charles began to snore.
Well work it out, Michael insisted.
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