Chapter Thirty Seven
The meeting was not over quick. Once everyone available was present each division commander reported in detail. Dahlia looked around as she fought back the weariness pressing against her hold. A handful of the captains had been injured in the battle. Most of those not present had been caught unawares with the poison smog though a couple had been overwhelmed in the ensuing onslaught.
Finally, Mazaran began his report. “During the battles my barrack, lead by our first lieutenant, performed a stealth raid on the enemy camp. During the assaults we’ve seen a remarkable collection of constructs that have severely tested our defenses. Therefore our goal was to identify and remove or disable any other construct we could find. I am happy to report than we were able to remove another cache of the constructs used to emit the poison into our air. Professor Engail has them now and is examining them in a safely sealed space in case of an unintended release.”
“We found no other constructs. I hesitate to speak optimistically before we are certain, but I believe this indicates that this battle is close to being over. We have successfully repelled their strongest attempts. However, we will not let our guard down. I know everyone was pulled in to the battles today and I do not want soldiers who are too tired to be vigilant manning our defenses. I have given instruction to the infirmary to make tinctures used to create alertness in men merely tired available for soldiers still on guard. If a soldier is on guard for the next few hours until we can get a fresh group in they will be encouraged to take some of the tincture. But this is not a failsafe. Captains, please ensure that everyone on guard is fit enough to carry out their duties and that you assign a team to relieve them soon.”
“If you used your single-use announcement construct, ask Professor Engail to issue you another. Encourage your barracks to stay out of the infirmary unless they have a severe injury. I know some may want to check on their fellow members but at the moment the less people in the way the more likely we are to avoid additional losses due to delayed treatment.”
“Division commanders, be sure to send me a report as soon as you have your guards and replacements lined up. You are dismissed.”
Thank gods, Dahlia thought.
She turned and left. Halfway down the path leading to the meeting hall Kenny caught up to her.
“You said I could take a bath.”
“Don’t you have to organize and report?”
“All done, I did all that before I left the main gate. Belakris’s division decided to roll up to me too while he and two other captains are in the infirmary.”
Dahlia was skeptical, “And the report?”
Kenny shook his head, “I hate paperwork, I sent a messenger. Mazaran always has someone write down whatever the messenger says.”
Dahlia gave in. “Alright, fine, but be subtle about it.”
“Everybody’s too tired and on edge to notice.”
“Be subtle anyways.”
“Whatever you say, Captain.”
Dahlia rolled her eyes.
They made it back to her room without anyone raising an eyebrow. There hadn’t really been much risk of someone being surprised to see them together until they got to her barrack anyways and in that case her soldiers were all asleep or eating. Having been on the shift the day before no one had gotten much more sleep than she had.
Kenny followed her in then sat down at her table and began leafing through her book of meditations while she put her axes near her bed and pulled off her clothes. Another set filthy. At least this captain’s jacket wasn’t ruined like the last one. As a temporary measure she dunked it in a basin filled with water and soap and left it to soak.
Kenny, she noticed, was determinedly looking at the book, the promise of hot water keeping him on his best behavior. At least for now. She went to the bathroom and started to fill the tub. The steam felt like heaven as she leaned over and inhaled while the water rose. When it was about half full she gently dipped her feet in and then lay down, stretching her legs out as far as they could go. Then, very slowly and very gently, she began to undo the holding she’d placed in her mind. A little bit at a time weariness washed over her and a weight settled on her muscles.
Once she had it completely off her head swam for a minute and she reflected how embarrassing it would be to pass out in her own bathtub and need Kenny to save her for a second time that day. She’d almost rather drown. Thankfully her head cleared enough and instead of unconsciousness threatening her she merely felt utterly spent.
She managed to scrub off the remnants of battle then sunk down and soaked for a moment, letting her hair float out behind her. The hot water lifted away some of the stiffness in her muscles but her body’s call for rest pulled her further and further towards unconsciousness. She forced herself to move out of the luxurious bath, promising her protesting limbs this would be the last demand. As the tub drained she pulled on a short wrap and walked back through the main room to the nook that served as her bedroom. Kenny watched her as she passed but remained silent. Then she heard him filling the tub again as she fell onto the bed and into a welcome slumber.