Going To The Enemy

"Sir Conner, do you need to familiarize yourself with your troops? We will, of course, ask for volunteers. I was thinking of about six Tritons. Will that do?"

"It will suffice." Conner nods. "More would make the swim out cumbersome. Let's spread the word for volunteers then. The sooner this is accomplished the better." Conner pauses for a moment and then grins. "Majesty." He adds.

"I think you'll have to be a General, if you'll take the rank." [Khela] steps from the tent, and watches Celina go. A word to a man and a Triton arrives.

"General." Conner tastes the word. "General Connor." He sniffs. "Well I suppose I will get used to it in time." He smiles.

"General Conner, this is my personal Triton Teukros, who has been with me since I was a girl.

"Teukros, General Conner needs a handful of Tritons to go with him to infiltrate Moire's army, cause it to attack Huon prematurely, and escape with as many of your brethren as you can make desert. The message to your kin is thus:

"'The bearer of the blade upon which peace was sworn calls all true sons of the dragon to fulfill the ancient obligations and to flee, in the confusion of the conflict, from the Rebman army. Meet us at dawn at Green Coral Ridge and you shall see the paxblade and have the chance to redeem our ancient destiny.'"

Teukros nods. "Wonderful, My Queen. I will be honored." He turns to Conner. "General, would you like tritons who are smart, swift, or strong for your force?"

"Yes." Conner grins at the scaled one. "But if I must choose, bring me the smart for my force. Swift and strong I can do something about if need be but smart they must bring themselves. I trust your judgement in this matter, Teukros."

Teukros says "Thank you, sir. I will fetch a suitable number of volunteers. Tell me when you wish to depart and we will go. I have personally done some of the scouting and I would suggest leaving no later than this evening.

"Will you be disguised as well? While our brethren will not tell their masters of our presence or of yours, you may be recognized. Many of the soldiers may well be courtiers looking to improve their position. If I understand your personal current correctly, they may know you of old."

Conner nods. "If people from the Shells recognized me here it is quite possible that they will recognize me as well. I think the simple borrowing of some mage robes from the wizards here along with keeping my hair hidden should suffice. A magical illusion might be more effective but I am concerned with keeping it in place when I should be concentrating on other matters. I shall experiment on that while you seek our volunteers."

"I will go find your volunteers immediately," says the giant creature. He departs.

[Anything Conner wants/needs to do while he has a moment of privacy?]

Mainly Conner would like to seek out something to use as a disguise. Though I am unsure what would be Rebma appropriate for hiding the face as I don't see hoods used much underwater. Other than that, feel free to move Conner on.

Some soldiers wear chainmail headgear, but the eyes are uncovered.

You could give yourself a nasty scar. Or maybe get a nice pair of mirrored sunglasses. Those might be distinctive. A little squid-ink hair dye might help.

Or you could just stick with a triton and say "make that one forget he saw me".

Conner will settle for a chainmail headgear to hide his red hair and a Triton to give concussions. Also Conner will make a concerted effort to frown and grumble.

Conner finds he's not very good at frowning.

The triton swims back, with a squad of his mates. "Would you care to meet the squad, sir?"

He introduces Conner to several tritons. Most are from Rebma, but one seems different. He has no facial tattoos. They all wait for Conner's bidding.

"Our mission is simple." Conner addresses them. "We must seamlessly infiltrate the army of Rebma, rally as many of your people to our banner, and then lead them in an attack of Huon's forces." Conner explained. "I'll need scouts to make sure our approach to Moire's waves are unseen by Huon's eyes and then to scout out a portion of Huon's forces we can swiftly overwhelm and then melt away. The rest of us will carry out the primary mission. Any questions?"

The tritons are, as a group, still prone to long silences. After a bit, Teukros says "No, sir. Rebmans cannot read our tattoos. We will reach our brothers."

"Then send out your scouts, Teukros, and when the currents are with us, we shall leave for the enemy camp." Conner instructs. Conner suspects he'll need a little sorcerous assistance to keep up with the Tritons and has his stopwatch wound and ready to go for a little temporal speed boost. It is stretching the water resistant claim on his watches to work this far down but being absolutely confident that they would be working seems to be enough.

Teukros says something to the other Tritons, in a language that Conner does not know, but which is deep and low. It seems designed to carry a fair distance underwater. Some three of his Tritons set out immediately. Teukros suggests an hour wait, after which he tells Conner that it is time to start. He asks Conner if he needs to be carried.

Conner's first instinct is to refuse but the more he thinks on it, a man that can keep up with Tritons is far more conspicuous than a Triton carrying a man. "Yes, I think I that would be prudent." Conner agrees. "Would you take on that task, Teukros? I would speak to you as we travel."

"I would. Hold on tightly to my arms," says the Triton. Teukros makes a silent motion with his arm and silently, the 20 foot long Tritons move out. The miles will pass quickly at the speed they move. Teukros says, over his shoulder, "You wished to speak with me, General?"

"You spoke of the Rebmans being proud that they knew nothing of your tattoos." Conner called to him. "Well I am ashamed that I don't. If I am to command your people in battle I would know of their ways. Tell me about the tattoos. What do they mean?"

"They tell of one's loyalties, and lineage, and philosophy, General. They can tell one's history and friendships as well. A young Triton, a Triton with few accomplishments will have few, having made few life decisions. For instance, this mark above my left eye ridge tells of my binding to Khela. It became more pronounced when she revealed that she was rightful Queen. This line by my right ear tells of my allegiance to the sword. It is a very old marking, but has not been seen in many lifetimes. It will cause significant amazement among our brothers."

He goes on at length about the scar/tattoos. Conner can see no difference between most of them.

"Have you ever heard of Tritons' going masked?" Conner asks him when he pauses for a moment.

"Of course. It can serve three purposes for us. The most common is to protect our identities, but some tasks are not done by individuals, such as priestly tending to certain duties. Those are done masked, so the priest does the act for all by virtue of not being himself.

He continues calmly. "A mask can also be worn when one must do something one thinks is not proper. This is a slave's small rebellion, amounting to almost nothing in a community that does not understand markings."

"Priestly duties?" Conner queries. "What of priestly duties? I had never even heard that the Tritons had a religion."

"What you call religion, we call knowledge of the cosmos. It is inseparable from our every act, our every breath." He flexes his muscles and the tattoos on his neck and back ripple. "We would not be inscrutable, but for the vow of silence."

After a time, Teukros says "We approach the army. Shall we hide you with us amongst the Tritons?"

"Yes, hide me as best you can." Conner agrees. "As much as possible I should not be seen."

He says something in a strange tongue, and two Tritons are suddenly in positions to block Conner's view of most of the camp. There is more back-and-forth in the foreign tongue, which Conner finds he cannot understand at all.

Does the language sound at all similar to any language he's experienced?

No. It seems as if it would carry a very long distance under water. Perhaps it sounds different in the air.

"Good news, General," says Teukros. "We are in time. They have sighted elements of Huon's forces and are digging in. All Tritons are to be given a speech by an officer in just a few moments.

"Our brothers are passing the word of our presence and what it means. Most of the army's forces are receptive to our message."

"Most of them?" Conner murmurs. "Tell your fellows to make note of any that stay behind out of loyalty rather than fear or doubt." He instructs. "Then, get me closer. I would hear what their officer has to say."

"There are ten score or more of us here. I would be surprised if five did not join us. But we do develop loyalties to our humans, especially when we are young."

Conner nods. "That is reasonable so long as it does not move beyond safeguarding their charge."

An officer does approach, with a Triton behind him. He doesn't call the Tritons into ranks or act like a military man at all. "When the order is given, you will charge the men of Huon of the Horn, the invader who threatens Rebma herself. You will not retreat unless I order it. The headquarters guard will stay with the headquarters. Ready yourselves." Conner gets the impression that he doesn't really like his job.

"Headquarters guard, eh?" Conner murmurs lowly. "Now that sounds quite promising. Teukros, substitute some of our members for those in the headquarters guard. Instruct the guard to wait a short time after the Tritons have been sent to fight. They are then to capture all the commanders within the tent and bring them to where Khela is camped. Strike as the sea snake: one bite and away. They are not to linger and as best they can they are not to let themselves be followed. I would go myself but think it better I stay with the Tritons in the field." Already Conner learns the annoyance of having to delegate.

"I shall lead that group myself, General."

The officer turns without closing remarks and goes away. Teukros says something in the low, long sounds of the Tritons. It goes on for a long time, and seems to be a debate between Tritons.

"Bad news, General. They are led by Halemedes, Triton to Duchess Valeria. He and the others would join us, but they claim that they would need to see the sigil-weapon to know we were not tricking them. What shall we do?"

"Would they believe it seen through a sorcerous portal or a mirror?" Conner offers. "I can show them the paxblade via those means. Else chose one of their number, one you would trust, and I can take them before Khela to see the blade with their own eyes. But don't make that offer if you don't have too. It sets up many complications, you understand."

"A mirror would be perfect. Halemedes is their leader. If he joins us, we have them." The triton pauses. "It would help if you would tell them of your oath to the queen as well. We are a people swayed by passion and have a certain sympathy for takers of mighty oaths.

"If you wish," Teukros says, "I will bring Halemedes to you."

"Bring him, but guard him well." Conner replies. "The Duchess Valeria would do much to see me harmed. Should this be a ruse, we must be prepared." While he waits for the Triton to arrive Conner prepares himself mentally to use the mirror. He conjured Khela's image and form before his eyes and this itself is a pleasant distraction for a moment or two. Such thoughts are put aside for more scholarly concern. Conner has to get this right or the gambit is for naught.

[Are you conjuring a real-time live image of Khela as she is or a memory? In either case, the likeness is quite good and the sword is bright and green at her side...]

[A memory. Basically he is going through the motions of summoning an image in the mirror without the mirror.]

Halemedes appears. He nods, silently to Conner and makes a gesture of peace. He seems to recognize the former ambassador.

Teukros speaks from his side. "My brother Halemedes is still bound by his vow of silence. He understands what you wish to show him, and would also see Eryx, if such can be arranged. I expect he can be convinced, with the right argument, General."

Conner tries to remember this Triton but truth be told the Tritons fade into the background like furniture and it is the Rebman faces that fill Conner's memory. "Halemedes, I thank you for giving me the chance to gain your trust." He begins. "I have come to learn that Tritons are honorable. For untold years, you have stayed loyal to a pact designed to protect all Tritons within and without the city of Rebma. You have endured the indifference and neglect of a people that view you only as tools for their will. We both know you are more than that. Khela knows it too. Moire and her ilk are unfit guardians of the pact. She calls you by the Paxblade to leave those that squander your talents and your gifts and to join a new Rebma where you are honored citizens not restrained beasts."

Conner floats a little higher to more fully look Halamedes in the face. "You once knew me as an ambassador from Amber. You may have heard that I am a Lord of Amber, the son of Fiona daughter of Clarissa. I tell you this so that you will fully understand the life I will be leaving to fulfill an oath I have made to Khela. When she sits on the throne of Rebma, the Paxblade will come to me. I have sworn to protect the new realm we seek to form. As I ask you to help us now so I swear to help you in the years to come."

Halemedes nods, silently.

Conner slides out the Eye of Rebma from under his clothing and holds the mirror before Halemedes. "Here is what you asked to see." Conner concentrates upon the mirror and wills the image of Khela and the green sword to its surface.

Halemedes looks at the image for a long moment and nods. With a voice that seems cracked and unused but perfectly certain, he speaks. "I ask two boons in return for my service, General. The first is that you spare the life of Princess Valeria. The second is that we be allowed to kill Captain Atonides."

"The first is acceptable provided that you and your fellows can capture and turn her over to us." Conner agrees. "If she has to be captured in the midst of battle, I cannot guarantee her safety though the orders will be to take her alive." Conner explains. "As for the second, I am not in the habit of condemning a man to death without knowing why he should die. What is your grievance against Captain Atonides?"

"He dislikes his duty, and so chooses to throw our lives away in an effort to gain himself promotion. A good number of my brethren have died for his pride and disdain for our people and I would smash the altar of his ambition ."

Over Halemedes' shoulder, Teukros nods.

"I agree that he should answer for the crimes against your people." Conner begins. "Might I offer an alternative? Capture him like the others in charge and he can be the first one tried in the courts of Queen Khela for crimes against your people. Let his death send a message that will be heard loud and clear. Justice instead of vengeance. Would that satisfy you and your people Halemedes?"

"Very well, we are yours. If we have been tricked, our vengeance will be terrible."

Teukros touches his tail to Halemedes. "Excellent. Our new queen will show true justice and mercy. A new tide is turning, brother. "

Halemedes smiles. "It is as we have always dreamed. I am pleased to live to see it."

The older Triton smiles back, and turns to Conner. "What place shall you have in the deception and attack, General?"

"I will leave the taking of headquarters and the leaders to Halemedes and his warriors." Conner replies. "My presence there would only invite the chance of discovery. As for the attack, once the captain is removed I shall take his place and lead the Tritons against Huon. The goal is too inflict losses on Huon's army and then break off making it seem as though the Tritons have routed. That should be enough to cause Huon to press his advantage against the weakened and confused Rebman forces. Then when that battle is done, Khela can bring her full forces against what remains. I have some abilities at my disposal to aid the Tritons in battle. Keep me safe in a position where I can see the battle and I shall work my sorcery for our benefit."

Halemedes and his crew leave and Conner and his Tritons wait the coming battle in a tense silence. The tritons talk quietly amongst themselves, quieting when Rebman soldiers come near.

Just as the tide turns, a low keening comes from the Tritons, and a mass of the enemy crests a ridge on the far side of the valley. Teukros looks at them, smiling. "Halemedes is striking now. We should lead the troops out, General. How much damage will we be allowed to do to the foe?"

A low pitched keening sound comes from the Tritons. It occurs to Conner that he's never seen the Tritons actually go to war.

Suddenly Conner wonders just how he came to be riding the crest of a seismic wave. "We want to leave enough of them standing to cripple the Rebman army." Conner replies. "The rest are yours. Just have our troops ready to retreat when I give the signal. Give the order to charge, Teukros. This fight begins."

With the might and speed of the Tritons, Conner considers them like cavalry. Their advantage is taking the fight to the enemy quickly and breaking through their lines. Conner removes his extendable pointer from his sleeve and elongated it to its wand form. From his perch in a Triton's arms, Conner watched the battle closely. If the mass of soldiers on the hill sets against the charge, Conner wants to be in position to try a sorcerous counter measure.

The Tritons charge is as unexpected as it is reckless, and the few soldiers who manage to set for a charge are easily flanked and avoided by the Tritons.

The forces of Rebma struggle to mount a coordinated attack; the officers did not expect the Tritons to move so soon. The advantage this gives to Huon's forces is largely wasted because they have little experience fighting in Rebma. They are both slow to learn how to effectively use their weapons and fail to take advantage of the ability to swim.

Conner thinks that the slow learners will be buried here tomorrow and Huon's remaining forces will do better next time. Tritons are strong warriors, the equal of a handful of soldiers each. Both the reddish men and the pale ones fall before their assault. Soon, however, Huon's magical allies summon great sharks to fight the Tritons. They stop the advance of Tritons into Huon's flanks. The Rebman men will not be able to prevent Huon's armies from regrouping and attacking.

"Shall we retreat now, General?" asks Teukros.

Conner is pleased as he sees his gamble pay off. Conner knows full well that such a tactic will only catch them off guard once. The ability to summon sharks is one that is noted for future battles. He would have to speak to the Rebman magicians in Khela's camp about countermeasures. Perhaps they could summon giant dolphins.

Conner does not answer Teukros for a moment as he surveys the battle. His forces had not done nearly as much damage as he had hoped, but there was no point in wasting the Tritons strength against the sharks. "Sound the order to retreat." He agreed. "Pull back in a fighting retreat to begin with and then swim away and fast as we can. If the sharks try to follow, let me try to deal with them." A little electrical charge in the water will foul up a sharks sense of direction as well pain them. But it was a tactic Conner wished to try with the Tritons well away from the target. So should they get enough distance between them and the forces of Huon, Conner will test that theory.

"Yes, General." Teukros makes a low long sound. It starts quietly, but soon is pervasive across the battlefield. When it stops, the Tritons begin to pull back. The Rebmans are confused by the move. Teukros suggests that Conner move to a better vantage further to the rear and the flank.

Rebman officers head for the tent where the Triton commander is supposed to be. Shortly they'll know the truth.

Conner nods and drifts to a position towards the rare of his troops. He trusts the Tritons to retreat in the right direction and to deal with anything that tries to halt their movement. Conner still has the magicks he wants to try on the tip of his tongue but wants to wait for the right moment.

The sharks turn to the regular soldiers, whose lines do not hold. Soon it is a rout and no one is worrying about where the Tritons went.

Something about how the sharks move doesn't seem completely natural to Conner.

"We should go, General," says Teukros. "It's not really a battle anymore."

"No, it is rout and massacre now." Conner sighs. "Perhaps we should have lingered. Ah well, no matter now." Conner watches the sharks a moment longer. The unnatural movements disturbs him but he could not put his fingers on why. "Sharks of a different type perhaps?" He murmurs. "Teukros, once we are securely back at camp speak to your fellows that were on the front line fighting the sharks. They puzzle me and I would hear as much as I can about them." Conner instructs. "Let's go back. There is nothing more to do here."

Teukros nods and offers Conner his neck to hold on to. "They didn't move like sharks. They didn't go after blood." He adds.

Conner grabs hold of Teukros's neck with a nod of thanks. Conner could easily see why the Rebmans became dependant on these beings. He would have to take steps to see that Khela's Rebma did not do the same.

"So if they looked like sharks but did not act like sharks that either leaves other beings in the guise of sharks or some magical construct." Coner concluded. "Neither is a particularly pleasant thought. Did they smell like sharks?" Conner asks.

"They did not seem to be smelling at all," replies the 20 foot long fish-man.

Conner chuckles. "I had meant to ask if they had the scent of sharks to your nose." He clarifies. "Though it is clear that whatever these creatures are, they only wear the shapes of sharks rather than actually being sharks. If we are to march on Huon, this must be investigated further."

The triton nods, although it is unclear which of Conner's statements he agrees with. "Another more versed in conjury than I might tell you more, General. My people do not practice magic."

After some time, Conner and Teukros come into sight of the camp.

"I'll go straight to Khela and report on the battle." Conner informs Teukros. "You should see to your fellows and make sure they have what they need in the camp."

The newest tritons are mixing with the older ones, exchanging news. The low triton sounds reach quite far and Teukros smiles. "They are well taken care of, General."

Khela's tent is some distance away. There is movement about it, which is not a surprise.

"Good." Conner nods in satisfaction. "That is as it should be. Come. I would know how Halemedes and his fellows fared and report to our Queen the situation under which they joined are numbers." Conner swims steadily towards Khela's tent and the activity outside it.

Celina exits the tent and sees an army at the ready. The men and tritons patrol the camp and seem prepared for war. Celina thinks it would hard on them were they not to fight.

"Sister," says Merlin, "would you like me to lie to Huon or shall I help you prepare to lie to him?"

Celina tastes the Patternblade kiss on her lips and commands to the waters, "Eryx, come quickly. I need you."

The Seaward lass speaks more softly to Merlin. "Are you sad or excited by the revelations? What were you doing back there, investigating Khela? I have heard she cannot take the Pattern. Mayhap the blade is a better answer than I could have expected for holding her strong. Or perhaps she will wither with it at her side."

Celina looks at him.

"I think your mother may be of a piece with my mother," Merlin says after a moment. "I have not yet decided what I think of Khela.' Which sounds like it might be diplomacy on Merlin's part.

If Eryx has heard her summons, he has not yet arrived.

Celina nods. "Good enough. Yes, I think you will need to prepare me with lessons on lying. And thank you, but I was serious inside: lies about myself make sense; my life is riddled with them. However, I won't defame redheads or Moire. There is so much truth that will do that work.

"Yes, our... mothers are of a piece." Fire crisps her heart. Celina begins to weep; but the waters are her friend and no tracks show. Still the tears drag anger into her expression. "Loreena." She looks about the camp for a guarded tent. "By the way, I played kiss-kiss with the Patternblade to a purpose. We know a few things more now: first, that the thing won't bite off the hand of someone Khela considers a friend. She can be separated from it. That may prove useful later."

She sighs. "Second, that the blade is brim full of Pattern energies that match the Design in the binddark of Rebma. Pure Green Sexiness there. It suggests that Khela won't be able to handle the full force of the thing's mystic energies any more than she could walk the Pattern, pending my informed source. Conner is a much better choice for Green Sex."

She scans the troop arrangements and looks for any tritons nearby. "Third, I bet it curtails his sorcery career once he's married to it." She licks her lips and sparks dance through her memory.

"He is not Bleys," Merlin agrees.

"Fourth, I wanted to see if Pattern to Pattern oral would augment my connection to Tritons. Eryx is either elsewhere commanded or he is not welded to my desire from my passing contact.

"And it's time again to tell you how dear you are," Celina whispers the last and pushes the anger away for a while.

Unless he is discouraged, Merlin tags along with her. Eryx has not yet come to Celina by the time they find their way to the tent where Loreena is being kept.

Lady Celina approaches the tent boldly, nodding to the guards.

The Seaward cousin enters with a wary eye for sudden reversals. "As you requested, Duchess, I'm here to talk. You can speak in front of my brother, he has my fullest confidence." She looks Loreena in the eye and reaches for the Pattern. She walks the spark kisses for strength and understanding

After all, isn't she maturing into a Loreena herself?

The pattern and order wrap around Celina like a cloak, dampening her Llaya, but increasing her sense of the realness of the world.

"I did. If you will allow me to send a note to my mother and my grandmother, requesting my ransom, I will parole myself to you and not try to escape."

"Thank you for sharing your terms," Celina responds. "I'm honored that you find this worth discussing. Unfortunately events overtake us. I don't find myself able to alter the terms I offered for your protection. Another army threatens Rebma now and things grow worse. I'm called away." Celina bows in preparation to depart. "Be well, niece."

Loreena stretches in her bindings. "I have changed my mind. Your terms are acceptable."

Lady Celina does not show surprise. "On your honor and by the blood we share." Celina waits for the ritual acknowledgment.

"On my honor and by the blood of Moire, Queen of Rebma," she replies.

Celina sets about freeing Loreena immediately. If the guards trouble over this, she will order them to stand away and talk to Khela regarding Celina's authority.

Celina nods to Loreena once she is free. "As of now, you communicate to Merlin or myself and no one else. If you give me a list of personal effects you've been relieved of here, I'll see if we can gather them before leaving. Otherwise, we go now."

"I had a triton, but I don't believe I want him back. He was, apparently, flawed and dangerous."

Merlin looks nervous.

Celina does not react to Loreena playing the script word for word and mentioning Eryx. Nor adding an unsought edge to the oath. "Come along," Celina commands, "consider we are all dangerous and flawed. We have distance to make quickly."

Celina explains nothing about destination, but gestures to Loreena to fall in behind the swim.

Loreena does so.

[Celina] waits until they are beyond sight of camp and moving towards the Rebma approaches an army must take. "Merlin, so how does one learn a technique of falsehood?"

"One practices it, as with dancing and poisons," Merlin says. Perhaps realizing that this is an insufficiently helpful answer, he continues, "General stoicism helps a great deal. It keeps one from a revealing change of form at an inopportune moment."

Stoic. "Starfish," Celina laughs. "So I'm probably the worst liar in all the shadows." She thinks only in passing about Loreena's opinions on the matter. The laugh lingers as a full smile. Things improve despite appearances. "So change of form is an important thing to control, that makes sense. And if I am a inexperienced and naive messenger, with pluck," she adds, remembering Huon's comment, "then I should stick with that. This is doable."

Lady Celina sets a hard pace and they pass currents one after another. She selects carefully for those that inevitably lead to the Green order that she still tastes. Always she will know the direction to Rebma.

"Should I call mounts for us, sister?" Merlin suggests after a time of following her pace.

Loreena says nothing. She swims stoically in their wake.

"Mounts," Celina considers that for several minutes. She doesn't glance back at Loreena but satisfies an internal check that says Merlin has. So Loreena is going to wear out soon.

Yet, the miles of exercise feel good. Each part of her body celebrates the order of the ocean's pleasures. Reaching ahead with Pattern, Celina determines how the next shadowy kelp bed has seahorses, domesticated and rigged and catching their leisure in the rich pulpy kelp forest.

And when the next heavy layer of darker water clears ahead, she spots the waving kelp patterns. Celina whistles for the hippocampi to heed.

Four bubble wakes spring out of the forest ahead and Celina decides on the scarlet hippocampus even before they are close. "Mounts," she smiles at Merlin. "No doubt, a nearby quad of picnikers will be vexed later today when they cannot find their transport."

Celina settles on Scarlet and rubs a thumb over the brass inlay crest in the saddlehorn. It's not heraldry she expects to know but the stars and curved blade are interesting. Now she looks at Loreena. "Not far now. We should be wary of flank scouts. Let's go."

And she squeezes Scarlet into a burst of speed.

The mounts are sleek and fast and seem to enjoy being given their head. Shortly the group is high about what looks to be an impressive army. Below were ranks of pikemen, a contingent of horse-calvary, and what looked to be a larger force of magicians than even Khela commanded. They held a mountain pass and were starting to traverse through onto the plains below.

Surface dwellers, they did not think to probe upwards into the darkness and had not detected Celina's approach. It probably indicated that they had not fought a major undersea battle yet.

Merlin rides close to Celina and speaks. "Sister, I have told you what I can of lying, in the essence, but I am concerned that your kinswoman will betray our ruse. How shall we prevent that? What is her purpose on our expedition?"

Celina nods and looks slightly abashed. "I should have spoken to you before this, of course," she whispers. "Loreena and I come from a society that believes in honor and our personal word. I respect her even if we don't like each other. I also want her safely back in the arms of her family." Celina pauses, looking at the troops below. "Loreena understands that she isn't to speak to anyone but us. She doesn't know our plan, doesn't know Huon, and doesn't want him to attack Rebma either. I'm trusting her. We either have an understanding," Celina looks at Merlin, "or I'm going to break her jaw into so many pieces she'll likely never talk again."

Celina's mouth goes rueful. "That's not the best answer, but it's the one I have. Want to talk me out of this plan?" She eyes him sideways. "And if she tries to spill the cup, it might work to our advantage with Huon."

"It may be that she will make him suspicious. It seems as if you think that may help you, which I do not understand but accept. What shall I tell him if he asks me who she is?"

Merlin looks below. There is a figure looking up and pointing. "We have been spotted," he says calmly.

Celina looks and then waves at the pointing soldier. She keeps a course for the army command center. "So we have, but we're waving, so they won't shoot us." Her spine tingles with the realization that she now pushes those probabilities out of the way. "Yes, I expect him to be suspicious."

The Seaward lass speaks louder again, knowing Loreena will strain to hear everything she can. "We tell my uncle the truth. My Duchess is a niece and free-passage to parlay with Rilsa regarding Rebman politics. My business and not his." She thumps her heels into the campus urging it to a spirited bouncing romp. She reaches up with a free hand and pulls the clips from her hair. It spills about wild and crackling green.

As sentries or calvary try to react, she'll test her mount in getting close enough to Huon to make it interesting for all concerned. Then she'll peacefully dismount and give them a Conner-smile of greeting. "I'm here to see my Uncle."

The mounts react well, and the troops do react or scatter as needed. They don't actually attack, and the sorcerers among them seem wary, but do not cast.

The camp table is obvious, and surrounded by Huon's senior officers. Captain Carver is nearby, perhaps as an aide-de-camp. Huon himself is there, wearing an armored breastplate and carrying a spear. All of his men, now that you are close, seem to be armed with spears, in the Rebman fashion.

Huon smiles. It may even seem friendly. "Merlin, and Ourhope, as well. And is this another relative? I have so many I did not know of. What brings you to us at this time, Niece?"

"I bring news," Celina says as she steps forward toward Huon. "If you have time for me, I'd speak of dangers."

Huon looks her over, and also takes the opportunity to assess Loreena. "Some dangers we know of and are preparing to face, but it is always prudent to hear warnings. Would you speak to me here, before my officers, or do you wish a private audience?"

Celina gives herself a moment to think by looking directly at Carver. If an uncle gives you a choice, he's looking for information since he already knows what his officers know and what they might make of their god sharing warnings. "Here is fine. Your men are of high caliber and would wish to know of this." Celina reaches Huon and takes in his attire and level of readiness.

Lady Celina lowers her voice, but allows it to include all the men gathered around Huon. "I'm glad they have not hit you in force as yet. Perhaps they are having trouble finding you. That is well. The Queen has forces approaching now to attack you. A strong force from what I've heard. Of deeper concern to you is that the Queen of Rebma has allied with Redheads. From what you told me once before, this alliance crosses your hopes."

Huon nods. "Given that I hope to leave redheads unable to ally with any save death, yes. Why warn me, niece? Do you come from the Queen's army to parley with me, or is the warning in spite of Rebma's wishes?"

"Rebma knows not what I am about," Celina responds. "I thought to win a favor from an uncle with battle years and perhaps to ease deaths on both sides. Might I help you parlay with Rebma? Or would you rather not?"

Huon raises an eyebrow. "I want the sword. Will Rebma part with it?"

Celina raises both eyebrows. "I believe you suggest a paradox and if you think I would not see it you are perhaps pleased to be wrong."

He smiles, thinly. "I will have the sword. Will I take it at cost and effort, or will Rebma give it to me? That is all that is negotiable."

"Then it appears you do not need any help with parlay," Celina says flatly but with no rancor. "My judgment is that Rebma's queen would promise much regards the sword but confound to conceal an empty hand." Celina steps back now. "Having delivered my warning, I do not wish to delay your searching. Perhaps some day you will favor me with advice regards military strategy, if you would allow, uncle. I find myself often in need of years I do not have."

Now she smiles. "And I invite you to seek me out if in need of younger perspective." Celina bows. "Until then? I bid you grace."

He nods. "Go, and take my message to your Queen. Huon of the Horn is no enemy of Rebma's but I need what she has. She should send one empowered to negotiate for it, and I will consider her offer. I am generous in victory to those who yield, but a terrible enemy to have. My offer stands until we overrun her walls."

Loreena leans in towards Celina and, with her voice pitched low so that only Celina can hear, whispers. "Amazing. I don't think he gave you the chance to lie to him. I can't tell whether he's that arrogant or you just flubbed your approach."

Celina turns quickly and kisses Loreena on the cheek with vigor, she whispers, "Right the first time--you can't tell. We go." Pushing off from Loreena and moving back to the hippocampi Celina checks Scarlet's harness and then mounts.

Loreena mutters something as Celina moves away, but it's unclear what she said.

Once astride [Celina] waves to Huon. "I carry your message, uncle. When you have other goals, seek me out. We have a lot to talk about."

She waits for Loreena and Merlin to mount. Then leads them quickly out of the army of Huon.

Celina and party quickly circle upwards. Two things become quite clear. The first is that Huon has men watching their departure. The second is that his troops are moving forward.

Celina turns Scarlet towards Rebma in an arc that would lead to a western entry to the city. She slows the hippocampus as the group maintains height going no closer to the stronger sunlight dapples above. If she can keep the course, she'll vanish into a kelp forest before changing her line and heading back to Khela.

To Merlin and Loreena: "We can't go to Conner with all this troop movement and we need to know his mission is in good shape before we can try to go to Rilsa. Keep a good watch for other unexpected watchers to the battle. We'll head by predatory route back to Khela's position."

RTD: 'predatory route' is a scouting line covering a lot more ground than distance in zigzag course, such as a shark patrolling a territory

There's no sign of Conner's mission, but it's entirely possible that these two armies would fight in any case. Still, it looks like a slow approach, with each side currently angling for battlefield advantage. Huon is the better commander.

Celina chafes for views of the battles she has left behind but her real focus is on getting the three of them back to Khela's camp. Even so, she speaks to Merlin three times during the jaunt back to camp, asking if he has seen anything trailing behind their irregular course.

Merlin isn't sure, but could cast a spell to determine it or even to hide them from observers. Does Celina wish this?

Celina demurs and confesses that she is anxious because of the near-edge of the war. All decisions become entangled in the loss of lives. "Time to grow up," she finishes, "and take part in the choosing of paths." So saying, she moves them on to Khela's encampment with less zag.

Khela sends for them, for a report. Scouts say the battle should be joined by now, and another triton who was to report is due soon.

Celina replies to the messenger that they will report directly to Khela and send him away.

"Did you accomplish anything?," asks Loreena. "I ask merely to determine if you are even trying to affect this war, or if you're just a tourist."

"Well, you imply that I did not accomplish anything and you may be right," Celina responds. "Who am I to question your greater experience and wit in civil war? Consider that I stopped being a tourist when I saved your life." The group takes a few steps as Celina lets the barb settle.

"First, the making of these matters was not my doing or yours, niece," Celina starts as they cross to Khela's command tent. "I hope I gave him something to think about later. He can win each battle, but he will lose since what he wants is not where he fights for it. He will remember a kind word. He will wonder if I can be seduced to help him. Let us hope that he does not learn you were searching for the sword and it is now gone. I might have to fight to defend your person from him and he would kick the tar out of me.

"Second, _you_ taught me that you can not turn aside invested attention with words, no matter how clever the tongue. Words and actions must wed. So I warned him and left. He chooses his own path and might only respect me if I understand that. And I need him to respect me a little if we are to have future interests together.

"Third, he isn't as smart as you are, Loreena. Hence he isn't fun to argue with." Celina winks at Merlin and enters Khela's tent with a wave to the guards.

[she's training the guards to expect such freedoms... abort action if they try to stab her.]

Loreena opens her mouth to speak, but declines to do so as she's led into the tent.

Khela is leaning over her command table. Two advisors are with her, both men. "That'll be all, gentlemen, see that we're ready to move if necessary." She glances over at Loreena, and says nothing to her. Instead, she speaks to Celina. "Celina, my anemone. How went your scouting mission?"

The thrill of surviving Huon and seeing Khela to quicken Celina's pulse. The tingle dances through her skin and she celebrates by hugging Khela now.

Khela only reluctantly lets her go.

Stepping back, Celina bows slightly. "Differently than expected. Message delivered, 'ware the Rebman forces about to attack'." She sighs. "He demanded the blade and wondered if I could negotiate for Rebma." Celina paces now, crossing the tent space in broken orbits about Khela, Merlin and Loreena. She recounts Huon's position, "'I need the blade', 'resistance will be met with destruction', 'generous am I in victory', which I think is true from what I've seen and 'redheads consigned to death', just to pass along the good parts."

Celina recrosses the tent. Her hands clasp tightly behind her back. She glances at Khela still seeing Huon's confident eyes. "He's committed to his solution and needs. The battle will be... messy. So mission accomplished, Huon and Rebma shall collide. Huon seems to think he can fight his way right up to the throne and make his demands.

"I...," Celina stops and folds her arms, "offered to parlay Huon with Rebma. I know that wasn't part of the plan. He demanded the sword again without condition." She shakes her head. "So I told him to contact me if he wanted to talk later. Questions for me?"

Khela smiles. "He can't have it. I'm not convinced that he'd be more advantageous to us than Conner with the sword. Conner brings the redheads into our camp and keeps them out of Moire's, whereas Huon would push them towards her. We'll need to be ready to defend the city once we take it from Moire, because he'll be back once he figures out the situation. "

"In any case, if Huon was good enough, Bleys wouldn't have bottled him up and we wouldn't be having this conversation. We'll see how long we can keep Huon deceived about us."

Loreena gives Khela a look of pure venom.

Celina memorizes the glare and continues pacing.

Loreena spares Celina a rhinestone smile: bright and shiny and artificial.

Celina kills the urge to laugh.

"I await word on the confusion we have hopefully visited upon our enemies." She looks over at the table behind her. "Wine?"

"Yes," Celina mutters. Shortly she suits action to offer. The first gulp of the strong flavor picks up her nerve.

"So if I agree that Conner is a spectacular ally," Celina studies the red reflection of her face in the wine, "what do you know about his political troubles in Rebma? Can we help him with that? Who is behind the matter?" She eyes Khela but watches Loreena from the corner of her eye.

Loreena speaks before Khela has an opportunity to do so. "He got in the way of someone the Queen's underlings stay out of the way of. If it wasn't the Queen of Rebma herself, that means Llewella." Loreena looks at Khela.

Khela shakes her head. "Mother didn't say anything about that. It had to be someone who could control Tritons, which limits his enemies to family. "

Merlin listens with fascination, but wisely chooses not to interrupt.

"What constitutes an underling?" Celina wonders and turns to Loreena. "Valeria? You? Rilsa?" Celina studies Loreena openly. "Then forget underlings, though why a Triton wouldn't follow an underling's order I don't understand. So from a small list of family, who wanted Conner pushed out? It wasn't me. Was it you, Loreena?"

Loreena stiffens under Celina's glance. "Hmm? I'm sorry, did you forget I was a prisoner? My new theory is that Orseas thought it was what you wanted. Did Conner pass you by for a dance at the Holiday Ball, perhaps?"

Khela clears her throat. "Thank you, Loreena, I can see why Celina chose to grant you parole. My theory is that Moire was trying to get rid of evidence that she conspired with Bleys against Amber. If she figured out or was told that Conner was his nephew, she might have decided to eliminate him. She failed badly, too, if what I hear about Fiona's response is correct. I don't think there's anyone in Rebma who could face Conner's mother in a magical duel."

Celina stares at Loreena like a mother baffled by a willful child. She responds to Khela instead, "Would Moire think she could ally with Bleys, one of the brightest, and then escape his justice if his sister's son went missing? I don't think so. It was someone else. Bend or Valeria or Loreena. Someone being clever." Celina switches tone. "What did Fiona do to Rebma?"

Khela's smile is pure pearlescence. "You haven't heard? She demanded trial by sorcerous combat and made it clear that she'd personally be Conner's champion. Total brilliance. Assuming Valeria manages to get word back to Moire, she'll be hard-pressed to find someone to take the challenge."

"The Queen won't allow it," says Loreena.

Khela shrugs. "You think she'd risk losing the allegiance of the half the oldest and riches shells in Rebma and the Seaward? She's usually so much more ... pragmatic."

Loreena just looks grim.

Celina sighs. "Moire will find someone, she always does, hard-pressed or no. So Conner will have his name cleared. That's good. Moire will be angry I expect." Celina looks at Loreena. "And she probably has a good idea of who set the cleverness in motion." Celina shrugs. "Well then, I hope it is Llewella at fault. My aunt can take care of herself." ...unlike some of us. Now Celina looks grim but hasn't time to indulge herself.

"It's a moot point, if our efforts go as we plan," replies Khela. "And if not, treason brooks no defense. His current actions eclipse the old charges."

She crosses to Merlin and gives him a peck on the cheek. "I think we did all right with Huon. We'll just see what Conner thinks when he returns." She gives Merlin's arm a squeeze of thanks. Content with her duties discharged, Celina eyes Khela and Loreena to see what else might stir. "Khela, considering how close Loreena was to the throne ... what do you make of her questionable loyalty in secret pursuit of the blade?"

Khela smiles. "I think your existence challenges her position and that she sought a tie to the throne that was not threatenable. I'm surprised that she has not turned up married and pregnant, although that may be her sister's strategy."

Loreena doesn't bother to smile, she just glowers at Khela.

Celina considers Khela's suggestion as if this had not occurred to her. Her hands move as if testing the water tension between Conner and where she stands now. She speaks slowly, "Huon might come to call. We should have a discussion about that in case he doesn't come alone. He's been recruiting across several shadows and I suppose he has replacements in train for the men he spends against Rebma. What do we do if he turns on our forces? Dance or fight?"

A man enters the tent. By his dress he is a magician. "Your pardon my Queen. Eryx has returned and brings Halimedes. They report success in their endeavors. They say the General is behind with Teukros."

Celina laughs to relieve her tension. "Do the tritons return in good order?"

"Yes, my Lady. They have several prisoners, whom they wish to have tried by your majesty." He hesitates. "I think they want this to happen now."

"This ought to be good." says Loreena.

Celina ponders how it could be and studies the magician for reactions. Language differs from place to place. Sometimes the Seaward was old fashioned in things because they wanted tradition to be so important.

"Anemone? Shall we?", says Khela.

"Yes," Celina takes Khela's hand and nods to Merlin. "Let's see what Eryx and company seek by way of justice." Celina and Khela move outside walking in mirror to each other. Celina practices her eye on picking out Eryx from other tritons before he identifies himself.

Khela adjusts her cape to make sure that the green sword is on prominent display and leads Celina out. The effect of her presence on the Tritons is electric and conversation stops as she approaches. A crowd of Tritons new and old, soldiers and magicians gathers around her. She squeezes Celina's hand once before leaping and swimming up to the top of a table.

She draws the green-traced sword, holding it up. It's hard to tell if the Tritons or the men are more entranced. "Tritons of Rebma, I am Khela, rightful Queen of that city by right of birth, blood, and blade! I call on you to honor our ancient pact, and by the token I bear, I will right the old injustice! Halimedes, swim forth!"

The crowd parts as the large Triton comes forth. "I grant all Tritons leave to speak, by the token, Halimedes, and you may do so when you please. I am told you wish to call upon the Queen's justice for your prisoner."

Halimedes nods.

Celina memorizes his body language and line. In setting a course of triton advocacy, she intends to become a more intimate scholar of triton than has previously been practiced by those of Rebma. 'Pearls, I will not be blind to tritons as I suffer for them.'

"Very well! I will convene a court at my pavilion in a quarter day's time. In the meantime, I will ask Celina, my beloved cousin, to act as Queen's Advocate and find out the accusations and the defence. Celina, will you be my hand in this matter?"

'I agree by steps and proceed by leagues.' Celina lifts her chin and forces her voice to a lower register, deep in the dark of her chest. She thrusts with her voice to register physically on the gathered crowd. "Beloved majesty, I shall act as your hand and honor in this."

Celina shifts her gaze from Khela to Halimedes and meets his eye.

Halimedes nods once, accepting her authority. Before he can speak (if he was even contemplating such), Conner swims up. The tritons open a pathway between Khela and the redhead. Conner recognizes tritons from his group and the new recruits mixing freely with men and tritons who did not attack.

Khela, still on the table and still bearing the blade, speaks loudly, her voice filling the impromptu gathering-place. "Ah, General Conner! I have been hearing of your exploits. Tell me of your mission."

Celina nods to Conner.

"Certainly, Majesty." Conner begins. "As you can see the Tritons that were once part of Moire's army have honored the promise of the Paxblade and came to our side. When the Tritons were called forth to battle, Halimedes and his fellows in the Headquarters Guard struck the main command center of her army with the instructions to capture as many as they could and bring them here to us. I look forward to seeing what we have caught in our nets." Conner smiles.

"I went with the Tritons at the front." Conner continues. "A swift charge overtook their forward positions. Much of Huon's army was unprepared for fighting underwater. Those that survived will know better. Huon's army summoned shark-like creatures to defend their flank and they fought the Tritons to a standstill. Rather than risk our soldiers further, I ordered them to withdraw. The shark creatures were then free to tear into Rebma's army. Both of our foes are weakened while we are strengthened. A satisfactory end to the mission." He concluded.

Khela smiles. "Well done, Conner! You and your Tritons have my thanks. I am sure that Celina will wish to talk to you in her role as investigator of these captured enemies. I will retire to my tent to work on matters related to our ongoing strategy." She swims up a bit and, while settling down, speaks in a clear, loud voice. "Court will be in a quarter of a day, at my pavilion. All my subjects may bring their grievances to me then!"

Celina bows in Queen Khela's direction.

Loreena leans in to Celina and speaks quietly. "If you murder those poor men in cold blood, you'll lose half the nobles of Rebma."

Celina gives Loreena a slow nod and then a look that promises a response later. She moves to Merlin and speaks confidentially. "Merlin, can you talk to Conner about how and if Huon arrayed his arcane strategy? Khela and Moire rely on sorcerers and Rebma is known for its magics. Huon must plan a response."

"I would be most pleased to," replies Merlin. "Conner, what can you tell me of his usage of the art?"

Lady Celina gives General Conner an affectionate look that might sweeten his victory but presents herself to Halimedes.

She inclines her head to the triton. "Noble Halimedes. Please come with me and present your grievance." She points to Merlin's tent.

Expecting no word from the triton, Celina orders the guards on the Rebmans, "Hold the officers here. See to their need for field dressing or food. I will speak to them very shortly."

Then she gestures for Loreena to fall in with her and Halimedes.

Loreena and Halimedes both follow Celina.

Celina finds a tent where discussion can be held within eyesight of the held officers. She acquires two sorcerers on the way that she commands quietly to guard the tent while they are within.

Once inside with Halimedes, Celina checks the parameters of the tent for mirrors or overly shiny surfaces. She throws a jacket over a breastplate she considers no great risk because of its engraving. Everything else is to her satisfaction.

She looks at Halimedes. "I welcome your version of events. Take as much time as you like, but remember the Queen wishes to hear this matter today. What is your call on justice?"

"Forgive my brevity, then Lady, for I am not in the habit of vocalizing. He did send my people to die for his glory. For years he did this. It is wrong."

Celina stares into the eye of the Triton. She contemplates the ocean in the depths of that reflection.

And comes back. "Tell me then how you decided that it was his glory and not the glory of his duty to the throne that he served with these deaths." Celina gives nothing with her words or face that doubts Halimedes. "Name a witness you think might agree with your testimony."

"All of my fellows would agree. Where is Orseas? You should ask him, but I know more than most, because I heard them speaking. People will say things in front of us that that they should not. We did bear the brunt of war because he wanted it so."

"I will agree to speak to your fellows," Celina simply agrees with the measure Halimedes has set. "In the meantime, you may inquire about Orseas but do not leave the camp. Thank you for the honor of your words." She indicates the exit so that he knows she requires nothing else of him.

Moving outside, the Lady gestures for the pair of sorcerers to follow and so Celina crosses the distance to where the officers Conner brought in are held. She examines them for a few minutes to take in their composure.

They carry themselves well.

Then she addresses the Captain. "Noble sir, I ask you to come and speak to me of your campaign and history. I am Celina of the Blood." Celina points to a junior officer in the captured group who does not stand near to Atonides. "Sir, you will act the escort for your Captain."

Celina half turns toward the interview tent and offers Captain Atonides a place at her side. She pauses.

The Captain nods and joins her in silence. The junior officer follows. "If my Queen will not ransom us, our families will," he says, without preamble.

"Not all actions afford ransom as a consequence," Celina speaks to include the sorcerers in escort. "I seem to recall that Law requires that both Powers or Nations be recognized in each other's court. Do you recognize my Queen's court, sir? Of more matter, does your family dame? Considered that your family might be accused of treason if they parlay with this court. Examine these notions a moment."

Celina expects no answer.

"The law, Lady Celina, is that the powerful may do as they please. If you are not recognized, then you are kidnappers, and a private ransom is not unheard of. Or to put it another way, I and mine are willing to bargain and intend to outbid the price on our heads."

She walks the officers to the tent, allowing by gesture the sorcerers to take up their watch again as she enters. Likewise once inside, she motions to the junior officer where he will stand by the door.

Lady Celina steps to a position framed by the tent supports and faces the Captain squarely. She indulges a few moments to commit his features to memory. At a minimum she does not plan to forget him since he may be executed by her shortly. Celina finds he is too like other men she has seen and not enough like a man she can hate.

"Captain," Celina turns her palms over to open the floor to him, "those under your command have asked you to be charged with butchery and murder. How do you answer this charge?"

"I have meted out justice to the enemies of the crown, if that is what they mean. I have been in battle numerous times and sent men to fight the black tides. Who do they say I have murdered? I have done no such thing."

"A list is being prepared," Celina says. "I understand it may be long and I did not wait for its collection. So as to murder then you say, 'not guilty'. May I have your response to the charge of butchery?"

"I am at a loss, Lady. Not only am I not facing my accuser, I have no idea what the offense was." He turns to Loreena. "Princess?"

Loreena smiles and shakes her head.

Celina waits out his attempt to get a response gives the Captain a patient smile as his eyes return to her. "You understand the charge of butchery and with your response of 'no idea' say you are 'not guilty' with regard to this complaint by those of your command. Would that be correct?"

"I have committed no crime, and I hope you will convey my offer of ransom to your queen, as it will be more difficult for her to accept if she holds a trial."

Celina takes a long pause. "Captain, pending these investigations you are removed from command and your rank is a courtesy." She looks to the junior officer. "Sir, you will direct the next ranking officer to take command of the detainees but you will not discuss the charges against the Captain outside of this court. You are responsible for seeing to the Captain's needs and security and report directly to me. You may decline the honor of safe escort for the Captain. How say you?"

He looks to the Captain, who nods. "I shall, Lady." He bows deeply. Celina thinks he's not really clear on what's going on.

"Captain, I will convey your request for ransom," Celina then adds. She points to the younger officer. "Stay." And escorts the Captain outside to the care of the pair of sorcerers who guard. "Bide here a moment." Celina turns to one of the sorcerers. "Render the Captain senseless if he gives you trouble."

"More senseless?" says one.

The other backhands the first. "Yes, Lady Celina."

Celina eyes both of them as if she might eat them.

Without looking at the Captain she returns to the tent and the young officer. "What is your name, sir?" Her voice is warm now.

"Hamalcar, Lady Celina." His name is a seaward name.

"I want to be very clear with you. As our prisoners, you have rights and family and we shall respect that. You can tell the officers this and tell them there are questions pending on the Captain's conduct of his orders. You can say also it is I that investigates the matter. Mention my niece here as witness if you wish. Do not discuss the charges and do not take orders from the Captain while this matter is undecided. Guard the Captain and watch that he does nothing to break our trust in the rest of the detainees as gentlemen." Celina asks, "Do you have questions for me?"

"No, Lady Celina. I have questions for my sister or my aunts. May I send a message?"

"Yes, Hamalcar, if you allow me to read it," Celina responds. "I'll see that it goes out as soon as we are near to a trade current. Think about that and let me know. Dismissed."

He nods and leaves.

She watches him leave.

Then she smiles. "More senseless..." Celina laughs. She tries to compose herself and finds the serious vein all too easily.

[summary mode? Celina requests that tritons testify per the charges Halimedes has brought depending on what she hears...]

The charges take some time to detail out, but the basic picture is that tritons were thrown against the black road forces near Rebma long after it was clear that they would be killed to no end. There are more charges, including that some tritons were sent to the front lines or on dangerous missions because the Captain had a grudge against families they were associated with. There are those who suggest that sometimes the tritons were used to rescue trapped units of soldiers who were less valuable than the tritons to the war effort, but who needed to be saved because they were humans. Tritons who were in danger were not supported, either.

It's quite a litany of abuse and contempt.

[...she finds out the command structure of the detainees with an eye towards a chat with the officers under the Captain.]

There are two lieutenants and a subaltern (Hamalcar). Halimedes was effectively the top sergeant. There's also a private of the guard, who is probably the captain's runner. He's likely to be a family retainers who has joined with his officer.

Hamalcar returns with a note, painstakingly written in an unpracticed hand on a sheet of waxed paper.