Reimar Breaking by Jonathan Rivalland

Author:Jonathan Rivalland [Rivalland, Jonathan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC009020 FICTION / Fantasy / Epic, FM Fantasy
ISBN: 9781911409106
Publisher: Elsewhen Press
Published: 2016-07-26T00:00:00+00:00

Gretchen left the barracks with her sergeants in the afternoon, making their way to the Wreck. Built out of the hull of an old fishing vessel, the Wreck was a popular tavern for dock workers and off-duty sailors. Gretchen preferred it both for its low prices and for the rumours that wafted in with the tide.

That, and the stink of the harbour had a comfortable familiarity.

Gretchen and her subordinates had arrived during a lull in ship loading, so the bored dockworkers had spilled into the Wreck. Their raucous drinking made a bizarre backdrop for the seven soldiers sitting in a booth near the rear of the room.

Mario Corvi looked around the interior with a sullen face. “Loud in here, Lieutenant!”

Gretchen grinned at his poor mood. “Just like every other time, Mario. And this way, no one can overhear us. Besides, the dockers will leave soon when another ship comes in. But let’s all have drinks first.”

Gretchen motioned to a flustered barwait, who made his way to Gretchen’s booth.

“Get your drinks ordered now, can’t talk with a dry tongue,” said Gretchen.

“To each their own, Lieutenant, or…?” said Domenico Arnoni, Gretchen’s staff sergeant.

Gretchen smiled. “For all but the first round, that’s on me.”

Smiles met her reply.

After they had placed their orders, Paz Santiago, Gretchen’s longest serving field sergeant spoke up. “So, what’re our marching orders, Lieutenant?”

Gretchen leaned in closer over the table, indicating for the others to do the same. “Six days from now, before dawn, we meet at the skyship docks. Further orders come down after we board.”

Celio Espinoza wrinkled his hooked nose. “What? We’re off on the Wrath? But–”

Gretchen pointed at him. “No buts from you, Celio. The Major wants this kept quiet, she’s got something up her sleeve.”

“Well, did the Major tell you, Lieutenant?” said Celio.

“Of course,” said Gretchen.

“So, tell us then!” he said.

Gretchen smirked. “Not a chance. Major wants things kept quiet, and if that’s not good enough for you, then request a transfer.”

Mario chuckled, almost too softly to hear over the low din of the tavern’s other patrons. “Not on your life, Lieutenant. I wouldn’t be serving under you in the First, that’s for sure.”

Giacinta Caivano smirked. “Ho, he’ll have his lecher’s grin out in just a moment.”

Gretchen’s eyes were lingering on the barwait coming back to their table. “No time for grinning, our pitchers have come.”

“Like birds home to the roost,” said Paz.

“Before you start, let’s have a cheer for the Major,” said Erasmo Marino.

Erasmo snatched at his pitcher and raised it high. “To the major’s promotion!”

Paz gave a solemn nod as she raised her own mug. “To Her Highness, long may she live.”

Mario smacked his lips. “Here’s to Her Highness whipping those rebels.”

Gretchen grinned. “To the best captain I’ve served under, and the best major I’ll ever serve under.”

“For a moment there I had thought you’d forgotten the major’s new rank,” said Domenico.

Gretchen chuckled. “I keep almost slipping, but not yet. Damn good captain, damn good major.”

Mario waved his hand at Domenico. “Never mind that. Lieutenant, level with us.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.