The Battlebone by Guy Antibes

Author:Guy Antibes [Antibes, Guy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Casiepress LLC
Published: 2019-09-20T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-One

~

G rigar and Jack walked down the ramp into Deep Mist late in the afternoon. Jack’s stomach was very queasy after all the teleportation jumps, but he could rest when he returned to the subterranean town.

After a few hours of washing up and a bit of rest, Jack and Grigar went to the administration building, but they couldn’t find anyone to report to.

“Let’s get something to eat, then,” Grigar said. “After my nap, I’m ready to eat anything, even those dreaded travel rations.”

Jack agreed, and the pair strolled to the dining building.

“You did really well,” Grigar said. “When we are debriefed, let them know that I helped get us out.” The older man laughed. “A little wizardry, well applied, can save the day.”

“I feel that I used more than a little,” Jack said. “Unfortunately, there was little warrior stuff going on, especially after they made us leave our weapons behind.”

“Enough. You found out where I went. I purposely didn’t tell you where I was headed, you know. That was one of the rules. We even did a good deed for the villagers, but I wouldn’t emphasize that,” Grigar said.

“Why not?” Jack asked.

“Deep Mist agents aren’t supposed to be interested in helping others along the way. They are above that. It is a cultural thing that you need to understand,” Grigar said.

Jack thought about Grigar’s words as they continued to walk. “That won’t keep me from helping others if the opportunity arises.”

“Good. Just don’t mention it. In my experience, good deeds are always better if done unobtrusively, if not in secret. It is better form.”

Jack mulled over the concept while they stood in the food line with the other Deep Mist candidates. When they reached their table, Jack said, “So it is acceptable not to get credit for what you do?”

“It is,” Grigar said, “to my way of thinking. Get credit when you need it. You completed your task. It is important for our errand that the Pearl Mist knows that you can perform. Helping the villagers only detracts and shows them that you weren’t single-minded. Masukaians love single-mindedness.”

“I don’t puff myself…” Jack sat down and amended his thought before continuing. “I do like to tell stories when drinking like anyone else,” he said.

Grigar laughed, but he concentrated on getting some food in him before replying. “It is a different situation, but you still need to control what you say. Do you boast or make up stories?”

Jack frowned. He had just returned from a triumphant mission, and he hadn’t expected to be challenged like this. “It makes it more fun to embellish. Everyone does it.”

“Do you intend to do the same thing when you report to Ruki Sinda, the Deep Mist leader?”

“Of course not!”

Grigar focused on spearing a sliver of meat with his eating sticks before speaking. “See that you don’t. If they find out we plugged the waterfall on our own, it will be to your credit.”

“Our credit. We did it together.”

Grigar chuckled. “We did, didn’t we? A good team, we are.

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