Callie's Heroes

PART VII - CORPORAL CALLIE

After several minutes, when the talk about the mission had mostly faded, Vanis took up his instrument. The song he played wasn’t anything special, and not anything Callie knew, but it was well known to a lot of people. It was apparently a popular song sung in pubs, and many half-tipsy voices soon joined in the music. He led everyone in three verses of the song, finishing with a flourish that seemed to reset the excitement back to how it was when the team first arrived. Callie knew Vanis had a skill called Inspiring Melody, and suspected he may have tapped into that to help close out the period of excitement and bring it back to the calm chill it was before.

Vanis played another slow song, before passing the lute off to a Dwarf that played on. The music succeeded in allowing everyone to return to their quiet conversations and introspections, while watching the sparks from the fire rise into the starry skies. Callie knew there would be more questions from people, but also knew that they could come another time.

“I’ll be back in a little bit,” Jesca said quietly to Callie and Pixyl, before standing. She left, taking the long way around the circle before sitting down next to Ambria, who switched spots with Koka. Over the general murmurs and the crackle of the fire, Callie couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but could tell that Jesca was quite upset by something.

Callie’s concern grew even further when the Cheetahkin was suddenly pulled into a close embrace by Ambria, before starting to shudder in nearly silent sobs. Koka scrambled from her brother’s side, and took up a spot opposite Ambria, sandwiching Jesca between them and joining the comforting embrace. Now quite worried, Callie almost lept down to race to her friend, but Ambria shot her a silent ‘later’, along with a gesture, to ward her off. Reluctantly, she chose to give her friend some space.

Pixyl nudged Callie, jerking her out of her worry about Jesca. “You should play something,” she said, gesturing towards the lute, now in the hands of one of the Geomancer Elves, the music quite lovely.

“No, I couldn’t,” Callie said with a blush.

“You can play the lute?” Vanis said, curiosity on his face.

“I’m still figuring it out. It’s not quite what I’m used to.”

“She’s been practicing with it when you’re not around,” Pixyl pointed out. “She can sing, too.”

“Don’t tell him that,” Callie groaned. “I am still trying to figure out all the chords. It’s just different enough to be weird.”

“Did I hear you can play, Little One?” Juniper asked rather loudly, gesturing towards the lute, obviously more than a little drunk on the wine. “You should play!”

Soon several others close by joined in, encouraging Callie to play something, and promising they didn’t care how good she was.

“You play really great!” Pixyl said, trying to be encouraging. “At least, I think you’re great. And I love your voice, too.”

“Thanks, Pixyl,” Callie said flatly, not sure she believed her obviously-biased friend. “I don’t even know what to play. It shouldn't be anything fast.”

“How about that rainbow song?” Pixyl suggested, nodding her head eagerly.

“Rainbow song?”

“Yes, the one by the talking frog? I like that one.”

“Callie, you should definitely play something,” Vanis said encouragingly, joining in the other dozen or so people pushing her. “I think we’re all sufficiently intoxicated to forgive any mistake you may make.”

Callie groaned at the pressure from Vanis, and then groaned again as she saw the lute being quickly passed back down the line towards her. But before Vanis could hand it over, a hush came over the crowd, and all eyes turned.

From the darkness, there was a squeaking noise, and silently, Reynard, sitting in a wheeled chair steered by Thorn, was pushed into the circle. Walking next to him on one side was Commandant Xera, and on the other was Legate Galin and Major Celeste. He had spread a light blanket over his legs, hiding his injury from everyone. While smiling, Callie could immediately sense how tired Reynard was from the look on his face and in his eyes, and suspected it took a lot of work to get Tasi to let him come up the hill, assuming he even asked permission.

Reynard cleared his throat. “Good evening,” he said quietly, the only other sound the quiet crackling of the fire. “For those that don’t know me, I’m Trainer Reynard. I heard that someone was telling stories …”

The Foxkin was cut off in mid-sentence by the sound of someone clapping, soon joined by others, and quickly by everyone. Most people stood, while a few overly tipsy recruits applauded from where they were seated on the ground. Close to Reynard, the four officers took steps back, joining in the applause. It was an inspiring sight to see, everyone knowing from Jesca’s recounting how and how seriously the trainer had been injured.

Suddenly embarrassed, Reynard acknowledged the crowd with a hand, and a few gruff ‘thank you’s. The clapping continued, not rising to a cheer, but not stopping either. It lasted for almost a half-minute before Xera finally raised their hand, signaling it to a stop. Reynard smiled humbly, calling out a final, simple, “Thank you, all.”

Xera raised their hand again, calling for attention. “I arrived while Recruit Callie and Recruit Jesca were relaying the events from this afternoon, and decided it best to let them finish. I was quite prepared then to step in and make some grand speech to you all, but I believe Recruit Koda said it simply, and said it best. I personally take pride in the work everyone did this afternoon, and hope all of you are likewise inspired.”

There was a smattering of polite applause, before Xera continued. “In recognition of her fine work planning and leading this mission, Recruit Callie is hereby promoted to the rank of Corporal.” There were a few gasps and Pixyl lightly punched Callie’s arm in celebration. “Corporal Callie rose to the occasion when called, and I am pleased to have watched her work. Each of you has it in you to answer that call, and I hope you too take inspiration from her actions.”

Xera stepped back to a quiet round of applause directed towards Callie. They gestured to Thorn, who stepped forward, raising his own hand. Quickly everything went quiet.

“I will simply echo the Commandant’s sentiments. There really isn’t much more I could possibly say except how proud I am of not just the team that went out this afternoon, but of all of you. You’ve excelled in your training so far, and I couldn’t ask for a finer batch of recruits than I see before me.”

There was a murmur of voices as Thorn leaned down to speak with Reynard, who quickly shook his head, waving his friend away. Callie got the impression he was asked if he wanted to speak, and said no.

Thorn raised a hand and cleared his throat again. “Just a couple announcements since nearly all of you are here. Please pass word to any that may not be in attendance. Classes are canceled tomorrow morning. I encourage all of you to take some time to reflect back on what happened today, and rest. There will be a served lunch, as well, so no need for the usual lunch provisions. Around ten, we’re going to assemble on the field to introduce all of you to some of the actual Demons you will be fighting. We’ve reached the point where it is time to put the skills you’ve all mastered to the test against the real enemy. Conditions will be controlled for safety, of course, so you need not worry. By the time we finish training in six weeks, what you meet tomorrow won’t even register as a threat to you.”

There was instantly a wave of nervousness in the crowd. The morning without training was nice, but the realization that it was time to fight the real enemy, even in safe conditions, was instantly frightening for most.

Xera stepped forth again, sensing the sudden worried feeling in the air. “As Master Trainer Thorn said, training will be carefully controlled. Besides,” Xera added, gesturing to Callie, “if a little Gnome can solo-kill a Basilisk, I am fairly sure all of you will be able to defeat a few tiny Imps.”

That statement actually seemed to diffuse the tension in the crowd, but only partially from the reminder of Callie’s actions on the battlefield. The other part was how they could feel how much faith the Commandant and Thorn truly had in their skills to be so unconcerned. There hadn’t even been a need for Command Aura.

Speeches concluded, the officers broke apart. Thorn and Reynard stayed where they were, but the others walked the circle, generally mingling and raising spirits. It was remarkably informal, the officers going so far as to have wine in their hand. Any lingering nervousness about the next phase of training was quickly extinguished out by the officers joining them.

“Callie, you still must sing for us,” Juniper said, an excited look still on her encouraging face.