Redsand Canyon xiphias

when he came away from towhee and maxim, germanicus sought @Reyson. 

they would not remain in the canyon but go above to the trails which scrawled themselves atop the high red walls.

"towhee and maxim are leaving for epoch. they wish to retire. glaukos has stepped down from elitus. effective at once i would like to promote you to his stead. it requires a month's tour in akashingo, which you will be able to complete when you escort the crown prince home."

he spoke unhurriedly but with no emotion, eyes focused on their path.

Reyson heeded the call. And found his footfalls upon the traila above mereo.

Lady Tamar and Healer Meadow our both good wolves there. I haven't met the others. Towhee and Maxim should fit well.

He listened further without comment. What is the miasion in Akashingo? Simply guard and patrols as here?

Reyson frowned. I only ask because they are vastly different than here.

"patrols. hunting. you will be a guard. your time there may mainly consist of escorting one royal or another."

his words were terse.

"if the rest of the redhawks choose to follow towhee, then our numbers will fall. prepare for that. we should begin an extended recruitment."

Reyson heard the terseness put it to the fact that the imperator much like him a soldier. Was uncomforable in Akashingo.

Reyson nodded his head. Already think8ng of places he'd been and wolves he had met. Wondering where they could bolster numbers. Not everyone was fit for soldiering.

how long is the crown prince in Mereo?

"another two weeks, perhaps seventeen days."

he felt as though the world he and ruenna had carefully assembled was crumbling.

"it would be wise to work with her. she has ambitions that do not appear to be shared by ramesses."

[

Reyson scratched idly along the borders as he listened. Tufts of fur landing at his feet.

Reyson titled an ear forward. The princess and I are on good terms. Or at least seem to be. Though, i know how politics are played. She sought me out here and in Akashingo.

They were not friends, but perhaps friendly acquaintances.

"she is wise for her gentle age. but be careful. she is not yet pharaoh. who knows how much of these conversations might be repeated."

towhee. maxim. the redhawks. 

ruenna. cornelius. alivia.

he drew a breath.

He shifted. I know sir. We have not spoken of deep things, trivial that i don't mind being repeated.

Reyson heard the deep breath and spoke quietly. I know it is not my place, but are you quite alright. Changes to a soldiers routine and life is not easy.

reyson questioned him practically.

"it is an adjustment, legatus," he said quietly. "time is a great equalizer."

and time he had once more.

Reyson nodded and dropp3d the conversation. Clearly imperator didn't wish to speak of it. So he wouldn't

Will Mereo be defended enough while i am on tour?

"yes. we will be all right."

his voice was meant to be reassuring but perhaps turned to ash in reyson's ears.

it certainly did in his own mouth.

Reyson looked to the Imperator. Knowing implicitly that the man was lying. Trying to make him feel better about leaving. Reyson was fine with not leaving. he'd be willing to do well anything else. But he felt if he offered it maybe taken in poor taste.

"mereo stands. it is i who have been affected." 

the words were colder and more abrupt than he meant them.

"when you return from your tour we are going on a march. the children are all old enough to travel. we will take five days and reach the sea."

Reyson nodded. Remember though Imperator. You don't take care of yourself Mereo will fall as it is you who are Mereo.

what is our plan for the sea?

Reyson was trying to remember had he been to the sea? What would await him there.

germanicus nodded in acceptance of this fact but did not comment.

"i want to visit this place moonglow you have described to me. i would also like to make an evaluation of the coastline and see who else might live beside the ocean. trade is important."

Moonglow. The one on the mountain. It would be interesting.

Reyson nodded. Would you have me hunt for trading?

Or are we trading our military prowess?

"i have made no decision. let us see first what they offer. we are diplomats first and mercenaries second," he joked, breaking into a rare smile.

rare before. all but nonexistent now.

it faded as if he were dew beneath dawn.

[

Reyson's smile was swift and kind. i can work with that sir.

He could. He didn't really like the thought of hauling meat across shoulders for miles. And he was a good fighter could teach but not everone deserved to know.

"very good. back to your post, legatus."

his voice too was warm.

when reyson departed germanicus too would move to a patrol.