Weapons Master and the Engineer

[Dame Aegraine lePower-Zurban]

Weapons Master and the Engineer

SPIDERS

Spiders. That was what they appeared to be, if one looked at Griffin Castle, from afar. Ropes, not silk threads, held the workers as the Captain and the crew walked down from the uppermost ledges and high walls, checking each block and its mortar, for annual inspection.

Aegraine was so anxious to begin her work, even before her commanding officer was free to go about business as usual, she went directly from her hiring conference with the Lord and Lady to the wall; port side concerned her most.

The weather was cool, sun bright, and very little wind; ideal for upkeep of the castle and the city walls. She called a meeting of those charged with upkeep of the walls. They met atop where the port wall overlooked open approach to the area. "I am Captain lePower, late of Ulster and Waterford. I stand in stead of Sir Dmitrii Zurban, your leader and mine."
"We have waited for our Leader to be free, here to guide us, but time is right now to address the state of the defense walls, well before a season of war. Who can say what will come upon us. Or when." She addressed the crews gathered the very day she was granted her employment. "Until Sir Zurban is among us once more, let us see if we can make him proud; let us go on as if he were here. Let the plans outlined be our guide." Aegraine was concerned her female, slightly English accent would work against her, here. To that effect, she would utilize arm waves and basic construction and stone worker gestures, out on the work site, where possible.

With a grappling hook here and a second one there, for a safety line, Captain lePower took the first turn over the wall from the lookout station, repelling down at a pace that gave leisure to make notes. She would not ask the men and women to do what she herself did not.

"If they reject me," she thought, for her only fear was she was a new person here, hired above some seasoned workers here. "... then I will know when I hit the stones down there, fast." Elsewhere, she had seen lines cut on an unpopular crew leader before; an accident they said. In all, it went well and soon groups of inspection folk and went down, en mass, to hasten the work, lines in the dozens. Each line held a military inspector. Spiders. This day hatched a swarm, it seemed.

It was the ultimate honor, to be back on duty once more. lePower hung from a rope and a safety line, taking notes as she repelled off the thick stone work, marking each and every irregularity on a brass enclosed wax tablet hung from a thong, about her neck. Climbing boots bit into the ledge and she began to measure the exterior of an arrow slit placement; about which the stone was sandstone , a close match to the wall, but much easier to shape and alter.

Arm waves and hand signals communicated between the workers and an occasional whistle loud and shrill got attention, when needed.

There would be alterations, to accommodate the inventions Dmitrii planned to install. To this effect, Aegraine kept complete and detailed of all that was done.

In the days of his incarceration, he missed much regarding the progress upon the walls. Turas Lan lacked the Captain of the Engineers that Dmitrii had requested time and time again upon Lord Aberdeen. Each time, the Duke would say “Soon…” Now in his cell, he knew of the impending Spring War and the construction for weapon emplacements were halted. Lord Maubrey sure knew how to screw things up.

One day, upon a visit by one of his Captains, he was informed that the Duke had fulfilled his promise and acquired a Captain of Engineers. “How experienced is the man?” Dmitrii asked… “Is he knowledgeable? How familiar is he of the Duke’s Castle?” he continued, his speech tainted by the Russian accent… With the Captain smirking… “He is a she M’Lord… an’ aye, she knaews wot she dae proper like…” the Captain replied in thick brogue of the land… “She knaews the Griffin Castle well bae naew… she spent days surveyin’ all bef’re she announced who she was…”

Dmitrii listened and his expression changed when Captain spoke of his new Engineer. His steel grey eyes flickering back and forth in thought. The Captain continued… “M’Lord, she bae startin’ all the work scheduled by yerself and Lord Aberdeen… Truth bae knaewn, she is a go-getter… Ah bae sayin’ she bae an asset…” That made Dmitrii smile, as Captain McCready was a hard man to please… “We shall see Cap’n…” is all Dmitrii said.

Adam, inexperienced i n construction, but not in want of what he knew would be good defenses, supplemented Lord Zurban’s absence by providing as much guidance to Captain McCready as possible. Construction had continued on the basic structures as per the plans… but Adam was eager to have Captain LePower on board now. In the first days of her assignment, Adam would stop by and monitor the construction sites from afar, making it a routine he would continue throughout the days of winter.[/color]

UPHILL FROM HERE New Years Day 1329

It is uphill from here, now that I face the facts." she thought, keeping the words within.

Aegraine was out running along the far end of the farm lands, out into the open country. It was almost dawn and the thin crust of snow and ice crunched at each boot step. Wrapped in a short cloak woven from wool "spun in the grease", the cold did not slow her, for the lady from Bargonne ran everyday, as before. Two mix breed eight month old coach dogs kept her pace and ran their own forays, out and back.

"There is a reason the Winter Solstice, Christmas Day, The Festival of Lights all occur in the darkest of short days. And so many rejoice to see the turning point, where blocks of time are set to be the future. We all need hope for the better times. I need hope for a spring, warm days and new planted fields. Sunshine and wildflowers."

She threw sticks for the dogs to race out and retrieve. Knee length wool gown and her leather work clothes from wall inspection duty are not a disguise. This is the real Aegraine, strong and healthy once more. The bruises have faded and her cracked ribs healed. Ireland is a memory now. Ulster cannot call her back, at this time, either. Jerome. He is gone and buried but that hurt is still too fresh to think about just yet.

"I know things are going to be better, I just know it." She affirmed in her mind, "In spite of the coming of the new season, the season when wars thrive." It did not seem to bother that it was conflict that gave her purpose.

Out to the limits of cleared land, the three turned back when the lines of a new day streaked across a dismal gray sky.

"I have work, Engineer Captain for Skye. And I cannot wait to meet my new superior, to get my assignment clarified and begin." This she said aloud to the dogs, Beo and Wulf, ruffling their multi color shaggy heads as she spoke. "Come and see if old Dorie has our breakfast ready, yet."

She had hired a servant from the refugees come out of Aberdeen, a lone widow woman to cook, clean and keep the dogs out of mischief.

Her new Boss was in prison last she heard, but now there are rumors he has been released. "I cannot imagine this man; I simply have to meet him and see for myself."

The wind blew and the dogs would pick up a scent… and stand near their Mistress. In the distance, a man rode a large black stallion, one with flowing mane and tail, its front feet prancing thru the snow as he rode toward them. The twin swords strapped across his back, his curly, dark hair bouncing with the stride the horse took. Once he had neared them, close enough for clarity, he bowed slightly, atop the large equine. “Captain LePower… I am Dmitrii Zurban, Griffin Weapons Master…”

The Russian accent was an oddity, but he spoke clear enough English. In the briefest of moments, he seemed larger than life, but his descent from the large beast now placed himself at her level. The baritone voice was soft and his eyes reassuring. “I must say Captain… you have kept yerself busy of late… My apologies if I could not meet yu sooner.” [/color]

Aegraine held her right hand to shake hands with the Weapon Master, at the same gave a 'stay' gesture to the over energetic dogs scrambling up to make acquaintance with Dmitrii. "I did not wait to begin, for the weather was with us, then. As it went, the workers are to be commended; you have them trained well, Sir."

Shaking her hand, Dmitrii looked down at the dogs and smiled, looking back to her releasing her hand… “I am you made the proper decision Captain… the seasons wait not for any man. I may have trained them in some aspects, but I depend upon you to take it further…” he smiled that familiar Zurban smile. “I have examined yer work on the Griffin Castle… very impressive… and the ports walls was a grand strategic move…” His eyes continued to watch the dogs, unsure of how they would react, so he kept his distance… then looking at her. “We still have much to do…”

She was a good looking woman… long dark hair and a cute pert nose… and he offered her the familiar charming Zurban smile that crinkled the trimmed beard and quirked the corner of his mouth.
[/color]
So here was the man before her; a smiling face of one with such an ingenious mind. Truth to be told, it was the cunning and clever use of Zurban's inventions, to protect the city's port side that she admired. Dmitrii did not resemble her Father in any way but thought patterns. It was enough. Respect was instantaneous.

"I have notes for you, if you wish a copy in other than English, I can manage Latin?" Wind began to blow from the northwest and sent stinging bits of ice into their faces, giving the dogs something new to experience. Beo and Wulf shook the ice off their shaggy coats, actually enjoying the chill outdoors.

Dmitrii chuckled… “Russian maybe…” he winked at her… “… but English will do just find. I am able to read and write in English, but Latin is not the best language for me…” then he smiled at her, the trimmed beard quirking as the corner of the mouth perked. “I recommend you deliver the notes to Captain MacCready… I will pick them up at his quarters…”

He took the reins into the other hand and turned to look at her. “I shall be in the Griffin Castle with Lord Adam for a few hours… Come by and visit later… we have much to discuss…” he bowed a bit, shifted his weight into the stirrup, and swung a leg over the saddle. Sitting atop the large black warhorse, he points at her… “You are a welcomed addition Captain… I have faith in you…” he says… the Rus accent rolling the r’s. Shifting the reins, the large black beast turns… and with a swift kick, the beast began prancing thru the deepening snow.[/color]

"Thank you, Sir!" Aegraine waved to the departing man, now rapidly vanishing in the distance, fading into the whiteness of new snow. She brought her scarf up to cover both mouth and nose and whistled for the dogs, as she gathered them for the run back home. "Come Beo. Get over here Wulf." and the large young dogs jumped and made ready for their sprint.

"Do you like our new Boss? Do you?" Captain lePower spoke to the animals as if they might reply. "Yes? Yes, so do I. Now time to go home for breakfast. I have reports to deliver to MacCready this morn."

The multi gray shaggy coated dogs streaked on past her, off to where food waited, at the apartment. Aegraine ran along, at a good pace, for she too was anxious for the day to come and all it held. She was thinking about all manner of things on that run home, but it all came up to one thing. "He does have such a marvelous smile."

[Dame Aegraine lePower-Zurban]

Written by the players of Dmitrii Zurban and Aegraine lePower

The port wall was well under way with the enhancements that Lord Adam wanted. Soon The Duke’s new weapon called a “cannon” would be emplaced on both ends of the protective wall to the harbor of the capital city. Dmitrii shook his head in disbelief. “New weapons, stronger walls… soon we shall become a thing of the past…” he spoke to MacCready as the Captain handed him Captain lePower’s reports… “Ah really doubt that M’Lord… nae mat’r how fancy the weapon, a man shall still bae needed tae finish what one starts…” the old Captain said in a thick brogue.

Dmitrii laughed… “Aye, mabbe yer right Mac…” the Russian accent rolling the r’s.

MacCready pointed to the wall, just 10 meters below the parapet… “M’Lord, look dere. Tis Cap’n lePower…” then he looks to the Kievan Rus… “She bae a hard worker, she is… and dun let nary a man balk… She bae tough, but t’would nae ask a man tae dae anything she wootn’t dae ‘erself… nae much bad Ah kin say agin her…” Dmitrii looked over the edge and saw the small figure da ngling from the rope… then glanced at the Captain… “Tell her to see me at her convenience…” Mac nodded… “Aye M’Lord…”
Aegraine would eventually find Dmitrii in the arena, his sparing session with Lord Aberdeen completed by late morn. He sat, barebacked, sweat dripping slowly from his brow, at the grinding wheel, sharpening his swords.

The reports of work done while he was incarcerated had been passed onto Zurban. Thirty pages were in a leather folio, page after page of exacting oak gall ink lettering, measurements and sketches of work accomplished. The pages themselves were cut from some kind of religious text, the original writings eradicated but the illuminated designs and colorful initial letters left on.

Before her mistress went out to the castle, the servant Dora fussed over the young woman, Aegraine. "Now stand straight; you cannot go out with your jacket like that; let me re-lace that. See? Much better." Dora took a thread spun of horse hair and wool and tied the Captain's long dark braid with it. Since the braid was down her back Aegraine did not see the herbs that the old woman put into her hair. The servant spit upon the tied bow and muttered a few words. It had to be secret, lest she be thought a witch or something. What sort of charm it was, only the old lady knew. "Cannot have your hair get undone and the winds get to it, can we?"

It was after a long half day of work, that Captain lePower found Sir Zurban, at the castle. Aegraine crossed the arena, walking across the now empty space, the sound of several note tablets clicking on their chains about her neck. White dust from the walls covered her work clothes and she wiped both hands on her short skirt, more of habit than anything. As she approached where Dmitrii worked with the sharpening wheel, lePower slowed her step. "Sir? I see you are occupied, but we do need to talk. I have questions about the wall at harbor side. May I?" Without waiting for a reply, she seated herself atop a crate and sat, watching Zurban.

Clinking of the tablets were drowned out by the steel against the grinding wheel, though someone crossing the arena caught his eye. He slowed the pumping of the pedal and looked at the approaching woman. “Dras vo chi…” [/b]greetings in Russian were offered with a charming smile over the sound of the grinding wheel, the beard upon his face now trimmed to an attractive design… his sweat-gleemed muscles tensing and relaxing as he maneuvered the sword against the wheel to sharpen it. “that is a greeting in my native language…” Right to the point this one was, he thought… she wasted no time… Saying nothing, he watched her sit on a nearby crate… “How may this humble warrior help you Captain?” was his simple reply…[/color][/font]


Aegraine sat on the crate, swinging her feet, while he worked at the grinding wheel, much like a daughter watches her Dad shaving, observant. "May we talk now?"

“Aye Captain, we can speak now…” as he stopped pumping the pedal and set aside his sword. Taking a piece of material from an old shirt, he wiped his face… then his arms and chest… his form was taunt, muscled, and chiseled as a true warrior physique often was.[/color]

"Sir? I need to know more; about what work is expected and about the new weapons." Especially those weapons, she just had to know.

Dmitrii smiled and sat back on the stool. “Aye Captain… I am sure you are curious.” He paused looking at her, then continued in his soft baritone voice with the Kievan Rus accent, the r’s rolling. “England has used these new weapons before against the Scots; a year or so ago… before we came to Skye. Lord Adam now has taken the ideas of many, and with advice of alchemists engineers, bowmasters, and scholars, and had them design better weapons… These fire tubes, or cannon, as Adam calls them uses something the alchemists call gunpowder. It is a vile mixture of sulphur, carbon charcoal and Chinese Snow… um… saltpetre.” Dmitrii seemed a bit perplexed, but gave her that charming smile as he sat erect on the stool.

“From Spain, Lord Adam learned sulphur and natural saltpetre were found in abundance in Andalusia. From what I have heard, the first uses of gunpowder was used as a child’s toy in Asia, but was later adapted to be used in battle. It was used to disorient more than kill or maim… loud bangs and sausage-shaped rockets snaking across the battlefield to terrify men and horses. The people, called Chinese, used bamboo tubes as fire lances that cast iron bombs filled with this powder and clay pellets.” Dmitrii just shrugged.

“As I said, England used these crude, heavy cannons against the Scots two years ago… these pots of iron threw arrows of fire, iron arrows, and iron balls. But Lord Adam’s scholars, in their research found that it was too hard to maneuver those things and the soldiers just avoided the areas that the cannons devastated. Again that charming smile was offered.

“Also from Spain, Lord Adam and his scholars learned from the Arab people, who were noted for their intellectual brilliance, innovation and tolerance, of ways to make the cannon mobile, and lighter, but stronger. It was these improvements that we shall emplace upon the port walls.” He chuckled at her expression and her inhalation as to begin to speak…“Oh yes, they have been tested… many times…” he winked at her. “People were a bit scared and stayed away from the place where Adam tested them. Others assumed it was odd thunder. Many people still do not of these things.”

"Admiral Flynn… he carries two Handgonnes. Tis like small cannons in his hands… Deadly.” Dmitrii shakes his head. “And I hear that Lord Adam has his scholars seeking improvements on those Handgonnes, making the barrels much longer with a hook, or warring spike, on the end to act as a recoil absorber when rested on a wall or stand…” he smiled… “and the hook would be a second weapon between loadings, or in case the match would not ignite.” With a smirk, he pats his swords… “I shall still depend upon these…”

With a soft charming laugh… “And I am sure this old dog shall one day, if I last that long, to see new strategies meaning to challenge the supremacy of the mounted, or unmounted, knight…”
“Tis there anything else yu’d like to know? Or see?” he smirked. She was odd… bold, beautiful, and brave… what more combination could God have given her…?"

"Sir? I do not think you old, at all."

Dmitrii could not help but to laugh. Age wise, he was still young… but by experience he was often considered the “old man.”

"I would like to see..." LePower stammered and made attempt to keep on talking. So he caught her taking mental notes about both the new gunpowder weapons and the man himself. Aegraine's habit of drawing in the air what fascinated her, be it castle or human, gave it away. Self-conscious, the Captain clasped her hands and began again.

His hand caught the side of her arm in a soft grasp. “Aye Captain… I am sure it would be exciting, if you had not seen it before…” He attempted to be friendly but too overly handsy… though eastern Europeans often were.

"My Father's library had a volume, Opus Majus, by the chemist, Roger Bacon, in which he describes a recipe for black powder. I recognized the list of ingredients you mentioned. As far as the cannon, I would love to be there when they are installed; see them tested in place. Is there danger of fire?" Her family had been in construction and defense of stone works all their recorded history, going back to Hadrian's Wall. A change of the ways of war upset Aegraine's idea of order.

Listening to her intently, her voice was as soft as her looks, though he sincerely doubted she was soft as she appeared. Her work on the walls and the parapets was clear evidence of that fact. How else could a petite lass as she get those big burly men to heed her orders without crying to the Commander. He just smiled at her, that charming smile that oft was so familiar. “Danger of fire?” he chuckled… “Only on the receiving end…” then his steel-grey eyes appeared to twinkle. “In the earlier versions of the cannon, there was a fear that the seams would fail… but the iron works at the Iron Monger has provided a more solid seam…”


"It pains me to think of my favorite buildings injured with such machines." Still with hands clasped, with restraint, most serious, "Do you really think that new inventions will replace sword and bow? Such a thing would dehumanize conflict; war ought to take skill and practice, like anything worth it."

It was after a few moments that he realized he was not speaking in Russian… then he apologizes and repeats himself in English; the accent still rolling the r’s… “Your favorite buildings shall hopefully be protected by our cannon… Twas Lord Adam’s goal to outgun any who would attempt an attack on Turas Lan… hence the expenditure of time and effort on the improved versions…” then he set his foot upon the crate she once used as a chair and looks to her, saddened a bit. “It has been a fact that, with each generation, better weapons, better armor, stronger bows emerge… making war more and more lethal… T’would be my most happiest moment… IF, I could be told there would be no more wars… that we would have peace… to live free…” he looks down and then back to her, “Tis the true warrior who dreams most of peace.


The Captain was not even aware she got up from the crate for a chair and stood, hands clasped as she asked, "I have been in Ulster almost two years; two years out of touch with modern improvements, in all respects. Will you teach me? Will you show me…" The snap and authoritative tone of her voice spun off into a quiet but clear, "...how to use cannon?"

Stern lectures from her Father, her half-brothers, Carlos Incanto who fostered all the cousins learning the offensive of war machines came racing into mind. Self-centered. Demanding. Imperious. "It is not about you, child." Martin kept telling his daughter. "Think before you speak. We tell you these truths so that you know your place."

Captain lePower unclasped her hands and stood face to face with her leader and then bowed, the correct fifteen degrees and spoke to Dmitrii once more. "Pardon, Sir Zurban. I was out of order; if you choose for me to learn of the cannon weapons, I will be instructed by any you assign."

It would not do to make a mistake now, now when the possibility of a pleasant work atmosphere was at risk. "This afternoon, I am visiting with the teams for City Wall defense, checking the readiness of their newest members. I ought not to keep you from your work overlong, Sir."

Dmitrii smiled… “Ulster? That must have been difficult…” he removed his foot from the crate; then he chuckled. “With Lord Adam in power, two weeks is too long to be gone…” At her request and subsequent apology, he stood erect… “No apologies necessary Captain… I would be glad to show you… to teach you the aspects of the cannon… as it was taught to me…” then he offered her that familiar charming smile. “You do not keep me from my tasks… you are my tasks Captain… send word that yu shall be delayed today… reschedule for tomorrow… we shall go to one of the emplaced cannons now…” He gave her no opportunity to withdraw, or find excuse to be from him. He now wish to demonstrate to her his knowledge of the future of war.

The fabled restorative airs of Skye have done their work with lePower. She arrived from Ulster, wraith thin, wrapped in a nun's robe and still stunned from that last battle. Now the bruises are not only faded but forgotten. Cracked ribs mended well and she now breathes in air of a safe haven. As safe as anywhere might be, in days like these. Not only back to her former strength and health, Aegraine moved away from the burden of heading a castle defense at too a young age, to working for a good strong leader, one she respected in many ways. Oh he was so very nice and even more than that, handsome to her way of thinking. Perhaps the lady in his life called him Dmitrii? It was not for her to know. Aegraine found the balance of formal and over-friendly; she called him "Sir."

"I'm ready now. I can let them know my visit is postponed, on the way. But Sir. You might want to send someone for a fresh shirt." Aegraine picked up the garment Dmitrii had set aside after his spar with Adam. She held it up, gingerly with two fingers. "For the laundry." Just one more example of the dedication and effort everyone was making for the good for the town, for the castle and Skye.

"Ulster?" It was there Aegraine got her reputation for organizing a castle defense system so comprehensive, so secure that when overwhelming numbers took the fortress, therein was the difficulty. "I might have tried too hard there. The only way the Irish got back in the castle was that someone opened the gates."

"Where do we begin?"

Dmitrii laughed at her antics with his shirt. “Aye Cap’n… I am sure others might agree…” [/i]looking to a squire standing nearby who simply smiled and bowed… then darted off to get the knight a new shirt. Meanwhile, Dmitrii and Ae discussed Ulster… “I am sure that Turas Lan shall not be as easy… Between your improvements, and Lord Adam’s plans, Turas Lan will be better than Troy’s.” he offered her that familiar charming smile.

Once the squire returned, Dmitrii flexed his muscles slipping the woolen shirt over his form. Then he adorned the light armour and strapped his twin blades of death upon his back. Slender fingers pushed back the curly locks of dark hair. “Yes I am ready now Cap’n…”

The pair walked out of the training area and down to the wall nearest the port… then along the wall to the outer most cannon. Alerting the crew to prepare the cannon for test fire, he explained to her the procedure for loading, aiming, and firing… The crew meantime, rolled the cannon backwards on the heavy wheels.[/color][/font]

“First, we have several men per cannon… all are trained in every aspect of the cannon operation, just in case someone is killed.” He pointed to the six men now lined up near the heavy iron tube affixed onto two solid wheels. “We have the gunner… who aims the cannon using a quadrant and a plummet… and primes the chargepiece with powder after loading…” he points to one man who seemed in charge of the crew. Pointing to a metal pan filled with hot coals… ”He uses that to keep the firelock lit; using the firelock to light the chargepiece.” The gunner demonstrating what he does as Dmitrii speaks. “Then we have six soldiers who perform tasks as matrosses, or assistants.” Then he began to point to each pair of men and the tools they held. “Two, using a brush of cut straw, will sponge the cannon to remove all filth and dirt, and after firing, to remove all sparks….They also have a bucket of water and some skins or cloth… the skins or cloth is soaked in water and rubbed over the barrel to cool it down.” The men then in turn imitated what they were to do during the firing process… Pointing to the other pair, one holding a ramrod, the other a copper loading scoop, he spoke softly. “Two will load a thin wool bag of powder, followed by a wad of thin wool cloth or hay…. And then ramming it, to pack the ingredients.” Immediately two men then imitated what they were to do… Dmitrii just smiled and looked at Aegraine. "The other two will select the round, or type ball to use. Either an exploding charge, a chain charge, or a personnel charge." He pointed to three different type balls. “One is for ship hulls, the chain charge is two balls connected by a forged chain used to cut down the mast of a ship… and the personnel charge is a ball thinly made to burst into hundreds of pieces.” Nodding the last two men imitated loading the cannon with a ball and then helped the gunner aim the cannon by inserting a notched wooden wedge under an iron bar at the bottom of the cannon’s center. Look ing to Aegraine, Dmitrii asked… “Any questions?”

Then he smirked. “Hold yer ears lass…” Nodding to the gunner… The men appeared to be a synchronized team as they began their ritual of preparing, loading, and aiming the cannon. The crew then finished their preparations and rolled the cannon back into place, the muzzle of the big gun poked over the wall and towards the sea beyond. Then Dmitrii covered his ear… “Fire when ready Sergeant…” [/b] [/i]
The sparks came from the chargepiece, and with a loud bang, the gunpowder inside ignited… then flames shot out of the muzzle. A whizzing sound could be heard as the projectile rocketed out over the water. The target, about the size of a man was afloat in the bay, was just missed by less than a meter. The gunner cursed, and Dmitrii smiled. “In defense of the gunner, if’en that had been a ship, it would have been severely damaged…” said in a mild baritone voice.

When the flames shot out, Aegraine sidled a little closer to Zurban, both hands tight over her ears and then came the rumbling sound, as if this was a thunderstorm without rain. The cannon recoiled; reaction from action. She felt the building surface shake underfoot, not so much as to disturb the stone works but a shake nonetheless. All eyes trained the same direction as the missile arched out into the free air, on course to target.

lePower uncovered her ears and gasped at the wonder of how far the projectile flew. "Holy Jaysus!" And the Captain ran to near tower ledge, stepping upon a wall support to see all the better. "Look at that fecker go!" she slapped the wall with both hands and turned a glimpse over one shoulder, biting her lips for having said such a thing aloud. Impish and energetic, she was all smiles and raced back to her commanding officer. Wafts of light gray smoke filtered across the space where his crew was going through their after-shot routine.

He just watched Aegraine’s expression thru all this… “So Cap’n???” he asked and offered her that charming smile again. Dmitrii could see the lass out of the corner of his eyes and could not help but to smile at her. Then when she cursed, he laughed, the neatly trimmed beard curling with the folds of his mouth.

"Sir! This is marvelous. Castles do not have to just sit there and take it; this is the modern day. And I cannot say how proud I am to be a witness to this all." One hand clutched his gray wool sleeve and she would have hugged her superior officer, had not all the crew men watching kept her as reserved as she was. This day things did change, and the world was never going to go back.

“Aye, marvelous…” then he smirked… “unless yer on the receiving end… now Castles shall have to be built stronger than usual to withstand such impacts…” He glanced down at her hand upon his sleeve and then just looked at her with joyous soft steel-grey eyes. “I am proud to have you with us Cap’n… to be part of history in the making…” He could have survived the hug… more like enjoyed it… but there was none. “I am glad yu have enjoyed this… and I wish to make an offer… one not to be taken lightly…”

He had primed her for a task… not part of a command or directive, but as a choice… “Ae…” he finally called her by her name instead of by a rank… the r’s of his Rus accent rolling off his tongue… “I want yu to train up on the cannon… and command the port wall… this whole area…” his hand points at the length of the walls surrounding Turas Lan’s portage… “…would be yers to defend… answering only to General Maahes. I would be here to advise and assist in deployment of weapons. I am sure Maahes would take my recommendation highly…” he smiles, his hand now upon her shoulder… ”… should you decide its task yu might like.” [/b][/i]

There was no where to look but out at the vista expanding out to the horizon, to the port and beyond. Curved arms of the port arched into a peaceful bay, where in sea going ships might settle. Comfortable with his hand upon her shoulder, Aegraine stood close to another like herself, come from a different land to support the Lord and Lady in this place, here and now. "Sir?...” and hesitantly added, "…Dmitrii?" In her home training, addressing one's superior officer by his first name got you a hard and swift back hand slap across the face, no exceptions.

"I am considering is there no better way to fully understand how new weapons function and construction holds up in actual conditions, than to work here, where the action is. Yes, I will need a season of actual work practice to get caught up with today's weapons; how they will blend and work with more traditional ones."
Aegraine already had a few ideas on making a castle better defended from power firing guns. Thicker building stones for the outer castle, for less break-through into the rubble-filled interior wall and the out. Round towers and edges, so that it is more difficult to site a second shot on the same spot, where it can weaken with time. Stone the color near what it is when a strike hits, so that too is disguise d, discouraging re-strikes on the same spot. "Yes. If you will discontinue training, at any time you see I am not suited for the work, then I happily agree."
Satisfied with her decision, Aegraine's former reserve slipped and the Captain lePower wrapped one arm across Zurban, in a belated hug, for that feeling had not left her. Where were the gun crewman at this time, she did not think on it. Time of War was nigh upon this land, as the seasons roll around in their natural order.

Dmitrii stood in silence while the expressions of her face displayed consideration of his offer… then her compromise voiced in the fa ct that she would gladly appreciate the training, but was reserved about command. Then he chuckled… “Aye Cap’n, I do believe wholeheartedly, that the knowledge of weapons would enhance your appraisals of what needs to be done now, and in the future…. If I see that yu are not suited for the training, I will cease the requirement.” And with a simple hug, he smiled and breathed in…

"My servant tells me not to look you in the eyes; to look away when you smile because... men, like you, beguile a young girl like me, make us do foolish things." Do the young ever heed the warnings of their elders? Aegraine looked up into Dmitrii's eyes, her face close enough that it was no secret her breath smelled of fresh mint and honey.

A hug, belated or not… these two had formed a friendship over the past few weeks… and now they were in their own world and the gun crew did not exist… though they would go about their own routine, respectfully ignoring the occurrence nearby. Dmitrii was a hard taskmaster, but fair… and no soldier, or civilian that worked for him, would speak against him… not out of fear, but out of respect… for even the most disheartened respected him.

It was as if the port walls grew and anyone that was close by, was now moved away from them. It had been a month or two since he had last seen Willa, or even heard from her. The last rumor was she had been seen entering the Cathedral with an ornate box, never to be seen nor heard from. None had interested him since her… until now… He was a soldier… a warrior… and at very least a man… and he looked at the Captain as she spoke .

Eye to eye… face to face… his steel grey eyes seemed to be issue of rumors now… He could smell her breath of mint and honey... but it would be the charming, familiar smile with the crook of his lips turning upward that would cause his eyes to sparkle. Words would be difficult now to come out. The light steel grey eyes would flicker back at forth seeking a way to enter the windows to her soul.

Beguile? Captivate? Mesmerize? He had been rumored to imitate a tiger eyeing his prey. Did he? Unintentional? By accident? Subconsciously? Those were the words that could pose the questions of motive. He could see the specks of unspent gunpowder in her hair, the smile of her face, her chin that beckoned fingers to grasp and guide… “Do I beguile you, Ae…?” he said in a low baritone voice... and the steel grey eyes would avert to her lips that parted to speak….

Ulster and the horrors of those days started to fade in recent weeks, until lePower only thought the present; in the whirlwind work days in recent weeks. Jerome died for a cause; she was going to live for this place, live for today.

"From your written plans for the wall, I understood you from the first; so clear, direct. Men listened when I spoke in your name." This Captain did not look away nor did she move away from the spot.

Dmitrii could not help but offer that charming smile again and wink… “They had better… t’would nay be well for them to stand in the stocks for days on end… or pit themselves against me in an arena of challenge…”

To Aegraine, his gray eyes were the color of stone for a fortress, like the color of stonework used to construct her childhood home. Here was strength and dependability.

"Beguiled? A little, I think. Perhaps something more." Aegraine supposed her opinion of the man Zurban was a secret, that he could not tell how she admired him from her voice tones, no matter what words she used.

His head tilted a bit… “Captivated eh?” then he chuckled… “Captivated was right… at least for him. She was beautiful and strong. Problem was, he was possibly too readable. For all, he was a man !

"Dmitrii?" lePower looked at him with a sudden urgent seriousness. "I'm hot. I burn! Help me." she was about to begin to panic.

With the questioned utterance of his name, he glanced at her… but his interest took an immediate turn as she began to increasingly panic. “Pezdyetz…” he cursed in Russian… his hand trying to snuff out a flame that grew from smoldering fabric.

Then Aegraine yelled out, "Sir! My damn jacket caught fire! " From her right shoulder smoke came from a charred circle in the thick quilted padded jacket she was wearing. "Cut the laces! Get this thing off me! " Still as she could stand, with a smoldering jacket on. Some how, in the demonstration of firing a cannon, a spark from the touch-light wind borne, settled on the captain's shoulder.

"Chort [chyt]…” his actions began to appeared hurried to quell her plea… A dagger seemed to leap from his belt to his hand… As he was cutting the strings, the men of the cannon crew heard her screamed voice and sw the small flame… grabbing the water bucket next to the gun… the man ran to the pair and hefting the bucket, halted behind them… and tossed the water toward the flame…

Next, the series of actions upon the wall would qualify for the future’s Keystone Cops show plots. The water hit the pair directly, just as he was cutting thru the last string…of her jacket… half of the buckets contents upon her shoulder, streaming down her torso, dampening her completely from waist up, the rest draining down into her lower garments… the other half of the bucket’s contents hitting him squarely in the face… his curly dark hair now hanging limply along the contours of his face… the heavy wool shirt inside his light armour acting as a sponge…

No words could be uttered, only odd sounds would be emitted from the victims… followed by an “ohhh chyt…” from the perpetrator, realizing what he had done… It was winter !! and now the victims’ bodies would chill under the cold water’s assault upon pre-heated bodies… Body parts would come to life from the sud den blast of continued cold… two would stand erect, one would shrink… and goose-bumps upon both would run rampant… and the perpetrator would stand in shock at the expressions of the victims….

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

It was about noon, on clear crisp day. The sun warmed a little but Dorie could still see her breath, as she walked along home to the rented room where her mistress provided home for them. Two half grown gray shaggy coach dogs ran back and forth, ready to race the last block home. Beside her was the firewood gather, old Clovis from the woods, now a good friend of Dora. "Take care, this be na the time to go into the wood, Dorie. Let me bring the kindling, instead."

"If you like, Clovis. " At the doorstep, she shifted the bundle of sticks to drag them into the dwelling. "Stay, sit you. I have a bit of food for you; dine with me?" Back she came, carved patterns over her shoes clattering along, with two wooden trenchers filled with hot simmered vegetables on one side and chunks of mystery meat. Little clouds wafted up with an aroma none could resist.

Dora and Clovis sat on the doorstep, to enjoy their lunches. Beo and Wulf settled around them, Wulf sniffed at Clovis' lunch and sat, looking for any tidbit, for the old man gave both dogs a share of his meal, by custom.

Then out of the blue, it came. A loud thud, as if a storm was about to send rain and lightening strikes to ground, but there was only that one sound. Both dogs sprang to their feet, one barking and the other growling. "What be that?" Widow Lynch whispered to her lunch companion, for as a long time of this land, he would know about such things.

"Canna say." Clovis squinted his already narrow eyes skyward and made a sign of warding against evil. He did not care to frighten her, without reason. "Just keep you in the city walls and your lady as well. Tis' not the time to be wandering out about. I bring the firewood every day, for a meal such as this."

Dora looked up, wondering. Wondering too many things to verbalize.

The gun crew had put out the fire upon Aegraine’s jacket, but there was yet another fire smoldering inside Dmitrii. Both chilled by the splash of water upon them, they walked closer to one another than usual, a blanket wrapped around them. He escorted her back to the physician’s infirmary on the port wall and got some salve for the burns… Aislin had seen too many burns since Adam installed the guns and had felt it necessary to station a healer near the gun crews. It was there, that the healer applied the salve to Ae’s shoulders, while Dmitrii waited outside the room…. pacing.

The days had turned into weeks, and Dmitrii and Aegraine had spent a lot of time together… for one reason or another… Innocently, the time together was required because of the close relationship of their duties… but now, more often than not, time was sought by even the simplest of reasons. Spare time, if any, was spent in each other’s company.

With Adam away, he had more time than usual… being the Lord of the Isles’ Sergeant at Arms, personal trainer, and best friend, kept him busy. But with Adam away, Dmitrii usually did not converse with just anyone… and Ae knew how to make things interesting.

Aegraine sat upon a high bench in the infirmary, wrapped in a utilitarian blanket. When the Healer was finished, she requested, "Please. Let Sir Zurban come in. I need to speak with him. And while you are at it, have a look at his hands, too. In case." Dmitrii had tried to extinguish the combustion on her jacket shoulder as best it could be done.

The Healer stuck his head out of the room. “Milord… the Cap’n woot leike tae speak tae yae…” then disappeared back inside the room.

"Sir?" A huge rough multi-hue blanket covered her from ankles to her chin, except for one arm and the not so badly burned right shoulder. "See? It will be good in just a little time. See?" The Captain turned to reassure Zurban she was not seriously injured. "I need to tell you, until that water splashed on us, I did think about death. My own." Memories of poor old Seamus Rufus prompted. Fire and ice water shocked her into a certain realization.

"Listen. Before I lose my nerve. Sir? I want to give a gift to the archives, here at the castle. Of things I know, memorized. Warfare things." Even now the vow to her traditions not to divulge their secrets almost silenced these words. "I intend to write how to build, how to work and all I know about siege machines. So it be not lost, when I am gone." lePower's half brothers were twice her age; her father already an old man. That the family's accumulated vanish with them was not impossible.

Entering the room, he is almost assaulted by the healer to look at his hands… offered salve… “Aye be alright…” he complained but rubbed his hands together anyways to work it in…

“Yes Capn’…” he responded to her official manner… Then he listened to what she had to say. Her words, at first, were more of a confession, then shifted toward her dedication to the betterment of the force. Sitting down next to her, he smiled that charming smile and spoke softly with that soothing Rus accent… “Aegraine… I think that is a very grand idea…” Knowing that the Gaelic culture did not like things written, but penned in the memory; but his culture, as was the ideals of many others, were to write it down… to immortalize it in books. “I know things are done differently here, but Lord Adam has been building libraries all about Turas Lan… on just about every subject imaginable…”

Then with an abrupt thought, his expression changed… her words < when I am gone > hit home. “Nay speak like that my dear… tis nay a thought I relish to think upon…” His hand moved to the small of her back, the words came out… unadulterated honesty… Would they scare her away? It was too late to take them back…

He looked at Ae quickly and then looked away, and at the same time, stood… Pacing a bit, he looked to her… “Ae… M’Lady Beathag and Lord Adam has asked me to go to Arianna Hymerodraeth and bring back Lady Eirian…” he shrugged a bit… “I shall be gone but a few days…”

Stopping with his back to her, he turns around, his hand at his chin in contemplation… “Would yu ride with me?” he inquired.

Aegraine motioned to the Healer present, to fold a corner of her wrap to cover her shoulder. Life in the open fields those last months before Skye left her standards of what is proper somewhat eroded. She slid off the bench and walked after Zurban, "Sir? I would be honored to ride with you. I lack only a horse. I might have the loan of one from the Castle?"

Why Dmitrii's men respected him, his courage, and way with people, enemy or not, impressed Ae to the point that she swore to herself not to be a discredit. Here she resolved to cover her hair, long braid now wound around her head like a dark crown with her Grandmother's hijib; veiled in pubic and keenly aware she was no longer in Ireland.

What a relief the man looked away and did not see that sun and moon and stars look on her face. This too, she now veiled.

Dmitrii looked at the lass before him… oh she was so beautiful… long dark hair, eyes that would calm the seas… His own steel-grey eyes would roam freely back and forth as he looked upon her, the silence may had appeared eerie, but if one was attentive, she could read his eyes.

As she spoke, his eyes became locked on her, his hand, gentle, yet calloused; tender, yet displayed a strong fortitude, settled upon her good shoulder, as he spoke… “I think we may you a good enough steed to keep up with me.” He chuckled and squeezed her shoulder. “If yu are well enough to ride…” followed by a wink.

"I am ready. Thanks to you and your crew's prompt action, I was not burned seriously." There might have been something to deal with pain in the salve the Healer applied, for lePower felt she was no worse for the event. Her fine cotton swan down filled jacket was beyond repair. "Keep up with you? Eh, just do not race ahead so far I cannot catch up."

Unconsciously, his hand left her shoulder and slid along the contours of her form to the waist and fell to the way side as he turned to leave the room… “I shall wait outside while yu get dressed…”

[Sir Dmitrii Zurban]

New Armour

A horse… a horse… Be it a Destrier, which was a well-bred, highly trained, stallion used as a war or tournament horse. Or… a Palfrey, which was a well-bred gaited horse that was bred for general purpose riding, war, or for travel. Or… a Courser, a good cavalry horse… steady, long winded horse. Or… a Rouncy, a strong general purpose, combined, work-riding horse. Dmitrii knew where to get her a good solid horse. The same place his black Andalusian was stabled. He had lost one back in the war in Sleat, but he was fortunate enough to find another… at great expense of course… but what would yu expect of a Prince of Argania… and Queen Kaelyn’s half-brother?

Aegraine came out, wearing the same outfit she used to go running out in the countryside, even to the gloves and white scarf covering for her hair. Just the thought of going out riding energized her. Life was getting back to normal, once more.

When she was dressed, and at his side walking thru the cobbled streets, he glanced at her. “Ae, yu asked if I could get yu a horse… I do… Tis one of Lord Eamonn’s horses. He brought some destriers to the Capital to use as war horses… and several coursers for Lord Balian light cavalry… I think we shall appropriate one of those…” he winks and nudges her side as they walked.

"And you will, then?" A light tap with her elbow came right back to him. Aegraine seemed cheerful as in the old days back in Waterford, when it seemed nothing bad could ever happen; when life was good.

At the Turas Lan stables, Dmitrii spoke with the liveryman.. he was to saddle Troika, his stallion, the second of such animals, … and saddle one of the coursers for Captain lePower… all which gave more authoritative sound to the acquisition. “We must stop by my quarters and the kitchen at the castle first.” He announced.

As they departed, he offered a familiar smirk… Along the way, it was minor chit-chat about her impending training, the fire, and her rescue from it… the walk was leisurely, slow-paced, yet determined.

The long walk thru the streets, to the Castle Gryphon, and to his room on the second floor was enjoyable… he did enjoy her company. At his door, he looks at her… “I have a present for yu…” then he pushes the door open and invites her in.

"For me?" Aegraine stepped through the doorway, with no idea what to expect. Her own dwelling was a plain sparse furnished room. Only the basics. The Captain tilted her head, wondering and glanced back to Zurban. "Why have you a present for me?" Her curiosity got the better of her and Aegraine just had to find out what this was.

Following her into the room, he allowed the door to close behind him. Opening a chifarobe filled with fine material and worn, stained battle clothing, he turned and looked at her… the familiar smirk grew upon his face. Hefting a wooden box made with think wood strips, he set it in the middle of the floor.

Opening the box, he began to set out a set of light armour, newly made… shoulder guards, arm guards, thigh and shin guards, all with thick leather straps… torso chain mail that would hang below the waist, and a dark gray set of matching surcoat and trousers. Then he set a helm plumed with black horsehair, a belt dagger, and a sword with scabbard and belt to the side. Last but not least was a wool cape of light gray that he laid to the side. Standing and looking at her, he smiled and spoke softly, the baritone voice with a Rus accent… “If you are to be my Engineer, then you must be prepared… Not only do you demonstrate yer worthiness, you must look the part… The horse shall be yours… and so shall this…” the r’s rolling off his tongue as it was meant to be… his fingers pointing to the battle dress. “Try it on Cap’n…” he teased.

Now, once Aegraine had lands and fortunes inherited, back in Waterford and Ulster. A goodly dowry was promised and she owned gowns and jewelry come down from her mother and grandmother. Horses and fine clothing were a daily routine; now but a memory. Those lands became English property; the horses gone, and even her Mother's rings went to pay passage for herself and as many refugees the ship would haul here, to Skye. Today, all there was between Aegraine and a cruel life on the streets, was her work, as Engineer.

Aegraine picked up one of the guards, running her hand along the surface of it, as if the maker had taken her measurements. From the look of it she was sure this was a perfect fit. "I love it, Sir!" And in a second, armor part in one hand she went right up to Zurban and kissed him, happily and fast enough that she did not think twice about it. She did not think at all.

Dmitrii stood before her watching the likeness of a child seeing the gifts of yuletide from Det Morose [Russian Santa Claus]. “I am…” his words interrupted by a kiss… one quick and spontaneous… but never-the-least appreciated… A slight twist of a smile into a frown of disappointment, as it was so swift, but the smile revisited his face speedy enough not to be noticed. “…glad yu like it…”

From the innermost parts, trousers and surcoat, Aegraine donned the new clothing, with a look as the sleeve, smoothing the fabric, in awe how it all fitted her exactly. "This mail? Which is the front?" lePower held up the web on metal so she might figure how it goes. Metal guards slid over her, so exact in their conformation they felt like an additional layer of skin. Scales, more like, barrier to what harmful might come her way. "How did you know the exact size? No seamstress measured me."

A head canted, and a smile quirked his neatly trimmed beard as she quickly undressed, then redressed in the top and trousers. He said nothing, just watched. At her inquiry, he snapped away from fantasizing and stepped to her, his hands slowly and meticulously assisting her with the maile, showing her the low end for the front… “Iye tak, dyev ich ka…” [this way, my dear]

"I need a bit of help with this one." One new leather strap on a shin guard gave her a bit of trouble, just this first time.

“Oh there is much I know Ae… but, I cheated a bit… I was able to guess the size as yu stood next to me days ago… then told the seamstress how much smaller to make it…” he smirked… then he knelt down at her side and assisted her with the shin guards… Upon his knees, his head was waist high and when he looked up at her… the steel-gray eyes just lightened and seem to sparkle.

Captain lePower stood back, so that her commanding officer might see how his gift looked, in total. "So? Does it suit you, Sir?" She was smiling, for the feeling of being of valued, worth the bother to see this Captain was dressed for her office, just increased Aegraine's admiration and loyalty to Dmitrii. The gray cloak swung in graceful folds, its hem clearing the floor, about her boot heels.

“Suit me? Tis nay matter what I think… it does suit yu ! I think the Duke and Duchess shall be proud of their new Court Engineer…” he replied with pride. Her smile made him feel good… for she had not smiled too much before… reasons obvious to many who knew her strife in Ulster… but unaware by him.

"Is such an honor, to ride with you, Sir. To learn from you. I am with you, until you tell me to go away." This statement left much to be defined.

At her words, he bows at the waist in her honor… “Tis a pleasure to have yu with me…” then he canted his head and smirked… “Tis yu, who may want to have leave of me…” he smirked wickedly and winked…

They were both communicating in a language second to their own native speech, in a non technical area so lePower had acquired few words to convey any sort of emotional response. Yet, she used what she knew, in tone of voice if not precise expression. "Your gift suits me, perfectly, Sir. One day I will find a worthy gift for you, perhaps?"

There is a place and moment to discuss things not related to duty and assignment to the Lord and Lady. This might have been one, except time dictated they had to begin the journey.

Moments of eerie silence as the pair stood in his room in Griffin Castle… then to prevent himself from being a fool, he opened the door and motioned… “Arianna Hymerodraeth awaits us my dear…”

[Dame Aegraine lePower-Zurban]

A Dance upon the Wall with Victory

It was a time for battle and using what the Weapons Master taught her about cannon and Aegraine went forth and did as she had been taught.

“When this is over, I’ll do my dance on the wall for you. I will. “ Aegraine joked with the cannon crew that critical day, as the light of dawn began to reveal what exactly was out there, before the gates.

Now the battle was over now and in the jublition of the moment, Captain lePower parked her boots, armor parts and jacket, for the reduced, more freeing costume of shift tucked into her black trousers.

One step onto a crate and there she stood, arms waving to the winds. It was tradition among her Mother’s people that after a victory, one from the company would dance atop the wall or the highest point at a hill fort to coax the spirit Victory to stay with these people, these fighters.

In the old days, her Mother had her body painted with white and blue, swirls and traditional markings to make sure she was visable from a distance. As a child, little Aegraine helped with the painting and walked with Aurilla to the wall’s edge. The Golden One folks called her mother. Tall and impressive a figure of a woman by any standards, seeing Aurilla dance atop the wall was the image she had most clear of her parent. Masses of light blonde curly hair flew into the swirling winds as the painted woman danced in senesous rhythm to entice the spirit of Victory to come and enjoy the mortal pleasure of life.

Each movement was a symbol of what humans enjoy after a battle is won; feasting, drinking and any pleasurable interaction humans might fancy. Aegraine remembered this dance; one she herself was too shy and reserved to do in public.

She had promised the crew and got atop the wall, with a modified version of her Mother’s family rite. When Aegraine danced, it was a short shimmy , with a shoulder shake, to the clapping of the crew. One move she did exact. The sultry look over her left shoulder, to let Victory know it was the spirit that gave humans a win; it was this spirit’s good will they courted. A walk over. A hand stand and Aegaine vaulted off the wall and stuck the landing. Amid cheers and applauding she called out, “Thank you for your efforts. May the spirit of Victory remain with you all!”

Down from the walls to ground level, the first time she touched ground in over three days, the young woman wandered amid rubble and the confusion of the after battle to find her little home untouched.

“What has become of Dmitrii?” was the main question in her mind as she greeted the dogs Beo and Wulf. They waited at the door and followed her in. All the time she was washing off the soot of cannon firings her ears were ringing with the sound of the shots and she had to wonder if her ears might be damaged.

She had tried to do a man’s work with such dedication that it is no wonder Aegraine soon a she pulled a clean shift over her, fell into her bed and slept the sound sleep of the exhausted. Beo perched on her left. Watching the door as usual and Wulf collapsed over her feet, to his claimed space on the blanket.

It was restful. And in this rest, Aegraine dreamed she was dancing atop a wall. Somewhere in a less civilized nation, after a great victory. In this dream she did the dance as her Mother had done, wearing body paint and going through the motions of having close contact with the unseen spirit. Victory. She could feel his touch, standing back of her. Moving in close and intimate. Now the dance called for the look over her left shoulder and Aegraine did this correctly. Only this time she could see a shadow form, a man’s shoulder and part of his chest. A bearded face leaned over her shouler, almost touching her lips. She had seen that smile before…no. Not a smile. A smirk!

The dream continued in ways she would never speak about, but it was just a dream and Aegraine enjoyed it without reservation.
In the day she faced the realization that Dmitrii was more to her than commanding officer, good friend and even cooking teacher. She was attracted to the man, in every manner she knew about. And she did not know what to do about that. But where was Dmitrii?

Later that morning, the fever took her and Aegraine battled an illness common among the city survivors.

Eventually, she was well enough to go out to the gates and begin to make notes about reconstruction and making the gates defenisibe against cannon.

What if it were like before? What if Dmitrii had not survived and no one told her?

The people she asked had no answer for her. She kept seeking information, so far without a clue.