"Well, girls, isn't this the set up." Sabe coldly stared into each of the guard member's faces. They stood at a stiff parade rest, flags or weapons in hand, stiff as stone. "I hope you're prepared for the worst season you have ever seen. Have you seen the way they march? Can they actually call themselves Bandopians?" Evil snickers dripped from each of their turned lips.
"I saw a Fluteling fall at practice. She didn't even trip over anything," Rifley hissed.
"Not that they appreciate us anyway, but let's try and keep our outfit together. The last thing we need to do is loose our cool…and end up as bad as them." More devilish chuckles.
"I can't wait to get started," freshman Silken excitedly said to fellow flag Polle. They stretched in the far east corner, the other sections spread out along the practice field. "Where are the Great Ones? I want them to see how good we've gotten."
"There! Can't you hear the Drum Line playing? The Great Ones are coming out!" A hush fell over the valley. The Head leaned over his metal ledge and cleared his throat. His eyes were on Cornett at stiff attention. Liggy, Bell, Cork, and Reid were behind him. Trill and Key timidly looked on. Mellody and Hunter held their rides. Eufo, Sou, Gliss…even Mallet and Tap had wandered over. The Head glanced down to where the female Great One was approaching them. She smiled, nervous tension hiding behind it. Sabe quickly ran over, ivory tunic leaving her conditioned feet.
"Well, I'm pleased with what I see," the female, the youngest and most dedicated, said. "The band is fantastic looking." The compliments weren't easing the frowns. "Did you do as we ask? Select your best to compete against these…these…" The female's eyes wandered. Cornett nodded soberly.
"Mam, all trumpets have volunteered to fight the good fight."
"Mam, Eufo and I have chosen our best low brass."
"Mam, all trombones will be marching in your sincere honor, mam."
"Mam, the Drum Line has been working feverishly since the season began to perfect each and every step, Mam." The female smiled again, tears lining her eyes. She had not been with the band for long, but already felt as if she had raised them from their first horns. "Here, here," Mallet comically added. "Mam." He had forgotten the term always used.
"Mam, you need not to worry," Reid comforted, taking a step forward. "We are more than prepared to take on the Shadows at their own game."
"Mam, we've sewn instrument cases for the band," Trill presented, Key offering their finest example. The female gasped and took the sturdy bag in her arms.
"It's perfect, make sure everyone gets one." Trill and Key giggled and sighed with pride. The female clapped her hands and looked up to her colleges. "First we'll run through the basics. Forward marching, backward marching, all directions. Then, we'll need sectionals to be their best. The Shadows have quite the show planned, I hear, but we've got something better. Hurry; the day is already here!" The section leaders smiled and spoke with one another for a moment before parting. Sabe was left alone.
"Mam," Sabe called. "Mam, wait please!" The female paused and turned, surprised to see the guard representative. "The guard, Mam, is waiting on new silks for the flags." The female's brow knit in confusion. "We need the new silks, Mam; our girls are young and will tire easily." The female forced a smile and reached out to Sabe's bare shoulder.
"They'll come in time, Sabe, don't worry!" The female turned and left. Sabe wasn't happy. She turned and stormed back to the group.
"We can't survive on torn corners and used tape," she growled. "GIRLS! SINGLE TOSSES, NOW!"