Author's Note: Ficlet for the LJ tortall100 challenge. June 21's subject: a character (not Alanna, Daine, or Kel) learning how to use a weapon. In this case, the character is using a trap instead of a weapon. Set during Lady Knight. Length: I tried for 100 words, but it just didn't work for this fic. It's 200 words instead.
Duty
By Trisana McGraw
He takes the end of the rope in his teeth and carries it over to a stump, which he and several others, dogs and cats, wrap the rope tightly around. He's aware of humans watching him, some amused but most wearing expressions of unease. Yesterday he wouldn't have understood the reason for their awkwardness, but today it's clear to him: animals aren't supposed to know how to rig traps for enemies. Daine told all of the animals that this has never been done before but that now it is essential so they will be prepared for the barbarians' attack. Duty, another new feeling suddenly crammed into his head with all the other strange emotions, also helped him to comprehend.
Once the guards give him their orders, looking uncomfortable at speaking to a dog as they would a human, he goes to do what they tell him. As he carries sharp-tipped weapons in his mouth back to the stump, he spots Daine.
Am I doing it right, Wildmage? he asks eagerly, his tail wagging excitedly.
At first she says nothing, as her eyes brighten with tears that he recognizes as grief. Then, her voice catching, she answers, "Yes. You're doing fine."