Pretence
The Shield Chief's plan seemed to be well thought out except for one detail; why did she put so much faith in a lowly cadet? It must have been out of desperation. There wasn't any other explanation that Kira could think of. The Shield Chief was putting too much trust into her. Did she really think that Kira looked like her?
Kira looked into the golden mirror behind the Shield Chief's desk. They had the same hair colour and they were roughly the same height and build. Turning to the side Kira sucked in her stomach and lifted her bust. She felt a slight pang of jealously as she felt the loose area around the furs she was given to wear. Berating her moment of lame vanity she reminded herself that not everyone would be looking that closely. Besides, if she could pull this charade off, not many people would be looking at her at all.
On closer inspection into the mirror, Kira just realised that they had the same shade of blue grey in their eyes. Absently twirling a thin knife in her hand, she mustered up the courage to look at herself in the mirror. She had to forget that she was a cadet. She had to make others believe that she was the Shield Chief. Before that, she had to convince herself.
Taking a steady breath and trying not to fall into a calming Rovkir pattern, she tried to imbue herself with as much confidence as possible. She recalled to mind her memories of the meeting with the real Shield Chief and tried hard to remember how she had acted. Cool, in control and a vast store of confidence. Opening her eyes, she stared at her reflection and saw the Shield Chief. She mimicked the Shield Chief's smile and felt the wicked mischief the real Shield Chief felt when she was being crafty. At least she hoped that's how the Chief felt.
Turning to put on the silver Ursek furs and putting her knife back up her sleeve; Kira gingerly took the neckpiece from the mantle and stared at it before securing it around her neck. Turning once more to the mirror she checked that she looked every inch as the real Chief before she turned to face a knock at the door. It must have been her hand that she was to lead. She remembered calling them to the Shield Chief's office as a messenger an hour ago.
"Enter," Kira said before sitting in the armchair.
The door opened and in came five cadets. The first to enter was quite handsome by Icecarl standards. Tall, well built and chiselled features. His hair was dark and mousy but that added to his charm. He had a hard look in his eyes but, first impression aside, Kira knew he was a very capable warrior. The others filed in and the last one closed the door behind him. They looked at Kira with a respectful air to which she found a certain relief. If she could fool these soldiers at a first glance then she could fool anyone. Alas, she had to tell them who she was but she would have their names first. Not that it mattered; she had already placed names and faces but she just wanted to see if she could pull off the act.
Clapping their fists in salute, Kira nodded back in the bored manner she recalled the Chief doing during her meeting.
"Names and ranks," Kira said firmly but keeping the bored tone in her voice "You first," she said pointing dismissively to the handsome Icecarl.
"Grak Light Slay, sword thane," he said stiffly.
Kira nodded and proceeded to point out the others.
"Orgal Strong Fist, front line defence," said a hulking man with surprising gentleness.
"Rea Sharp Eye, scout," the girl cadet said stiffly.
Kira tried hard to stifle a chuckle. She knew Rea for a long time and just met her an hour ago. If her friend couldn't recognise her then Kira must have been doing well.
"Falk Far Aim, archer," said a short girl.
Kira stared at the girl and saw the age lines in her face. She was young. About twenty circlings or less. Yet her height betrayed her station. She wore a bow on her back but the graceful weapon looked larger than she did. Despite her initial thoughts of the man, Kira knew not to pass judgement on physical appearances. The last person; looked slightly smaller than Orgal but was carrying a blank demeanour and an almost imposing air. The heavy bone studded gauntlets he wore didn't help Kira's rising anxiety.
"Who is the mute?" Kira asked in a steel tone.
The silent one turned his absent gaze from the floor and looked at Kira with intimidating eyes. Falk answered quickly as she stepped forward but not before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"This is Hur…" she started "the berserker," Falk added quickly.
Falk spoke to Kira in an urging tone. Kira didn't know whether it was out of pride or stupidity but she stared at the hulk. Hur stared back. Kira didn't see a murderous look or even an insane look in him. This could only mean that he was a young berserker or he was, unless she really missed her guess, Falk's partner. Kira sighed inwardly this meant that he was controllable but only if Falk was alive.
Hur let his gaze drift back to the floor after staring at Kira for a few moments. Falk withdrew her hand and Hur absently flexed his huge hands before balling them into fists. An intimidating gesture but one that didn't rattle Kira.
Standing tall and straight. Kira eyed each warrior with unblinking eyes. She met a few gazes with silent authority. It was necessary they knew who was boss. There was nothing worse than having a hand of misfits that didn't follow orders.
"You have all been called here for a reason I have been told that you fully understand. Therefore, I need not tell you who I am. Rather, who I have been ordered to portray. You have been selected amongst a few trustworthy candidates to be in my hand," Kira said in a clear steely voice.
There was a general consensus as most of them looked at each other in side-glances.
"As soon as we leave this office you are to refer to me as Shield Chief. We must keep the illusion up from unsuspecting traitors. They outnumber us and we have to travel for about two sleeps before we reach the Castle of Light," she paused "That means we have to keep an eye out for any foul play from anyone close to the Crone,"
"Rea," Kira said sternly as she crossed her hard gaze at her.
Rea stood stiff and at attention at the mention of her name.
"I will depend on you to use your scouting skills to inform anyone of us of the slightest threat to the Crone Dreil… Are we clear?"
The last question was directed at everyone. A silent nod was passed and when Kira was satisfied that they all understood the situation, he stood and cloaked herself in the Shield Chief's hooded fur cape. A slight wave of power and confidence in the plan enveloped her when the cape graced her shoulders. She now felt like the Shield Chief.
After an impressive display of leading a rabble of fierce looking misfits through the halls of the Ruin Ship, the group led by the Shield Chief, appeared out amidst the small gathering on the ice. Kira made her way through a group of obvious traitors with her head held high but her wits even higher. She had to play this out with as much realism as possible.
Taking a quick glance around, she notice twenty or more "guards" glancing indiscreetly at her. Looking for the guard that looked most pretentious, Kira stole a glance at the Crone. She almost looked frightened. Pity stabbed at Kira but she quickly let it go. She couldn't risk showing that type of emotion right now. Marching up towards the haughty guard leader, she noticed two aides alert her presence to him.
Turning around slowly, an obvious snub to her status, the head guard peered down his nose at Kira literally. He was a massive man; a powerhouse of radiating muscles and arrogance. However, it wasn't his demanding physique that Kira noticed, it was his stern and cunning eyes. He was a man not easily fooled. Swallowing involuntarily, she hoped the small sign was lost on the big man. She clapped her fists and spoke in a voice that was determined not to be intimidated.
"I hope I need no introduction," Kira said haughtily matching the brute's arrogance.
"Shield Chief Milla…I'm honoured that the Ruin Ship's legend could be spared for such a mundane escort mission," said the man without a drop of truth to his words. "I'm Bakus, the leader of the Crone's bodyguard. I assure you that we have this under control. You need not worry over such a mission. Perhaps you wish to leave this mission in my hands,"
"You are aware that the Ruin Ship has taken over jurisdiction of this mission?" Kira asked making her voice sound almost bored.
The tone wasn't lost on Bakus' ears. He almost smiled.
"Yes I know the details but it seems a little extreme for such a large escort and the Ruin Ship's best to be here so let us take the mission. It's what we do best," he said with a sneering smile.
"I wish I could, but orders are orders. I must make a report to the Crones at the castle before the end of the mission so it wouldn't hurt to have us along. I don't think the Crones would appreciate it if I were slack in my duties," Kira said playing along with the farce.
"I suppose filling out scrolls takes up most of your time as Shield Chief," Bakus said obviously snubbing her answer and status with hidden disdain.
"Yes it does. A sad necessity but then again the Ruin Ship's orders aren't given lightly so I guess they must have thought it necessary to send me along to baby sit you and your pathetic lot," Kira said provoking the brute.
She must have hit her mark because he strained his neck muscles and flexed his fingers dangerously over his sword handle. His guards must have heard the insult as well because they started forward with their hands on their sword hilts.
Before they took another step forward, Grak flew out from behind Kira and had both his swords at the guard's throats. Their surprise was obvious and they halted all movement except for their nervous glances towards the sharp sword points at their necks.
"You dare attack the Shield Chief?" Grak asked in a murderous voice that was quiet but still heard by everyone present.
Bakus called back his lackeys by clearing his throat.
"I shall see to it they are punished," Bakus said just as murderously before turning his narrowed gaze at Kira.
The moment was intense as the two leaders locked eyes. Kira matched his killing stare with her own hard glare. She broke the tension first but only to speak.
"You are now under my orders. You are to fulfil your duties while I lead the way. Are we clear?" Kira asked firmly but authority ringing clear in her voice.
After a moment longer in silent and repressed rage at the insult, his expression uncharacteristically softened, throwing Kira off for a moment.
"Of course Shield Chief. We would not want to upset the Ruin Ship's orders," Bakus said bowing slightly.
Kira eyed him suspiciously and wondered what he was planning. She let it go and started to walk away but she called over her shoulder one last command.
"I'm used to travelling fast. If you or your people aren't up to it then I will have the Crone travel with my hand and you can catch up when you can. I will not slow for longer than I need," Kira said as she left.
Grak left but not before he sheathed his swords and eyed Bakus and his guards. After catching up with Kira, Grak whispered his comments discreetly to her.
"Was it wise to provoke him?" he asked quietly so only she heard.
"I want to force his hand. It will make our plans easier if he concentrates on me rather than what the real Shield Chief is doing. Besides he needed to be put in his place," Kira said smirking.
"This will make it harder to fulfil our mission if he's constantly think of ways to attack us. We might not be able to protect the Crone," Grak replied.
"No one said it would be an easy mission. We deal with what we can and when we can. Now go and inform Falk that I want her to scout out a hard and fast path to the castle. Tell her to keep Hur with her but to report to me with the path. I'll be leading this expedition. Keep Orgal and Rea near the Crone and you stay near me and keep an eye out for any attempts at my life. I'll deal with Bakus if need be,"
Grak saluted openly and moved off. Kira watched him stalk off silently and wondered what he was thinking before she saw the Crone approach her. Dreil's eyes shone bright which signalled how young she was. Yet there was infinite wisdom behind those bright gems.
"You shouldn't be quick to provoke Bakus. He is not known for patience or kindness. He is ruthless and not to be underestimated," said the Crone.
"Neither am I. Be assured Crone Dreil that I will safely see you to the Castle," Kira said with more confidence than usual.
After a moment of peering into Kira's eyes, the Crone clapped her knuckles and smiled.
"Of course Shield Chief,"