Cal Soulshadow

Cal looked down at the papers and frowned. “Kelos?”
“Aye, Commander.”
The man who stood in front of her was more than a simple messenger, but bore the uniform and insignia of a senior recruiting officer. Evidently, they had thought she might need some persuasion.
Located deep in the Kaldorian highlands, Kelos was one of the smallest garrisons in Gorimdor. Cal had been there once during an exercise, and her memory had been one of beautiful mountain scenery and bitter, unrelenting cold. She grimaced.
“I suppose I have little choice in the matter,” she said, eyeing the recruiter.
He nodded. “Indeed not, Commander. However, the posting does come with a promotion.”
“To…”
“General, ma’am.”
Cal quirked an eyebrow. She had long ago resigned herself to the fact she would never make general. No woman ever had. This was an unexpected development indeed.
True enough, Kelos was a small and remote garrison, rarely troubled by anything more than the odd bandit attack. An ideal garrison for a newly minted general, then. But why now? Why her?
Cal eyed the recruiter. “What’s the catch?”
The recruiter smiled ruefully. “Kelos has been experiencing some difficulties of late.”
“Difficulties?”
“A month ago a patrol ran into some undead. Only two men survived to warn the garrison; one of these later died from his injuries. The others, including the commander, are either dead or missing.”
“I sense we’re not talking about a few skeletons here.”
“No, Commander. It is far, far worse.”
“Xathos.”
“Indeed. General Franklin was killed a fortnight ago. According to the acting commander, he now serves as a minion, along with those killed in the first ambush. It’s a bad situation.”
“And I presume I am being brought in because of my experience with undead and Xathos cultists in particular.”
“And because you are a good Razan.”
Cal nodded slowly. “I see. And who leads the garrison now?”
“Tobias, the acting commander. But he is far too inexperienced. He only made captain six weeks ago. He is barely 24.”
“How many men?”
“Forty seven at last count.”
“Looks like I’ll have my work cut out for me, then.”
“Aye, Commander, you will. Are there any of your men you wish to take with you?”
Cal leaned on her desk, fingers steepled. “I’ll take anyone who is willing. Mordred, if he wishes. I will need a good captain. Kai…he has experience of Xathos. And he will feel at home in the mountains. Visko. She is a good Razan. Gorn. Azedine Kesh. Jess Fortus, if you can track her down. And much as I’m loathe to admit it, I’ll need a cleric. Kelen Everard would be my choice. Despite being a Dondinian, he is a good man, and has also experience of fighting against Xathos.”
The recruiter finished noting down her suggestions. “Any others?”
“Captain Duo and Jhaniara will be returning to the Eternals in Vaast, I expect? And Talon…probably has his own plans. He is a father now. I’d not want to risk him in Kelos. Perhaps McJepp or Kas Althume would like to lead the Vipers there.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Cal looked around at her library and felt a pang of regret. She would miss this place. It was highly unlikely that her new quarters would be quite so luxurious.
“How long do I have left here?” she asked.
“The ship leaves at first light on Monday morning. As you imagine, Commander, Kelos cannot wait much longer.”
She nodded. “Very well. That will give me time to settle my affairs.”

She showed the recruiter out. He had other people to see, and she had much to do. There were goodbyes to be said, and things to take care of. As resident priest, her first concern was for the Temple of Raza, but also what lay within. The remains of Tasker, and of Glory.

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