Chapter 2 #2
Tae stared at the angry faces of the soldiers.
They were not amused by his sudden rise in power.
He searched for the friendlier faces of the men he knew personally.
There they were, pushed to the back as usual.
The poorest soldiers seldom rose in the ranks, though they worked harder than any other weredragon.
Tae pointed at three of the most honorable and trustworthy men he knew. "I want them," he told Hesher.
"What? I outrank them by several degrees!" one soldier shouted.
"I do not think rank has anything to do with Tae's choice," Hesher answered.
"He requires those who are willing to follow his orders.
He knows who he can trust and who he cannot.
I understand his choices and concede. I will not permit you to pull rank or interfere in any way. Let his chosen men come through."
The soldiers made a small gap, allowing the men to go to Tae. They did jostle them somewhat as they walked past. It was a spiteful and childish gesture that was ignored by all.
Kelan approached as Hesher was dividing the rest of the soldiers. He demanded, "Give me the strongest to clear my working space. We need to uncover the weapon casings and see how many are still usable."
Hesher called forth several of his best soldiers and ordered them to follow Kelan. They grumbled but obeyed. After all, being chosen for this duty meant their commander considered them to be the strongest. It made them feel superior to the others.
Kelan kept the smirk from reaching his eyes.
He had once been just like them: always vying for praise and a top ranking.
His idea of success had changed drastically after his assignment on Earth.
Now, success meant saving Talonia for his son.
Rankings no longer mattered when your planet could be destroyed on another alien species' whim.
"Where is Tae?" Kelan asked.
Hesher replied, "He has taken three men to the annex. He said they would help separate the minerals until your room was cleared."
"Good idea," Kelan stated. "He is an intelligent young man. That is exactly what I would have done. Come, men; we have digging to do."
"You are going to help dig?" Hesher inquired.
"I do not ask the men under my command to do anything I am not willing to do. So, yes, I am joining in the digging. Thank you for the soldiers. I will return them to their normal duties as soon as possible."
Tae was glad to see Kelan return. So far, he was doing well in teaching his friends, but being in control made him antsy.
He was used to being a follower. Most of the time he had been relegated to the lowest positions.
Now, he had suddenly been thrust to the top.
He had surprised even himself by rescuing Kelan from being crushed in the collapse.
He did not know he was capable of acting as a hero.
"Tae, I wish to have a word with you. Step out here with me for a minute," Kelan commanded.
"Is there a problem? Did I not follow your orders?" Tae asked.
"You followed them perfectly. There is no problem.
In fact, I want to make you an offer. You more than proved your worth today.
It is obvious that I can trust you with my life.
I am willing to promote you and give you a pay increase since you are taking more responsibility than I had previously foreseen.
Of course, your duties as a soldier must come first, but I need you here as often as you have time to spare.
In my absence, you will be in command. Would this interest you? "
Tae tried to calm himself. It was the offer of a lifetime.
He could get his family much needed aid and lift them out of poverty.
He would gain respect and honor that could be passed down to the children he hoped to have someday.
He would be on a level playing field to find a mate.
Women would not shun him for working in the mines.
He was young, and his life was changing quickly, but he was ready for a challenge.
Tae replied, "I am very interested, but I have much to learn. Thank you for the hope this will give my family. I am eager to learn so that I am of use to you. You are changing my future in an instant. It is difficult to comprehend."
"Sadly, changes are a byproduct of war. In order to survive, everything and everyone must change quickly.
For some, it brings prosperity. For others, loss and pain.
I hope your changes continue to be prosperous ones.
Come, there is indeed a lot you need to be taught and very little time to do so.
I pray you chose your apprentices well. They must learn at an accelerated pace.
I will work with two during the daylight hours, and you will take the other and work throughout the night.
With your other duties, there will be little time for rest. Sleep when you can.
Do not waste time on frivolities. These must wait until after we have won the war," Kelan lectured.