Part 39: Memory of Draga: The Promotion

The Promotion

Draga finds the Emperor at the outskirts of the camp, facing off with an insolent Rodentian farmer.

The farmer demands, "What are you doing on our land, high and mighty Emperor?"

Indrik answers dryly, "Your land is shattered. Pygaria is here to help you rebuild."

As the farmer guffaws and readies a retort, Draga steps in. "Honorable Rodentian. I know Pygarian presence can feel invasive. But Rodentian tradition demands that during the Harvest, you accept new proposals. Am I correct?"

"What do you know about our traditions?"

"Enough to respect them. Do you?"

The farmer shrugs his consent. "Well, I suppose I can't argue with that logic." The farmer gestures at Indrik. "You wanna help rebuild? Then help. But I'm keeping an eye on you!" He walks away, still muttering "Pygarians offering help, that's new..."

The Emperor nods as the farmer's silhouette shrinks in the distance. "Well done, Draga. Yet, I wonder... How do you know Rodentia's intimate details?"

"I study a lot, your Highness. Every moment that I am off duty, my nose is in a book."

With a thin smile the Emperor says, "Is that so?" He examines Draga from head to toe. "I was considering whether to court martial you for enabling General Ellia's desertion," he adds.

Draga gasps. After a long silence, he declares:

"Tomorrow, you head for the Rodentian capital, new General. You will be leading the negotiations."