The honor calls were a long standing tradition. Each person called would stand before the village and be cheered on before they left for war.
[A popularity contest is what it really is.]
The village leader stood on a small stage, his pinched face was slashed from one side to the other. The cut was deep and gouged through his mouth twisting his expression into a resting snarl. He was a small man, looking too old to have a daughter as fresh as Lily.
[Lily and the Hills boy, unbelievable. That boy is too meek for a connection to the Allbright family.]
The podium at the center had a slip of yellow paper, trembling with the slow passing wind. Mr.Allbright went to it and began the call.
"Here, we are to honor those that go in sword and shield. Step forward once your name has been called." He said in an unenthusiastic voice.
"Lance Mayweather."
A skinny young man walked onto the stage, his legs shaking with terror. His curls were tight around his long face and his eyes would not leave the floor beneath him. There were some hesitant claps, Beaux had done business with the boy's mother before. She had been a feeble woman, with many children.
The next to go up was Kali Moon, a girl whom Beaux had never seen before. She wore men's trousers and a blouse that was ripped at one shoulder. A large red welt was forming on her arm, the mark of an infertile woman. These women were often branded, held down after their visit to a local doctor confirms that she is unable to give birth. Kali's hair was a dark tangle, and her eyes looked hungry for violence. The crowd was silent at her ascension. She ignored them, and the village leader.
When Sandaval took the stage, there were woos and whoops. The women of the village hollered desperate cries for his attention, but the man stood stoic. He bowed at the waist towards the village leader and stood next to Kali.
When Beaux's name was called, his aunt yelled the loudest. A thunder of claps echoed through the village square. His name was known through all his personal dealings. He'd given discounts to people who couldn't afford his prices, and through his family's lineage he was loved.
[They want a show.]
The idea was appalling. These young men and women sent to die, and their family and neighbors cheering them away.
[A show is what I will give them.]
Beaux trotted up the steps, graciously waving to the crowd. He smiled in bright wonder, and ignored the outstretched hand of the village leader, instead pulling him into a tight embrace. The man stiffened, shock apparent in his slacked jaw. Before he let go, he clapped the old man a few times on the back. Almost a sign, to let the people know that he had some connection to the man. The gesture was a bluff, a hint that his family was close to the head for any onlookers who might make advances on their land once Beaux had left.
[No soul will touch a hero's family. No soul will touch the friends of the village head.]
After, Beaux took his place next to Sandaval, clasping his shoulder once in encouragement. They'd be allies moving forward. Kali Moon was glaring in obvious rage.
Two others were called, both easy to forget. A pair of lads with hard expressions. Though they were to leave, some would run in a different direction. Avoiding the military to become bandits or thieves. Those boys looked like such a type, they gave no acknowledgment to the others, and stood close to one another.
One hand was held up from the billowing robes of the village leader, for silence. The crowd held their breath.
"These brave men and women will venture out, to save us from the violence of the daemons and darkness. Let the light of Tethya shine on them all."
Again the crown roared, a battle cry of sorts.
The group left their place on the stage, and near the two black stallions Beaux's family waited patiently. His mother was frowning, a face she nearly never made.
[Perhaps she has realized I am truly leaving.]
When Beaux approached, he was brought in for a tight hug from Kandy. Her little face was tear stained. Dona joined them, hugging them both dearly. Aunt Losa grabbed both his hands, squeezing them tightly.
"It will be a long journey, and you have nothing but your wits and a hunting dagger." Aunt Losa whispered sternly, "Use your head, avoid fighting, and keep Sandaval close."
Beaux nodded, and his mother was the last to say farewell. The flower crown on her head wilted a little in the sun, but she still looked beautiful. She was holding a baby on each hip, and Beaux leaned down to give each of his nieces a kiss on their brow. His mother brushed through his hair gently, her face beyond sorrowful.
"Beware birds of prey." She said, and her eyes were filling up in tears.
The ominous words shook Beaux to his core, leaving his body heavy. The twins were inspecting the saddle, avoiding eye contact. Both were pretending to inspect for quality. When he went over, he could see that they were actually eyeing Sandaval from across the way. The three of them never did trust men that lived outside of their family. Beaux clapped them each on the shoulder and they turned, focus blazing in their face.
"Someone saw you and Lily go to the pond, they're questioning if she's the right wife for the Hill house." Said Ton.
[No doubt they saw me with the girl, we were dancing in the tavern and screaming into the night.]
Fen looked concerned, either for Beaux or Lily, he wasn't sure.
"Did you bed the girl, cousin?" Fen's body was tense.
"No, it doesn't matter what anyone says from the village or the tavern," Beaux put on his best expression of pride, "I did not lay with Lily Allbright."
The matter was now settled between them. Since he'd be gone, it'd be up to the twins to deny the allegations.
The horses were packed, hooves beating at the floor and tails swishing the flies away. Sandaval took his seat in one swift motion, his siddlebag was packed to the brim. The air around them felt sticky, and Beaux took to his saddle as well. They traded a look of understanding, and trotted away.
At the gate of the village, the others stood with their packs on or at their feet. Kali leaned against a wall with her arms crossed. With the missing sleeve, he could see her muscles bulging in places most women didn't. She must have done her fair share of labor. In front of her were the two suspicious men who'd avoided eye contact on the stage. They were speaking fervently, gesturing recklessly around them and Kali, towards the open hills beyond. Kali nodded towards Beaux and Sandaval coming, and the three became silent and distant.
[Would Kali be foolish enough to run away with them? The mark on her skin would be too telling of a sign that she was deserting. If not, are they considering another devious plot?]
It was enough to keep Beaux's gaze fixed to the girl. When she met his eye, she bared her teeth and turned away.
The price for desertion was high. If found, a deserter would be dragged away for military court. Usually dolling out harsh physical punishment, and typically ending in death. Beaux had seen deserters in the past on trips to neighboring villages for deliveries. Their arms are nailed above their head, bodies outstretched on tall wooden posts. The ones who remained alive, begged for death.
If the three decided to try to escape, Beaux would not stop them. He'd wave as they disappeared from the coastline. The only thing that bothered him is the idea that the group could try and steal his own supplies, or worse, decide to slit his throat while he slept. Leaving witnesses would destroy their plan, and leave testimonies behind for court.
The horses came to a stop and Beaux turned to look at Lance, who seemed like a breeze would carry him away at any moment. The boy was a liability, and Beaux owed him nothing.
[I'll see if he has any use, if not then good riddance.] The others can slit his throat before mine. A good canary if nothing else.]
Sandaval was still high on his horse, looking down at the few people around him.
"I suppose now is when we take off." He said, clearing his throat with a cough. "To Theo."