Curiosity gets the better of me. “And that is?”
“What’s your name?”
My name. The others don’t mind using their own, but for me, there is no such thing. My name holds no importance. Only rank and designation truly matter. What my mother called me is of no consequence to anyone, least of all me. It is a burden more than anything, a stinging reminder of her voice and the life we lived in early days. When the Colonel was called Papa, and the Scarlet Guard was the pipe dream of hunters and farmers and empty soldiers. My name is my mother, my sister Madeline, and their graves dug in the frozen ground of a village no one lives in anymore.
Shade looks on, expectant. I realize he’s holding my hand, not minding the blood coagulating beneath my fingers.
“My name is Diana.”
For once, his smile is real. No jokes, no mask.
“Are you with us, Shade Barrow?”
“I’m with you, Diana.”
“Then we will rise.”
His voice joins mine.
“Red as the dawn.”
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE HAS BEEN DECODED
CONFIDENTIAL, SENIOR CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Day 34 of Operation RED WEB, Stage 1.
Operative: Captain REDACTED.
Designation: LAMB.
Origin: On the move.
Destination: RAM at REDACTED, COMMAND at REDACTED.
-Leaving CORVIUM, heading to DELPHIE. Stopping at WHISTLE points along route.
-Plan to be in Stage 2 within a week.
-Advise CORVIUM operation that CORVIUM officials believe there are “bandits and deserters” in the woods.
-Enclosed is detailed information about Air Fleet grounded in DELPHIE, procured by newly oathed operative Aide B (designation: SHADOW) still in CORVIUM.
-Suggest Corp E be oathed as well.
-I am and will remain SHADOW’s SG contact.
-SHADOW will be removed from CORVIUM at my discretion.
-CORVIUM overview: Killed in action: G. TYE, W. TARRY, R. SHORE, C. ELSON, H. “Big” COOPER (5).
Missing in action: T. BOREEVE, R. BINLI (2).
Silver casualty count: Zero (0).
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE HAS BEEN DECODED
CONFIDENTIAL, SENIOR CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Operative: General REDACTED.
Designation: DRUMMER.
Origin: COMMAND at REDACTED.
Destination: RAM at REDACTED.
-Air intel good. DELPHIE Operation in motion.
-Train transit online between ARCHEON and City #1.
-Begin 3 week countdown for Operation DAYBREAK.
RISE, RED AS THE DAWN.
—Your girl has balls. —DRUMMER—
—The girl gets our people killed. —RAM—
—Worth it for her results. But her attitude leaves something to be desired. —DRUMMER—
THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE HAS BEEN DECODED
CONFIDENTIAL, SENIOR CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Day 54 of Operation RED WEB, Stage 2.
Operative: Captain REDACTED.
Designation: LAMB.
Origin: Albanus, NRT.
Destination: RAM at REDACTED.
-CAPITAL VALLEY WHISTLES coming online. In ALBANUS to open removal with oathed WHISTLE operative WILL.
-30 assets removed in 2 weeks.
-SHADOW still operating out of CORVIUM. Intel: legions are being rotated off the trench lines, leaves gaps.
RISE, RED AS THE DAWN
I hate this stinking wagon.
The fencer, old Will, burns a candle, as if it can do anything for the smell. It only makes it hotter in here, more stifling if that’s even possible. Besides the stench, though, I feel at ease.
The Stilts is a sleepy village, without much cause for concern. In fact, this happens to be Shade’s own birthplace. Not that he talks about home much, other than his sister. I know he writes to them, though. I “mailed” his latest letter myself, leaving it at the post only this morning. Faster than relying on the army to get a letter through, he said, and he was right. Only two or so weeks since he wrote it, rather than the usual month it takes for any kind of Red mail to get anywhere.
“So does this have anything to do with the new cargo you’ve been having my compatriots ferry downriver and overland? To Harbor Bay, yes?” Will glares at me, eyes so bright for someone his age. But his beard looks thinner than it did last month, as is his body. Still, he pours himself a cup of tea with the still hands of a surgeon.
I politely decline the offer of hot tea in an even hotter wagon. How is he wearing long sleeves? “What have you heard?”
“This and that.”
Wily to the end, these Whistles. “It’s true. We’re beginning to move people, and the Whistle network has been integral to that operation. I’m hoping you’ll agree to join the same.”
“Now why would I be stupid enough to do that?”
“Well, you were stupid enough to oath yourself to the Scarlet Guard. But if you need more convincing. . .” With a grin, I pull five silver tetrarchs from my pocket. They barely touch the small table before he snaps them up. They disappear between his fingers. “More for every item.”
Still, he does not agree. Putting on a show like the other Whistles did before I eventually won their agreements.
“You would be the first to refuse,” I tell him with a slick smile. “And our partnership would cease.”
He waves a hand, dismissive. “I do fine without your sort, anyways.”
“Is that so?” My smile widens. Will is no good at bluffing. “Very well then, I’ll go and never darken your. . . wagon again.”
Before I can even get up, he stands to stop me. “Who are you planning to move?”
Got you.
“Assets. People who will be valuable to our cause.”
As I watch, his bright eyes darken. A trick of the light.
“And who makes that decision?”
Despite the heat, a finger of cold runs down my spine. Here comes the usual sticking point. “There are operations all over the country seeking out such people, myself included. We assess, propose our candidates, and wait for approval.”
“I assume the old, the sick, and the children set to conscript do not make any of your proposals. No use saving the ones who truly need it.”
“If they have valuable skills—”
“Pah!” Will spits, his cheeks going red. He gulps at his tea with angry gasps, draining the cup. The liquid seems to calm him though. When he sets down the empty cup, he rests his chin on his hand thoughtfully. “I suppose that’s the best we can hope for.”
Another channel opened. “For now.”
“Very well.”
“Oh, and this most likely won’t be a problem here, but I’d stay away from any Silvers you see tomorrow. They won’t be happy.”
Tomorrow. The thought of it singes my blood. I don’t know what the Colonel and Command have planned, only that it includes my broadcast, and something worth waving our flag for.
“Do I want to know?” Will wonders with a pointed smirk. “Do you even know?”
I have to laugh openly. “Do you have anything stronger than tea?”
He doesn’t get a chance to answer, as someone starts pounding on the wagon door. He jumps, nearly smashing the cup. I catch it deftly, but my eyes are on him. An old tremor of fear shivers through me and we sit still, waiting. Then I remember. Officers do not knock.
“Will Whistle!” a girl’s voice says. Will all but collapses in relief, and the cord of tension in me releases as well. With one hand, he gestures for me to get behind the curtain dividing his wagon.