#TheMoonsHindMostWound

9. Balanced on the Rim 縁にバランスを取って

#FanFiction #TheApothecaryDiaries
#wss366 #MastoPrompt

Basen’s company rode in a silence that was only broken by the hoot of an owl or the clatter of a rock kicked up by a horse. He called a halt just before the crest of a hill and signaled to two riders.

“Alert the guards and prepare to seize anyone who flees out the back. Signal with three short flashes when you’re ready.”

The riders #wheeled one to the right and one to the left and disappeared down paths. As they vanished, Basen signaled for the soldiers to dismount. They did so and began attending to their weapons and armor. Where possible, they made their weapons less lethal, such as by padding the tips of #lances or substituting blunt weapons for edged ones.

Mao’s bodyguard helped her dismount. Whatever resentment she might have remained hidden behind her professional manner. Mao returned the favor and didn’t accidentally kick her.

Once the weapons were secured, rations began appearing. Her guard produced rice cakes and dried fish. Mao eyed them hungrily. While they weren’t elegant fare, she’d eaten worse and, unlike the food at the inn, they were unlikely to make her ill. The question was whether her pride would let her ask for some.

“May I have...” she began asking, but stopped when the woman handed her a cake and some fish. The woman watched as Mao took a bite of the cake.

Seeming satisfied when Mao made no complaint, the woman said, “I’m Böktemür. It means steel, but I’m called Mù’er.”

The only part that stuck in Mao’s memory was “steel,” which was appropriate for a mercenary.

“I’m Maomao, but you can call me Mao. For the record, I’m an apothecary, not a lady.”

“Before, my tongue was rude. Forgive it, Apothecary Woman.”

“Accepted, Steel.”

They ate in silence and then sat waiting while the moon moved across the sky. When it #balanced on the rim of the far hills, Basen announced, “The signal. Advance silently until I signal, then ride like the wind. Capture, don’t kill.”

#MicroFiction #TootFic #Serial #NMFic #NMV366
#ApothecaryDiaries