Chapter 316: New Thoughts
"I want to see Korra..." I said softly, gazing up at the young, stern Lieutenant Joel. "Is he really not back yet?"
Joel gave me a tight-lipped smile. "I’m afraid Captain Jackal hasn’t returned. The demons have been exceptionally active for the past few days, keeping most of our company tied up."
"Then why are you here? Won’t they need every soldier they can get?" It was an unfair question, but, feeling a little frustrated, I couldn’t help asking.
The lieutenant’s face twitched, but he quickly smoothed over his irritation. "Our position is of equal import. Bluerock Gap is the safest and most direct route through the center of the canyon. Even the demons wouldn’t risk straying to the fringes."
I sighed and folded my arms under my breasts, tail flicking back and forth. "Please Joel, please tell me where Korra is. It doesn’t matter if someone recognizes me or I get into trouble, I have to make sure she’s alright."
"Look, Xiviyah, there’s nothing to be done about. Captain’s orders." His response was sharp and stiff, a crack in the apathetic mask he’d been wearing. I didn’t miss the skip of an honor of title like the others used, either.
Joel turned crisply on his heel and stalked away, disappearing behind a row of tents. A few soldiers glanced our way, curiosity in their eyes. I ignored them and let out a long, exasperated sigh, my hand snaking through the air to find Fable’s head.
"Oh, Korra. Just hold on a bit. I’ll come when I can."
A low whine sounded in my wolf’s throat, and he rubbed against my side. Even in his condensed form, Fable was a massive, ten-foot-long wolf whose head came nearly to my shoulders. A small nudge from him, no matter how affectionate, nearly threw me off-balance entirely.
"Fable!" I protested, turning to glare at him.
He looked at me innocently, golden eyes wide and starry. There was a low chuckle behind me, and I whirled red-faced to find a few soldiers watching, smiling broadly. It was the same squad from the night before who had shared their fire with me.