Celeste was apprehensive to meet with the highest of military commanders, to say the least. She had watched him interacting with Tosetti and hadn't thought much of him then. But being summoned personally to meet with him was different. Whatever he wanted from her, she was sure she wouldn't like it.
His personal tent was the size of her childhood home, possibly bigger. She waited in a canvas antechamber until the Field Marshal's secretary let her in. Field Marshal Duilio looked up to examine her as she slipped into his office. Prior to meeting him, Celeste had imagined him as a barrel-chested warrior, a man used to the battlefield itself. Instead, he was a nearly skeletal man. His slight frame and short stature led Celeste to assume he was some kind of assistant. But now, seeing his neatly laid out office, she came to realise the truth of it. He wasn't a soldier. He was a bureaucrat.
Duilio scratched his bushy whiskers, giving her a moment to present herself, before speaking. “You are Tosetti's little wizard then. Well done for being so prompt, I have an urgent matter that you must attend to.”
“Sir,” She responded, careful to be respectful. Tosetti allowed her informality with him, but other military leaders were unlikely to be so understanding. “I don't understand. What orders can be presented to me but not to General Tosetti?”
“Orders from the King, girl,” He said with a bark of a laugh. Despite his appearance, he had the voice of a commander. Loud, without concern for those who didn't want to listen. “We understand you have some speciality in this field. But, since these orders come from the very top, I should clarify something to you. You won't tell anyone of these orders, and you will carry them out. Otherwise, we will have you court-marshalled and shot. Do you understand?”
“Clear as the sky, sir.”
“Good. Can't be too careful with you peasants. Now then, you are to kill General Tosetti.” The Field Marshal looked impassive as he spoke the orders, and even as Celeste's face twisted in horror.
“You want your best general dead?”
“Are you questioning orders from your superior?” Duilio raised a thin eyebrow at her.
“I feel,” She said, keeping her voice level with difficulty. “That I should at least be given the rationale behind this decision.”
“Tosetti was a good judge of character. His reports did say,” Duilio flipped over a piece of paper and made a mime of lifting it up to read it carefully. “Incapable of being a good soldier. An invaluable asset.”
Those did sound like his words. It felt strange knowing that Tosetti had written about her to his own commanders. She was a known entity to these people, she realised, and didn't like that realisation.
They know how powerful you are then. With him out of the way, maybe you can gain some real power.
“But,” Continued Duilio. “I do respect the need for information. His infinite wisdom, King Octavius, feels that Tosetti has outlived his usefulness. With the war all but won, keeping him alive means keeping his ambitions going. If I am being honest with you, and again this doesn't leave this tent, the King should never have promoted Tosetti so highly in the first place. Then he might have stayed on a tight leash for another few decades even.”
“With respect, would he not be a suitable replacement for you?”
Duilio ran a hand along his silvery hair, narrowing his eyes at her. “You know more than you should. The King, and frankly everyone, is uncomfortable with a wizard rising to such a high position. Power spanning across generations of Kings, he would have time to build up a dangerous military power base. And it hardly seems fair on others who deserve to rise up. The Ofprovians had the right idea to simply deny wizard commissions.” He hummed thoughtfully at his own words.
Maybe you won't be able to get quite as much power as I expected.
Her spirit was being surprisingly sensible. They didn't trust Tosetti's ambitions because he was a wizard. Half of the military hierarchy were surely also seeking greater positions. Most of them would use their power for their own ends, and maybe get soldiers killed through their inadequacy. Celeste couldn't lie and say she fully trusted Tosetti's intentions either, but not because he was a wizard.
“So, you know I'm the only person capable of killing him.” She paused, working things out. “And you know I'm his closest ally. With me against him he won't have anything to fall back on.”
“We cannot risk him escaping. After his King has tried to have him killed, I don't expect he will be very happy. If he were to offer his skills to our enemies, this war might not be so clear cut.”
“You said this can happen because the war is won, but it isn't. The Itsopasarians aren't surrendering, and they're shockingly well-armed.”
“Minor issues. We have anything Tosetti can provide for us already.”
Celeste kept silent but she figured out what he meant. The strategy Tosetti had been drawing up. On request from the King. That wouldn't be enough to win the war, Tosetti had said so himself, the plans would need to be adjusted as the war changed. Did anyone else know how to make his strategy work?
“Tomorrow, he is planning to head out to survey some terrain, possibly make adjustments, so his report says. He intends to take you along as a personal guard and no one else. He has planned this perfectly for us. You will bring back his head as proof.”
“You think I would lie about killing him?” Celeste asked. The idea had, of course, crossed her mind.
“Wizards have been known to stick up for one another. And isn't there some philosophy, what was it? Ah, always keep another secret. He is the sort of man to have contingencies. He knows us too well not to have plans for when something like this happens. So yes, his head, as proof.”
If Tosetti had plans that would protect him from being assassinated, surely he would have ways to fake a decapitated head. Maybe Celeste was just overthinking the words.
She nodded. “Is that everything then?”
“Yes. Rest well, tomorrow is the most important mission we have ever given you.”
She, quite understandably, did not rest all that well. She was stuck turning the details over in her head, trying to work a way out of killing Tosetti. Or trying to rationalise killing him. It would be a lie to say she had a deep love for her commander. He had made it fairly clear that protecting human life wasn't his greatest focus. But she didn't get the impression any general cared that much. Maybe Pesaro had. He was long dead now, there was no point worrying if he could have handled any of this better.
If she refused her orders she would have to flee. She didn't doubt her own ability to survive, of course, but she couldn't leave Teo all alone in this war. They had lost too much together already. She had to survive for him, his life was worth more to her than Tosetti's could ever be. That thought alone made up her mind.
She lay awake through most of the night, it felt like. The sun had been risen for what felt like possibly hours when finally she left her tent again. Instead of lying down, she now sat thinking for a while longer. Finally, Tosetti appeared, looking as well put together as always. He wore an unadorned field uniform, with none of his usual medals to mark him out on this of all days. Not that he knew what this day was, what it was going to be.
“Come along, Captain Celeste, we're doing a little reconnaissance today,” He said, motioning for her to get up.
She nodded, more as a reflex than having registered what he was saying.
“Are you okay?” He asked.
Celeste looked up to see him properly now. He looked back at her with what she might have mistaken for genuine concern from someone else. She did her best to keep her face neutral and nodded. “I didn't sleep well. It was, noisy in the camp.”
“I didn't notice. A heavy sleeper, always have been. It has been to my advantage in war. Now,” He reached down and slapped her shoulder. “Get your equipment, I want to set off as soon as we can.”
She did as she was instructed and ten minutes later they were marching out of the camp, just the two of them. They headed southwest, towards the enemy lines. First down a valley through the thick woodlands, then across a river and back into foothills. All the way Tosetti would make casual comments on the terrain, noting how he would have to adjust his strategy. Despite being so aware of his environment, he seemed unaware of how distant Celeste was being.
Every moment more that they travelled, she considered if now was the time to do it. They had soon got quite far from camp, a perfect place to strike. But every time she placed her hands on her swords, she felt guilt well up in her and she couldn't do it. He would glance back at her occasionally, checking she was keeping up with him.
Finally, they reached a small cliff in the foothills. Tosetti crouched on the edge of the rocky outcropping, scanning the horizon. In the distance, the fires of the Itsopasarian camps burned. Celeste’s focus was on the General before her of course.
There likely wouldn't be a better chance, and she had to kill him before he decided to turn back. She was quiet in drawing her swords. If she gave him time to react, he could easily protect himself.
“I'm sorry,” She muttered before launching herself forwards, swinging for his neck.
“What did you-” Tosetti had heard her and cut himself off as he saw the two swords coming for him. He brought up his hand and grabbed one of the swords, letting the other pass harmlessly over his head. His hardened skin had stopped the first blade but she still brought the other back for a second attempt. He blocked this with equal ease. She was slower than she should have been.
She managed to jump back and pull her swords away with her. As she considered her next attack, Tosetti spoke.
“What is wrong with you Celeste?” He said, almost pleadingly.
Without a word, she jumped at him again. This time he countered her. He placed one hand on the ground then raised it up, creating a rock wall between them. It was a minor obstacle and Celeste leapt over it in a single graceful bound. With a few small vacuums she accelerated towards him, bringing her swords down on his head. They glanced off like they would a rock.
He lunged forwards, reaching to grab her by the neck but she propelled herself backwards before he could grab her. “Fine, keep trying to kill me, but I would at least like to know why you've turned on me. Am I putting down a rabid dog or a turncoat? Or is your hatred for me just finally boiling over?”
Celeste considered for a moment before replying. “I have been ordered to kill you.” She did her best to keep her voice neutral, disinterested almost.
“I am your commanding officer, who could have given you such an order?”
“A higher authority than you.”
“Oh, so the Wind is commanding you to kill now is it?” He said mockingly. His hair shifted in the breeze. She forgot how long it had gotten.
“Not that.”
“An...Itsopasarian?” He asked. Only now was fear entering his voice.
“My orders come from the King himself.” She tried not to meet his eyes.
Tosetti's pose almost seemed to relax, jumping from battle-ready into stunned limpness. “No. The King respects my abilities, he asked me to take a lead on strategy. He wouldn't just-”
“They were using you, don't you see?” Celeste said in exasperation. She looked up at his face and registered the disbelief in it. “The King asked you to draw up a strategy for him, yes. So, they wouldn't need you anymore.”
“I don't understand, I was loyal, I have won them battles, I have done everything for this nation.”
“You're a wizard,” She said simply. “They don't trust someone living as long as you with as much power as you are after. Maybe it's not official like in Ofprovo, but I believe they would rather wizards remained just weapons.”
“Run away with me,” Tosetti said, looking at her with manic eyes. “Together we will get revenge. Our strength combined...” He grew quiet as she shook her head. “No, I suppose you wouldn't be that easily swayed. I figured out where your loyalties truly lie long ago. There's nothing I can do to stop you, is there?”
“I've been thinking about this for longer than you. If there was a way I could spare you, I would take it.”
“It's nice you have some affection for me then.” He managed a slight smile.
She shrugged. “Affection is the wrong word. You are good at what you do. But you are just another man grabbing for power. I would rather the war run by competent monsters than idiotic ones.”
“That's almost funny. But no, you are right. We wouldn't work together well anyway. We're much like a wizard, you and I.”
“We are wizards, sir.” She let a little condescension slip into her tone.
“I mean, you are my spirit, granting me power. If we were to collapse into one, our goals would throw us into chaos. We would tear ourself apart.”
“You should have been a poet.”
“I should have been smarter.”
There was a moment of silence before Celeste spoke up again. “What were you fighting for, really? The King?”
“No. I made peace with the fact I would see him die and live to serve many more. It is the nation I fight for.”
“I hear that word used, I remember the King talking proudly of it in a speech once. But what is it, really?”
Tosetti paused. “It is...A reputation. It's the land and the glory it holds. It's...” He cut himself off again. “I'm giving you the wrong answer, aren't I?”
“I thought, maybe you would say something that would persuade me to let you live. But you are no different.”
“Fine. I'm not usually a fighter, but I'm not going to let you kill me that easily.” He said, raising his fists.
“What good do you think that will do?” She asked. “They did the calculations, and so did I. You have no way of beating me. Even with your hardening, I can outlast you. You'll be consumed before me, and would you really want that?”
Tosetti let out a final resigned sigh and lowered his fists. “You are right. You've always been annoyingly clever. There's no chance you could just let me go and tell them you killed me?”
“They thought of that. They want me to bring in your head.”
He winced at that but nodded. “That is what I would have done. Fine.” He stood up straight, to attention. “Captain, this is my last order to you. Win this war for us.”
“I will do my best,” She said, unable to muster up the conviction he could. She wasn't the one staring death in the face. “And I will make it quick.”
“If there is a heaven above, I will be sure to save you a space.” He spoke with a smile on his face. His eyes, though, gave away his fear.
“If there is a heaven above, neither of us will be getting in.” And with her last words to him, she ignited her fire and sliced his head off.
Sweat was dripping down Celeste's forehead as she made the long walk back to camp. Usually, her magically enhanced body regulated itself better than this. She couldn't pin down the reason she was struggling with the heat so much now.
It's probably the guilt.
“What is?” She asked, confused. Had her spirit gained the ability to read her thoughts?
Why you feel so uncomfortable. It's the guilt. Spreading out, infecting all of your feelings.
“What would you know?”
I might not be, how to say it, empathetic, but I do understand emotions. Better than you. I am nothing but emotions.
“Fine. Then tell me how I should be feeling?” She said in exasperation.
Pleased with yourself. After all, you have achieved your orders without any mistake.
“You don't understand human emotions. I'm made of meat but I don't get how my body works.”
It tried to push her further on the matter, but that was all she would say to it.
When she finally made it back to camp, she headed straight for the Field Marshal's tent. She hopped over the tent tops and brushed through the command tent's antechamber, ignoring the secretary's complaints. Inside, Duilio had been laughing with a few other commanders. He didn't bother breaking it off as she entered. After he had taken his time to recover his breath, he looked her over.
“Well, you took long enough,” He said with a wry smile.
She swung the sack off her back and placed it heavily on the table before lowering it to expose Tosetti's head. “It's done,” She said simply.
There was a gasp of shock and recoil from the assembled officers. Celeste turned as if to go but Duilio raised a hand to stop her.
“You're not free yet. Wizard.” He motioned as he spoke.
For a moment she assumed he was still speaking to her. Then she noticed the wizard he meant among the officers. His skin was a stone-like grey, which was enough to mark him out as a wizard alone. However, his bones were also visible. He wasn't emaciated in the way Duilio was, nor were his bones sticking through the skin. Rather his skin looked translucent but only for the bones. They appeared fully three dimensional even as their image was pressed flat on his skin. It was hard to explain to her own mind. It left Celeste feeling sick.
Now your scars don't look so bad.
He stepped forward and rested his hands on the severed head. He breathed heavily while Duilio watched Celeste intently. The wizard's eyes shot open after a moment and he nodded.
“This is the head of Quintino Tosetti, First General of the Laocienan army. Deceased.”
There was another gasp of shock from some of the officers, but Duilio only laughed. He stood up, moving over to a drinks table at the side of his office and began pouring.
“Fine work, Captain. We had complete faith in you, of course.” He barked a laugh at that. “Now we can celebrate that our greatest threat is dealt with.” He extended a glass of brown liquid towards her. She shook her head. He shrugged but started to drink himself. “That will be all we need from you right now.”
“Where will I get orders from now?” She asked quietly.
“I will reshuffle the upper command, as soon as a general takes his place, you will be issued orders via him,” Duilio spoke dismissively as he handed drinks to the other officers.
“And the man...Men serving under me?” She had to catch herself. There was a whole unit of men sent to follow her, not just Teo.
“They will go with you, naturally.”
“Thank you.” She nodded and turned to go again.
“Take the head with you.”
Celeste turned back slowly, in shock at the words. She looked at the back of Tosetti's head for a moment. The hair was shorter than it had been. Cut off, left in singed ends by her. “Sir?”
“Well, I don't want it.” He snorted.
“Anything you want done with it?”
“Eat it for all I care, whatever you highlanders do with dead bodies. I've heard about strange rituals or...” He murmured something more before waving his hand. “Whatever, just don't let anyone in camp see it. Officially, he was killed in the line of duty. One last piece of dignity. More than he deserves.”
She bit her tongue but did as she was told, grabbing hold of the sack once more and carrying Tosetti's head out of the tent again.
Celeste found Teo without much difficulty. His bulky frame stood out among the other men as he helped to load supplies for the continued march west. She stood between two large tents and managed to catch his eye. He looked confused as she motioned him over.
“Where have you been, Captain?” He asked, a little too loud for Celeste's liking.
She placed a finger to her lips before speaking. “On a secret mission. You can read, right?” She whispered.
“Of course I can read.”
“Good. Then go steal some lamp fuel and meet me at the edge of camp.”
“Can't you get some yourself? You're a Captain. And what's in your bag?” As he asked, he reach forward as if to feel what was inside it.
She swung it up and over her shoulder, feeling the head press into her back, to keep it out of his reach. “I've got to go steal writing equipment which will be harder. Get to it,” She said, leaping away before he could ask any more questions.
Twenty minutes later and they set off into the woodlands and back to where Tosetti's body lay. She carried the heavy can of fuel and pointed out good pieces of firewood for Teo to pick up as they went. Other than that, they didn't speak much until they were ascending the final hill.
“Why,” She asked between heavy breaths. “Did you do as I asked?”
“You're...my officer?” He panted back.
“I told you to steal army supplies.”
“And if you order it then...well I trust you.” He looked to her with a small smile.
She had to turn away, keep her eyes on the rough path ahead of them. “What have I done to earn that trust?”
“Remember back in Commodal?” He said with a small laugh.
“It feels like centuries ago.”
“Where there was disaster, chaos, you ran right into it. You saved us from that creature. You saved everyone from it.”
“I nearly got you four killed right then.”
“But you didn't.”
“And since then, have I saved any of your lives?” She asked, blinking back tears.
Teo was silent for a long moment. “You've saved our lives more times than I can count. Maybe you can't save us forever, but I suppose that is just a risk of war.”
Celeste really wished her hands weren't so full and she could wipe her eyes. Instead, she just kept walking.
They crested the hill and reached the place Celeste and Tosetti had fought. Teo looked at the chaotically shaped rocks with confusion.
“So, what are-”
He was cut off when Celeste dropped the fuel can and held up the sack. “You aren't allowed to tell anyone what's in here, or what really happened.”
“What really-”
“That is an order, do you understand?” He nodded and she opened the sack. “Take a last look,” She said to fill the dead air left by his shock.
“You killed the general?”
“Don't worry, we're not mutineers. We've been too close to that already.” She put the head down and reached into her jacket to get the paper out. “Have a read of that. I'm going to get a pyre set up.”
Teo took a few seconds to scan the paper. “Is this a prayer?” He asked.
“No. It's a funeral song.”
It was a bit of a scramble for Teo to get over the terrain Tosetti had created as his final defence. But with a hand up from Celeste, he made it safely to the resting place of his body. It was strange to see it lying there, decaying. Only hours before he had still been full of hope and potential. Now it was gone. But soon it would return to the world.
With the pyre built, Celeste rested the corpse, both body and head, on it. She double-checked the pockets of his jacket for any personal effects. Tosetti was a predictable man. He had not lockets with pictures of loved ones, not letters from people he would never see again. No small trace of who he was outside of his job.
Celeste doused him in fuel and prepared to light his pyre.
“Isn't this a highlander tradition?” Teo asked, just before she could throw her arms back. “I mean, I know he was growing his hair out, but I didn't think the General was a Wind Worshiper.”
“He wasn't really,” Celeste said, reaching down to rest a hand on the side of the dead man's face. “But this isn't really for him. It's for the rest of them.” She prepared to ignite again when she realised Teo might be stood a little close. She had put a lot of fuel on the body.
She had Teo scramble back up onto the rocks and lit the pyre. It burst out into a brilliant plume of heat and light. The damp wood crackled unhappily but managed to burn. In a single bound, Celeste joined Teo. They sat above the fire as it burned on, the heat blown away from them by the wind.
“Are you ready?” She asked, placing her hand on his.
He glanced at the paper she'd given him. “I don't know the tune.”
“Don't worry, I barely remember it. Just...sing it with heart.”
And so, they did, together, their voices rising with the wind. She wondered if Tosetti would continue to try and guide Celeste now he was part of the wind. Maybe he couldn't. Maybe belief mattered, he would be going to his heaven if he believed in it.
Together they wept. Not for Tosetti. For Uberto. For Felipe, for Julius. For all the men they had seen ripped apart by the war all around them. For the people they had been before this began. And Celeste wept too, for the friendships that were gone. She knew Melanie again, they spoke again like friends. But not the friends they had been. Those young women had died on that mountainside. Celeste wasn't sure what she thought of the two who had taken their places.