Callie's Heroes

PART VI: ALL EYES NORTH

There was general murmuring and then Pama’s attention chime sounded and everyone refocused their attention to the front. “As we come towards the end of our meal, it is time for dessert. But first, everyone stand and return to where you started the evening; back with old friends. Please ensure all items are returned to your plates and take your drinks with you."

With a shuffle of bodies, people returned to the seats of the first course. Callie and her immediate group bid farewell to Koda and shuffled through the crowd towards Tazrok, who had stood to stretch his legs, but had never left his end-of-the-table spot. The flash of Culinar power cleared the tables and slowly everyone retook their old seats.

“Our dessert this evening,” Pama cooed, “Is a wine-infused berry tart with a dusting of powdered sugar. This is a special recipe that I learned long ago from my own great-great-grandmother, and to this day is one of my favorites.” Pama patted her belly before adding, “As I’m sure many of you can tell. Cups in your hands everyone, and here we go.”

With a bit of Gnomish abracadabra, Pama’s Culinar delectables flashed out for all, revealing a small crusted pastry covered in berries swimming in a thick syrup. A thin layer of powdered sugar covered both the dessert, as well as the rest of the plate. Callie nibbled on the dessert and it was every bit as delicious as everyone had come to expect, especially when a bite was dredged through the powder first.

“Tazrok, we saw you talking to your two baby Beastkins. You seemed to be having fun,” Callie said.

“Yes. Good people. Be better when not baby,” the Ogre said, cutting a piece of his tart.

“Congratulations on your medals,” Xin said to Pixyl and Vanis. “You must be very happy to win them.”

Pixyl shook her head. “N-N-Not happy, just honored.”

“I must agree,” Vanis added. “I do not seek medals or accolades. I am only here to do the very best I am able. And military medals are not won, Xin; they are awarded. There is no contest to win, and I am simply honored should I receive one.”

Xin frowned, trying to digest the responses. She started to reply, but closed her mouth again, retreating into more thought.

“It is good you get medals,” Tazrok said. “Deserve. Set example for all.”

“Yes, we were told as much several times while we were seated with the command staff,” Vanis said lightly, gesturing to the table at the front. “We shall both do our best to be the inspiration they seek from us.”

“Mmmm-hmm,” Pixyl added, her mouth full of berry tart.

As Callie finished the last of her dessert, belly full of food and body warm with wine, the chime sounded again. Pama once again stood at the front. “Please prepare your plates and hold your glasses,” she said. Clinks were heard as utensils were placed, and with a flash the plates disappeared, once again clearing the tables.

As everyone chattered, four Goblins, each pushing a cart, walked along each row of chairs. They were collecting everyone’s glasses and mugs, whether they were empty or not. Seeing what was coming, Callie quickly drank down the last of the wine in her own glass.

As the Goblin came by them, Vanis warned Xin and Callie, “When the toast drink comes out, don’t touch it, I’ll assist both of you when it’s time.”

Before Callie could get clarification, the chime rang again. Eyes turned front and this time the Legate stood at the podium. He cleared his throat and everyone quieted. “Good evening. We all met briefly yesterday, my name is Colonel Galin Molanar, and I am Legate of this training camp. Tonight, it is my honor to call our toasts as our meal concludes. Please make space if needed, so Pama may serve. For those unfamiliar with this tradition, I will guide you."

With a final flourish of magic, Pama waved her hands. As the light descended, in front of Callie were three small glasses sitting on a small plate, each containing a cloudy, gray liquid. They resembled shot glasses, but this time with the business end on long stems.

“All rise,” the Legate instructed.

Callie looked briefly at Vanis, just to be sure she was following instructions correctly, and he gave her a brief nod. It was very quiet, and there were solemn looks on everyone’s faces.

“All take one glass,” the Legate instructed. “Tall people hand one to the short if you would.”

Vanis reached over, handing a glass to Pixyl and Callie with a quiet, “Don’t drink it yet,” directed to the Gnome in a whisper. Across the table, Lena whispered the same warning to Xin.

All eyes fixated on Legate Galin, who now had a glass of the cloudy liquid in his own hands. In a calm, clear, commanding voice, Galin called out “ALL EYES NORTH!” as he turned to his right. There was no Command Aura; there was no need. As one, everyone turned, including those at the command table, to face the same direction as Galin, seeming to stomp their feet down in unison.

The Legate held his glass before him and began his toast, his voice calling clear and slow. “Let us raise our glasses in memory of the fallen soldiers, who gave their lives in service to our land. Tonight we honor their sacrifice and remember their courage and their selflessness. May their memory be a blessing and inspiration to us all. To the fallen.”

“To the fallen,” almost everyone chanted back as one, with Callie adding her own whispered response once she knew what had been said. Up the hill on the training grounds, a distant, mournful, slow horn sounded. It wasn’t Taps, which Callie remembered from the military honors at her Grandfather’s funeral, but it was this world’s equivalent. As the notes played, everyone continued to hold their glasses high.

When the final sad note had played, Galin once more called out “To the fallen!” which was solemnly echoed. Together, everyone tilted their drinks back. Callie copied everyone and if she didn’t know better, what she had just drank was a real close approximation to the Irish Cream liquor, Baileys. It was smooth, with a sweet, vaguely chocolate-like taste, and it warmed her tummy as it went down easy. There was alcohol in it, but it was a very small amount, most of the drink seeming to be cream and other rich flavors.

Quietly, everyone returned their empty glasses to the table, picking up another. Vanis assisted both Callie and Pixyl with the swap and everyone again faced Galin, holding their drinks.

“Tonight we honor all who serve. We honor those who serve on the lines as defenders of the land. We honor those who serve the watch as our protectors. We honor those of the civil service who serve the people in all ways. For your unwavering commitment, strength and dedication, may the blessings of the North keep you safe and strong, giving you the fortitude and courage to face whatever challenges may come your way. May you always know how deeply appreciated and valued you are, not just tonight, but on every night. To those who serve.”

“To those who serve,” came the response as the second toast was completed. Callie drank with the rest, honoring those around her, and those she had never met; might never meet. Again, everyone swapped glasses, this time for the last one.

“Finally, we honor our host and all her staff,” Galin said, raising his last glass. Quietly, Pama had taken position at the front, surrounded by her Goblins and a few other races. “We raise a glass to our talented Culinar and her amazing staff, who brought us tonight’s feast. We are so grateful for the care you have put into each and every dish. Thank you for making this meal an unforgettable experience, starting this term off with perfection, and cheers to your incredible talent and passion! To our host!”

Everyone echoed “To our host!” as Pama and her people folded their hands and bowed slightly in thanks for the accolades. Everyone drank, and then burst into a round of applause. The honorees had to bow a few more times before the cheers finally faded.

“As our meal concludes,” Galin said, “I wish to welcome you all one more time. Train hard and train safe. Thank you all for your service. We shall reconvene here in one hour to celebrate the start of term. You are all dismissed.”

One last round of applause started to ring out as Legate Galin left the podium. On cue, the meal seemed to come to an abrupt end, and slowly the recruits meandered up the hill to their houses or the garden to pass the time until the next event.