The commander's tent spread like fallen autumn leaves over the hillside. Intimidating and vast, yet prone to fall over and get swept away at any moment. Death demanded swift action which the commander understood - a good sign.
"- and don't look him in the eyes." Mother concluded her tirade.
"Where am I supposed to look, then?" I asked, incredulous. "Mother, I will not stare at his feet like some bootlicker."
"I know, Anne, I know." She adjusted my uniform's collar. "But he is a serious man." She kept fretting with it until it was back in its previous spot. "He will expect serious things from you if you allow him."
I stood my ground. "Mother..."
Dusk was falling and mother's complexion started to match the sky's color. "We will not speak of this again, young lady." She grabbed my arm and started dragging me towards the tent's entrance. "If you continue with this foolishness, I will write your father. You know I will!"
"State your business." A guard stood before the tent flap.
"Is that any way to speak to two ladies?" The soldier stuttered at mother's admonishment. "Please, Anne." She started to undo the wrinkles she caused. "For me. For us. Stay safe. War is no place for heroes."
She gave me a smile then turned to the startled soldier. "This here is Anne Mari Roobstein." She let a breath pass. "The third - and she has just been enlisted by this army. She wishes to speak to Commander Galian."
The sentry seemed more bemused than annoyed as he let me through. I snuck a glance at mother as she started sobbing into her handkerchief. I felt bad. By this time tomorrow, if I have my way with the commander, father will have to start importing a lot more tissue paper.
Commander Galien looked like he had just escaped hell, and his staff did not fare any better. They were standing over numerous scattered maps of several battlefields.
None raised their head as I entered. I saluted. "Private Anne Roobstein, sir. I requested an audience."
Some of the staff groaned but the commander did not flinch. "Yes, child, I've already spoken to your father. You will not see any action."
"I am here to request you forget that conversation with my father, sir."
One of the soldiers pointed a half-finger at me. "Do as your bid! This isn't one of your cupcake parties, girl. We are fighting for our lives, this isn't -"
"Thank you, Lieutenant Carver." Galian had yet to move, the lieutenant returned to her papers. "Private Anne Roobstein. Do you understand the position your company is in?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you understand the position that your father has placed me in?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you understand we are losing this war?"
I fought back an ascending sob. Why do you think I'm disobeying my parents? I thought, trying to regain my composure. "More than you would think, sir. I do understand."
He looked at me then, eyes as hard as anvils. I stood my ground. My insides however, seemed to be made of jello.
"Lieutenant Carver. Set Private Anne to kitchen duty."
"B-but sir! I assure you I want to fight. I want-"
"You will be formally assigned to the kitchens." His eyes held his convictions in a grip. "But you will be running messages for me to the front line." He gestured for me to approach his table. "I cannot send you into the fire, but you may still yet burn.
"So tell me. Are you some petulant child throwing a tantrum? Or are you willing to die for your people?"
This time, my eyes watered. "I am ready, sir."
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