The Angaran Chronicles: The General and the Poet by Ben Agar (top 10 non fiction books of all time TXT) 📕

'B-but, sir, that's impossible,' said Kalvik. 'Everyone has to start at the bottom; there are no exceptions even for the children of officers.'

'I am making her an exception, sergeant,' said the general. 'She has more than proven herself.'

'How?' said Raleas, her voice barely a whisper, but her father somehow heard her.

'How? I thought it was rather obvious, young lady. First, you managed to get the strength to make your way here, overcame your depression. That shows exceptional willpower. Second, you managed to convince Kalvik and Dulgress onto your side somehow, that shows you have great skill in persuasion. Third, you managed to hold your ground against me and read me. That shows admirable courage and skill at reading others and remarkable self-control.'

He shrugged. 'Of course, I was faking it, but you still read what I was faking. Maybe one day you'll even see through that. You have proven you can be more than just a sniper, Raleas that you will make a fine officer, too. I'm not surprised; you are my daughter, after all.'

Raleas couldn't say anything; she could only gape in utter shock.

'Now, on your feet, my daughter,' he said. 'You have more than earned your place here, in this funeral.'

Without meaning to and almost like she was puppet pulled by strings, Raleas stood and sat at the front pew, her vision bordered in that same haze of hours ago. She had no idea what to think, what to feel.

Then someone started to clap, they were followed by another, then another and another until the entire funeral filled with applause. The only ones not clapping were Raleas, the general and Kalvik.

It lasted for almost half a minute before dying away.

'Begin again, Felemhue,' said the general.

The priest cleared his throat and did as told, as though nothing had occurred.

It was then Raleas realised what she was feeling. Then her hands on her thighs curled into fists, fists so tight it caused pain to pulse into her bones and up her arms.

'That was a nice funeral,' he said as they sat down for dinner. For a long time, the only sound was their knives and forks making squeaking sounds on their respective plates.

'Yes,' said Raleas.

He frowned, his usual grimness had disappeared, replaced by horrid happiness. 'You have barely said a word since the funeral, my daughter.'

Raleas didn't reply; she just continued to cut into her steak.

'You should be happy,' he said. 'You no longer have to work from the bottom and most of all, you have made me proud.'

Raleas put down her knife and fork. 'Mum is dead.'

'Hmm?' he said. 'Yes, I am aware of that.'

'How could you use her death like that?' said Raleas.

He clenched his jaw. 'Watch how you speak. I have given you an opportunity, the honour to be the first-ever recruit to be an adjutant in the history of this great nation. I can take it away in a second. It's less than a month until you are recruitment age you-'

'I don't want your damned opportunity,' said Raleas, as she stood from her seat. 'I would rather die.'

'I can arrange that if you want,' he said. 'With my bare hands.'

'I would like to thank you, father.'

Her words seemed to take him off guard, but only for a split second. 'Thank me for what?'

'I'd like to thank you for confirming everything mother said. It should've been her I looked up to, not you.'

For the first time, he gaped, seeming lost for words and Raleas turned and started away.

'W-where are you going?' he said.

'I'm calling Granda and Nani,' said Raleas, without looking back. 'I'm going to stay with them in Halandith until my birthday. I would've asked to stay with them at the funeral, but couldn't because, you know. You had forbade them from coming.'

She heard him smash his hands on the table.

'You ungrateful little bitch! I-'

Raleas stopped and looked over her shoulder, interrupting him. 'I never want to see you again, general. Goodbye.'

She turned and walked again, and tears started to roll down her face.

I'm sorry, mother. I can finally see it now. I'm sorry...I'm sorry, that it took me this long. You stayed for me and that...that ultimately led to your death.

Publication Date: 07-22-2020

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Dedication:
Since she was young, Raleas looked up to her father and in contempt of her mother and dreamed and obsessively practised to become a sniper. But then her mother died, and now Raleas is beginning to reevaluate everything she stands for.