This day Lord Veryacano informed me that Daegond is now Sergeant of his Order. Lord Veryacano never had the slightest difficulty filling up a vacancy. I am certain that the Hammer’s training would continue under the brand-new Sergeant, and that the troops would be brought up in the manner with which Lord Veryacano is accustomed: that is to say, very harshly.
I did not ask what that made Estarfin, formerly sergeant, but from what I know, having had from his earliest days a very strong inclination for a soldier’s life, this news will not sit well with him. Instead, I politely asked the Hammer Lord if the guard stationed outside his door was still necessary. To which he replied I should ask Sergeant Daegond.
It may be stated here that Former Sergeant Estarfin was always present during training engagements, being a Drill Instructor, and never once was he absent from one day’s duty during the time he was Sergeant, notwithstanding the recent difficulties and hardships with which a soldier must so often contend. Out in the field, he was without decent soles in his boots most of the past winter, because the Men were unfriendly and would not trade with us, and I was obliged to tie the soles of his boots with a bit of cording and paper to keep the water out. But he never complained once about soggy feet, though he did frown a lot. That is his usual way.
Often I reflect on the grim coolness of his spirit, and I can recount a number of narrow escapes as we traveled together, passing through the Enemy’s territory; and, after one particularly narrow escape from the Olog-Hai he said, quite uncaring, “I am fine,” when I pointed out the blood pouring down his face. Estarfin is one of the strongest, and best officers that ever went to battle, being both brave, and cool, and very disciplined, to not permit any delicacy of feeling to stay his sword-arm. A real soldier’s friend, Estarfin! I am certain everyone is deeply affected by his absence from the Hammer’s ranks, in consequence of his illness, and having to withdraw himself from his many great friends, myself not the least. Of course, I did not say any of this to Lord Veryacano, because I am only the Lord Ambassador, and not a soldier (although I did try very hard to become one) and, at this point, words are useless. I have used up all my powers of persuasion and have nothing left to offer.
When I visit Former Sergeant Estarfin today, I will thank him for his service, and hope that he was not going to leave us altogether, and I would always be glad to assist him in any way that I could, and find a new position for him, if he would only ask. I think we should give him a silver medal with a little inscription on it, a small token of respect and esteem - I have heard that this is what is usually done when a soldier retires, but it is not my place to do so, and I do not think some others would agree with me. However, no one would object to a present of words sincerely given, even if it is not an article of very great value.
No doubt Sergeant Daegond will take very freely of the fruit from this low-hanging branch, and climb up the tree, and throw it at certain folk.
