Kilborn makes an Order

[Tyralor]

More and more often, the Lieutenant could be found at the gates. Waiting and watching the traffic that passed through the portal into Myrken Wood. Arms folded, the frown that was starting to become a permanent fixture, he waited. It had been a few days. It should be arriving soon. Would it be soon enough?

***

"No, chickens absolutely will not do." The Lieutenant informed Learn as he peered over the Sergeant's shoulder. "We're not looking for birds and animals that will increase the amount of crop we need, but ones that will eat bugs and insects."

"Sir," the sergeant grumbled carefully. They'd been at this for some time, but were finally boiling down to the last few specifications. "You told me that they were sort of largish birds, white with a yellow beak. A cock or two. That is a rooster, which is a chicken."

"I know, I know. She pronounced it differently though. Not a cock or two, but a cock-a-too." It had been a long session with the ranger, but informative as well. Most conversations with Sawyer tended to be difficult, as she seemed unnaturally shy. Kilborn reasoned that was why she was a ranger of course. Hopefully, her assistance in this particular situation would prove invaluable. Of course, Kilborn did not have the first clue what a cockatoo was, but it seemed like Sawyer was interested in it.

"Just write down cockatoo. Hopefully our supplier in Ruann will be able to figure out what that is. Then finish off with a request for cedar bark and holly." Whatever the Governor had been rambling on about eluded the Lieutenant. With the rain, any cedar or holly was likely to sink into the mud. If it got dry again, it was likely to be covered in dirt and dust. Still, no harm in asking.

***

Patience was one of the Lieutenant's virtues, though on this occassion, he simply didn't possess enough of it. With any fortune, the magiocracy would have enough resources to procure the request in a timely enough fashion, though how quickly they could get back through the mountain pass with the selection of birds, reptiles, and animals designed to nourish themselves on insects was the big question. Timing was going to be key here. If the animals arrived too early, then the Order would have to feed them until the plague of insects manifested. If the shipment arrived too late....then it would serve little purpose indeed.

So ultimately, the Lieutenant fretted.