AKC CGC

The Bishop and The Private came sprinting out of the training grounds, relief on the face of the latter, a proud smile lighting the former's visage. They raced past me at full speed, bounding on the trail near the woods.

The Lizard also exited, and seemed happy, but tired. I walked over to her, and asked, "I trust it went well?"

"It was amazing. The Private was the only student in her class to pass all the tests."

"Splendid!" I replied, "You led her well, then."

"That's the amazing thing, Genghis." She said, watching our compatriots celebrate near the trees. "When things seemed to be breaking apart, and I was getting nervous and frustrated, The Bishop suddenly took the lead, making course corrections as necessary. The Private took to his commands and executed... almost flawlessly!"

"The Bishop has been known to rise to the occasion when the chips are down, but I'd be willing to bet neither of them would have been successful if you hadn't provided your special recipe of hard work and communication." My comment made her astonishment turn to a full, and satisfied smile.

We continued to watch The Bishop and The Private gambol about, with a word of praise every now and then being tossed by The Lizard in their direction. It was good to see them happy, especially The Bishop, since so many days of recent past had been sorrowful for him.

"It's hard to comprehend that The Private will get promoted." I contemplated aloud.

"Comprehending won't be the problem. Putting up with The Bishop's pride in his protege' may be the issue, " she correctly noted.

Discrimination

"I would think that you would be the most outraged, Genghis, considering the history of your race." The Bishop noted as we stood outside the doorway, staring at the offending signage.

"I've learned to expect as much," I replied. "Besides, The Private seems to not mind staying here at the gate, as long as she can have a drop to quench her thirst."

"Perhaps we should point out that their own children pose more of a health risk than our good comrade at arms? Maybe that will lead them to reason."

"True, but I think it will be useless -- prejudice knows no reason."

The Restless Vigil

The Private was on watch, and I listened to Sarge's labored breathing. A strange sickness had made camp outside the old soldier's seemingly impregnable defenses, threatening a long siege.

"Sarge seems to be resting better now," I commented, eyes only half open, attempting to find myself a comfortable spot on the floor in the chill, dim common room.

"Hopefully The Lizard is resting too. She doesn't need to worry about one of her soldiers, or be turmoiled while performing her duties with the other leaders on the morrow." The Bishop was uncharacteristically calm and forgiving after being woken from our deep sleep.

I remembered The Lizard's worried sobs earlier in the night as she attempted in vain to minister to her old friend. Normally decisive, worry clouding her mind, she had asked us if we should take Sarge, in the dead of night, to The Triage. "They helped before, when wounds were great," she had reminded us.

The Bishop had looked thoughtful, assessed the situation, and noted to our compatriot: "Sarge is not in as dire circumstances as she was then, and all might be best served if we hold action till morning. Let Genghis and I watch over her till sun-up, so that you might rest for your day." And The Lizard had relunctantly agreed.

I gazed over at The Bishop as he drifted off to sleep, covered by a mismatch of blankets and cloth on the floor. He could be difficult, and bitter at times, but his actions this night were evidence of why I kept company with him.

I turned one last time and offered a salute to my fellow soldier, her breathing still rough, before laying down to ride out the vigil to daybreak.