Free The Black Sword Trilogy: The Poacher by Jeffery VanMeter

answer.  But then, looking at the expression in Terri’s eyes, the truth suddenly occurred to him.  He then nearly choked on his ale as he started to laugh.
    “I think hill boy has figured it out.” Terri said smiling.
    “Figured out what?” Another soldier asked.
    Kenner wiped his mouth looked at Terri who winked at him.
    “You’re a woman, aren’t you?”
    “Right on the first try.” She answered.
    Several of the new soldier reacted with shock while most of the older ones laughed along with Kenner.
     
                  “That’s not funny!” The tall soldier interrupted.
    “Why not?” Another one asked.
    “It’s unnatural.   It’s an abomination!”
    “Really?” asked Terri.  “What’s nature’s way?  Babies born with no arms or legs or blind?  Women dying at childbirth?”
    “If that’s the will of the Great Lady, yes.”
    “The will of the Great Lady?  What if I told you that the Great Lady has a masculine side?”
    “That’s blasphemy!” The soldier said when he bolted upright.
    “That’s enough!” Sergeant Holly said from one of the doors.  “Sit your ass down!” He shouted at the tall soldier.  “I don’t care what you believe or which spirit you pray to.  But you will not disrespect that soldier.”
    “But she shouldn’t be a soldier.” He spat back.  “Even if it were legal for women to be in the Army, they should be wives and mothers…”
    “She is here!” Holly shouted.  “And I’ll take one of her over a hundred of you.”
     
                  Captain Krall rode so hard towards the city; his escorts could barely keep up with him.  In less than half the time it would have normally taken to ride the distance, he and his company found themselves crossing the bridge and into the city gates.
    “Who goes there at this hour?” Asked a man in uniform.  It was similar to a soldier’s uniform; except that it had no emblem on the breast plate and a red sash across the chest.
    “I’m Captain Krall, commander of the fort.  I must see your Mayor and your Chief of Police immediately.”
    “That may not be possible, sir.” Answered the policeman.  “I’m afraid the Mayor has retired for the evening.”
    “Then wake him up!  This is an emergency!”
     
                  Several stable attendants took charge of the horses, and then Captain Krall and his escorts began moving quickly through the city towards the City Hall; which they could discern from it being the largest building in the city.  Once inside, they found the courtroom and waited.  Half an hour later, a short man with brown, curly hair and wearing a house robe entered the same courtroom.
     
     
    “I suppose you’ve got a very good reason for getting me out of bed at this hour.” The Mayor said angrily.
    “Why have you refused to evacuate this city?” Captain Krall growled back at him.
    “Who are you?” The Mayor said indignantly. 
    “I’m Captain Krall from the fort.  Answer my question!”
    “First of all, I don’t answer to you.  Second, there are certain procedures you must go through before evacuating this city; not the least of which is that a committee of at least five members of the City Council must be sent…”
    “I don’t have time for this!” Krall interrupted.  “There are three thousand Wolfen on the other side of the Wall that could attack at any moment.  If they do…”
    “That’s your problem, not ours, Captain.  Now if you’ll excuse me…”
    “If those creatures attack…”
    “Then you’ll simply have to defend us, won’t you.”
    “I have fifty six men!”
    “And I’m sure they’ll all do a fine job.  Goodnight Captain.”
    “Stop him!” Krall shouted.  Two soldiers then blocked the Mayor’s path.
    “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
     
                  The Chief of Police then entered the courtroom.
    “What’s going on here?” He asked, sounding confused.
    “Chief!” Krall