Winning Hearts and Minds

Winning Hearts and Minds is the twenty-first chapter of Tales of Sheol'gotha:  Shadow of the Abaddon.

Synopsis
Amid the preparations for the army to leave, Maire wrestles with a gita with her bare hands, fighting to get it under control. Upon successfully taming it, she checks whether there are other problems that need her attention before directing her vainglory and sinforger to prepare the riders.

The soldiers are initially upset, but that is somewhat mitigated when she permits them alcohol for the road. As they disperse she is approached by Haebin, and she immediately asks him whether her request to change her title to Mistress of the Charge is approved. Haebin admits that he hasn't heard from Palus, but says that he will advocate on her behalf. Haebin suggests that Palus might be trying to avoid appointing another general, leading them to speculate over the absence of General Malygraith in command of the third legion.

Maire points out that Haebin hasn't made any attempt to follow up on the promises mentioned on the march towards Shant Opet, which he attributes to her having something of an aura of intimidation. Maire takes this poorly, however Haebin clarifies that he sees it as alluring, and she accepts this, turning away but looking forward to him arranging them some alone time.

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