Tylywoch 3 ~ Storm Quad

After the ice, Weilla seemed to change.  She became more reckless, as if looking hard into the face of death and surviving had wiped away all fear.   Her actions caused concern to those around her, even some of her teachers, thought her a potential danger, yet surprisingly nobody actually got hurt.   Others said it was a natural consequence of her ordeal and, that she would change, if only they would give her a little time.  She wouldn't be asked to special until she was ten, so she still had five years in which to settle down and find her path.

.-…-.

By the time she reached the age of seven there were great changes afoot.  They were organised into units of twelve.  Each unit consisting of three teams of four students, known as quads.  The quad was the basic working unit of the Tylywoch, members of a quad were chosen by their trainers who had intimate knowledge of each student’s strengths, and weaknesses.   Quad members were chosen to complement each other, to bring out the best in each other, and assist each in overcoming their own shortcomings. Together they would become a well balanced, and close knit, team. 

The Units was named, (by custom), after successful quads from the past, those who had distinguished themselves, bringing honour to their name.   Weilla was attached to the ‘Natural Disasters’ consisting of the three quads; Fire, Flood, and Storm.  Storm quad was comprised of two boys Soren & Mynach, and two girls, Hildi & Weilla.

Soren had great dexterity and speed, his slight of hand was legendary, and was surpassed only by his ability to solve puzzles, and pick locks.  His knowledge of mechanical things was intuitive and alike devices he created were a source of wonder to both his peers and the seniors.

Mynach, at the age of seven, was solidly built just like his parents; his physical strength was easily equal to that of his three quad mates combined.  In addition he possessed a rather unique talent the ability to mimic, and reproduce accurately, any sound after just one hearing.

Hildi seemed the antithesis of Mynach.  She was quiet, thin, wiry and double jointed.  She could get into and out of places and spaces others wouldn’t even consider attempting.  She could move soundlessly like an eel without disturbing a blade of grass.  She was deceptive, a pretty doll like child with strength, out of all proportion to her stature.

Weilla was highly intelligent.   She possessed both physical and mental strength, she was strong willed, tenacious, and fearless, she would never back down or admit defeat.  She was an excellent tactician she knew when to be cautious and when to gamble.   Above all she knew when sacrifice was necessary.   Her mind was logical quick and razor sharp.   She would be formulating answers while others were still digesting the problem.

.-…-.

   The Games – were designed to stretch their abilities to the full.   Through competition they would reveal their individual skills, their ingenuity, and leadership qualities, and above all their ability to work as a team.

The rules were simple:  They were always simulated attacks, taking place at night, each of thirty minutes duration; two quads would defend a flag against a third.  Each member of the twelve man team would be given an opportunity to lead their quad in an attack.  However, they had to produce a written plan and submit it to the invigilators prior to the attack.  They could then be judged on their planning, ingenuity, and flexibility.   There were eight unsuccessful attacks before it became Weilla’s turn to present a plan.

Each quad made four attacks on the Flag, and defended eight times, four against eight from the other quads.  It was Storm’s third attack, Weilla had analysed all the previous unsuccessful attacks and knew that in each, the element of surprise was missing.  Having considered the strengths and weaknesses of her fellow quad members, she carefully outlined her plan.  Only Soren was sceptical, but since most of the work would be done by Mynach & Hildi, who were more receptive, she submitted her plan regardless.  

The invigilators eyebrows rose, but he said nothing.  The horn sounded and she rejoined Storm quad.   Immediately an altercation broke out within the group.  She called them harshly into a huddle, and for several minutes they were engaged in earnest discussion.  Hildi’s voice was raised in protest, Soren scolded her loudly, Mynach and Weilla joined in the exchange.  Hildi made an abusive comment, which Mynach took personally.  Both the defending quads edged closer to better follow the heated exchanges; smiling with amusement. 

 It seemed that storm quad was having a falling out.  It would make their job easier if they encouraged it.  Weilla shouted for order, and was pushed from the huddle, landing unceremoniously on her behind in plain view of the other quads.  Nearly half the allotted time had expired and still Hildi & Mynach’s voices could be heard, raised in righteous anger.  The defenders, unable to resist, began to hurl their comments in support of one or the other.   Eventually, they all became involved in good-natured banter, with the various members of Storm quad, as full time approached.  The horn blew, and the attack was over.  Both Fire & Flood whooped with delight… 

“Attack Successful!”  Announced the invigilator.

The defenders smiles changed to disbelief then horror as they turned to discover the Flag was gone.  As if in answer to their pleading looks, the invigilator held up the flag, as Hildi turned and headed back towards the other Storm quad members. 

“It Worked!”  She yelled triumphantly.

“Of course it did,” said Mynach also using her voice.

There were no further successful attacks that day; so, much to the chagrin of Fire and Flood, Storm was top quad!

To be continued/...

I'm told this is too much telling, not enough showing, how do I address that?   I don't want to pad it out with pointless dialog, haven't touched it since June2000.

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