Northwoodsman/Davik's points story is live

[Note: I'm on hiatus, but I'll be continuing to post points stories on Tuesdays, with another points story on Saturday if the goal is met. Thursdays are devoted to a re-print of my waaay old Dr Who fanfic, "Valiant." Why not. Who's it gonna hurt.]

The Cavalry's Pride:

Patrin’s batman came in with hot water for them both. Washed and dressed, Patrin shaved the gold stubble off his chin as Jenks blew on his first cup of coffee. “I’ll never understand why you keep clean-shaven,” said Jenks. “It’s a chore.”

Patrin paused, straight razor in hand. “I find it a good example for the rank-and-file. It shows I take care of myself every day, as they must if they are to be of use to the King’s Army.”

“You talk about them as if they’d never washed a day in their lives.”

“Have you seen some of the pikesmen?” said Patrin.

“Point taken.”

“It’s also for the cavalry’s pride, you know,” said Patrin, folding his razor. “And the cavalry’s pride--”

“--is the pride of the nation,” Jenks finished with him. He frowned at his cup and added a second spoonful of sugar. “Yes. The pride of the nation is very important to me.”

Patrin sat down. “Jenks, I know this has not been an easy transition for you. I wish with all my heart it hadn’t happened like this.”

Jenks shook his head. “It was bound to. I looked far, far above my station.” He grimaced. “Forgive me for speaking so plainly.”