Axton and Jaylee were silent as Eric continued showing them around the fort, both having difficulty keeping focus. The sudden change in the commander’s demeanor had both of them worried, especially since the commander would be going to the border of Acray. If they wanted him to make it there as quickly as possible, could it mean that a possible war is possible with Acray? Especially with tensions having risen thanks to an incursion of Acray troops just a week prior.
Axton sighed and shook his head. Regardless of what was happening, it was his job to maintain order and leadership for the troops and surrounding area. It would be a disservice to everyone if his mind continued to wander. Looking at Eric, who was talking about how all the communications from any other unit or HQ was stored and sorted in the records room, as well as other pertinent records and information.
“...and that’s the records room. If you ever have any questions about what information you’ve been given, you can always come in here. I’m in charge of the records room and relaying information to the fort, so I’ll be more than happy to answer whatever questions you may have.”
Axton nodded. “Thanks, Eric. I’ll be sure to come to you. I assume there’s plenty of others who help you with this, correct?”
“Eh…not really. I do have two others who help me on a regular basis, but with the limited manpower that we have, it’s been more important that other areas of the fort be given priority. However, I’m excellent at my job and have easily been able to keep up with the flow of communications.”
“Do you possibly know what’s going on with the commander then?” Jaylee asked, breaking her silence. “You told him about what was said in the note, and whatever was in that note caused him to change his demeanor in a…not so pleasant way. What did it say?”
Eric sighed. “It’s nothing too concerning, I can assure you of that. As I’m sure you’re aware, Acray’s troops had a short incursion into our territory, and immediately after being confronted by our troops, retreated. Acray’s diplomats have said that it was an honest mistake. However, the Prime Minister has ordered all units on the border with Acray to be on high alert. Because of that order, the commander was ordered to make it to his new unit as quickly as possible. However, there’s no reason to be concerned according to HQ.”
Jaylee nodded. “Thank you, Eric. That’ll help put my mind at ease. The last thing I want to deal with is a war just as we’re getting our feet wet. Plus…I’m sure our new ‘commander’ here would have plenty of growing pains to deal with if he had to be in command during a battle.”
Jaylee’s hostility towards Axton was painfully obvious to the two of them. Axton sighed. “Jaylee…isn’t wrong.” Axton said, carefully choosing his words. "Being put in command in a battle on my first day would cause some difficulties to say the least. I’ll be sure to learn as much as I can from all of you as quickly as I can. Though it would be an easier process if my second in command would at least maintain a cordial working relationship.”
Jaylee slowly shook her head, looking away from Axton and refused to respond. Eric nodded. “We’re all here to help you easily acclimate to your new position. It would put many of us at ease should you quickly learn and adapt.”
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg9VV5berl
Meanwhile, at Fort Brackenspear, near the border with Ugria, General Killian was sitting at his desk, reading a letter. Heavily sighing, he crumpled up the paper and tossed it into the trash can. “So, once again, my advice is ignored and cast aside. Jordan and his allies in the government would readily hand our country over to Acray should they request it without an ounce of opposition…well no more!”
Killian calmly stood up from his desk and walked out of the room. Making his way down the dimly lit halls, he knocked on a door. “Brayden, I’m coming in.”
Killian opened the door, revealing another man, who stood up and saluted him. “What can I do for you, Killian?”
“I want you to rally everyone you can to the courtyard within the next fifteen minutes. As I suspected, our advice was once again tossed aside. It’s now time for us to put into effect what he had talked about earlier. Once everyone is at the courtyard, I’ll write to the three other commanders sympathetic to us and give them a chance to prepare for what’s to come.”
Brayden nodded. “As you command, sir.”
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMROqFIkih
As every soldier in Brackenspear was at attention in the courtyard, Killian stood above them on a raised platform. “Men, as you all know, our nation was provoked last week by our hated neighbor, Acray. They’ve been showing more hostility towards us, testing our defenses and our response. However, despite my advice to our dear Prime Minister, he’s tossed it all aside, allowing Acray to do as they please without any consequence. Well, I say no more! It’s time for every man, woman, and child in Eshal to know that we care for their security and protection!”
Killian began pacing on the platform. What I’m about to suggest is highly treasonous. If we fail, I’ll be publicly humiliated and executed as a traitor. However, I care deeply for Eshal. I care too much for Eshal for our government to show weakness to our enemy. It’s time for us to forcibly overthrow the government! Put in people who know what it takes to run a country and protect us against all threats, external and internal alike. So, what say you? Will you join me in showing our fellow countrymen that we care for their safety? That we care for their prosperity? That we care for their freedom?”
The courtyard erupted in cheers as Killian grinned and lifted his arms. “Then I hereby declare, here and now, that the government that’s entrenched in Mythmire is illegitimate, and we will depose them by any means necessary! Prepare for what’s to come, but know you won’t be alone. I’ll contact those who are sympathetic to us and have them join our noble cause. Once everything is in order, we march towards the capital!”
The courtyard once again erupted in cheers as Killian left, making his way towards his chamber. Sitting back down at his desk, Killian began writing a multitude of letters, his mind thinking of how he should go about requesting the rest of the military to join and what he should plan for should his request be denied.
362Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2JRjyQ6vs
