Axton was sitting at a desk in his private quarters, the only light illuminating the room being two small candles on either corner of his desk, looking over the recent reports of rations and supplies. Looking at another paper, which showed the proposed changes to help supplement the fort when the reinforcements arrive, Axton sighed. “Everything seems to be in order. All the contracts with the suppliers have been signed, and I can’t find any errors in their calculation of the new supplies. Schedules for the troops and their duties have also already been handled. Looks like he wasn’t lying when he stated he already did the hard work for me.”
Axton put the papers down and looked at another paper detailing the reinforcements. “Two archer regiment as well as two newly formed infantry regiments from new recruits. At least the archers will have some degree of experience. Maybe I should do some war games to help the infantry regiments gain some much-needed experience…”
Axton chuckled to himself, realizing the irony of his statement. “Here I am talking about getting them experience where here I am, the first day of being the commander fresh out of the academy. Really wish I was given more time to just…get used to things before being given such an important role. Nepotism at its finest I suppose…”
Setting the paper aside, Axton looked at a half-written speech that he had started for the next day. This speech is what he was supposed to say in front of all the troops, essentially letting them know who he was. He had heard rumors some others with more ambitious goals used these speeches to parade their world view. Try to convince others to join in what they believe in, whether it was politics or even religion. Axton chuckled as he remembered watching a high ranking military officer be arrested after he was proven to have been a leader of an anarchist, zealous cult.
As he reread the half written speech, which was mainly filled with nothing but boring introductions, he figured that was good enough, as he didn’t want to keep the troops gathered in one place too long, nor did he want to risk getting an earful from his second in command about dragging on a speech. “I’ve really got to do something about her. I know we need to have at least a civil relationship, but it looks like so far she has no inclinations to agree.” Axton leaned back and let his mind wander back to one of his first interactions with Jaylee at the academy.
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“And that’s the battle! In a comeback fashion, team two is the winner!” An older colonel spoke over a loud intercom as he stood on an observation tower over a large field. “Both teams, I expect you both to be ready for debriefing in two minutes. Get a move on!”
Axton breathed a sigh of relief as he began to jog towards the entrance to the training facility. I can’t believe they didn’t even consider that the forest could be used to launch a surprise attack against their positions. Using the terrain to your advantage was Instructor Gonzalez’s first lesson when teaching us about tactics.
As Axton reached the entrance, the felt someone pat his shoulder. “Good call there Axton! They didn’t see it coming!” Axton turned and saw Gage standing to his right, a grin on his face. Axton couldn’t hold a smile back and nodded. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw that their defensive positioning didn’t take the forest into account.”
As the others began quickly streaming in from the field, the two teams naturally separated into their respective teams. Soon, the colonel was standing in front of them, judging whether or not they were all standing at attention. Satisfied that they were, the colonel nodded. “Impressive work for team two! Not only did you come back from what looked like a certain defeat, you used what your instructors have taught you to your advantage. Team one…after it seemed like you had the victory, you let up. You assumed that there was nothing they could do to overturn the result. You got sloppy and complacent. You deserved the loss.”
There was a sense of unease as the members of team one shifted in their pose. The colonel glared at them. “Do you think there’s something wrong with my assessment?”
“With all due respect, sir, team two didn’t earn their victory. They cheated during the match.”
The colonel glared at the woman. “Private Hayes…that is a very severe accusation. What do you have to say to support your claims?”
“There was some unusual activity on their end. They didn’t try their hardest at their beginning, and then when we were setting up for a final attack against their position, that’s when they suddenly came out of nowhere at our weakest point in our defenses. It’s almost as if they knew beforehand what we were planning.”
The colonel shook his head, continuing to glare at her. “That’s all you have to say? ‘They executed a sneak attack against us so that means they cheated.’ Not only did you show your opponent disrespect by questioning their effort, you then top it off by saying their use of the environment means they’re cheating.”
“But sir–”
“Private Hayes, you need to remain quiet. Anything else that comes out of your mouth will be followed with a severe disciplinary hearing. Am I understood?”
“Yes…sir.”
“Good. Now you and the rest of team one can spend the rest of the day cleaning up the field. That’ll give you plenty of time to think about the match and how you all could improve, especially in terms of being a sore loser. Now get a move on. I expect it to be immaculate by dinner time.”
The members of team one glared at team one before walking back towards the field. As soon as they were gone, the colonel looked back at team two. “Despite some false accusations from team one, you all did exceptionally well. Private Riley, excellent call to use the trees to your advantage. Not only did it catch them off guard, but using your terrain is crucial in battles. One of if not the biggest factor that decides a battle besides battle formations at the beginning of the battle is the terrain. Continue to make effective use of it. Now get bathed and enjoy the rest of the day off. Dismissed.”
Everyone from team two started walking towards the barracks, relieved and excited about the victory. Gage walked next to Axton. “That one lady…Jaylee…she doesn’t like you it seems.”
Axton sighed. “Of course she wouldn’t. She was in command of the other team and failed to account for the fact that we could launch a surprise attack against them. To her, it was like magic that we won. I have a feeling she’ll continue to hold that against me.”
“Eh…she’ll come around eventually. Oh, did you hear that we’re having steaks for dinner today?! Delivered straight from the capital as a reward for completing our first mock battle.”
Axton nodded and jokingly rubbed his belly. “Good, because I’m not sure I could have stomached another dinner of gruel right after a battle.”
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A knock on the door brought Axton back to the present. “Come in.” Eric opened the door and walked up to Axton. “Commander, you’ve received a letter by a pigeon carrier. Looks like it’s from General Killian from Brackenspear. Maybe he’s writing to congratulate you? He does keep a close eye on who’s in charge of all the forts and installations.”
Axton reached out and grabbed the letter. “Thanks Eric. How’re things so far?”
“Well Jaylee has been keeping everyone in line with their duties so far. She’s also been observing how we do things and has adjusted accordingly. It seems like she was a good choice for the role.”
Axton broke the seal from the letter and sighed. “She’s skilled, that's for sure. However, she holds grudges easily and stubbornly doesn’t change her mind once it's set.” Axton unfolded the letter and read its contents.
“Commander Riley, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m General Killian Taylor, and I’m in command of Fort Brackenspear. First, I’d like to congratulate you on your graduation, and promotion to commander. It may be a small assignment, but an opportunity for command is never one that should be passed up. Considering your family history, I expect great things from you.
Now, for the reason why I’m writing to you. I’m sure you’re aware that just last week, The Empire of Acray, our historical and sworn enemy, launched an incursion into our territory. Thankfully, they were repelled and sent back to where they came from. However, our fine ‘leader’ continues to lay down quietly in the face of these constant, unprovoked incursions. It is my opinion that, should Acray attack with all their might, he would gladly give up our nation if it meant he could live a life of luxury. No more! As of when I’ve written this letter, I’ve declared the government in Mythmire as illegitimate! I’ve already received several letters of confirmation from multiple generals and commanders that they are of the same opinion as me, and as such will join me and my march against the government. I am hereby extending this same invitation to you.
Should you accept, gather what troops you have and immediately make your way to the regional capital of Norvstrom. There is an ally of Jordan’s there that needs to be deposed. Should you refuse, we’ll see first hand just how well you can command your troops in battle. Failure to respond to this letter will automatically be considered as a refusal, and we will have some of our forces march against you tomorrow evening.
Before you make your decision, should you accept, I’ll make sure your family’s name, and reputation, be restored to the glory days, when the Rileys and the Holts stood firm against Acray and Ugria and secured our independence. While most of the glory went to the Holts, without your family’s leadership in the eastern front, we surely would have lost the war. Your family will finally get the recognition it deserves. I am looking forward to your reply, and should you join, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
General Hayes.”
Axton’s jaw dropped. “You…you have to be kidding me…”
“What is it?”
“It’s…it’s essentially a declaration of a civil war. General Killian has invited me to join him and those who have already followed him and march to Norvstrom to capture the governor.”
“Wait…what?!”
Axton handed the letter to Eric, who quickly read the letter. “I can’t believe it…a civil war…surely Killian must know that the forces who are stationed in the capital are loyal to the rightful government, and they’re well trained. It won’t be a short war, that’s for sure.”
Axton stood up and paced around the room, his mind running a mile a minute. After a few moments, he sighed and looked at Eric. “Eric, get two pigeons ready. I’m going to send our refusal to join this rebellion back to Killian and a warning sent to HQ. Once they’re prepared, gather the troops at the rally spot. Looks like I’ll have to give my speech to everyone now rather than tomorrow. As you go, tell Jaylee to come here. She needs to know before the rest.”
“Understood sir!”
Eric ran out of the room as Axton began to write. A minute later, Jaylee knocked on the door. “And for what reason do you need me so late in the evening?”
Ignoring her hostility, Axton lifted Killian’s letter. “Here. You need to read this.”
Jayle snatched the letter from Axton and read it, the color draining from her body as she reached the end. “Are…are you serious?! This has to be a joke…right?”
Axton shook his head. “I’m afraid not. Eric confirmed the seal to be from Killian when he received the letter, otherwise he wouldn’t have given it to me. I’m sending Killian my refusal and warning HQ about this rebellion.”
Axton stopped writing and looked at Jaylee. “Look, I know we’ve had our differences starting from our first mock battle, but right now, we need to show a united front. Please…”
Jayle sighed and handed the letter back to Axton. “Fine…but only because the situation is so dire. What do you want me to do?”
“Help Eric gather the troops at the rallying point. I’ll be there right after I write the letters and have them sent and let the rest of the troops know what’s going on.”
“Understood.” Jaylee ran out of the room as Axton continued to write quickly. What a time to be given command…
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