The forest was silent and the air was crisp. Branches wavered with their spring leaves and buds of flowers, bountiful on the woodland floor plastered like dabs from a paintbrush as life emerged from hibernation. Hares chased about and squirrels leapt. Fluttering, robins perched themselves in nests after their morning hunts and spied down upon the earth. With worms in their beaks, they warmed themselves under the shine of the sun, striking on their feathers as if they had been bathed in gold. Peeking through the canopy, the rays of light bolted past every gap and hole until the ceiling had disappeared. Illuminated, the foliage was moist from the valley’s mist, with droplets dribbling from stems and petals. Fresh were the litter of leaves that carpeted the woods, roots seemed to unveil themselves from slumber as a dragon’s tail would. Cracks and rises in the ground were hard to see, one would be wise to be careful. Raising one foot high, he stepped first with his heel and carried his weight over. Not a sound was made. Not a sound could be made. In his advance, there were no crunches of leaves nor snapping of twigs, and were only sound-proofed by the minimal rustling of their clothes. Even with pounds of gear on their backs and bodies, gentle did the patrol march, advancing together with comrades following his trail, playing the same note of silence. They took care not to fall behind, but neither could they be too hasty. In the formation of a line, three soldiers attacked, slipping themselves through the enemy lines of defense. Infiltrating without a hassle, their end goal was near in sight. But they had to keep their wits about and senses clear. Their eyes flicked about, scouting for anything that appeared or seemed unnatural. Whether it was the shine of a rifle or the discrepancies of camouflage, everything had to be considered. For the scent of fire, hints of food and the change in the air, their noses sniffed. Feeling the weight of dampness around them for any signs of life, the squad caught a whiff of prey beneath their touch. They listened for voices and anything else that did not belong to the wilderness, disturbing the creatures and the wind. Or perhaps through the taste of sweat on their lips with a mixture of blood evaporated into the mist. Engaging their sixth senses, their instincts told. In mind and in spirit, their bodies whether they should continue or fall back. The attack relied upon themselves and though there was much to consider, paranoia filled the emptiness before a thought could gather cohesion.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUael5pe7c
It was the second week of their campaign out on the field. Where leagues of the fog of war surrounded them, behind, ahead, and to their flanks. No one seemed to know where their enemies or allies were. There was no sense of command. Every unit had been dispersed to work in awful coordination. Their task seemed greatly impossible with heights of challenge that had never come before. Their grips on their rifles tightened and their hands sweated. Slipping from trigger guards, their fingers were ready to act on a notice. Always assuming that there would be an exchange of fire, the leader kept straight on his own job that was required of him. To lead. As his soldiers provided an arc of vision around him, scanning bushes and the treeline for any oddities, he came about the foot of a hill where there was a soft cliff face. Following the path that winded around, it would continue for a while until there came a place where an ascent was not too steep. If he was the enemy, then it was almost certain that they would have posted themselves on this elevated patch of ground. The commander administered his flanks, gathering that it was safe to do so, and planted one hand on the earth. Clawing onto the roots of the grass and climbing the ridge, slowly, he remained faithful to his policy of soundlessness. When he approached the summit, not from behind and neither from his comrades, there was a sharp snap of a twig and the soft sniffling of a running nose. Upon hearing, he halted, and signaled his soldiers to lower themselves to the ground. He needed another listen though that noise was enough to convince him that just a few paces away laid at least a squad of soldiers. Taking off his conspicuous kepi, the leader peeked over the cliff’s brow with one swift glance and fell back into cover carefully. He had seen hints of everything that he needed to know. The band on their arms had revealed their allegiance and gave a definite answer that spelt the word enemy. As thought, they were not far. Close by enough that they could dash towards them before their swords or rifles could be drawn. Gathering his breath and courage much needed, the commander tapped his squadmates for their attentions. Briefly taking their eyes off their flanks, they saw the signals that their chief gave by hand. Hugged onto his rifle, he straightened his arm out, first to the left then to the right. The soldiers heeded and took their positions in a horizontal line along the hillside. Both trusted him, but one’s breath stuttered from an angst that built within. It was only when a gentle pat on his shoulder gave him the assurance that all was well when he gave a nod of conviction. Swinging their rifles around to be slung on their backs, they unsheathed their sabers and hid their blades behind the hill's brow. The commander held three fingers up and began a count down to the charge. As the second of tension in the wait passed, his third finger was lowered. Removed of any doubts in his thoughts, a bead of sweat hung from the tip of the leader's nose. Then his second and last finger curled. Suddenly, the three sprung from the ground and mounted the hill. Over the brow they charged as the enemy finally took notice of their foe that stalked them from their blind shadows. Frightened by a war cry, they froze from any reaction, and when they warmed, it was too late. Humbled by a bash from a shoulder, the soldier that had been chosen tripped and fell, the tip of a sword rested against his ribs. His heart stopped in a moment of panic but his life was soon ended from his fatal hesitation. That would be, if only the blade was real.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYoBSSD4I1
The cadet surrendered, opening his eyes blurred from the succession of happenings, “You got us…” Beneath a wooden saber he laid.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EiAjhkSiJ
Designed with the same shape and a similar heft, it had the silhouette of a real sword. But it was hardly a tool a war as all it gave was as little a poke as a twig would do even if it was used properly.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRUk22lCqh
“Sorry, did I hurt you?” Apologetically, Arminius quickly took his sword off his chest and awkwardly stood about, not knowing how to reassure when his fellow cadet laid seemingly pained.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6VbXsKygN
“No, don’t worry.” The defeated cadet chuckled.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD7mGfplC5
Offered a helping hand, he held onto Arminius’s aiding arm who lifted him up to realize that not one of his party had escaped their fates. His squadmates had suffered the same. Surrendered upon the ground. They removed their armbands and was banished from the exercise for the remainder of however long it would run. But one among their squad never admitted to his failings.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ52DeoO3Moy
“That was harsh of the major,” The second-in-command of the fallen cadets complained. “Needin’ us to engage youse lot under a book o’ rules.” Though he was not particularly daring, he said what his heart felt without Ascot’s knowing.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqFhYa1VFS
Nudging his side that had been bruised from his crash to the forest floor, a comrade sounded somewhat more optimistic. “Well, it should mean that it’ll be a whole lot easier without them on the battlefield.” A third cadet assured with a smile.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCb8OJRGZeK
Under a heavy sigh and a shake of his head, it would not be exaggerating if the second were to throw a tantrum, only that it would be embarrassing to his comrades who looked on at his childish complaints. As they tapped their feet and shook the dirt off their trousers, the squad brought their rifles ahead and drew back their bolts. Unloading its chamber, the ping of brass rang as a round was dislodged and was caught with a snatch. At the unused bullet, the other commander stared as he handed an improvised trophy to the victors.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLAYXkKXTM
“It prolly means that we’ve just got bumped down to the fodder class too.” Mentioning lightly, the second-in-command tried to calm himself.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOi7MbX7ZW
As the defeated readied themselves to depart, they slung their rifles over their shoulders. Sabers sheathed and satchels of blank ammunition hauled. Marching south towards the White Bands’ camp, definite chores and punishment awaited. To study their wrongs and faults that lost them their lives, horrors were to ambush them on their return. Ascot’s face being one. That was each and every of their care stored at the back of their minds. Broken, they exhibited an agitation that could not be uttered nor dispelled by words. Boiling, they wondered what they had done wrong, and what could have been done right. A constant expelling of anger kicked at the earth and threw hands at the sky.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdK5Ao8FFnn
Letting his comrade cadets depart ahead, the commander took a step before he turned back with an idea that needed sorting, “Hey, Reichner, I know we shouldn’t really be doing this but…” The squad leader waited until his comrades were far beyond the range of their hearing and returned to Arminius, “It’s about five leagues northeast from here.” Pointing to his side with an open palm, he sought to clear any doubts for what path his pretended enemies should take. “If you don’t wanna get bogged in an exchange with Colt and the lot, stick south.” He kindly offered a suggestion.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaKNTYK0w5
Acknowledging it, Arminius tipped his head as way of thanks and the cadet returned the gesture before jogging away to catch his comrades who had navigated down the wrong route. He leapt over the roots, it was clear that he had surveyed and memorized every last inch of the ground that he defended until his very last breath, before reuniting with his comrades. Having seen them away, Arminius returned to his own duty and brought about his rifle again. The bolt was given a slap and was checked that it was secure. Examining the chamber, he found a spot of dust that he brushed away with a thumb. Though that was the least of his concerns when then, they were faced with two paths and two choices. They could direct themselves towards the southern corridor, around the waters hidden in the body of the forest. It was a longer path, no doubt, as it would take them around the lake as recalled from their map. Then, there was the north. A shorter path that was preferably quicker, but there was a chance, a strong one at that, where Colt was waiting for his enemy’s appearance. Or perhaps not. Whether they should trust the cadet’s word, it was a question that could not be answered alone.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClBdm2XMnv
Julien faced in the direction of dread. “So Colt’s in the north…” Kneeling, he gathered his breath that had been stolen in the chaos of adrenaline97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6nGuxShPm
Leaning on the pommel of his saber, the eternal cold in his body cooled him, refrigerating his lungs to work again. Inhaling and exhaling. He cleared his memories of nervousness and renewed himself of confidence. His legs were brought forward as he stood himself, re-equipping and securing his tools, pouches, canteen, and everything a soldier required. But another had already fixed her equipment and was bound to move on. Scouting out, she provided the first line of defense on the outskirts of the squadron’s temporary fort, protective of her own squad.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMVZtBbbWq
Arminius had heard Julien’s caution and asked for a second opinion, “Zygosova?”97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR33mXHk9YV
Focused, the girl was never distracted. Once one objective have been completed, it was due time to move on to the next. The end was always something which appeared in her eyes of gold never empty of duty. She was Alexandria Zygosova. A cadet whose blonde hair was braided into two equal parts, as a descriptor, comely was an understatement. She was not small nor large, but was certainly taller than the average girl’s stature. In the disguise of a lowly soldier, Alexandria was almost goddess-like, having the experience to justify that too. With olive skin, the child warrior was scarred by burns below and over her right ear. She was lucky enough that it did not heal terribly, but rather, quite naturally. As if that face of hers’ had traveled through hell and back, it often carried a neutral expression, and her body, a neutral aura. Nothing about her was ever overbearing.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDIdEjGBgX
“Your call, commander.” Alexandria pushed the decision onto her elected superior as a good subordinate of the formation and nothing more.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQswll55WWR
Still there were two paths that splitted him further apart. Every instinct in the commander’s heart told him to take the longer route, and if the cadet proved to have spoken the truth, then it would provide a straight highway to outflank his enemy’s headquarters. It was a simple choice if one was rational enough to believe it so. But as if he was irrational, his consciousness whispered otherwise. His mind wanted to take the route north and face his rival who proved so troublesome for his allies and save any more potential casualties. Either manner was far too reckless. Deep in enemy lines without any knowledge or information on his allies’ locations, they have not encountered anyone except for the squad that they had defeated just then for hours. It was normal to worry, but it was ever more wrong to feel a distinctive calm. An overflowing surge of power and morale exceeding any other time berated his softness. To win the campaign with just three soldiers, it had been decided. The sins of his pride and greed took hold and the ambition of a child returned.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTATykfhD7
“Why not?”’ Arminius mumbled to himself before gesturing for onward, they marched.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdngHUvVIDJ
Advancing along the path north that they had been warned to avoid, one among the three was daring enough to want a clash, his squadmates had expected as much of him but did little to prevent it. Seemingly knowing what was best for his section, Arminius gave Alexandria an opportunity to lead at the head of the party. With their roles exchanged, the commander stood in the rear, keeping himself and his party at a steady pace. Filed into a line, they were organized, rare among their century of cadets. From their last battleground, any clear signs of battle were stamped clean before trailing off into the woods where they would disappear into the fog again. In command of a spearhead, the final stretch to victory was soon there. The rattling of their rifles quietened into cover, and then their backs went unseen.97Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAYywwsbl3
