Five years later, Argenton was twenty-one, and achieved his goal. He was the most feared mentor, but most wanted for each greenie trained jumped to Second Tier and even First Tier. Septent praised Argenton's tough training encouraging him to go harder as she was increasingly worried of the spies from Lumar, the land opposite Noier across the desert. She feared war and wanted a strong army.

Today was a bright spring morning. With a fresh soil scent lingering in the air and the ground muddy from last night's rain, it was the perfect day for training greenies. Elite Force General of First Tier, Argenton Woodman, stood before a line of greenies. It was his second week with the new spring batch.

"Ye numbskulls!" he barked. "Don't ye even know how to hold a sword properly? What've the schools been hammerin' into ye mushy brains? Pair up and spar. Do it." 

They didn't move. Too stunned by his anger which was fueled by this morning's personal briefing with Danlen. 

Argenton gave an exasperated sigh. "This is not fun and games, greenies," He articulated to be firm, "This is real life. If you don't fight, you die. But one thing you should always remember which I tell every batch of wobbly-legged greenies," He paused and glared into each of the terrified eyes as he stomped by the line, "You are soldiers, not killers. You train to serve your country and protect it on your life. Now get to work."

The greenies scrambled about to find their partners and Argenton lifted his head to darkening sky each day watching for the threat of war in the form of a ball of light from Lumar.

"Remember when we used to be on edge for Haunters? That seems so long ago." Sarvy poked her head out of his chest pocket. "Like a new age is here."

"You say that every spring." He turned his attention back to the greenies, trying to remember the last time he led soldiers to battle Haunters. "Five years ago, the Shadowsphere moved a little closer and the Haunters stopped coming. What did I become General of First Tier for? Human wars or Haunter hunts?"

Since he stopped killing and hunting, the Haunter in his heart remained silent. Argenton burned less these days despite being angry at something every day.

He let out a sigh and faced the future in the eyes of the greenies. Would they see a day of chaos in their time, or would Argenton live to be old and frail without fighting another battle? Despite all he couldn't see, he relished in knowing the future was definite, and not something fleeting and shattered like the pasts he lost.

Seize the day, Argenton smiled. Then he turned and yelled, "Ye numbskull greenies, ye call that sparin'? Vabel Cornfield!" He bellowed as the old bully passed by. "Get over 'ere and fight me. We'll show 'em how it's done."

Vabel scowled but obeyed his superior with a bow of reluctant respect.

=========== T  H  E    E  N  D ===========

Note: Author here!

Thank you for reading this book! Yes, it's a novella. It's a little story about the life of Argenton Woodman and why he's so troubled and angry all the time. There will be more books from this world where Argenton will make an appearance. So, if you want to see more of him, give me a follow for updates on books. I usually give a book update once or twice every week.

Don't forget to hit the star to vote on your favorite chapters! You'll see Argenton, Sarvy, Danlen, and maybe even Septent again soon ;)