For the first month, I watched Carper's strategy play out. First, he gave straightforward tasks and promoted the men that completed them quickly. Despite telling them about the food variety, Carper made them work hard first to earn it. If they wanted better food, they had to be efficient in their task. A target goal that kept rising higher each day. Soldiers were divided down the line into companies, and I had been assigned under Acton. A man that held experience but was not a gentleman in the slightest. The punches he gave recruits for failure would ensue a mutiny given a chance.

Carper, for his part, made it clear by giving them fake ranks and markings over the others who were ahead. It was no surprise that the one named Jabari had achieved one. He struck me as a man that led a hard life but one that might be dangerous given a chance. Men in the company seemed to flock to him. They listened to him when he spoke. He was a man I needed in my corner.

Despite my best attempts, my nose had not become accustomed to the stench. The recruits, however, had adjusted to the bellow of the bugle. They operated like most of the other soldiers, except for the hiccups here and there.

The marching was getting there except for the occasional man that fell out of place. Under Captain Acton, they moved like an army outside of the many rags of clothing and bootless men moving on the hot ground. Not a single one of them had used or held a gun. How would he have these men combat-ready? I looked them over. They came like the shield for the rest of the army.

I had my training as well. Hard but leagues easier than the recruits — horseback riding, shooting, and using my sword that adorned my side. Carper selected certain experienced members of the main army to train with me.

Esadowa watched over all the proceedings like a hawk. An uncomfortable sense lingered every time I saw her.

Today was nothing different from all the rest. After a long day, I sat in my room by the desk with the mail. The first was from my father.

My Son,

Your mother and I are expecting great things from you, Albert. Great things, do not forget the grandeur of your house. Mannorland watches always think the worst and never first expect the best.

I slipped the letter back in and bit my lip. Pushing it away and looking at the second. From the perfumed fragrance, it was my wife.

My Dear Husband,

Life in Mannorland has been boring without you. The ladies dodge me, and the nobles flair their noses at me for being different. An accent brought the nobility to their knees. One would think that it was only the Merdian that Arigina was at war with. Such foolish trivial wars for men's fame and glory. With your father bragging about your soon-to-be exploits. Your wife only wishes that you end this war quickly and come home within a few days for my sanity. Remember what I told you if you ever find yourself in trouble.

Your loving wife,

Royse

I smiled and rested the letter on my table, thinking through the men of my company. A slacker in the thief called James, a man that drew people in Jabari, and a man of action in a burly man named Stuart. I would harness the power of this company and use it for my own benefit.