>>5885954>“You want someone to help train your men? Very well. I know the perfect person. He’s certified by the Officer’s Academy itself. He was even my own personal instructor. I guarantee you he’ll whip those greenhorns into shape in no time.” Though you’re sure Leopold would much rather be out with you busting skulls open, you doubted he’d mind. The man was a natural teacher. He was surely the one best suited for the job.“He sounds promising.” Gerald nods. “Then we’re settled. I’ll inform my veterans that they’ll be temporarily under your command tomorrow. Best of luck, Blair. This is but the first step in securing a free Rusalka.”
The next day, 25 rebels arrive at the foot of your camp. Each of them is clad in durable and well-worn plate that is standard amongst the heavy infantry of the Rusalkan forces. You recognize their kind from your time in the castle and know full-well that these men and women before you are seasoned veterans. For a brief moment in your life, you expected that you would command a company composed of warriors just like this after graduating from the academy. It was a great irony that now you’d be leading them against Rusalka.
“Lady Blair, at your service.” The lead rebel offers you a curt and professional salute. Though you’d never been introduced, you recall seeing him at the castle on more than one occasion. “Seargent Howard, at your service.”
>“At ease, soldier. No need to refer to me as a lady here. Commander will do just fine.”“I’m afraid I can’t do that, my lady.” Howard replies. “I’ve been informed you’re to be the countess once the castle is liberated. I would show you the proper respect befitting your rank.”
>“I appreciate that, but I’m not the countess just yet. Are your men ready to move.”“Aye, they are. These are the best the rebellion has to offer. Though each one was hand-picked and trained by Wedge himself, they could not bear to see what had befallen their country. They’re ready to use what they learned now against him and his forces for the good of the realm.”
>“Glad to hear it. What can I expect at Akzeriuth?”“Information is scant, but from what we’ve gathered, many of the soldiers stationed at Akzeriuth are of a lower quality than those found at the castle.” Howard says. “Wedge would rather commit his best soldiers to defending the castle and the Count. Instead, he has supplemented the forces at the mine with a mercenary company that only recently arrived. He’s supposedly even passed over command of the facility to their commander. They’ll be the ones to watch out for.”
>“If we take out this mercenary commander first, do you think the rest will surrender?”“Perhaps.” Howard says, unsurely. “If given great enough cause to fear us more than they’d fear reprisal from Wedge.”
