'What the hell? Why is he already starting … already seems fishy?'
I have come upon the results of your work this few days and suffice to say it is very good.
I nod, 'Well, good to know, this much was enough to make him send me a congratulatory letter. I thought it would take me the bandit leader's head or something.'
To be able to push enemies out of the escape path to carve your way into their second one, your journey is nothing short of surprising.
'Alright, now this definitely seems fishy, why does he seem so proud to write to this extent? It doesn't make sense.'
I look at the messenger who stood there and ask, "Are you sure this letter is from the Commander?"
"Of course, sir." The guy said without hesitation.
'That means either he's not lying or he just doesn't know.' I continue to read the rest of the letter.
Though your accomplishments have been great, I believe you could do something greater… by another captain's side.
Captain Calvin has benefited from you long enough. Now it would be wise if you were to take yourself under another captain and learn something valuable from his ways and even contribute if possible.
That's why, I, Lord Commander of this expedition, Seman Gallacon order you to move under Captain Klein.
Captain Klein is an intelligent man that knows war strategy and correct use of it no better than any of my other captain's. It would be wise of you if you can learn something from him.
This order I give you, must be implemented as soon as possible.
I have already sent someone who will help you pass through the forest and get you to Captain Klein.
I hope to see you again under better conditions.
The letter ends here with the Religias family's seal burned on it. Reading it, I have a few questions going through my head.
Why would Seman want me to suddenly change Captain's?
I understand that I could learn something good from Klein, but I already had done great things here and brought the morale up quite high. Wouldn't it be dispiriting if I were to suddenly leave from this place?
And there's that another thing, Seman talked about my fight of the first base and the invasion I did on this one, but he didn't talk about the scare-tactic I did after the first base.
Did Calvin not mention it or did Seman not like it?
I rub my chin as I think quietly. There are a few more things that I am a bit concerned about, but it seems I have to stop thinking about them now and find our later if possible.
'Oh! He said something about sending someone?' I look at the messenger quietly standing in attention and ask.
"Sir?" He raised a brow in deep confusion.
'Well, the guy's definitely not someone smart so Seman didn't send him to spy on me.'
"Nothing, I just meant, if you are the one that will take me to Captain Klein's?"
The soldier nodded accurately, "Yes, sir. I will point you safely towards the captain's place. Do you want to leave now? Let me help you with your stuff."
"Hold it, soldier." I raise a hand as he looked apologetic.
"I'm sorry if I acted too far, sir."
I look at the guy again. He was young and smaller than me but he was still older. Yet the guy was a bit timid. Maybe that is why he is a messenger and not fighting on the front-lines?
"It's alright, it's good to be eager but that could also get you killed… especially in war." I tell him, "So simmer down a bit, grab a drink, get drunk and we'll talk in the morning."
"Bu- But, sir!" He seemed hesitant, "The Commander showed importance on this matte-"
"And I understand that," I pat him on the shoulder lightly as he calmed down, "Look outside, how long do you think it would take for the sun to drop?"
He looked and said, "Possibly, half hour or an hour?"
"Yeah and it take us what, hours to reach Captain Klein's base right? So we would be in darkness by half our journey."
"And even though I believe in your skill as the Commander sent you himself." I said as he felt himself smiling at that, "It wouldn't be wise to take such a risk."
"You're absolutely correct, sir." The soldier bowed, "I'm sorry for acting impatiently, sir!"
I rub my ear, "If you want to be that loud than join those drunkards and get drunk, I'll see you tomorrow."
With that I left, still hearing thanks and sorry behind me accompanied by sir's.
I walk quietly towards what is my temporary tent. But as I was about to go in, I see Lucian, playing cards with a three other soldiers.
'At least, he's acting normal.'
I went towards him as I hear him call out, "All in!"
"Damn it, Lucian's got a good hand!"
"Lady love may not smile upon him but Lady luck does." The last one wad a jab at him as Lucian's face darkens.
"Lucian" I call out as he stops and the soldiers stand up in attention.
"It's alright, sit down." I tell them and Lucian turns around.
"Pack your bags, we're leaving for Captain Klein's base tomorrow."
"Captain Klein's… but why?"
I subtly show Seman's letter, "Commander's orders. So we're going tomorrow morning, don't get too drunk to get going again."
"Of course!" Lucian nods seriously as I turn around and start to leave.
But I stop suddenly and say out loud, "With that pair in your hands, you have to be bluffing, Lucian." Read full story at novel•fire.net
Lucian's eyes widen at my words.
His poker buddies on the other immediately grab the chance, "I'm all in!"
"All in, here as well!"
"Why did you do that?" Lucian asked me.
"To make sure, you don't sleep heavy tonight." I pat his shoulder, "Have yourselves good game fellas."
"Thank you, sir!" They all exclaimed at my leaving figure as I give them a wave goodbye.
But Lucian who was checking Henry's hand with focus, saw that his middle finger was a bit straighter than the others.
"Lucian!" Opposite to him, a guy said, "I know what he did was not right, but you don't get to call him that."
"Yeah, he's your superior. The superiors all ways fuck with us, but it's our duty to remain calm under all pressure."
"Of course, he's going to be sour guys." The last one said as Lucian's face tightened further. "Because it's not him that's getting fucked."
"It's his childhood lover."
"oooo" The two other guys on the table made shocked noises and quietly pulled in the chips as they look at the two players.
Lucian's face became exceedingly uncomfortable, "Take that back."
"Why don't you take your sweet Margaret bac-"
I sat on my makeshift bed and looked annoyed at the guy in front of me.
"What? I'm not drunk."
"Yeah… but that doesn't mean you could be !" I say as I look at Lucian.
The guy had his right hand in bandage and his right eye covered in a black spot.
"It was a personal matter."
"At least tell me you won."
"I meant, did you put him in more bandages than yourself?"