Sayoshti smiled upon them, the weather was perfect for travel and the road was in good shape. They exited the western gate and swung south following the road that would take them around the perimeter of the city. The land was rolling foothills with ranches and farms scattered in the countryside surrounding the walled city. They came upon a crossroads around noon where they stopped for a meal and to check harnesses and cinch straps on the horses. Sergeant Millin took the time to advise Tanisin and Dav that from this point on they’d be in the rank and file marching. They left their horses saddled until they could remove them at the evening's stop and tied the animals to the wagon with the pack horse. While they were engaged in that the scouts appeared from the west. One of the two walked his horse up to Millin.

  “Ma'am.” The scout saluted, “the west road is clear as is the surrounding countryside.”

  “Very good.” The sergeant seemed relieved, like she’d expected trouble. It was gone in a flash though and she was all business once again. She gave the troop a little more time then “Form up!” She ordered. The company resumed the journey taking a westward fork in the road. The scouts dashed ahead and were soon lost to sight leaving nothing but dust in their wake. Soon Dimabri City was also gone. One minute visible behind them as they mounted a rise then hidden as they descended down the other side. Before long the Westwood became visible ahead. A dark mass of trees that the road cut through. Dav and Tanisin realised they were now further from home than they had ever been. It was a surreal feeling for Dav who’d always known that he’d eventually leave it behind. For Tanisin it was more worrisome. He was eager to prove himself and do well yet he was already starting to miss Dimabri City and the familiarity of home. He’d always been the more rash of the two but this time he couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever lay on the horizon, it wasn’t good.

  The others had thoughts of the future as well. Relf was bitter at his situation and dwelled on Dav and Taninsin’s presence there. He remained convinced of their fault in his predicament and was resolved to find some way to make them pay. Willhem was excited, he’d become a teamster because it afforded the chance to see the lands of Etrusia and the wonders therein. He was an adventurer at heart, not content to sit still or set down roots. So if he was stuck in the Corps for three years, so be it. It was better than the alternative.

  Anthin reminisced. He thought back to the choices and events that had brought him here and now. A mere Brother anointed after a career spanning decades, there was a time he’d thought he’d be more. When I was more, he recalled. Still he regretted none of it. Those events had brought him back to Dimabri City and had led him to becoming a father to two of the best young men he knew. As biased as I am, he thought to himself. They had also led him back to The Citadel after so long away, where his path had started. Sayoshti’s will is a mystery!

  Though visible in the distance the Westwood was still two or more days' march from where they were now–provided nothing delayed them. The troop moved at a good pace and once they entered the canopy of trees the road would wind through the forest and they’d have another six days' march. Thus far as Dav and Tanisin found out that afternoon, the most difficult part of the journey WAS the march. The two were young, fit and capable. As strong as any of the soldiers but despite the youthful vigour they were unused to such a long trip afoot and it took its toll as they marched at the rear of the column. Still the day passed quickly and with no issue beyond sore feet when Millin called a halt.

  The company moved off the road to a field with some trees interspersed around its perimeter that provided a good campsite. A nearby stream afforded fresh water for men and horses alike. Everyone got to work right away. The soldiers–who knew their tasks–reported to the wagon to assist the driver Corporal Wendt with unhitching and setting up the field kitchen and supply station. Tanisin untied their horses from the wagon and led them out of the way. He tethered them to a ground spike to keep them from wandering as he unsaddled them. The area became a flurry of activity with the soldiers now done assisting the driver lined up at the rear of the wagon. Unsure Dav and Tanisin, after working together to stow the saddles in the wagon, lined up with them joining Willhem and Relf. The group accompanying The Enlightened gathered their own pack animals from the rear of the wagon and began unloading and setting up tents. Brother Anthin who was never one to shy away from work grabbed his own tent from the packhorse and paused on his way back to chat with Dav and Tanisin.

  “Well, how did you two enjoy your first day soldiering?” A knowing smirk told them he knew.

  “My feet are throbbing, I’m hot and tired.” Tanisin complained.

  “Same here.” Dav agreed, adding. “So far it’s not much like in the stories.”

  “Nothing ever is Dav.” Anthin’s smile undercut his sardonic reply. “Still I know from experience that you’ll get used to marching. It’ll help when they issue you proper boots. Chins up. I expect we won’t see anything worse than we have so far between here and The Citadel. Now, since I’ve lost whatever help I had in you two to the rank and file I’d better get my tent setup. The Enlightened has graciously offered to have his staff assist me along the way but I’d rather do it for myself and know it’s done right. I’ll be nearby if you need me. I expect you’ll be busy for the remainder of the trip.” He gave each of them a pat on the shoulder before he turned to go and get his gear in order.

  Each member of the squad was issued a field tent that they put up in a tight group around a central ring of stones gathered to make a fire pit. By the time the setup was completed dusk was colouring the sky in hues of red and purple. There was however time for drill and Sergeant Millin had them form up together.

  Drill that first evening was sword and shield practice. Each night’s stop along the way would include more weapons training but primarily the Corps was composed of swords. The troops lined up in two rows of seven were put through the paces led by Millin. Standard movements and stances, blocks, thrusts and swings were counted off. After that Millin had them setup one on one to practise against an opponent.

  By then Corporal Wendt had dinner well in hand and the duty roster for the night and next day had been posted. The recruits followed suit when their companions gathered to check it. Dav found himself on second shift guard with two others, one of them Willhem, the other a veteran named Trepins. Tanisin had drawn the last shift with a veteran named Smith and to his dismay Relf. Some men were on latrines though that was completed with the setting up of camp and was assigned on last night’s duty roster. Dav noted ruefully that both he and Tanisin were on it for tomorrow’s duty. Other duties posted included men to assist Wendt with cleanup who would also help with teardown in the morning after breakfast, a firewood and forage crew, the guard rotation and a water crew to ensure there was water for the next day’s march and meals. Each man would fill his own canteen though. A final cleanup crew was assigned to ensure the squad left no trace behind.

  The scouts reappeared as everyone was settling down to eat. Corporal Wendt, as wagon driver and quartermaster was also the squad’s cook and he’d thrown together a stew in a remarkably short time using strips of dried beef, turnips and potatoes. The scouts wasted no time, after the four of them took care of their horses and made a quick report to the sergeant they made their way to the cookpot with bowls in hand. The soldiers ate, seating themselves around the fire in front of their tents and the scouts joined the group as did the recruits and lastly Wendt.

  The mood was good among the soldiers. Light barbs and jibes flowed as they do with groups long used to each other’s company. Willhem took the opportunity to introduce Dav and Tanisin to the group. With his open demeanour he’d already integrated himself with the group. Both boys took note of their shift companions but there was little time for talk between bites of hot stew. With dinner done and dusk turning into night each trooper cleaned their bowls at the stream that flowed past the campsite and stowed them with their gear. As everything was finishing up Sergeant Millin approached from where she had eaten with The Enlightened’s party. She spared a few minutes more for the scouts before dismissing them and came over to where her new recruits were milling around.

  “Alright squad?” Not waiting for an answer she continued. “Duty roster is posted. I expect you each know what to do with yourselves. Those of you on guard tonight sleep when you can and when you're on duty pay attention! Your shiftmates can walk you through anything you’ll need to know. At first light we eat then pack up and continue on. Any questions?” As none were forthcoming she continued. “Well then I’ll leave you to it. Sayoshti’s Grace.” With that she turned and walked away leaving them to their own devices for the time being.

  Dav noted Willhem talking to Trepins who would be on shift with them so he wandered over. Tanisin followed, keen to get information on the duty. Trepins seemed to be of an age with Willhem, a year or two older than the boys. He was tall at half a head taller than Dav who was the tallest among the newcomers. He had typical Wayrish features with a tanned complexion, dark hair and dark slightly downward slanted eyes. He was also a veteran and knew the ins and outs of camp duty. As Dav and Tanisin approached he was mid-sentence explaining something to Willhem.

  Love what you're reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

  “...and I’m three years into voluntary five year service.”

  Willhem noted their arrival. “Guys, this is Corporal Trepins. We were going over what to expect tonight. Sir…” Addressing Trepins now. “This is recruit Tanisin, who like you is here voluntarily. His companion there is Dav. Aspiring soon to be Brother Dav.”

  Trepins shook hands as they were introduced. He had a firm and calloused grip, used to holding a sword. “Welcome. The squad is glad for some new blood, though they don’t show it much. This is a good squad with good soldiers though, and you’ll soon fit in I’m sure. I was just explaining to Willhem, shift lasts for three hours. We do circuits of camp beyond the firelight to keep your night vision sharp, checking in with your shift mates as you pass. Keep your timing irregular. A predictable guard can mean death in hostile lands. Stay aware, listen and watch. Should you see or hear anything try to ensure it’s a threat before calling to arms. The squad won’t thank you for waking them unnecessarily. When shift is over we wake the next and get what sleep we can, or in your case Tanisin being on the last shift, carry on with breakfast and clean up. My suggestion right now, turn in. A good soldier sleeps when they know they can!”

  Dav and Tanisin both found that night there was something worse than a day's marching. Night guard duty! Dav was awoken by a rough shaking courtesy of Stephens. Groggy, he stepped into his boots, strapped on his sword and tossed his cloak around his shoulders. Exiting the tent he found that night had brought rain with it. A miserable steady and cold rain that, while not hard, was enough to make him pine for the warmth of his blankets in the tent he shared with Tanisin. By the time he met up with his shift mates his cloak was damp and the chill air was seeping into him. Corporal Trepins gave Dav and Willhem a last minute instruction.

  “Start your circuit of camp now and remember to stay outside the firelight. As you go mark any spots you want to stay at for a bit, in this weather it’d be good to find somewhere a bit sheltered.”

  “Ha ha, in this we’d need some luck on our side.” Interjected Willhem. Though as damp and uncomfortable as Dav it seemed Willhem had managed to keep his good spirits.

  “Sayoshti provides.” Dav’s reply was more hopeful than faith based.

  Trepins continued. “Note a good spot or three on your circle. Once we’ve done a full round or two feel free to hunker down for a few. Keep your eyes and ears open though! Even if the scouts haven’t reported anything untoward you want to assume anywhere outside the Grant is hostile territory. Even more so the closer we get to the Dreadlands.”

  Dav shuddered and noted Willhem’s smile slipped a bit. Though neither of them had even been anywhere close to the Dreadlands, they’d both heard the stories and tales surrounding that dark place. They had no desire to face a shambler this early in their careers.

  “That’s right. This isn’t home with friends and family surrounding you. No walls and lamps to keep what lies in the dark at bay.” Trepins was matter of fact about it. “A good practice is to count off a quarter hour give or take at each spot then make a full circuit again but keep it random. As we encounter each other we sign off with ‘nothing to report,’ assuming there’s nothing or alert each other to anything suspect you may have noted.”

  “What if we see a real threat or are attacked?” Dav asked.

  “Real threats or attacks mean you call ‘To Arms!’ Loud as you can so the camp hears. Then you face it head on. Me and Willhem will come to aid you should we be able, if not it’s because we’re attacked too.”

  “Fair enough.” Dav answered.

  With that they made their way past the ruddy glow of the camp's fires. Dav spent the long, wet, chilly night miserable, cover from the rain was almost non-existent. He made his circuits, hunkered down and made his circuits again with occasional meetings of his shift mates. The night was quiet with nothing disturbing the sleeping soldiers and nothing of note to Dav’s eyes and ears beyond some small nighttime noises. By the end of the three hours he was more wet and colder than he’d been since a day long ago when on a dare from Tanisin he’d gone out onto some ice and fallen through.

  Tanisin had fished him out that day, blue with cold and soaked to the skin. Half drowned but alright in the end. He recalled the dressing down Anthin had later given him about his disregard for the danger.

  Tanisin’s guard experience was just as cold, wet and miserable, as Dav found out later. The pair were eating breakfast outside their tent as they relayed to each other their experiences. Tanisin was surly, having been interrupted from a good sleep with the pending duty. For the most part his experience had been comparable to Dav’s. Though it seemed that Relf, thinking himself too good for guard duty, had claimed the only dry spot to be found and flat out stayed there for almost half the shift. Smith–the other veteran on guard with the recruits–had finally noticed that the only other person he’d encountered on his patrol thus far was Tanisin.

  So he’d found Relf hunched into his cloak in a small hollow and physically hauled him out of it, kicking at him to get on with his patrol and stop acting the shit. Apparently then Relf took a swing at Smith only to be knocked on his ass! The yelling brought some of the lighter sleepers from camp to investigate. Dav was exhausted from his own work that night and had slept through the commotion. To add to Relf’s misfortune Sergeant Millin was awake or she was a light sleeper. Millin hauled Relf out of the mud and marched him back to camp while chewing him out the whole way and telling off one of the other veterans to take his spot on guard. The rest of the shift passed quietly after that.

  “Wow!” Dav was incredulous. “That guy just doesn’t get it does he?”

  “No he doesn’t. He even glared daggers at me while Millin was on him. Like I had anything to do with Smith thumping him.”

  “Bet Millin gives him at least a couple days worth of latrine duty.” Dav chuckled at the thought.

  Tanisin perked up, his mood lightened just from talking. “I’ll take that bet. I bet too that Relf learns quickly that he’s in the Corps like it or not. He’s made no friends with Smith and the others.”

  Breakfast done they washed their bowls and went to stow them in their packs. They both looked to the duty roster on passing and sure enough Relf’s name was now on the latrine duty. The tradeoff was both the boys were moved to guard the following night. Back at the tent they quickly packed up their things, making bed rolls out of blankets.

  Tanisin took the rolls to stash on the wagon and went to feed the horses while Dav took down the tent and packed it away for travel. That done and horses secured back to the wagon they both milled around with the others while the cleanup crew went over the grounds and the latrine crew now featuring only Relf buried the jacks.

  It wasn’t long after daybreak when Sergeant Millin with Relf in tow bellowed, “Form Up, two lines.” and everyone fell in as ordered. Millin then pushed Relf to the forefront.

  “Soldiers of The United Guard Corps. We have among us someone who feels he is above the duties of his station.” Millin’s face was red and stern. “This recruits actions not only were disobedient but they also put his squad-mates at risk.” By now the whole camp had heard the story. There was grumbling among the soldiers lined up. “By shirking his duty, recruit Relf left a gap in our sentry line. He left a weakness in the defence of this camp and its occupants and left us open to attack.”

  More grumbles from the assembled before Millin continued. “The punishment for such a dereliction of duty is… recruit Relf will run the gauntlet. Remove your belts.” She ordered before turning to Relf. “Remove your tunic soldier, as you’ve put your fellows at risk the punishment will be given by them.”

  Relf obeyed that order, removing his tunic and tossing it to the ground he looked to the two lines of soldiers. The groups had turned to face each other making a corridor between them. Each soldier held their belts gripped tightly in their hands. They all looked at Relf with grim expressions. There was a brief pause before the sergeant pushed Relf forward. “Run dog, do not stop until you clear the lines.”

  Relf ran towards the waiting soldiers. As he entered the gap the first two in line swung their belts at his exposed back, leather swatted him and bit into his flesh. Each pair he passed swung as he continued down the line. Each belt struck true and hard! Dav watched him barrel down the line, hunched over and flinching at the blows. For his part when Relf passed Dav did swing, but he held back. Some part of him was disgusted at this punishment and his own part in it but despite his feelings he understood the need.

  Tanisin did not hold back. Delivering his blow with all the force he could muster. Unlike Dav he was now in the Corps. He followed his orders and took his lead from his squad. He also knew the need and felt the punishment fit. After the last two blows it was over.

  Relf stood panting and wincing while the squad dispersed and made ready to resume the march. Willhem took the opportunity to approach Relf and the two began to talk. Dav noted Relf’s sour expression and it seemed an argument was imminent but seconds later, deflated and beat Relf nodded and the two talked some more standing away from the squad.

  The next days and nights were a routine of the same. Day after day of marching, night after night of camp, drill and duties to occupy them. Relf maintained a surliness born of the situation he was stuck in and the punishment set by the Sergeant. It held for the next two days but his mood did lighten a bit after that. The hard work and purpose, marching with a squad on a mission–even an escort mission–had a positive effect on Relf. Willhem and he continued talking through the day's marches and whatever Willhem was telling Relf it seemed to help. Relf had even managed to make amends with Smith and the other veteran Stephans and it seemed like soldiering may just agree with him in the long run. Two days later at midmorning they entered the Westwood.