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-July 26th of 1312

Lena yawns tiredly at the late hour. It’s had been two days since the battle and the men have been busy with repairs and fortifications. Meanwhile, the fort officers have been plotting among themselves except for the four officers who trusted her and one clueless, Private Ace.

Lena finishes the last of the reports as she rubs her tired eyes. The door softly opens as Holly pushes a cart with some light snacks and hot tea. Out of character, Holly gently places a cup of hot tea and a small plate of sweets on the office desk.

Lena blows on the hot tea as she murmurs her thanks to Holly. “Holly, thank you, but how about you get some rest, it is rather late.”

Holly politely declines, “In that case, who will serve you and your expected guests, my lady?”

Lena sputters as her tea sloshes dangerously. Holly pointedly sniffs as she places the tea cups on their perspective saucers and prettily arranges the sweets on various china platters.

The door soundless slides open as Holly reluctantly refills Lena’s platter of sweets. Chief Officer Gauthier wearing a dark robe creeps inside as three hooded figures silently follow behind. Lena smiles pleasantly and motions for the hooded figures to have a seat.

The three hooded figures gaze at each other for a moment, before the shortest figure sits down and the two-other remain protectively standing behind. Chief Officer Gauthier gulps as he hesitantly does the same, but brightens at the sight of tea and snacks.

The room is silent as the only sound comes from eating. After some time, Lena raises her gaze to Chief Officer Gauthier and says, “Chief Officer Gauthier, please introduce us.”

Chief Officer Gauthier clumsily places his half-eaten cookie onto the plate as crumbs fall onto the desk. Holly frowns at the sight and icily glares at Chief Officer Gauthier, no doubt putting him on her blacklist of offenders.

Chief Officer Gauthier gloomily replies, “Captain Bartholomew, sir, this is Merchant Vadim and his two guards.”

“Welcome. However, you have already seen my face and those that serve me, please extend the same curtsy and remove your hoods,” Lena persuasively said.

The men look towards the sitting figure who removes his hood as they do the same. A middle-aged man with grey hair, bright eyes curiously studies the woman before him. The two beefy identical men, who can only be twins glare suspiciously at the woman with their beady little eyes.

Based on the thickness of their muscle, Merchant Vadim chose them for their strength and not their brains. But looks can be deceiving. The deadliest demon general Lena ever fought was one who appeared to merely possess brawn and no brains, but hid one of the most talented., cunning minds that world had ever seen.

“I’m sure Chief Officer Gauthier explained the reason for our sudden meeting. Before we been negotiations, are there any questions?” Lena calmly said as she studied the little men before her.

Merchant Vadim calculating eyes narrow as he equably retorts, “Weapons can be bought through legal means for much cheaper prices than I can offer.”

“That is rather perceptive of you Merchant Vadim. You would be surprised how many merchants forget to ask simple questions when the prospect of money comes up as greed clouds their minds,” Lena calmly said as she studies his expression.

Merchant Vadim doesn’t react as he reassesses the women before him. The female captain is far from being simple.

“Let us commence negotiations?” Lena airily said as she leans back in her chair and rests her arms on the table.

Merchant Vadim brows furrow as he firmly says, “And what if I refuse? Will I still be able to leave without any threats being made or carried out?” At his words the guards tense up.

Lena smiles faintly and says, “You have my word, Merchant Vadim, I will do no such thing. All I will require is silence of our ill-fated meeting and you will be allowed to waltz out of that door back to your dreary life, having missed one of life’s greatest opportunities.”

The two guards angrily take a step forward as Merchant Vadim holds out an arm to stop them from acting even more rashly. The guards rather embarrassed at their premature actions take a quick step back and act like nothing ever happened.

Lena hides her grin and turns to Holly. “Holly, be a dear, and read the list of the supplies needed to Merchant Vadim,” Lena said before pausing and apologetically adding, “Pardon my rudeness, allow me to introduce my maid, Holly.”

Merchant Vadim smiles at Holly and smoothly says, “It is an honor to meet a lovely lady as yourself, Miss Holly.”

Holly politely curtsies and responds, “Thank you, Merchant Vadim. It is always a pleasure to meet a polite gentleman as yourself.”

Merchant Vadim chuckles and with some mirth says, “No need to use such flattery, my dear. I am only a lowly merchant.”

Holly politely nods as she reaches under the cart and pulls out a sheet of paper. Without waiting for Merchant Vadim to respond she mechanically says, “The fort needs the following supplies to be delivered in secrecy within the following five days: over a ton of wood and stone as much as can be delivered; three week’s supply of fresh food including: bread, eggs, fresh fruit, etc.; 4 weeks of regular food supplies; over 50 pounds of wax; twenty small, thin portable metal rods; at least 60 rolls of black cloth; at least 30 magical cannons with bombardment material; over 1000 weapons, shields, and armor for army use; plus three crates of cleaning supplies.

I believe that is all for now, but the list may change within the following days.”

Merchant Vadim gapes in disbelief as Holly coolly folds the list and places into her pocket. “Are you mad! A fortune is needed to supply the goods and it is impossible to gather and deliver the goods without gathering attention!” Merchant Vadim roared as he lost his composure.

Lena doesn’t bat an eye as she flatly responds, “I am aware of that.”

Merchant Vadim regains his composure and somewhat mollified steadily asks, “Let’s say I take the contract, what am I being paid and what are the added bonuses.”

Lena turns towards Holly and asks, “Holly, what was the amount that we could pay Merchant Vadim for his services?”

Holly coolly responds, “After scrimping and moving the numbers around, 500 gold pieces for Merchant Vadim’s services.”

“Well, there you have it,” Lena calmly explained as she waited for the explosion.

Chief Officer Gauthier shrinks in his chair as he waits for the imminent explosion to happen as the two guards flex the bulging muscles on their necks.

Merchant Vadim surprises them and sternly says, ““Do you take me for a fool?”

“No, that is not the case. And you will accept, Merchant Vadim. Shall I tell you why?” Lena steadily said as she stared back at him.

“Speak bluntly Captain Bartholomew, I no longer have the patience to play these games,” Merchant Vadim crossly said as he leaned back in his chair.

Lena removes several signed letters and documents from her desk. Lena holds up a signed certificate of authorization for Merchant Vadim to see, before placing it onto the desk to be read. Merchant Vadim eyes widen as he studies the certificate as a hungry expression creeps into his eyes.

“I would never ask for a trade unless it was a trade for an item of equal value. Based on your gaze, Merchant Vadim, you know the worth of this certificate. This is no ordinary certificate of authorization, but a privileged contract with the crown as well.

Not only would the certificate allow your business to become a legitimate business venture, Merchant Vadim. But your business would be allowed to fulfill royal contracts along with military contracts. And when is the best time to earn money from the military? Why during war of course.

But that’s not all, the certificate would permit you to be the only merchant within the entire kingdom to be allowed to sell, buy, or trade in weapons other than the military, crown, and weapon manufacturers and the likes.

Now tell me, does the price of my request exceed the value of the certificate of authorization? On the contrary, I should be demanding much more, because what I am offering is the possibility of untold riches,” Lena casually said as she eyed Merchant Vadim’s taut face.

Merchant Vadim pulls himself together, before he answers, “True, it is a tempting proposal, but like the Captain said, it is merely a promise of untold wealth.!”

“Very good point, Merchant Vadim. That is why I will follow with a counter offer, but once the counter offer is on the table, the conditions will be changed,” Lena politely said as she studied Merchant Vadim for any adverse reactions.

Merchant Vadim emotionlessly says, “Yes, but I think you are wrong about something Captain Bartholomew.”

“Oh, and what is that?” Lena coolly replied.

“Even if the conditions do not satisfy me, I can still leave,” Merchant Vadim confidently said with a victorious look in his eyes.

Lena doesn’t respond as a small knowing smile appears on her face. “The first offer still stands with two added conditions. Firstly, Merchant Vadim will fulfill our orders entirely free of charge. As well as for the duration of the northern campaign, Merchant Vadim will weekly deliver enough food to feed the entire fort,” Lena confidently said as the blood rushes in Merchant Vadim’s face.

“But in exchange I offer something of equal value, I will accept any man or women into the army if they are willing to follow orders. I will even disregard their past and crimes committed. And if they prove themselves of worth, I will promote them as there is due without prejudice,” Lena firmly stated.

Merchant Vadim freezes as he eyes the calm woman before him. “Do I have your word?” Merchant Vadim solemnly said as he waits for a response.

I was given explicit permission by the King to do as I see fit,” Lena firmly said as she held up the King’s proclamation declaring Lena’s absolute power over the northern frontier. Of course, his majesty probably didn’t intend for Lena to reform the military with his proclamation.

“I have waited so long to hear those words, but it is a damn shame, that I’m now too old to enroll,” Merchant Vadim emotionally said as he wipes the wetness form his eyes.

Merchant Vadim clears his throat and continues, “However, I have a talented nephew, who always dreamed about joining the kingdom’s army ever since he was a wee lad. But as fate would have it, he’s the get of a drunken murder. Before he even got a chance to prove himself, the army recruiters turned him away due to his personal history.

If you hold up your end of the bargain, then I will accept your terms and conditions, Captain Bartholomew, sir,” Merchant Vadim said with utter sincerity and devotion.

Lena lets out a small sigh of victory at having gained a loyal subordinate. But most especially another talented individual, who happens to have the skills she desperately needed.

Lena finishes filling out the letter of authorization and hands over the letter to Merchant Vadim, who gently takes it as though cradling a precious newborn, before hiding it away on his person. Lena rises to her feet and extends her hand for Merchant Vadim to shake.

Merchant Vadim stares dumfounded at the extended hand and shakes it back. “I never thought it would be possible to shake a noble’s hand, I thought for sure the world would end before I did so,” Merchant Vadim unconsciously said as he reddened at realizing his blunder.

“Yes, most nobles give that impression, but really the lot of us aren’t so bad. Merchant Vadim, you just have to get to know us that’s all,” Lena firmly said as Chief Officer Gauthier rises to his feet with relief at having survived the heart wrenching negotiations.

“Merchant Vadim, Chief Officer Gauthier will escort you and be your primary point of contact from here on out. It won’t be wise for the enemy to become aware of our current partnership,” Lena firmly reminded him.

Merchant Vadim nods his head in understanding as he motions for his guards to follow him. Chief Officer Gauthier silently leads them out and closes the door behind him. Lena yawns loudly, before saying, “Alright, Holly, no more buts. It is time for you to retire for the night.”

Holly sniffs pointedly as she gathers the plates. Lena sighs loudly as she heads back to her bedroom. She wearily kicks off her boots before climbing onto the couch. With ease, she pulls up the subordinate radar and is pleased to see, Merchant Vadim added into the system. Too bad, it was limited to 50 miles or else, she would use it to find the secret routes of Merchant Vadim.

~ POV of Random Female Mercenary ~

-July 28th of 1312

Bunch of us out job mercenaries and various other fellows with shady pasts march towards Fort Terra. I chat with some of my fellow mercenaries as we discuss the events that happened yesteryear.

On the morning of yesteryear, we awoke to find whispers running rampant through the underground network and official notices posted in the city stating:

“Open Military Enrollment to any citizen above the age of fifteen years old, be they male or female.

Captain Bartholomew, does not care for one’s past, crimes, etc., as long as one is willing to follow any commands established by the Captain, the Captain’s words are law.

Pay includes food and housing: 5 gold coins for a years’ service.”

Not only was I gaping with me mouth wide open at the money being offered, but at the military proclamation. Why for a farmer that was about five or more years of back breaking work to earn the same amount. And I would have to go on at least ten escort missions before I could earn the same amount.

Me, mum always wanted me to go straight, but I loved the sword too much like me, dad. Not wanting to miss this opportunity to become a proper woman, I paid me rent and gathered with some pals to head towards the fort. By the end of the day more or less marching through the night, a little less than a thousand arrived at the fort.

I craned me neck over the shoulders of the menfolk and only spotted maybe twenty other women then me. But none of them women appeared to be sword fighters except for me, most of them seemed to be archers and the rest spear users.

Suddenly the menfolk quiet down as the men turn towards to the most beautiful women, I had ever seen. Why one of them appeared by be a maid, who looks like she ate something sour for brunch, whilst the other one was wearing men’s clothes like me. I felt a wide grin spread on me face and instantly felt a kinship with the tall, red head.

The woman smiles calmly at each of us and looks us straight in the eyes. As she scans us and her eyes pass through me, I feel as though I am looking at angel. It’s as though all the fear vanishes from within me, why I would follow this here beauty to the very ends of the earth.

The smile disappears from the women’s face and we all sigh softly in disappointment. The woman loudly says, “Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Captain Bartholomew.”

The men all turn and gape at each other but I rub me nose in excitement. No wonder I felt such kinship with the Captain, she’s a woman much like me, a fighter. About time there was a woman Captain.

Captain Bartholomew continues, “Now, I expect all of you here, because of the announcement in the city. Well, that’s fine by me as long as you follow my orders; I don’t care about your gender, crimes or past. But I will warn you, should you disobey my orders you will not find a harsher punishment anywhere else.”

The Captain pauses as she solemnly studies. All of a sudden we all shiver and freeze, I hadn’t felt this type of fear since I faced that crazed bear in the mountains back when I was a wee lass. The Captain has the same eyes of a predator, that once in their sight they wouldn’t let you go until ye or they were dead.

Satisfied at our response the Captain continues, “Now the new recruits are to bunk in the soldier’s barracks, while the women will sleep in my headquarters. There is more than ample space until the women barracks are finished and constructed.

And soldiers, WELCOME TO FORT TERRA!”

We all cheer at the Captain’s final words as officers arrive to lead the men away, while we women line up in front of the Captain.

The Captain smiles widely at each of us as warmth enters her bright, blue eyes. “I’m pleased that some women had the courage to hear my call. I was afraid that no one would answer,” The Captain honestly said to us.

At the Captain’s words, all of us women raise our chest proudly as we gaze with respect and awe at her. None of the men ever treated us like that, but she saw us as equals even though we weren’t noble womenfolk. I felt as though a little band wraps itself tightly in me heart making me want to fight even more for the Captain.

“Now, then, this here is Holly and she is my maid. She will be in charge of assigning and showing you to your rooms. And please allow me to confer upon you one important piece of advice, I suggest you do everything she tells you.

Now I must be off, but I promise we will gather for dinner and get to know each other,” The Captain merrily said before scampering off into the distance.

We all turn to Miss Holly as she coolly says, “Please come this way and follow me closely, while I point out some things.”

Most of the women gape in awe of the buildings except for me, because I’d already seen places like this beforehand. But I do gape a little bit at the beautiful, polished building that was the Captain’s headquarters. It was the most beautiful building I had ever been in and it smelled of lime and lavender.

Miss Holly carefully explains where everything is situated and which floor was the Captain’s personal quarters. After explaining that we were to eat with the men folk on a regular basis, we all relax not being treated any differently.

However, Miss Holly made certain to tell us, that we were to keep the headquarters as clean as possible. Me and the rest of the women shivered at the coldness in her eyes. I’d hate to find out, what Miss Holly would do to such a fool!

Afterwards Miss Holly kindly shows me to my room along with me roommate. We both gape at the clean beds and at most importantly having our own water closet for our private use. We wouldn’t have to use the public water closets for men, when that we were visited by the red poppies.

Miss Holly departs as me and me roommate, a lovely freckled archer cleaned ourselves up. After some time, Miss Holly arrives with some nice uniforms for us as we excitedly dress ourselves. I haven’t been this giddy about clothes, since I first donned my first set of pants.

Once ready, Miss Holly leads us to a fine looking man. “This is Private Ace, he will be your commanding officer and you will be reporting directly to him,” Miss Holly firmly said before brushing past us without a goodbye.

Private Ace kindly, but firmly says, “Recruits, though you are women, you are now members of the kingdom’s army and as such carry yourselves with that pride and dignity. Now follow me, we have much to get through by the end of today.”

With our heads held high we follow our commanding officer as he gives us a tour of the fort and explains the situation of the fort. After the explanation of Private Ace, I can understand, why many didn’t come. But I find myself believing in the Captain, that surely somehow we will find a way to win.

The first dinner bell is rung and half of the men head into the eating quarters. Some of the men gaze at us in surprise and others with hostility at us being women. Private Ace ignores them as we line up and motions for us to sit down with him at an empty table.

We quietly munch for a bit, before the eating quarters suddenly goes silent. We all turn and crane our necks as our mouths filled with food fall open. The Captain and Miss Holly are lining up to for food.

Once done, the Captain waves at us and approaches us. “Well, ladies I did intend to eat with you, but since we will be co-habiting together, I believe I should get to know some of the other men. But please make room for Holly, she will be eating with you,” The Captain steadily said.

We all nod mutely as I scoot over to allow Miss Holly to sit down. She does so unhappily as the Captain marches over to a random table and begins to chat with the men. After a few minutes the table is roaring with laughter as the Captain jokes and laughs with men.

Inspired by the Captain’s example we try to do the same with Holly. Slowly, but surely Miss Holly opens up until she is smiling at and chatting quietly. Several times I catch Private Ace gape at Miss Holly, but I think he doesn’t stand a chance. Miss Holly probably has got a beau back home.

We gather our things as the Captain continues to chatter with the soldiers. Miss Holly doesn’t seem so afraid now that she is leaving with us. Maybe Miss Holly was just nervous?

More full and clean then my entire life, I settle down in the softest bed I had ever slept in. I am almost afraid to sleep, fearing if I do, all of this will just disappear. I pinch me-self making sure it’s real, I smile giddily at the pain. I sigh contently and fall asleep remembering that I have to write to me ma and pa, about becoming a proper, good woman.