Last chapter, please enjoy until later everyone! :noei:

-August 12th of 1312

A week later the enemy arrived numbering about 5,000 men. The enemy was wary and will not easily go into battle other than the occasional skirmish.

Merchant Vadim would soon be arriving with the much-needed construction supplies. While mages and soldiers had been destroying, the tunnels securing the ground area below the fort and covering the previous dug pits. The construction of the female barracks was to be postponed until there was a ceasefire.

Lena yawns as she tiredly shifts in her seat and awaits her visitor. Time slowly flows as her eyes begin to feel heavy and she rapidly blinks the sleep away. To her vast relief, Lena spots two familiar dots on the interface screen.

Lena rises to her feet and stretches before seating herself again. Soon after, Chief Officer Gauthier opens the door as three usual figures enter followed by a petite hooded figure carrying a pack. Lena raises an eyebrow at the last figure but doesn’t protest.

Merchant Vadim immediately removes his hood upon sitting down as his standing bulky twin bodyguards, Chase and Hunter do the same. Upon learning their names, Lena deduced from their names that their parents were possibly criminals or assassins, but from their looks she decided that it was the first choice.

Lena could only assume that their naming was either to instill fear into them as children or make them victims and ensure they grew up to be strong. Of course, there is a last possibility their parents were sadists.

Though, the petite figure did not remove their hood as if waiting for something. Lena gives Merchant Vadim a pointed look as he smiles charmingly and boyishly shrugs.

Merchant Vadim optimistically says, “Allow me to congratulate the Captain on her assured success.” He pauses dramatically as Lena accepts the compliment and gestures for him to continue.

Merchant Vadim with a twinkle in his eyes resumes, “The goods have been delivered as promised including the building material. Sales are soaring through the roof! In the last week alone I’ve had to hire more than a hundred new workers.

And if I may report and give my thanks, my nephew is very grateful to the Captain for being allowed to join.”

Lena politely smiles and replies, “Thank you for your kind words, Merchant Vadim. But did we not agree that Chief Officer Gauthier would be our intermediary?”

Merchant Vadim apprehensively replies, “Yes, but I was asked to introduce someone and I do believe they will be of use.”

Curiously Lena signals for Merchant Vadim to continue as he swiftly adds, “Allow me to present Dolly, a nature shaman.”

The petite figure nervously removes their hood as the hood drops onto the floor. Lena’s heart almost stops in shock at the sight of a little girl of about eleven years standing in front of her. The girl has dark brown hair, large fluffy spotted ears wearing a cute ornamental top/bottom. And has a large fluffy tail as her cute bare feet are slightly paw like.

Without a word, Lena rises to her feet to vast shock of everyone. Before they can react, Lena is rubbing Dolly’s soft ears and tail as Lena firmly states, “She’s hired.”

Lena happily continues to pet the soft ears and that oh so fluffy tail. All the men just gawk at Lena and her happy actions. But the most surprised person is the Dolly whose face is twisted in dislike. With sadness, Lena watches the precious one slip from her grasp and glare darkly at her.

After a moment of composing himself Merchant Vadim rather confused asks, “Then you’ll hire Dolly?”

Lena made a happy sound of yes as she once more was petting the precious one who was glaring up at her.

Merchant Vadim somewhat still in shock faintly says, “I see in that case I’ll be leaving.” Chief Officer Gauthier dumbly rises to open the door as Merchant Vadim quietly leaves followed by his two rather perturbed bodyguards.

Lena finally comes to as she sighs in contentment. “Sorry about that, but I’ve been deprived as of late. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Captain Bartholomew. And may I inquire your purpose Dolly?”

Dolly rather unwilling kneels in front of the strange female captain and answers, “Captain Bartholomew, the proclamation stated that anyone could join your forces provided they would fight.

I am half beast-men and half dwarf. My parents are from warring kingdom and fled to a human kingdom. Most of the time beast men are not treated poorly, but it is difficult for someone of my kind to earn income other than being an assassin or working in brothels.

My mother recently gave birth to a litter of four. As their only grown pup, I have taken upon myself to help provide for my mother and the new pups as my father a dwarf is currently away. Please accept this beast-men into your forces!”

Lena gently tugs on one of Dolly’s ear as she firmly replies, “Dolly, I have already accepted you. And since you are so anxious to be of use, please explain your skills and we will go from there.”

Dolly suspiciously eyes the strange female captain as she rises to her feet and moves out of reach. “Captain, I would like to make one thing clear before we begin. I’m not a child I’m already sixteen years old and a full grown woman. Though my appearance is like this, it is because I’m half-dwarf. Therefore, no more of this petting and hugging is that understood?”

Lena doesn’t respond as she studies the cute fluffed out tail. Dolly merely sighs and sullenly answers, “As a nature shaman I am capable of speaking to animals. I’m an excellent healer and am somewhat proficient in rune making. However, my father is an incredible rune caster and craftsman.”

Resisting the urge to pet her ears Lena concentrates on the facts before her. “Dolly, can animals carry messages and even spy for you?” Lena curiously asked.

Dolly firmly replies, “They can easily carry messages, but spying is hard for them since they don’t really understand the concept. But they can tell if a human is nice or not and if there are humans nearby or not. They can also follow humans and report where they go even if you don’t understand human conversations.”

Lena manages to keep her face blank as a Grinch like smile threatens to appear on her face. “Dolly you are to be my personal attendant and be paid for your service,” Lena calmly said.

Dolly frowns and asks, “Attendant? Am I not to be a soldier?”

“No, Dolly, you will be of more use at my side,” Lena softly said as Dolly’s ears droop at the words. Unable to contain herself Lena pets the ears and adds, “Serving under a noble, no one will dare harm you for fear of gaining my wrath. And I can assure you my family treats those that serve us very well and the pay is excellent to boot.

But Dolly are there more beast-men or other races that would be willing to serve under me?”

Dolly furrows her face in deep thought and after a moment says, “Yes. There are many that were too afraid before. But if they can trust the proclamation, they will surely come.”

With gleaming eyes, Lena says, “Dolly in a few days’ time, you will leave for the city with a group of female warriors and Private Ace. Your job is to help assure beast-men and other alike of the veracity of the proclamation. Naturally, I am even willing to offer a position at the fort for your father or one under my family.”

Dolly clumsily salutes as Lena resists the urge to hug her to her chest. Dolly excuses herself and heads back to the room that Chief Officer Gauthier had assigned. Lena faithfully climbs onto her faithful couch for another night lacking sleep.

The next morning, Lena happily awakens to the angelic, scowling face of Dolly. Dressed, they head downstairs for a meal as the women soldier’s gaze with surprise at Dolly. Lena swiftly introduce Dolly as her new attendant. The woman awkwardly nod, but swiftly succumb to Dolly’s charms as they coo over her much to the chagrin of Dolly.

Lena blissfully eats as she enjoys Dolly’s scowling face until the air turns chilly. Feeling someone staring daggers at into her back, Lena hesitatingly turns to find Holly. Holly’s haunting appearance cause the women to remember some urgent errands as they scramble out of the room.

Left all alone, Lena nervously says, “Holly this is Dolly my new attendant. Dolly this is my maid, Holly.”

Dolly’s eyes Holly as she quietly approaches as Holly pointedly sniffs at Lena but smiles warmly back at Dolly in comradery. “Hello, I am Holly. I hope we can get along and thank you for being bearing with serving under my Lady. My lady is quite forgetful and quite the fool at times and as such it can be quite the tiring burden at times.”

Lena narrows her eyes at Holly’s words. What was that supposed to mean?

Dolly grins ruefully back and adds, “I can already attest to that. I think you and I are going to be good friends. Holly, place myself entirely at your service, please teach this one properly.”

Holly smiles in approval as Dolly rises to her feet. Holly leads Dolly away and darkly says over her shoulder, “My Lady, there are new recruits waiting for you in your study.”

Lena sighs with dismay, why of all people did those two have to bond? But wait, reinforcements? She didn’t ask for reinforcements. In other words, the answer is a simple one, nobles.

Lena dejectedly makes her way back to find several youths making themselves comfortable in her office. Lena firmly shuts the door behind her and seats herself at her desk to read the delivered documents. With ease Lena ignores the whispering nobles and reads the contents of the letters.

Lena smiles slightly the confirmation of her promotion to that of general. But was rather pleased to find that she was knighted as well. Well, one less item off her plate.

Lena’s face darkens as she reads the personal letter from his majesty.

“General Bartholomew,

Word has reached us of your successful and victory against the enemy. I am grateful that you have surpassed my expectations. Though I still find myself ill at ease.

However, there are still many who oppose the appointment. Baring that in mind, I have sent mage reinforcements to you. Most of the mages are nobles or students that have no experience in the field. But I have the utmost confidence that you will be able to handle the situation wisely.

With the greatest of gratitude,

King Julius Sorrell.”

Annoyed by the whispers, Lena slams her hand against the study and coldly says, “Is this the discipline received at the academy? What is the proper protocol that was taught when presenting yourselves before a general?”

The mages stumble to their feet as some of the more aggressive mages glare at back. The mages bow or curtsy with varying degrees of respect. Lena barely acknowledges their greetings before gesturing for the mages to follow her out.

The mages with varying degrees of curiosity and haughtiness follow in turn. The mages gape as the soldiers respectfully salute the female captain or cheer at her mere appearance. Lena greets the soldiers alike as they make their way through the fort.

They quietly enter the healing wards, where injured soldiers lay in bed. Some of the mages gag at the injuries and others pale.

Lena unfeeling says, “Take a good look at these soldiers. Should you fail this will be you or the men you failed to protect. Better yet, this is what you will be doing to others. Are you capable of doing so?”

The mages for the first time realize it was not a game. They could one day be the ones in bed. Lena nods at the exhausted healers and greets the injured soldiers. Some of the mages flee outside and others remain thoughtfully being.

Back at headquarters, Lena flatly states, “I will not tolerate insubordination as I except every single of my commands to be followed to the letter. If you are not capable of such actions, then you are dismissed.”

More than 2/3’s of the mages storm out of the study with leaving only three male mages, two female mages behind. Lena sincerely says, “I will be in your care,” and bow to them.

The mages react with various mix of emotions, but the most prominent awe. Lena softly adds, “I welcome you with open arms to Fort Terra. Please allow me to lead you to Master Sergeant Robertson as he will be your squad leader.”

Lena leads them away as she idly wonders, if she made the right choice in keeping them. But she would just have to wait and see.

~ POV of King Fulbright (Enemy Ruler of Kingdom of Cypress) ~

-August 30th of 1312

King Fulbright angrily drink in his chambers as he views the autumn serene night landscape of the palace gardens. The brightly colored leaves sway and dance in the yellow moonlight as the breeze dances alongside them. And though the scene is powerful enough to smooth any unease heart, it is not enough to comfort his.

King Fulbright was full of rage for the death of his son at the loathsome hands of the Kingdom of Alyssum’s, General Bartholomew. His grip tightens around the wine chalice as the thin golden stem bends at the force of his grip as the wine jostles dangerously against the brim of the chalice.

King Fulbright upon learning the news had almost disgraced himself by openly cursing General Custer as his retainers wisely prevented him from speaking until the exhausted soldiers finished their tale. General Custer attempted to save his son, but was coldly beheaded. Soon after, his son also fell at the hands of Captain Bartholomew.

Before King Fulbright could react another message urgently arrived. A fearless noble named Eithan, claimed that Captain Bartholomew was now General Bartholomew of the northern front of the Kingdom of Alyssum. Stating that Fort Terra had sustained enough damage during that the enemy would be unable to until Spring.

His advisors sighed in relief as King Fulbright thanked the noble soldier Eithan for his valor in providing such crucial information. And risking being caught, Eithan bravely stole away their corpses to be properly buried.

King Fulbright immediately made Eithan part of his inner circle and promoted him. His advisors improved of his benevolent and wise actions, but his foolish retainers raised their voices against King Fulbright.

The advisors urged to reman camped at the frontier until spring to enlist more men. Unwillingly, King Fulbright found his hand forced and agreed to wait until Spring before launching another campaign.

King Fulbright can taste the blood in mouth as he recalls the bitter moment. But worst of all was the cloud of hatred that awoke at the thought that an insignificant female dared slay his royal son. It is one thing for a man to kill, but for a woman, that is utter heresy! A woman only existed for one purpose alone to provide comfort and sire one’s seed.

Trying to cool the flames of hatred in his heart, King Fulbright downs the wine in a single gulp. With a thud, King Fulbright slams the chalice onto the table. A soft chuckle his heard from behind the curtains as King Fulbright stiffens with embarrassment.

King Fulbright narrow his eyes with anger, but quickly composes himself as a figure in a bright red, cloak steps into the moonlight. King Fulbright mouth dries as his heart quickens uneasily. His body trembles as if in fear, much like akin a prey in front of a predator.

The silky masculine voice says, “I thought we had an agreement, your highness, that the Kingdom of Alyssum was to be destroyed.”

King Fulbright stiffly replies, “It wasn’t my fault, it is that accursed women, Captain Bartholomew!”

The figure pauses and asks, “A women?”

King Fulbright hides the feelings of superiority wheeling inside himself. They were not as well informed as they should be.

“Yes, it is just as I said, a female Captain. For being almighty and all seeing, there seems to be a lapse of judgement. Perhaps, I can recommend that next time such a proposal is made, one may consider the women as well,” King Fulbright brusquely retorted.

The figures move almost too fast for to see and leans his face close to King Fulbright’s. King Fulbright heart trembles at the sight of handsome face that pulls away. King Fulbright sighs in relief and embarrassment as he pours himself another glass of wine.

The figure softly says, “No matter, everything shall proceed as previously planned. But you are of no further use and as such you must be terminated.”

King Fulbright sputters with fury as he rises to full height and glares at the hooded figure. How dare he tell, a king, what to do?

King Fulbright reaches for his sword, when his surroundings begin to spin as he weakly slumps against this chair. Though dazed eyes, the figure approaches and in a hypnotic voice says, “The poison was in the wine.”

The figure turns away and softly adds overt their shoulder, “But be at peace, your burden shall not pass onto your heir. Your heir is much more intelligent and capable then you ever were.”

King Fulbright eyes widen with horror as they cloud over as a soft croak escapes his lips. He should have never trusted them!