Looking at the reports coming in via messenger, Vance made busy checking that everything seemed in order. Looking up, he straightened at the entrance of his superiors.

“Vance, how fare the preparations to invade?” Asked Franz who came walking up to greet his protégé.

Beside him stood Anderson, her iconic pipe hanging precariously between her lips. She regarded her former subordinate with a playful smirk, knowing full well what was going through the blonde haired man’s head. She didn’t bother to speak on the matter, but rather looked on quizzically. It wasn’t every day she got to see one of her favoured go on to lead the vanguard. While it was true she had deployed Vance with a quarter of her army, this was different. Everything about this whole affair would be different, as they were about to launch Kendirewen’s first offensive campaign in decades.

“I hope you’ll have that fort down by the time I bring my army down.” She finally commented, a trail of smoke slipping out as she spoke.

Franz nodded in agreement, “As do I. I gave you the time you requested to develop those new weapons, and I expect you’ll bring the Kingdom its first real victory in this offensive,” He started, pausing to let the words sink in, “You have a lot of eyes resting on you right now, Wolfram. A great number of the nobles and ministers are hoping to see you fail, and I intend to see those hopes dashed, just as Askal’s were the day they invaded our lands.”

His words couldn’t be any clearer, “Come back with victory, or don’t come back at all” As he was putting his reputation on the line by providing Vance with all he had and now led. If he were to fail in taking the fort before the whole of the Southern Army arrived, it would be an embarrassment and provide the Marshal’s rivals the excuse they need to oust him. What’s more, if he was unable to take the fort, the Southern Army would be forced to join a lengthy siege, which would delay the invasion and open the army up to a counter attack from a prepared Askalian army. Total defeat awaited Kendirewen if the Southern Army was lost.

Expectations were high, and Vance didn’t intend to let either of his patron’s down, “I’ll do my best. With all the support you’ve given me…” He paused, looking for the proper words, finally, settling on what he wanted to say, he looked at both, a smile soon spreading across his handsome visage, “It wouldn’t be very fair if I didn’t pay back the debt I’ve incurred with something of equal value. Say, a fort?”

Anderson laughed, while Franz just shook his head.

“More than fair!” Anderson chimed.

“Just don’t take any unnecessary risks with your command. I know you’re not the type of do so, but I just want to cover my bases should something happen.” Franz added, trying to give off the air of professionalism, as many high ranking men and women stood nearby, watching silently.

Nodding was all he could do in reply, until Estrid, Ami, and Horne came walking up behind the trio, stopping only to stand at attention before the three, each snapping off a quick salute.

“The army is ready to march on your orders, General.” Estrid reported.

Vance returned the gesture, giving his three friends and senior officers a respectful salute before waving them down to stand at ease, “Good. Give the order then. The faster we can reach Fort Gulrn, the better.”

Estrid saluted again, “Right away.”

Watching as she darted off to give the order to move, Vance looked over at the other two senior officers. Both Colonel’s given their command over individual Regiments, and both senior in military experience than any of the other Colonel’s that made up the Vanguard. Ami himself had been given the rank of Colonel after he had founded the Wolves of Luna, or as they were known within Kendirewen—the Dragon Marines Second Regiment. Ami still wore the Shinsengumi haori, but underneath he wore the uniform of a Dragon Marine, with the only other samurai part of his uniform being his sword. Horne of course, was commander of the Thirteenth Line of Foot, and had gotten the respect and friendship of Vance for his part in the Battle of Myths all those months ago.

“Ami?”

“I wanted to get permission to take the two regiments of light cavalry to clear the roads into Askal,” Ami asked.

“Granted, but take Richard’s Riders with you. The Wyverns will act as the reconnaissance unit, to scout out the lands ahead for enemy activity.” Vance ordered.

Ami snapped off a salute before he too rushed off, leaving only the Colonel of infantry, “Horne?”

“Wanted to let you know I talked with a few of my connections with the merchants, and many have agreed to supply our army with goods and water during the siege.”

“Oh? How’d you manage that?” Franz asked, walking up to question the Colonel.

Horne bowed his head to the superior officer and higher ranked noble before answering, “Investments,” He answered.

“Investments? Yours or theirs?”

“Both. I made a few promises and told them if they provided us with the means to lay a prolonged siege, they’d get their money’s worth once we’ve taken the South.” Horne answered in his usual dandy way.

Franz didn’t need to know anymore beyond that, and didn’t want to know, “Just, make sure that doesn’t come back to bite you in the ass, Colonel.”

“My Lord, I’m under the command of the biggest gambler in all of Kendirewen. I think it wouldn’t do if I didn’t make a few bets myself. Now would it?” He grinned.

Vance rolled his eyes, while Anderson just scoffed.

“Understood, Horne. Just focus on having our infantry ready to storm the walls once we breach them.” Vance said.

“Sir!” Snapping off a salute, Horne was the last to return to the army as it limbered forward.

Turning to face both Anderson and Franz, Vance saluted both his superiors before donning his helmet, “General, Marshal, I leave to take Fort Gulrn.”

Anderson returned the salute, “Good luck General Wolfram. I leave the hard part to your capable hands.”

Franz did the same out of respect and to show the faith he had in the young man, “May Julia watch over you.”

“She always is.” Vance smiled.

The two watched as Vance marched off to mount his Wyvern, with only Anderson bothering to whisper a small prayer for the Vanguard. Franz himself believed the Pantheon were already watching over them, making prayers feel redundant. Instead, the Marshal just crossed his arms over his muscled chest, watching the first of many soldiers marching past to war. Both had mixed feelings however, seeing as this was the first offensive campaign they were a part of on a command level, and yet, they weren’t the ones actually leading the first wave, but rather watching it march off before them. Anderson clicked her tongue out of annoyance at the whole situation.

“I don’t like this, Sir. Doesn’t feel right to send him in like this. I know better than anyone what he’s capable of, but even now I’m still worried about the boy.” She grumbled, biting down hard on the stem of her pipe.

Franz shook his head, “I know. I don’t like this anymore than you do Anderson, but there’s little we can do. If we don’t send him, he’ll only be targeted by those buffoons back in Anceburg. Hell, look at the Lancer under your command. He’s still sending written complaints to my desk—demanding I strip Wolfram of his rank.” Franz sighed.

“Ha… I’ll take care of him. He’s proven useless anyways at commanding the King’s lancers, so I’ll just assign him a desk job. That’ll shut that fat fucker up.” Anderson grinned.

Franz balked at the language used by the Major General, looking stunned a moment before giving his head a mental shake before speaking, “I’ll give my signature to that order. Just—try to find someone capable to lead the lancers. They’ve had a string of bad luck in regards to commanders, and I’d rather have them led by someone who actually gives a damn about them.”

“Don’t worry, I already have someone in mind,” Anderson answered, grin still firmly affixed to her lips, “And I think our dear Wolfram will like the choice too once all is said and done.”

“Haha! Good. Tell me about over a glass of Reja Red.” Franz said.

“Oh! Now that’s a good red wine. If you can get your hands on the stuff.”

“Ha… fine, I’ll provide the wine, you just layout your idea,” He sighed as the two walked back to their escort unit.

---

The march south proved to be as quiet as Vance had expected, as every village and town they came across warmly greeted the army as they marched down the streets and dirt roads of each. There was never any cause for alarm, nor were there any calls or cries from the sentries whenever the army came to camp. Even at a hastened pace, the army was in good spirits as well. Each man and woman seemed to take pride in the fact they were led by individuals regarded as war heroes within Kendirewen. While the titles and accolades were new, it felt longer to many of those under Wolfram and his command staff. Vance, for his part, didn’t know how to handle the morale reports, as it was a little disconcerting to see his soldiers look at him with starry eyes, as though he were some living saint; even if he could be considered one. So, he did the only thing taught to him by Alexis Anderson—ignore it.

Thankfully, Estrid, William, Lara, Xen, and Horne were good company that helped keep his mind off such things. Every night the group would get together to discuss strategies, swap stories of their lives before the military, and sometimes they’d even share their dreams. It was an extremely peaceful trip. Ami and Richard would come riding back every Friday to give their report, and give their troops a much needed rest before moving out in the early morning. This went on for three weeks as the army marched towards Fort Gulrn.

“Here we are, the Askalian-Kendirewen border.” Vance observed, siting comfortably atop Magic.

Estrid looked over the small hill they were atop of, while the army marched past, “This is a big moment for us…” she noted, a hint of nervousness evident in her eyes.

Vance looked at her a moment longer, “You know, it’s always you asking how I’m holding up, but I’ve never had the chance to truly ask how you’re feeling about all this?” He said.

Estrid didn’t bother to look at him, merely keeping her eyes fixated on the badlands that made up the border, “I’m fine.” She answered with the same poise as he’d come to know.

“I know you’re not. We’ve known each other for nearly a whole year, and not once have I seen you this nervous. Estrid, you know you can talk to me if you ever feel the need?” Vance told her.

Estrid smiled, swallowing as she tried to find the words, “I know… I know Vance. Just—just know I’ll be with you, every step of the way through this. No matter what hell we might find ourselves in, I’ll stand with you.”

“Right—well, I better meet up with Colonel Horne to discuss reports.” Estrid stammered, her cheeks slightly red.

Vance felt his own face grow red for a moment, as he scratched the back his head, “Uh, yes! You, do that, I’ll—I’ll be down in a minute. Shouldn’t be too long until we reach Fort Gulrn.”

Estrid quickly pulled away, her Wyvern kicking up dirt and dust as it launched itself into the air, carrying the raven haired Colonel away. Alone again, Vance looked down upon the dead grass, “What was that?!”

Shaking his head, Vance quickly looked away, and forward once again, he had a lot to do, and little time to do it in. A fort to take, and an army to manage. He hoped the new guns would give them an edge in the siege, and make breaking the walls that much easier.

“A lot of work indeed,” Vance mumbled silently.