The Capital is always buzzing with people this time of year. Every shop is jammed packed with families from all social classes. Ranvar has kept its tradition of cheap shopping in the end of the schooling term as many shops close through the holidays.

Many men dressed in military outfits lined the streets of the capital getting the last taste of home before they leave. Each man had a distinct badge on their shoulder detailing the battalion that they are a part of.

Joseph was part of the 32nd battalion, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the area. He was one of the very few to get in due to merit rather than paying his way there so he wasn’t as excepted as the others. He could only imagine how many more incompetent and rich young men would be in his battalion this time around. Joseph didn’t have to wait long to find out.

A soldier bumped into the back of Joseph leaving them sprawled on the crowded path. “So sorry about that mate. I’m in a rush to catch a carriage to the barracks. I want to get a seat.”

Joseph paid no attention to what this man was saying. The badge caught his attention instantly.

“You’re part of the 32nd?”He asked.

“Yes just joined. I worked my way up there from the dreaded 16th battalion.

The 16th battalion was filled with the youngest most inexperienced soldiers in the whole of Ranvar. It is very hard to work your way out of that hell hole of disorganisation.

The man started to dust himself off and offered out a hand which Joseph took.

“I see you’re part of the 32nd as well.”

“Yeah.” Joseph answered. “I worked my way up as well.”

“We better get going before all the seats on the carriage fill. By the way, my name is Austen. Austen Baker.”

“Joseph. Joseph Tutt.”

They shook hands and continued together on their way to the carriages.

The line to the last remaining carriages were unexpectedly short and before long, they both got seats next to each other. Usually Joseph would remain quiet and use the last tastes of civilian freedom to rest his eyes. This time however he felt compelled to find out more about Austen. He knew that his best chances of surviving would be due to finding a mate.

“So… umm, where did you come from?” Joseph was not the type to start good conversations but gave it a shot anyway.

“Langdale. It’s about a thirty minute carriage ride to the Capital.”

As the barracks start to loom in on the horizon, Joseph felt like he had just made a connection with Austen. They talked about their families and their life outside of the military.

The bumpy carriage ride finally began to smoothen as they hit the smooth tarmac roads leading to the barracks.

This was all too familiar for Joseph and it wasn’t long until the memories started to flood back. He never had a mate that died beside him; neither did he experience the bravery that the newspapers so fondly wrote about. Instead he remembered the chaos that occurs behind the scenes when no officer was watching.

It was all too familiar to him, the drunken brawls that occur late at night which was sparked by both the potato grog and the poker cheating. This was only the beginning as Joseph would often get picked on for his poor heritage. In a rare occasion one of the goons would be found out ad charged, mainly punished in front of everyone to see as a hopeful attempt to stop the offenders.

The only quiet anyone seemed to get would be the aftermath of a battle where everyone was too tired to move.

As the conversation with Austen died down, Joseph could feel the presence; smell the smell of the upcoming hell that they both would face flooded through the vents at the top of the carriage. It really is saying something when they would feel safer on the battlefield than in the barracks itself.

The relief of finally getting to stretch their legs was quickly outlived as the drill sergeant smartly strolled into view. Generally this would be the point where everyone would stand at attention but the lack of military action led to a rusty output on the rules.

Joseph knew that a spray storm of yelling and spitting would quickly ensue so he made a tactical decision to move to the back of the mob. Austen however was completely oblivious and stayed put at the front, right in the firing line of a fuming drill sergeant. All he could do was watch on helplessly.

"Get in line you bunch of misfits!" He was answered by a stunned silence.

"Christ! If you are the lot to defend Ranvar we are all doomed. Don't worry i'll turn you worthless pieces of skin and bone into real fighting men."

A grin spread across the sergeants face as his eyes scanned the men and finally rested on Austen.

"Young man. From the 32nd I see. I don't think I recognise you."

"I..I came from the 16th." Austen stammered.

The mob behind him erupted in laughter. It wasn't long until a bunch of witty comments made its way around.

Joseph knew that from this point on, life was going to be very difficult for him and especially difficult for Austen.

It was no surprise at all when Joseph and Austen were assigned the closest bunk to the toilets. It did not deter Joseph as much as he knew they won't be doing much sleeping anyway.

Just as everyone was beginning to settle, in bursts the sergeants.

"Mess hall! On the double!" He left as quickly as he came.

A collection of groans filled the bungalow as the men filed out the door. Joseph and Austen lagged behind just to stay in the safe side.

As they arrived to the mess hall, General Parker a long server of the Ranvarian army began addressing the massive hoard of men. Joseph wasn't really listening to what he had to say. It was the same every time. The next four words caught his attention.

"We are under attack."