“Reavers.” King Aldrecht spoke slowly as he descended from his throne. “They are the ultimate judges of this reality, and you have just brought them to my feet, Princess?” He said coldly as he stood no less than a meter away from the silver haired woman.

The knights and guards around were tense. Though the majority had sheathed their blades, the guards around the king had their sharp edges aimed at the Rangers. Lecca maintained composure as she gently held up a flat palm to the worried men behind her. A momentarily glance was exchange between her and Captain Thompson as she worked to defuse the situation.

“The situation you had placed me in so suddenly forced my hand and I misjudged the spell that was being cast.” Lecca reasoned. “Perhaps it would’ve been ideal to discuss the nuances of this “taskforce” before you would make such a bold claim, Aldrecht!”

Her sudden bark when saying the King’s name came to be a shock to the knights and Rangers.

“Very well. Captain Orwell, I shall leave the briefing to you.” This was all King Aldrecht could say as he curtly turned on his feet and moved with his escorts to the rear exit.

With the crowd of knights slowly dissipating only a select few remained alongside the named Captain. Other than the knights wearing what looked to be standard issue armor and garbs, three seemed to come from more prestigious families as their armor held gems, or more regal colors such as velvet, red and gold.

Mike removed the magazine of his M-5and inspected it as Captain Orwell moved to the front of the group flanked by the more regal-looking knights. “Gentlemen.” He began with a confidant tone, “I apologize for the king’s sudden hostile actions, but it is imperative to know that “Reavers” are beings not to be trifled with.” Orwell looked at the state of the Rangers and the Princess, leading him to let out a satisfied huff, “Though it appears that you are more than capable of standing against such otherworldly foes.”

Stepping forward and reaching out his arm, Thompson nodded his head at his fellow captain. “Oliver Thompson; current commanding officer of the remaining members of Taskforce Spare.”

Looking at the man’s palm and seeing his intention, Orwell obliged and shook Thompson’s hand.

“I don’t know what you want to gain out of us.” Thompson began stepping back with his hands returning to his rifle, “The least I can assure is that we will assist as an outside force rather than any force multiplier.”

Standing and seemingly dazed, Mike stared through the next three hours of conversation. Troop organization, weapons development, research and development, training, and logistics were just some of the many topics brought up between conversations. From the bright lights in the Throne room to the dimly lit meeting room, the discussion had swapped rooms several times due to maids moving about their day.

Eventually the exchange ended. Gone was the stuffy air inside the castle, and instead the orange-yellow hue of the sun was painted over the bright blue skies over the kingdom. The Rangers had moved with the men to a training field nearby the castle. Green fields shifted in the wind as far below in a dust makeshift range, PFC Green presented the primary weapons system of the United States Armed Forces, the M-5 Carbine.

Gathered by a small table inspecting several of the internal pieces from the weapon, Green explained the parts to a small group of knights and curious royal guards that had forgone their patrol. All the men watched in awe and confusion as the Private First Class explained the purpose of the bolt under the sharp gaze of both Lieutenant Patterson and Sergeant Malkovich, who were in position to make sure none of the knights got any fancy ideas.

Crunching behind him, the sound of grass being pressed under the weight of a pair of boots garnered Mike’s attention. Before the Sergeant could look over his shoulder to see who was approaching him, a bell-like voice came from behind, “So, may I ask your opinion on the knights you have spoken with?”

With a shadow being casted over him blocking out the late afternoon sun that was beaming down its godly rays onto the golden-green fields, Mike focused on the silver hair and loose clothing fluttering in the wind. Princess Lecca was hunched over above him resting her perfect hands on her skirt-covered knees.

Calming himself from making any brash actions, Mike spoke groggily as he moved his ungloved hand over his mouth to let out a yawn, “I’m not that… familiar with knights or swords. But it would help if junior knights were placed in leadership roles within eight-man squadrons. Would help organization of a combative force.”

Interested in how the man she was standing over responded, Lecca gave some room between herself and Mike and sat next to him. She collected and brushed her hair clear of her right ear and shot an inquisitive look towards the Sergeant who was currently explaining the topic of force multipliers.

“Since it’s quite obvious that me and the others don’t know a damn thing about the world, our place as a force multiplier would be the most efficient way to use us.” He said while catching the movement that Lecca performed. “If we act alongside a group of specially trained soldiers, I believe we Rangers can keep our identity.”

“Identity?” Lecca parroted seeming lost in thought.

Looking at the woman next to him with a soft gaze, Mike found it hard to ask why she repeated the word “identity”, yet his worries would mean nothing as a messenger quickly jogged to the both of them and shouted, “Princess Lecca! Holy Knight Randall! Holy Knight Orwell and Captain Orwell have called for the both of you!”

There was time to get another word in as the runner quickly removed himself from the equation. With one final yawn released, Mike rose from the ground and brushed off his pants before offering his hand to Lecca who was still sitting on the ground.

She became flustered if not for a single second before taking his hand and hoisting herself off the ground. The white skirt she was in fluttered in the wind alongside her silver hair as Mike let go of her hand and faced the opposite direction. Several blades of grass picked up in the wind, and Lecca held her hair in place as the Sergeant gave her a cheeky smile, “Lead the way?” He asked.

“Of course, Holy Knight.” She said slyly as she stepped beyond the pouting Mike now behind her.

Walking the fields, the two soon found themselves nearing the training camp site, where mercenary instructors and teachers from the military academy would spend their time devising training regiments and other activities for the soldiers and knights.

At the center of the camp was where both captains were currently located. Nearby guards, soldiers, and knights eyed the Ranger and Princess; some looked with envy and hate, while others interest and genuine curiosity. Paying no mind to the men, Princess Lecca and Sergeant Randall entered the olive-drab command tent.

In the dark interior, both Captain Orwell and Captain Thompson stood around a wooden table with several other knights. There, the group stopped speaking about their current topic as both Princess Lecca and Sergeant Randall made themselves known.

Captain Orwell and the Knights saluted the Princess as she walked to the table with Mike behind her. “Gentlemen.” She said in a business-like tone, “How is the formation of the taskforce coming about?”

Stepping back, Thompson gave room for Captain Orwell to speak. “Logistical elements are still being sorted, Princess, but we have found the necessary knights and soldiers to fill in our combative gaps. Captain Thompson was kind enough to provide the basis on how we should structure this taskforce. You will find that most of the organization is not of our own.”

Stepping forward Thompson interjected his opinion much to the distain of the knights around him. “What he’s saying is that you and your kingdom have no experience in organizing a sizable group to engage a larger enemy.” Thompson then pointed to one of the organizational charts on the table, “Since you obviously want my team on the front lines, we have placed you Princess as our commanding officer, while Captain Orwell and others will act as on field officers that will communicate with elements here at the castle.”

“This is of course a rough organization, since what the king wants is on par to creating an entire division.”

Looking over several of the documents laid out on the table, Lecca provided an acceptable response, “Captain, I would recommend taking a break for the time being. It has only been a single night since your arrival, and to ask you to create a division capable of extraordinary feats is out of the question now.”

Thompson shook his head in disagreement as he patted his hands against his dirtied pants, “With all due respect Princess, might I remind you that this kingdom summoned me and my men to combat a fucking enemy that this military can’t even handle.” He complained as he chuckled to himself, “For fuck sakes, we aren’t Green Berets. We can assist, but we can’t train an entire army. All we can do is provide the necessary tools for you and your people to win this war. Then we fuck off.”

One of the more regally dressed knights let out a snobbish laugh as he responded to Thompson’s outcry, “I told your Orwell; these men can’t even train soldiers! How can we expect them to fight the demon lord if they can’t even hold a sword properly? They know nothing of our culture, they know nothing of our enemies, and they know nothing of respect!”

“Respect!?” Thompson exclaimed as his fatigue caught up to him, “In war there is no fucking respect!” The knights around became silent as he continued, “The reason my people have weapons such as these is that humanity had long forgone respect! The place we come from; You’d be lucky if you didn’t get fucking shot once you stepped outside!”

Thompson took a deep breath as Mike walked over to him and patted him on the shoulder. “You, okay?” He asked garnering a nod.

Wiping a layer of sweat from his face, Thompson continued, “I understand Captain Orwell that your men doubt our abilities. How about some course, or something! Give me something to work with and I can guarantee I will meet you halfway…Just don’t assume that I will put the lives of my men over yours…”

“There is a course we have built for our archers…” One of the hesitant knights spoke up breaking the tense silence that had arrived after Thompson’s outburst. “It’s no less than half of one mile and it includes several objectives for an archer to obtain.”

Thompson took out the final piece of gum he had in his pants and quickly unwrapped it and stuffed the sugary substance in his mouth. “Fine.” He said between a sudden yawn. “We’ll play this game.”

With the knights backing away from the table, Captain Orwell watched as Thompson picked up his rifle resting beside it. He stared at the FDE colored weapon as his fellow captain slung an olive drab sling around his shoulder. In a similar manner, the man on the other side of the table, Sergeant Mike Randall, also maneuvered his weapon into a comfortable position.

Walking alongside Orwell and Princess Lecca, Thompson and Mike were surround by four knights as they walked to the location of the course just outside of the training area towards a small collection of stables where a covered wagon and several horses waited for them to arrive. Their destination was just outside of the royal city, and the “archers’ course” as so aptly named by Orwell was in fact a collection of both natural and man-made prefabs.

Leaning against the wall of one of the many stalls that lined the area they were currently in, Mike stood across from Thompson who was sitting on the dry-dirt ground. Little words came from both men; just the occasional greeting or sneer remark, but other than that, they were silent.

Princess Lecca had momentarily left the two to deal with some of the knights and Captain Orwell. Though now a ceremonial rank, her position as Chieftain provided the necessary authority among the men that seemed to respect her, which was all but three knights and soldiers.

Thompson hummed an old tune from the 21st century. His mind was not occupying its space. His right leg bounced to the tempo of the music he hummed. His eyes kept flashing to the blue sky above, though he held nothing but an apathetic gaze.

In a parallel manner, Mike stood ready against the wall. His right leg was kicked up and supporting his weight, while his back pressed his uncomfortable vest against the wood. The Sergeant kept watch, never giving an opportunity for someone to take advantage of the two. Being guarded gave a safe sensational feeling to him; it just provided the right amount of tension and alertness to make sure his mind did not wander.

“Sergeant!”

Calling out in a delighted voice at the entrance to the small complex was PFC Green and the other Rangers behind him. As the group walked through the courtyard, their dirtied faces and clothing was looked down upon by the soldiers and knights of the kingdom; for some however they looked with respect.

Getting up from the ground with the convenient placement of one of the stall doors, Captain Thompson dusted off his pants and walked out with Mike shadowing him.

After a few greetings and an immediate recap on what happened during the organizational briefing done not more than an hour ago, the men gathered themselves and their gear as they walked to the small line of three carriages. With the rear carriage containing supplies and weapons, the Rangers bypassed the riders and headed to Captain Orwell and the Princess.

“It’s seeming you men are quite punctual.” Captain Orwell said sarcastically, “You’ll be joining myself and Princess Airish in the second carriage.”

As the men climbed on, Mike hesitated for a moment as a sharp feeling came over his gut.

“You scared of carriages, Sergeant? Get the fuck in.” Sergeant Malkovich said with a laugh.

“Don’t mind me.”

With an iron grip, Mike entered the carriage and soon after had the Princess and Captain Orwell sit next to him before departure.

Publicly Available Information: Chain of Command:

In the Kingdom of Yondel, the Knight organization act as leaders, while common folk make up the majority of the army. The Royal family act as both military and civilian leaders overseeing all operations both foreign and domestic, while the royal court designate both resources and funds to the people and military.

Top Ten:

- King Aldrecht Spell Shaldrecht

- Crown Prince William Shaldrecht

- Queen Juna Shaldrecht

- Head of Royal Court, Alexander Von Lockhart

- Head of the Army, Michael Falkner

- Head of the Navy, Waterer Harold

- Grand Harbinger, Julius Zane

- Harbinger, Udine Oliver

- Grand Edict, Harkolo Milline

- Princess, Leccamaradel Emma Airish