The next week was rather rough on me. Devon started coming a bit earlier to my lessons with Volgan so that we could work on practicing with some magic flying around. Though Volgan said there wasn’t more to teach me individually, he kept coming to make sure that I wasn’t slacking with my practice. Devon started a new path to help me find a better way to control my mana. I was starting to braid blood threads together to form a blood weave, with the intention of eventually turning it into reinforcements for my armor. By the end of the week, I could control enough blood to make a patch the size of my torso, though it wasn’t very powerful.

Alfonse had also cooled in his attitude towards me. He still taught spells, but there was a distance between us I was thankful for. I wasn’t his son, but more a student. I had mastered the blood tracking spell, and had begun working on a much more difficult variable level spell that incorporated my healing magic, called blood cleanse. While working on level one, which could clear disease, I first had to be exposed to infected blood. This of course led to me learning blood toxicity, and I started keeping a notebook to keep track of everything. Level two of the spell could clear most toxins, while level three was supposed to be good for weak to intermediate poisons.

“There is a major drawback to this spell the higher you go.” He said one night. “At level four and above, the patient must ingest your blood for it to work, and the higher the spell the more blood you will need. At the highest level you will be able to cure almost any magically inflicted disease or poison, but there is a four out of five chance that you will turn your patient into a sanguimancer. Or maybe a vampire. I’m not sure how it will work with you, and I don’t care. Questions?”

Despite the close call in the past, I did try and learn a few curses from him. Inattention would cause the target to lose interest in what they were doing, making it perfect for slipping past a guard in the night. Distraction would be a boon on the battlefield, as it would cause flashes of light in the peripheral vision of the afflicted. I wasn’t strong enough for the level five blood paralysis, and I wasn’t about to even try and learn the blazing blood spell. That required injecting my blood into my victim and igniting its essence, causing extreme pain while not doing any damage.

“Are you sure you are ready? It’s been nice having someone in the house again, even if you tend to keep to yourself.” The Duchess asked, smiling at me as she hugged her husband.

“I truly appreciate the offer, but I must decline. You have done far more for me than any farm boy could ever hope, and I will always remember you fondly. I need to make my own way, and this is hopefully but the first step of a long journey. Even if I am unable to repay the kindness you have shown me these last few weeks, I will pass that kindness forward.” I said, slinging my meager possessions over my back. Surprisingly, this included my weighted training gear.

“Very well. Head to the north barracks, and good luck.” The Duke said, shaking my hand. With a wave to Clarence behind them, I headed out.

It was a quick trip, as the noble quarter didn’t really pick up in business until the late afternoon. Standing at attention to the plain arched gate were two guards, one of which challenged me as I got closer. “State your name and business here, citizen.”

“Brandon Clayson. I’m here to sign up for the legion. I have letters of recommendation and-“

“That’s fine.” He interrupted, waving off my explanation. “Take your personal affects inside and to the table immediately to your right. You will be checked for contraband and processed. Further instructions will be given afterward.”

With a nod to both guards, I headed inside and up to the table indicated. There were seven people quickly moving through people’s items, some of which were getting hard times about what they had. I walked up to the first one to open up, and he eyed me but didn’t say anything. Without a word, I dumped out my bag and even turned that inside out for him.

“Warned?” He asked as he sifted through my belongings.

“That obvious?” I chuckled. “Yeah, I had a good bit of warning.”

“Well, I’m glad you followed it. Everything is in order. If you’ll hand me your recommendations, I’ll review them while you pack your things again.” I did as he ordered, watching as his eyebrows rose at my two recommendations. Volgan said it wouldn’t be proper for him to write one, but the Duke and his son were both more than happy to. “Here you go, everything is in order. Though I will warn you, don’t expect help from either of your sponsors. Our new trainer sticks to legion rules, and doesn’t allow outside influence.”

“I understand, and that won’t be a problem. Where do we muster at?” I asked.

“Central square. Go ahead and head that way, it shouldn’t be but another hour or so.”

“Thanks.” I said, grabbing my things and heading out. The base was laid out fairly simply. To the left were ten barracks with numbers 1 through ten on the flags flying above them. The middle area was enormous, easily the size of a noble house. In the center was a flagpole flying the legion standard, and it was where everyone was congregating. It was kept clear of everything, though there was a track running around it. To the right were several different buildings of varying function. I could easily hear and make out the sign for the blacksmith, and a caduceus for the healer’s building. Oddly enough, the healers were the only ones built in the tradition of the original people, while everything else seemed rather sterile and concrete. There were several groups of people, and I noticed a lot had the finer clothes that the nobles tended to wear. I kept to myself for the most part, unsure how to approach anyone. Of course, I had the choice taken from me soon enough.

“Hey there buddy, how ya doin?’ A boisterous guy practically clung to my back as he gave me a hug. “Thank Solaris not everyone here has that noble’s air, eh? Names Thomas, what’s yours?”

“Brandon.” I chuckled, turning and clasping his offered forearm, much to his delight. He was easily six feet tall, and had strange hair that was so blond it was almost white, cut short enough that the helms wouldn’t give him any problems. He had a brown tunic and pants like what I wore back in the village, and his muscled arms let me know he wasn’t afraid of a little hard work.

“Brandon, nice to meet ya. This here’s Clint, and the shy one’s Virgil. We all worked together in the teamsters, but none of us have any talent with the horses. And I’ll be damned if I’m going to be slingin’ around heavy packs all day. What about yourself?”

While he was talking, I was checking the other two out. Clint looked like a copy of Thomas, only they ran out of material a few inches short. Virgil was a solid five and a half feet tall, and nearly as wide as he was tall. It was all muscle though, and I would hate to have to wrestle the guy. He had the traditional black hair and brown eyes, but his was shaved close to his skull like Volgan’s was.

“Nice to meet you guys. I’m a farmer from a ways off. Ever heard of Mountainhold?”

“Seriously? That’s like a week away from here by caravan!” Virgil piped up, immediately ducking his head when he realized that he spoke.

“Not bad Virgil, I didn’t think our tiny town would be big enough to be recognized in the capital. Though I suppose someone who worked with the teamsters and caravans would likely need to know as many towns as possible, eh?”

“Yeah, if Virgil had a bit of magic it would have to do with maps.” Thomas said, grabbing the guy by the neck and pulling him forward a bit. “I swear you can show him something and he’ll draw it by hand a few days later.”

“That’s impressive.” I said, but further conversation was cut off.

“Alright maggots, fall in!” I heard Volgan yell, and immediately stood at attention with my bag at my feet.

“Form a line next to me, stuff at your feet.” I hissed, hurrying the three new friends into position. We were already at the center of the square, and several nobles hurried to join us. They each got a relieved nod from me, some even giving them in return. Others didn’t hustle, and one poor sod was practically sauntering over.

“Well, well, well, I knew we were going to get one in each batch, but I didn’t think I would be lucky enough to meet him on my first day. I’ll be keeping my eye on you recruit, what’s your name?”

“Joffrey.”

“Joffrey, sir.” Volgan corrected, and like an idiot Joffrey just stood there grinning at him. “I was going to save some corrections for after the initial greeting, but it seems my hand has been forced.” With blinding speed, Volgan went from relaxed and shaking his head to having drawn his wooden gladius and slammed it with a resounding crack into Joffrey’s stomach. He dropped.

“As poor Joffrey here tries to regain his breath, I encourage everyone to learn from his mistakes. We are not here to joke around, we are not here for your amusement. You will address me and my fellow instructors as sir, or you will be punished. Some punishment will be painful, some punishment will be exercise based, and some will be given to the group as a whole. On your feet recruit, we don’t have all day.”

As Joffrey got to his feet with the assistance of those around him, Volgan stopped to look all of us over. “For those that don’t know, I am Praefectus Castrorum Volgan. For those unfamiliar with the legion rankings, this means I am third in command. I am also the highest rank that a commoner can achieve, and I am in charge of your training. My second in command is Tribunis Arrowhead. You will meet the rest of your command later, but for now it is simple. Everyone outranks you. You will follow orders, and your rank is Legionaris Probatis. Take a look around. See the barracks with the number 10 flag flying over it? That is yours. After I dismiss you, I expect you to take your things there and head to the quartermaster to be assigned your equipment. For those who brought your own equipment, it will be inspected to make sure it passes standards. You will not argue, for now you only obey. Understood?”

“YES SIR!” About half of us yelled, while the rest simply spoke.

“Pathetic. I asked if you understood?”

“YES SIR!” We managed a mangled reply.

“Good enough. Now, before we begin we have something important to go over. In the past, the legion was often a relaxing post. Even with our long war with the vampires, we still have posts that don’t see much action. That is about to change. Even now, two Blood Dukes are mustering their forces and calling their banners in preparation for an epic clash. The loser will be devoured, and the winner will become a Sanguine Emperor. If that happens, our world falls into darkness. Our job, and yes, you will be included in this, is to prevent this from happening. Best case, we slay both Dukes before they can ascend, or even slay the Emperor before he can fully assume his mantle. But this will take warriors. Brothers in arms. And that’s what the legion is. Take a look to your left and right, memorize their faces. These are the men who are going to be your brothers, as you take up arms to protect this world and the light from the forces of darkness.

I refuse to sugar coat this. This is the hardest thing you will ever experience. Citizens will ridicule you, for they will hopefully never see the horrors of war. They will only see your backs as you stand tall against whatever threat dares to show its face. Men will mock you, as you wake screaming in the night as you relive the horrors of your brothers dying around you. Women will disdain you, as some of you will return crippled. But no matter where you go, you will find a brother. No words need be said between them, for we all recognize what was sacrificed. So now I ask you this, are you willing to sacrifice everything so that others won’t? There is no shame in saying this is beyond you, for fighting vampires can put your immortal soul at risk. If you can’t do it, hold your head high and leave the arena now. The legion will still try and help you find your calling. For those that are willing, remember. Barring special circumstances, for the next ten years you are committing to the legion. Those that are willing, step forward!”

Everyone stepped forward, and Volgan smiled. “Excellent. I see a cohort of brothers where there once were civilians. After you get your gear stowed away and essentials from the quartermaster, return here for your tattoing. You will be given the partial mark of the legion, signifying that you have started training. Then, in six months, you will have your tattoo finished as you prepare to head to Sekigahara and face evil in battle. Between now and then, we will instill in you all the skills and knowledge you need. Cohort, DISMISSED!”

With that, we all headed toward the barracks. I took a leisurely pace, as I wasn’t about to start fighting for a bed. I was more than happy with whatever I received. It seemed Thomas and his friends agreed with me. I wondered what the rest of our cohort was going to be like.

We entered the barracks, and for some reason everyone was filling in beds from the back. “I’m taking one by the door. Solaris knows by the end of the day I’ll be too tired to walk to the back of the room.” I said, taking the bed to the right.

“Ya know, I think ol Brandon’s onto something there fellas. Let’s follow his lead.” Clint said, taking the bed opposite me. “You happen to know what the quartermaster’s sign is?”

“Staff and a sack.” I looked over to see Joffrey smiling there. “Hey guys, I’m Joffrey.” He was about the same height as Clint, but had brown hair and looked like he was always about to get into trouble. We went around the circle introducing ourselves, and he led the way. “Come on, let’s get going. Specially you big boy!” He thunked a fist into Thomas’ chest. “If they run out of your size before you get there, you get to wear the next best thing until they can replace it in two weeks.”

“Well what are you waitin for? Lead on my man!” Thomas chuckled, nearly shoving the poor guy out the door. The quartermaster was across the field from us, and faced the parade grounds. We weren’t the first in line, but we were close. Part of it was me lugging my armor across the way. If I had been wearing it I wouldn’t have had an issue, but carrying it was just a bit bulky.

“Go on guys, don’t wait on me. I have most of my stuff.” I said, shooing them forward. By the time I had arrived, Thomas was already through the line and waiting. I nodded at him, then went in to see one of the six quartermasters glaring at me, waving me over.

“What’ve you got?” He growled out, pulling out a board with a sheet of paper on it.

“Full weighted lorica, weighted gladius, and weighted scutum. Fitted greaves, but they aren’t weighted. Six tunics with six sets of pants, sir.” I said, gently setting my gear down for inspection.

“Interesting. Do you know how much over normal gear your weight is?”

“Sorry sir, I don’t. It was acquired for me by Praefectus Castrorum Volgan, I’m sure he knows.”

“Bah, no need to bother him. Let me at it.” He said, taking a step forward and grunting unexpectedly as he heaved my kit off the ground. “Huh. We’ll call that weight and a half for now. You been using it for a while?”

“Two weeks, sir.”

“Right. Gimme your name and I’ll inspect your work after a week. We might be ready to bump you up again by then.”

“Brandon Clayson, sir.”

“Right. You’ve got everything you need, now get out of here. NEXT!” I scurried to follow his orders, surprised when I wasn’t the last one out.

“Virgil was a bit too wide in the shoulder for some stuff, so they’re going to have to custom fit it.” Thomas explained as we headed back. “He’ll meet us in the barracks.”

“Trainee Clayson, a word.” I turned to see Volgan headed our way.

“Head on out, guys.” I whispered, and they gladly took off. “Yes sir?”

“Glad to see you made it. I’ve already informed my command structure of some of your circumstances. The main thing we will be doing is allowing you out after curfew, which is sundown for everyone else. You’ll still have your magic lessons. Other than that, carry on.”

“Thank you, sir.” I said, heading over to the barracks. The excitement was getting to me. I was finally on the road to being a soldier.