Chapter 60

Chapter 60

After Kate dropped that bombshell Ajax went through explaining everything that happened again and how he got conscripted. It was quite heartening to see that the captain had the same reaction when he thought that a member of the guard conscripted him as Tom did, both having been very similar to Kate’s. He did a much better job of pointing out that it wasn’t Darren that got him conscripted this time.

Now that his brother was also here he went much more in depth and explained the interaction he had with the recruiter he met at the guild branch. While Kate and Tom weren’t all that happy about him drawing the ire of the recruiter, Captain Rogers found the whole thing hilarious.

“Normally something like this wouldn’t be so underhanded.” the older guard explained. “You see, these skirmishes are actually encouraged by the royal family in order to keep a somewhat competent militia. With that they also enforce a minimum paid wage for them as a way to subsidize the population and the nobles don’t really complain about it all that much.”

“Our case is a little bit different from the norm however. You see Baron Stillwater is quite a bit more aggressive than other nobles. This stems from both his lack or resources in his territory as well as a dedication for his family to rise in status. This leads to him participating in a lot more than the one skirmish every quarter century or so. The fact that we have had nine years since the last one is in fact surprising, and most likely because there has been no excuse for it.”

“How do these skirmishes help his family rise in status?” This was not something that Ajax could understand, conflict with other nobles didn’t usually lead to a rise in status.

“That’s because he always has his heir be one of the commanders and then offers the other spots to heirs of other greater families in hopes of building connections while getting them combat experience.. This does lead him to run into financial issues however and to underhanded methods of getting around the minimum payment required by law.” he grimaced slightly when he mentioned the noble heirs leading the war.

“Sounds like you've been through this a few times already.” Ajax remarked.

“Oh, I have. This will be my sixth one already.” he said brightly as if he was talking about a party rather than battle. “Now while only one Commander is sent out from each city with the idea of keeping the guards ready for war and not leaving the city lawless, our case is once again a little special.”Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

“If by special you mean that Commander Grievous has a serious aversion to mingling with nobles more than necessary and as such always ends up being the one going, then yes we are a little special.” Kate scoffed, this was something that had clearly been mentioned already.

With that the conversation changed to some much lighter topics. Mostly Tom, Ajax and Kate catching up with each other after five year while enjoying the meal. It was right as the meal ended however that a knock at the door could be heard.

Thinking it was odd for someone to be coming by at this hour Tom went to open the door, the captain behind him on his way out with Kate and Ajax following behind. Opening the door they found a guard from the night shift with an official looking scroll.

“Evening Tom, Captain Rogers.” The guard gave Tom a light greeting and shot off a salute after noting the Captain. “I’m here to deliver this to a one Ajax, fifteen year of age, I was told I was likely to find him here.”

“I’m Ajax.” Ajax said from behind and moved forward to receive the scroll.

After delivering the message the guard saluted the captain and with a nod to Tom left. Ajax proceeded to open the scroll and read through it. The message seemed to be rather short but the frow on Ajaxe’s face seemed to worry both Tom and Kate.

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As soon as the commander arrived the whole company began to move. The reason they only started at noon was because guards were expected to move a lot quicker than the conscripted soldier. Something they did catching up to them long before nightfall.

Setting up the tents was a relatively quick operation for the guards though the rest of the force seemed to have some troubles with it. It was at this spot that they would meet up with their new noble commanders tomorrow and set up their main supply point relay.

Ajax was exempt from camp setup as he headed out to hunt as soon as they reached the point. None of the guards complained about it as the chance at fresh meat instead of rations was one they all welcomed.

Tom P.O.V.

While Ajax went off to hunt, Kate and I decided to pay a visit to the commander and thank him for having Ajax move over to our unit. Knowing he was going to be with us for any of the fighting made it much better for me.

As Kate and I entered the small tent the commander insisted on having, so as to not draw fire in case of enemy raids, we formally greeted him.

“Lay off the formalities.” commander Grievous said the moment the formal greeting finished.

“We just wanted to thank you for having Ajax moved to this unit.” I said.

“Think nothing of it.” the commander waved off our thanks.

“I have to say I was surprised to hear you have a twin brother Tom,” said Walter.

His statement made all of us turn towards with a questioning look.

“Ajax is my younger brother, not my twin Walter.” I said.

“Wow, he must be really talented then. After all, he caught up in level with you.” His light statement rendered the room silent for a few long seconds.

“HE WHAT???” Kate, the commander and myself all exploded after we processed what Walter just said.