Chapter 55: Deployment (2)

Chapter 55: Deployment (2)

After that, Xerxes met the soldiers under Stratos command. Of the nine members other than Stratos, eight were men. The sole woman, whose name was Vadamerca, had broader shoulders than most of the men, and looked like she came from a culture similar to that of Bel and Fal back on Mannemid. However, instead of fair skin and light hair, her complexion was that of oak, and her nose was wide.

Fall in and introduce yourself to the Lieutenant, Stratos barked.

The soldiers lined up.

Mazlauwa of Sin-Amuhhu, said the first soldier, a tall man with curly hair.

Hes-Ra from Ku-Aya, the next one said.

Xerxes immediately forgot all the names, but promised himself he would memorize them as soon as possible.

After the basic introductions, they practiced some maneuvers. Stratos was a veteran, and the soldiers he commanded were well-disciplined. They knew moved with fluidity, and Xerxes could tell that he wouldnt have any trouble fighting alongside them.

Units One, Two, Three, and Four were the Asgagu mage units: Xerxes with Unit One, Kashtiliash with Unit Two, short-haired Kuri with Unit Three, and Teucer with Unit Four.

The other two heavy infantry unitsFive and Sixhad Balatu healers, those being Katayoun and the skinny Ningal.

Gandash gave a speech about the basics of mage-integrated formations. Much of it was familiar thanks to Mystic Rabyas. Then he went into further detail, specifying some of the main formations he wanted the Asgagu and Balatu units to use.

The Asgagu mages were the powerhouses of the entire company. However, Gandash made it clear that he wanted them used with precision and planning. They wouldnt lead the troops, but would wait until key moments to attack, whereupon the heavy infantry with their armor and shield would act like escorts and protectors.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Under no circumstances do I want any of you Asgagu mages to run off by yourself, Gandash said. No heroics. Stay with the line. Thats how well all keep alive. As for the Balatu mages, theyre our lifeblood. As long as theyre safe, we can afford to take more risks and absorb more damage. And thats why Units Five and Six have only one primary mission: keep Lieutenants Katayoun and Ningal safe and alive, while at the same time facilitating their efforts to heal the wounded.

We shouldt have to deal with any Abhorrent other than potential stragglers. But there could be bandits, rebels, or even trained soldiers opposing us. As such, Ive prepared three combat scenarios to practice the formations. Well start with the one I like to call Open Curtain.

By that point, everyone was exhausted.

Lining up in front of the Jehannemid Gateway complex, Gandash gave his final orders.

Were to be met by the Head Mage as soon as we arrive, he said. Barring unforeseen circumstances, well strike camp and have a formal dinner. The get some rest. After that, well start the march across the continent. As usual, be prepared for anything and everything. No Abhorrent have been sighted there for months, but there have been occasional meteor showers. We cant afford to be complacent.

Heavy infantry will go in first, starting with Unit One. Make sure the platform is clear, then fan out.

Lets go.

Gandash led the way inside. However, the shimmering Gateway didnt open as expected. Gandash looked at the operators. Something wrong?

Sorry sir, the shift commander said. Hold on a moment. The soldiers fiddled with the various controls for about two or three minutes. Then the shift commander said, It seems the other end isnt set for a receiving connection. We can override their settings, of course, but it will take another few minutes.

Fine. Hurry up. As the operators worked with the controls, Gandash said, Let me repeat, be prepared for the unexpected. It could mean many things that the Gateway isnt ready, and I can think of few that are good.

The few minutes the shift commander had mentioned stretched into nearly an hour. But eventually, the Gateway opened.

Keep your eyes and ears open, Gandash said. Proceed!

Stratos turned to Unit One. You eard the Captain. March!

They entered the Gateway.

And when they came out the other side, it was obvious things werent going to go as planned.