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A Tactician’s Mind
1. Lies and The Journey

1. Lies and The Journey

“Alastair, he would later become known as the “Emotionless” Tactician, Despite his flaws as a human being, he became the sole tactical advisors to one of the early world powers. The Kingdom of Vael. It is said that through the majority of his life he spent his time pursuing the art of strategy. He controlled the armies of the kingdom as if he knew every single action of both his allies and enemies right away. It has yet to be attributed to the incredible discipline of the soldiers carrying out their duties or Alastair’s tactical brilliance. However, he remains relevant to this day. Strategies from Alastair books, published after his death. Still studied and applied in modern day combat”

-The Military: Art of War

==God Narrating==

==Dirius Village (Forest temple)==

A young adolescent is kneeling down on the ground with his hand intertwined together and eyes closed. Light shines past the statue and down on his broad frame, brown hair with two small children with identical facial features. They had been praying for about 10 minutes. The young boy prayed and seemed to be deep in thought, while the little children had tried to mimic this their older brother trying to be seemingly deep in thought also.Then the young man opened his eyes.

”Alright, I think that's long enough, everyone done with their prayers?’

He stood up slightly stumbling due to lack of blood flow.

“Yes Brother”

The two children followed walking towards the exit

“Alastair, what did you pray for?”

Alastair turn to the kids let out a small smile.

“I can’t tell you or it won’t come true.”

“That’s only for wishes” “Come on you can tell us.”  

They both stare expectantly with a big smile waiting for an answer.

“Alright. I wished for you guys to grow up healthy, and to go to school.”

Both of their smiles waver and turn into frowns.

“What about you?‘“Are you going to school too?”

Alastair pats their heads to reassure them.

“Of course.” “Come on let’s go home and help with the chores”

As they walked out the temple, it occurred to him that he told the twins a lie.

==Alastair==

==Dirius Village (Home)==

“Mother we’re home.” Me and the twins see our mother from a distance hanging the laundry. She greets us with warm smiles.

“Welcome Home”

Both my sister Mira and little brother Arthur rush my mother tackling her with their combined body weight. Slightly throwing her off balance.

“I hope you kids didn’t ask too much of the goddess Luna?”

“Nope, just the usual.”

“Good now Mira, Arthur help me with the laundry.” “Oh and Alastair, Drake was looking for it sounded important.”

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“I better get going then, Mira, Arthur try to help mother.”

“Yes, Brother.”

“Yes, Brother.”

My sister waves me off as I leave for the market while Arthur is already playing around. Using a dirty sheet as a cape.

==Alastair==

==Dirius Village (Market)==

I find the place to be busier than usual. There are about 15 people surrounding Drake’s stall; I try to bypass the crowd to get the back of the stall. Drake is haggling with 4 different people trying to keep the price high as possible. Drake is one of my father’s oldest friends and ever since he died during a hunting expedition 10 years ago. He has been like a second father to me. It is thanks to him that I can support my mother and siblings.

“Good your here, now deal with those customers over there.”

I got to work Immediately. Dealing with 4 people at a time.

….

After the rush of customers was finished, both me and drake collapsed exhausted onto the chairs behind the stall. It was late. 

“Good work today boy.”

“Thanks. Huh… why are there so many people today?”

There weren’t these many people in the village. I wonder if something happened

“No, it was just merchant caravan decided to stock up on supplies here.That reminds me I got this job for you and it's a big one.”

“What's the job?”

“Since the Caravan is here they are looking for people to help transport the goods back to the capital. I can lend you the horse and carriage. They are paying 10 silver coins.”

“Wow, that a lot of money. Why so much just for transporting goods?”

“Not sure, a lot of the men in the village took up the same job. It's a good opportunity; you need the money right. ”

“Yea school fees for the Mira and Arthur”

“What about you? Aren’t you going too?”

“We both know that isn’t going to happen.”

I should leave.

”Well I'ma head home, and I’ll take the job. Take care yourself while I'm gone. ”

“Alright, see you at dawn tomorrow.”

==Alastair==

==Dirius Village (Home)==

I walked back to my home. Trying not to lose my bearings on the loose dirt. I wonder if everyone is already asleep. I don’t really want to wake up mother; she has been worked hard enough today. I shiver a bit, and I rub my hands together trying to get a sense of warmth. Compared to other villages houses our is farther away. You have to take a long poorly maintained road to get to the house. As I approach the house I see the light from the fireplace. I guess they’re still up. I push the door open. Mother is sitting at the dinner table knitting some new clothes. Judging from the size it must be for the twins.

“Hey, mom, you're still up.”

“Oh your home, how was work today?”

“It was busier than usual today because there is a caravan in town.”

 Mother just sits there knitting. I have never been the one to talk a lot or easily continue a conversation. My mother is the one to break the silence.

“So you have something to tell me?”

“How’d you know?”

“Please, I have known you for your whole life.”

“Well…”

“Go on spit it out already.”

“I took a job that takes me out of town. We’re leaving tomorrow morning and I might be gone for awhile. The job is to transport goods to the capital and they’re paying 10 silver.”

“I'm sure Mira and Arthur would want some souvenirs. Oh and how about we see you off in the morning, and when you come back it should be your birthday, let's throw a party.”

“I’d like that.”

--The Next morning.

One last check before I leave. Food, check. Water, check. Clothes, check. Bow, check. Arrows, check. That’s everything. I pushed the door open ready to leave, but I turn around and see Mira and Arthur yawning as they tiredly wave.

“You better..*Yawn* bring back presents.”

“Have a good…*Yawn* Trip Alastair.”

”See you guys, bye mother.”

==Alastair==

==Dirius Village (Market)==

“Hey Drake I'm here, is the carriage ready?”

Drake steps out from the back of the stall.

“Yea boy got her all set up with the others. My wife left some food you in the cart, ya better be grateful. ”

“Thanks, Drake, and tell Morgan thank you.”

“Hmph.”

We both make our way to where everyone was gathered. After finishing setting up I start to feel the homesickness already.

“Drake...”

“Yeah boy.”

“Take care of my family will ya.“

“Of course. You guys are basically like family already. No, don’t mind us. Focus on yourself. ”

“Thank you….. Wel, l'm off.”

“Have a safe trip you god damn workaholic.”

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