John sighs, his branches drooping, “See, I told you it was pointless. Everyone already made up their mind.”

  Joe nods with a snort. He then looks at the tents that now overshadows the small village.

  “War is just like that. Everyone has a reason, even if it’s dumb.”

  “Moo.”

  “Alright, let’s do our best too,” John affirms solemnly.

  As everyone returns home, Arron takes Anna’s hand. “Are you sure? John said that it’d only be for a few seasons.”

  Anna glances over at the hill and shakes her head. “He’s looking at it from a cultivator's perspective. The Red River empire would never give up this land without a fight. Even if John does nothing, this area has already been transformed,” Anna explains as she gestures at the ground.

  All around them are Limson herbs, their big red leaves standing out from the grass. These are from the mystic herbs that Elanor left. They are helpful, so they leave them to grow. The poisonous bleeding pipe herb is kept to a minimum since they are just a pain.

  “Will they truly leave such a treasure?” Anna asks with a dark face.

  Arron shakes his head, “Honestly, I’ve gotten used to it. But you’re right. This isn’t normal.”

  Later that day, Mellisa and Laurel are fighting. “I forbid it!” “Even if you forbid it, I’m going.” “You’re my daughter, not Anna’s!” “What are you even saying? Of course, I’m your daughter!” “Then why do you always take her side?” “That’s ridiculous! I’m not taking her side, and I don’t always take her side. I can’t handle you right now. I have to go meet the soldiers.”

  Laurel exits their house with a pained expression. Mellisa claws at the air as she reaches for her daughter. “No, don’t leave me!”

  Laurel marches off while trying not to look back. Since the adults work during the day, they decide to have the kids train with the soldiers. Laurel runs into Franklin, also heading towards the soldiers. “Hi,” she nervously ventures.

  Franklin’s face instantly turns into a frown, “What do you want.”

  “Nothing,” Laurel states looking away. They continue together without saying a word. As they near, they see Louis already over there talking to the soldiers. The man he’s talking to gestures towards the two silent kids. Louis looks over with excitement, then freezes.

  Ernest looks between Louis and the boy and girl walking over. While still out of earshot from the pair, Ernest asks, “What’s wrong, kid?”

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  “I don’t know if I should say. But I guess we’ll be fighting together… It’s just that Laurel and Franklin are feuding,” Louis explains nervously, “Laurel almost killed Franklin a couple of months ago. Well, it’s her own fault for taking things too far. They’ve been avoiding each other since.”

  Ernest nods, “That’s quite the fight for two kids. Well, I was surprised that everyone was in the foundation stage.”

  At this point, Laurel and Franklin reach them. Ernest smiles and steps between the two. “Welcome. You must be Franklin and Laurel! Louis here already told me a bit about you. We’re just meeting to get to know each other. There is no reason to be so stiff,” he says while gently placing his hand on their back and leading them into the camp.

  Ernest brings the kids over to a crude map of the area. “Here, sit down,” he says, gesturing to the ground. Some of the soldiers who are sitting there move out of the way. The three kids sit down. Ernest makes sure to sit between the two problem children, and they all look at the map.

  “We hope to build a simple motte and bailey. Then if we can get the shield generator to work, we should be able to hold out for quite some time,” Ernest explains while pointing at the map. He then gestures to the large round object that the soldiers had brought.

  “A shield generator?” Franklin asks.

  “It’s something cultivators made. It doesn’t seem to be working now. Do you guys know anyone who might be able to fix it?” Ernest asks with squinted eyes observing the children.

  “I don’t think so," Franklin replies, shaking his head. However, the younger Louis can’t help but glance at the hill while thinking. Laurel notices this and flicks a pebble from behind Ernest hitting Louis’s neck.

  “Owe!” The tall blond boy exclaims while rubbing his neck.

  Laurel smiles cutely and questions, “did a bug bite you?”

  “That’s strange. I’ve never had a bug bite me that badly,” Louis states, looking confused.

  Franklin clicks his tongue and points over at Laurel, “What are you!” But he’s cut off as Ernest puts his large arms between them. ”Let’s not fight. We learn new things every day. We’ll have to watch out for these new bugs.”

  As Ernest speaks, he secretly makes hand signals, and a few men in the back slip away. “So with this plan in mind, most of the men will be working on building the motte and bailey. However, we will do unit training every morning. If you want more intense training, I’ll be happy to oblige.”

  Franklin almost jumps to his feet in excitement, “That’s perfect! I’m so tired of fighting dummies and kids.”

  Ernest and many of the men laugh, “I don’t think you’re old enough to call others kids.”

  Franklin puffs out his chest and retorts, “I’m already 14! I’m already old enough to enlist.”

  Ernest looks at the boy as if he’s in awe, “that’s true! Well, if that’s the case, you won’t pick fights with young ladies, will you?”

  “But she’s the one,” he whines.

  Ernest once again cuts him off, “son, that’s just how women are. They are snakes that slither next to you and fill you with poison. It’s a man's job to be strong enough to withstand the poison. You’ll understand someday.”

  Franklin looks like he ate a bug. ‘All the adults are a pain. Just because I’m a bit older, everyone wants me to ignore her.’

  Earnest then looks at Louis, “How old are you then, Louis?”

  Louis looks at the other two feeling a bit self-conscious, “I’m only eleven, but the other two have had their birthday this year already. Mine isn’t until fall.

  Ernest nods and pats the boy on the shoulder, “Is that so? Well, nothing like starting young.”

  Laurel looks Ernest in the eyes and states, “I’m twelve.”

  “If you were in civilization, you’d be getting an apprenticeship. Or perhaps early engagement introductions,” Ernest states with a mischievous smile. “Alright, now that introductions are over, why don’t we get a little exercise?”