Amelia surveyed the assembled soldiers before her, a mix of familiar faces from Wolf Company and the newly integrated Aethelguard warriors. She felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders, but also a sense of pride and determination. Alton had entrusted her with leading their combined forces, and she vowed to live up to his expectations.
As she scanned the ranks, her gaze fell upon Gurnin, the grizzled leader of the Aethelguard. She had met with him earlier to discuss the strengths and capabilities of his warriors, and she was impressed by his unwavering loyalty and tactical acumen. Gurnin had embraced her leadership without hesitation, and Amelia had decided to name him a sergeant alongside two of his most trusted subordinates, Nithal and Erestral as corporals.
"Soldiers of Wolf Company and the Aethelguard," Amelia began, her voice ringing out with authority. "Today, we stand united, forged in the fires of battle and bound by a common cause. We have faced the darkness and emerged victorious, but the fight is far from over."
She paused, letting her words sink in, before continuing. "As your leader, I have made some changes to our structure and leadership. Effective immediately, I will assume the rank of Lieutenant, with Prian and Gurnin serving as my sergeants."
Amelia gestured to the two men, who stood at attention, their faces etched with pride and determination. "Corporals Miser, Letty, Nithal, and Erestral will lead our squads, each with their own unique strengths and specialties."
One by one, Amelia introduced the new corporals and the soldiers who would be organized under their command. She watched as the ranks shifted, soldiers moving to stand with their respective leaders, and felt a sense of unity and purpose wash over them all.
"With this new structure, our combined force now numbers one hundred strong," Amelia declared, her voice carrying a note of triumph. "We are a force to be reckoned with, a beacon of hope in the darkness. And we will not falter, for we fight for something greater than ourselves – we fight for the survival of our homeland, for the preservation of all that we hold dear."
Amelia's gaze swept over the assembled soldiers, her eyes alight with determination. She knew that Alton would approve of her decisions, and she silently vowed to lead them to victory, no matter the cost.
* * *
Amelia felt a wave of relief wash over her as she scanned the ranks of soldiers before her. Not a single voice rose in challenge or dissent against the new structure and promotions she had announced. The unwavering trust and respect her comrades had for her was both humbling and empowering.
With a sharp nod, she dismissed the assembly, and Wolf Company immediately began to mobilize. Amelia fell into step alongside Prian and Gurnin, the two newly appointed sergeants who would be her right and left hands in the coming days.
"We'll march out to the eastern caverns," she instructed them. "It's far enough from the city to avoid any disruptions, but close enough to return quickly if needed."
Prian and Gurnin acknowledged her orders, and soon Wolf Company was making their way through the winding tunnels that led out of Aethelwurn. Amelia couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as she watched the disciplined ranks move in perfect unison, a well-oiled machine ready to be put to the test.
Upon reaching the designated cavern, Amelia called for a halt and surveyed the expansive space. It was a perfect training ground, with ample room for maneuvers and enough nooks and crannies to simulate various combat scenarios.
Amelia surveyed the ranks of soldiers before her, her mind already strategizing the most effective way to organize and utilize their combined strength. With a few decisive gestures, she began to divide them into specialized units.
"Lews, I need you to take ten of our most skilled healers and form a dedicated medical corps," she instructed. "You'll function as their corporal, leading them in triage and battlefield healing operations."
Lews nodded solemnly, understanding the gravity of his new role. He began handpicking the healers from Wolf Company and the Aethelguard, assembling a team that would be vital in keeping their forces alive on the front lines.
Next, Amelia turned her attention to Letty. "You'll command our ranged fighters – twenty mages and archers. Your unit will provide support and cover fire, but be prepared to engage in close quarters if necessary."
Letty's eyes gleamed with determination as she accepted the challenge. With a sharp salute, she began gathering her unit, a mix of Wolf Company's strikers and the Aethelguard's elite archers.
Satisfied with the specialized units, Amelia then looked to Prian and Gurnin. "Divide the remaining seventy soldiers evenly – thirty-five shields, thirty-five swords, ten of whom will be scouts. Prian, you'll lead the swords. Gurnin, you'll command the shields."
The two sergeants nodded in unison, their expressions betraying no hint of doubt or hesitation. They immediately set to work, separating the soldiers into their respective roles based on their skills and specialties.
"Prian, take Miser and Nithal, begin with capture the flag drills," she ordered. "Gurnin, you'll lead the defense with Letty and Erestral. We'll rotate through every drill we know, and I expect nothing less than your best effort."
With a chorus of affirmative responses, the two sergeants split the combined force in half, and the drills began in earnest. Amelia stepped back, allowing Prian and Gurnin to take the lead while she observed, offering critiques and adjustments where necessary.
For two grueling days, the cavern echoed with the sounds of clashing steel, shouted commands, and the occasional burst of mana as the soldiers pushed themselves to their limits. Amelia was relentless in her demands, knowing that every drop of sweat and every ache of exhaustion would pay dividends when they faced Ulgarath's forces once more.
* * *
Amelia strode into the council chambers, her footsteps echoing against the ancient stone walls. The air was thick with tension, and she could sense the unease rippling through the gathered Thoiri leaders and generals.
As she took her place at the long table, her gaze swept over the familiar faces including Thrakul. Seka was at her shoulder making the translations seamless. Maps of the tunnel system that spread the width of Agorra were covering the long table. It still caught Amelia off guard to think that these tunnels crossed nearly the entire country.
Silence hung heavy in the chamber as Amelia waited for the council to begin. She could feel the weight of her new responsibilities pressing down on her shoulders, but she refused to let it show. Alton had entrusted her with leading their combined forces, and she would not falter.
Finally, the council's head elder, a wizened Thoiri named Krellan, cleared his throat and leaned forward, his weathered face etched with worry.
"We have received word from three of the four major Thoiri armies," he began, his voice carrying a somber tone. "The reports indicate that they have been consistently victorious against Ulgarath's fiend armies and are now marching towards the Mountain of the Mad God, as planned."
A ripple of relief passed through the gathered leaders, but Krellan's expression remained grave.
"However," he continued, "the fourth army, led by General Hrakath, has been utterly destroyed."
The room fell deathly silent, the weight of Krellan's words hanging in the air like a pall. Amelia felt her heart sink as the implications sank in. An entire Thoiri army, wiped out – the sheer magnitude of such a loss was staggering.
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She could see the shock and disbelief etched on the faces of her comrades, their eyes wide and their jaws clenched. For a moment, no one dared to speak, as if giving voice to their thoughts would somehow make the reality more painful.
Amelia's mind raced, trying to comprehend the ramifications of this devastating news. How could an entire army, hardened warriors who had fought Ulgarath's forces for centuries, be completely annihilated? The thought sent a chill down her spine, and she found herself gripping the edge of the table, her knuckles turning white.
General Thrakul's gruff voice broke the heavy silence. His piercing gaze found hers, and she straightened her posture, bracing herself for his words.
"Lieutenant Oaker," he said, his tone laced with respect and urgency. "We must act swiftly to prevent further losses. Kelthane, one of our most sacred cities, is under siege by a fiend army led by the dreaded Lord of the Depths, Tremor."
A collective gasp rippled through the chamber as the name of the colossal terragigas echoed against the walls. Amelia's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to let her fear show. She had faced Ulgarath's minions before, and she would not falter now.
"Tremor is a force to be reckoned with," Thrakul continued, his voice grave. "Named so for his ability that can cause earthquakes and cave-ins, and his army of fiends is vast and relentless. The defenders of Kelthane are outnumbered and in dire need of reinforcements."
Amelia nodded, her mind already busy with tactical considerations. She knew the significance of Kelthane, thanks to Jonah, a city built on the shores of a vast underground lake, a center of serenity and spiritual practice for the Thoiri people.
Thrakul's expression hardened, his eyes burning with determination. "I am asking Wolf Company to lead a strike force to Kelthane. Coordinate with the city's defenders and devise a strategy to drive back Tremor's forces. I will ready the Aethelwurn army and follow as soon as logistics can be arranged."
Amelia felt her heart skip a beat as Thrakul's words hung in the air. Leading a strike force to Kelthane without Alton's guidance was a daunting prospect, one that filled her with a sense of trepidation. For a brief moment, she was tempted to voice her doubts, to question whether she was truly ready for such a monumental responsibility.
A lump formed in her throat as she thought of her captain, still lying motionless in the barracks, his fate uncertain. The weight of potentially having to lead without him suddenly felt crushingly real.
Amelia's fingers curled into fists beneath the table, her nails digging into her palms as a wave of fear threatened to overwhelm her. She could feel the eyes of the council boring into her, their expectant silence deafening. Doubts swirled in her mind, whispering insidious thoughts of inadequacy and failure.
Just as she was about to speak, to voice her hesitation, she felt Seka's reassuring touch on her shoulder. The speaker's fingers squeezed gently, a silent gesture of support and understanding. In that moment, Amelia was reminded of the bonds she had forged with her troops, the unbreakable camaraderie that had carried them through countless battles.
She thought of Alton's unwavering belief in her abilities, his trust in her leadership. She remembered the fierce determination that burned in the eyes of her Wolf Company soldiers, their unwavering loyalty and courage. They were more than just a company – they were a family, bound by shared sacrifices and an unshakable resolve to protect their homeland.
Amelia's doubts melted away, replaced by a steely resolve that hardened her features. She straightened her posture, her shoulders squaring as she met Thrakul's gaze with unwavering determination.
"I accept the mission, General," she said, her voice ringing with conviction. "Wolf Company will lead the strike force to Kelthane. We will coordinate with the city's defenders and devise a strategy to drive back Tremor's forces, no matter the cost."
A murmur of approval rippled through the chamber, and Amelia could see the respect in Thrakul's eyes. She knew the path ahead would be fraught with peril, but she was ready to face it head-on, bolstered by the strength of her comrades and the indomitable spirit that had forged them into the warriors they were today.
Amelia nodded solemnly as Thrakul outlined his plan to follow with the main Aethelwurn army within three days. Her brow furrowed slightly as he posed the question that had been weighing heavily on her mind – whether they should bring Alton with them, should he not awaken from his current state.
She felt a pang of worry twist in her gut at the thought of leaving her captain behind. Alton was more than just their leader; he was the heart and soul of Wolf Company, the indomitable force that had guided them through countless battles and forged them into the warriors they were today.
Yet, Amelia knew that she could not let sentiment cloud her judgment. Kelthane needed them, and every moment they delayed could mean more lives lost to Tremor's relentless onslaught.
Drawing in a deep breath, Amelia steeled her resolve and met Thrakul's gaze with unwavering determination.
"Jonah will remain with Alton," she declared, her voice carrying the weight of her decision. "He knows our captain better than anyone, and I trust his judgment implicitly."
She could see the flicker of surprise in Thrakul's eyes, but she held his stare, her jaw set in a firm line. This was her call to make, and she would not falter.
"Jonah will make the decision on whether Alton is fit to travel or not," she continued, her words ringing with authority. "If he deems it too great a risk, then Alton will remain here, under Jonah's care and protection."
Amelia's gaze swept over the gathered council members, her expression leaving no room for doubt or argument.
Turning back to Thrakul, Amelia offered him a curt nod, her expression softening ever so slightly.
"We will depart for Kelthane before the day is out," she said, her voice laced with determination. "Wolf Company will lead the charge, and we will hold the line until your reinforcements arrive."
Thrakul returned her nod, his weathered face etched with a mixture of respect and admiration.
"As you command, Lieutenant," he replied, his gruff voice carrying a hint of approval.
* * *
Amelia wasted no time after the council meeting adjourned. She gathered her sergeants and corporals - Prian, Miser, Nelson, Letty, and Gurnin - in a side chamber adjacent to the main hall.
"We have our orders," she began, her voice firm and commanding. "We're to lead a strike force to Kelthane and coordinate with the city's defenders against Tremor's army."
Prian straightened, his keen eyes fixed on Amelia. "How far is Kelthane?"
"It's roughly one hundred miles through the established tunnels," Amelia replied. "At a moderate pace, we should arrive in three days."
She turned her gaze to Prian. "I need you to take your scouts and leave within the hour. Leave a scout every few miles to report back to me on our progress and any potential threats or obstacles along the way."
Prian nodded, his expression resolute. "Consider it done, Lieutenant."
Amelia shifted her attention to Miser and Mikal, the company's quartermaster. "You two secure our supplies for the journey from the Aethelwurn depot. Rations, water, medical supplies - everything we'll need for an extended march, they are expecting you."
Miser met her gaze with a curt nod, his face set in its usual stoic expression. Mikal, ever the reliable veteran, simply offered a reassuring nod of his own.
Finally, Amelia's eyes landed on Nelson. "You're to head to the forges and collect the armor and weapons that have been repaired. We'll need to be fully outfitted and ready for combat at all times."
Nelson's boyish face hardened with determination. Amelia allowed herself a small smile, pride swelling in her chest at the unwavering dedication of her soldiers. They were a well-oiled machine, each component working in perfect harmony to achieve their objective.
"Wolf Company will assemble in the eastern courtyard in two hours, fully equipped and ready to march," she declared, her voice carrying the weight of her authority. "Letty, Gurnin, you're with me. We'll oversee the final preparations and ensure everything is in order before we depart."
A chorus of affirmative nods met her words, and Amelia felt a surge of confidence course through her veins. They were ready – ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to defend Kelthane and the sacred Thoiri homeland with every ounce of their strength and determination.
As her comrades dispersed to carry out their tasks, Amelia took a moment to steady her nerves. The weight of leadership bore down upon her shoulders, but she refused to buckle under the pressure. Alton had entrusted her with this responsibility, and she would not let him down.
With a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and strode out of the chamber, her mind already focused on the battle that lay ahead.
* * *
Alton stood in the frozen tundra, his body rippling with mana like lightning as he sent blasts of energy outwards. The ambient mana saturated the air, and he had lost himself in its intoxicating power. His aggressive cycling had opened the second node, and raw potential coursed through his veins.
He focused his mind, extending his arms and releasing a torrent of mana in a ten-foot circle around him. The icy ground shattered, and a shockwave of energy radiated outward, sending shards of ice and snow flying in all directions. Alton gritted his teeth, his muscles tensing as he channeled the overwhelming force.
Shifting his stance, he narrowed his focus, concentrating the mana into a beam no thicker than his finger. With a flick of his wrist, he unleashed the concentrated blast, piercing through a massive glacial formation in the distance. The ice exploded, shards raining down like shrapnel.
Alton refused to allow exhaustion to stop him. He repeated the exercises over and over, his body drenched in sweat despite the frigid temperatures. Each time, he refined his control, harnessing the mana with greater precision and power.
He cycled the energy through his body, feeling it surge through his mana pathways like molten fire. The mana resonated with the essence of the Wolf's realm, dense and potent, suffusing his being with raw potential.
Alton pushed himself to the brink, his muscles burning with fatigue, but he refused to yield. He had to master this power, to become a living embodiment of the Wolf's fury. Only then could he hope to protect his company and turn the tide against Ulgarath's forces.
With a primal roar, he unleashed another blast, the shockwave rippling across the tundra, shattering ice formations in its wake. Alton stood tall, his body radiating mana, a beacon of power in the frozen wasteland.