I read the author's explanation of the advantages of a cavalry charge on open ground as I paged through the book I was holding. The Author emphasized the cavalry units' powerful agility and speed, describing how they could quickly evade enemy lines and strike precisely, often resulting in fear and confusion among the enemy ranks. They could also be protected from gunfire by a group of mages, but had to stay close to them in order to do so, leaving themselves vulnerable to coordinated attacks from artillery fire and enemy mages.
The Author went on to explain that Warhorses still have value on contemporary battlefields, even with their high maintenance costs and difficulty in maneuvering on unsuitable terrain, but the true value of mounted soldiers still is outside of combat...
My reading session was cut short when a steady knocking reverberated throughout the room. The man at a desk looked up from his book and opened the door for a young soldier. His green uniform was worn with small tears in its fabric. He saluted quickly and the man at the desk returned it with a nod.
"I have some mail that needs to be delivered to the Frontline," The Sekretarian said calmly as he pointed at the bags at the back of the room. "Just private mail, nothing serious."
"Also, the young Mage next to you will accompany you," he says, pointing at me next.
The man didn't seem to have noticed me at first, because the moment he saw me, he looked quite surprised. Shortly after, like a well oiled machine, he repeats the salute he gave earlier. His surprise quickly fades as he regains his composure, and he addresses me with a tone of respect.
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"Apologies for not noticing you sooner, Mage. Your presence is greatly appreciated."
I appreciate the respect he is showing me with a well placed nod. Turning around, I push the now closed book back onto the shelf. Both the newcomer and the man I assume to be Sekretaerian are talking to each other.
As the conversation comes to an end, the soldier walks to the back of the room and grabs the three sacks filled to the brim with letters. As he turns to the exit, he waits for me. As we both move out of the room, he quickly takes the lead.
"My Name is Arthur. Nice to meet you, Sir." He introduces himself with a firm handshake. I return the gesture, introducing myself as well.
"I'm glad to meet you, Arthur. Im Millian; just call me Mill." As we start walking down the hallway, Arthur begins to explain his role as a courier for the Sekretaerian. He mentions that delivering letters and important documents is just one part of his job, and that he also assists with various administrative tasks. Curious, I ask him how long he has been working in this position.
He seems quite talkative, so I let him speak primarily. " I think it's been about six months now. Compared to the soldiers who are fighting, I have it quite good, so I'm currently trying to avoid promotions." Arthur chuckles and adds,
"Don't get me wrong, I admire the bravery of the soldiers who are fighting, but I prefer the relative safety of my current role. Plus, being a courier allows me to contact my family regularly." As he continues to share his experiences, my mind drifts off and I start to daydream.
As we come to a halt in front of a large group of people, his talking stops.
His narrowed eyes scanned through the group of twenty soldiers, all loaded with packs full of ammunition and gear. After a few seconds, his gaze zeroed in on someone at the forefront of the mass. The man sported an immaculate uniform that was not only green like the others, but also had hints of red stitching along the seams. He held a hat adorned with an ornamental emblem between his hands and it became obvious to the onlooker that he was a commanding officer. Approaching the front of the group with confidence, Arthur seems to have finally found who he was looking for.