COMMANDER EADES POV
“How many are joining us this year?” I asked as an aide ran up to report on the new assignees.
“About 500 Commander. But remember, this year they won’t all be remaining with the legion. The Emperor wants the uncommons to be sent to Gryphonwing for training.”
“Ah right, the Emperor’s new theory on guiding class progression. At least we’ll still have them from time to time. We’ll make sure that they’re ready to take their place in the legion when the time comes.” Honestly, I thought this was a ridiculous idea, but I couldn’t say anything against the Emperor. Fortunately, this is only decreed for this year.
“They’ve all arrived Sir. They’re gathered in the main parade grounds and are awaiting your welcome. Subcommander Ellis asked me to inform you. I’m also to report that roughly 10% of them are uncommons, similar to previous groups.”
I motioned for the aide to lead the way. We’ll be losing about 50 of them to the Academy. That still leaves 450 to bolster the ranks. We should be able to get that many battle-ready fairly quickly, even if there isn’t time to evolve their classes. This may be a prime opportunity to see if Ellis has what it takes to be a commander. I’ll let him know that he’ll be watching over the training of these recruits.
It wasn’t a long walk to the parade grounds from the command tent. Before entering however, I pulled Ellis to the side, “Subcommander, I’ll be leaving the primary responsibility for this year’s recruits to you. You’ll have access to my aides that have been preparing for this. We’ll also be meeting regularly to do what we can to make this a success for you.” I always liked Ellis, he was a good soldier and deserved the opportunity. I just hope he’s ready for it.
“Ye..yes sir! Thank you sir!” Ellis snapped a salute and we headed into the grounds together. As the new recruits saw us coming, the general murmur of voices began to die out. I looked around at these children, and saw so much on their faces. Some were filled with hope and excitement but just as many had looks of dread. I took a step forward and cleared my voice.
“Welcome to the Drakescale Legions! I’m Commander Eades, commander of the 1st Legion and highest ranking officer on the border. As you’ve all heard, tensions with Gelyn have been escalating. But this is nothing to worry about for all of you, leave that to your superiors. The only thing I need all of you to concern yourselves with is getting a handle on your new skills and life in the military.”
“What you may not be aware of however, is that this year’s new assignees will be handled differently than ever before. In an effort to increase the number of multi-discipline experts, the Empire has made the decision that those with uncommon classes will be attending Gryphonwing Academy alongside students of the Brightwood Scholars and any individuals deemed appropriate by the Crafting Guilds.”
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“For the rest of you, you will all remain here. Subcommander Ellis will be overseeing your integration into the legions and all of the training that you receive. While you will begin in groups of other recruits, eventually you will be placed into squads with veteran legionnaires. The subcommander and other instructors will determine where you belong based on your performance during training and where they believe you will be of most use to the legion.”
“Those of you remaining here, please make your way to the back of the grounds where you will be escorted to the quartermasters to receive your equipment. Those attending Gryphonwing, please move forward, I have additional words for all of you.”
It took some time, but all of them made it to the correct place. They’ll learn order and efficiency in time. I looked at those that remained. I hated to lose their talent but there was nothing I could do about it. “I’ll be honest with all of you. This is a completely unprecedented decision. Martials have always begun in the military and sent to one of the academies after showing promise as officer material. However, despite all of that, I expect each and every one of you to conduct yourselves with the decorum expected of the Drakescale Legions. Your uniforms will signify your affiliation and you will all be a reflection of who we are.”
“For those of you unaware, Gryphonwing Academy is the top academy in the empire and is located a short distance from the capital. Typically, only the most promising are granted admittance, but those of you joining immediately are an exception, a test case. I don’t know what they have planned for all of you, but I know your education and training will be overseen by various instructors from across martial, magic, and crafting experts.”
“You’ll be outfitted here with your uniforms and equipment before heading out tomorrow. As those traveling the farthest, your education will begin when you arrive. Dismissed.”
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Calvin Jones POV
My head was spinning from the Commander’s announcement. Everyone I knew dreamed of attending one of the academies, but none of us actually expected it. From there everything seemed to happen in a blur. All of us were escorted into one of the permanent buildings which turned out to be the armory. We were all asked our class and given appropriate equipment. For me that meant chain armor and two warhammers: one-handed and two-handed. I also got to see what Lucas was given: flexible armor and a set of vicious looking gauntlets with spiked knuckles. Looking around, it seemed as though the equipment was as varied as each of us; swords, axes, bows, staves, every weapon imaginable was being handed out. We looked like we had been thrown together in a hodge-podge mess and our lack of discipline was not helping that image at all.
The trip to Gryphonwing wasn’t much better, though we did improve our discipline and group coordination. Luckily, I was able to avoid Lucas throughout the journey. Magnus might have been the ringleader, but Lucas always stuck by his side. I’m sure my luck will run out eventually though.
We were also given the opportunity to meet some of our fellow recruits. Out of everyone that I met, one stood out more than the rest, Lillian Raines. A girl from the mountains to the southeast, she was outfitted with heavy armor and a flail.
After days of travel, a massive walled castle came into view. With red slate roofs covering the many towers, two flags stood atop it. The flag of the empire flew above the tallest tower, while the flag of the academy flew from the second tallest. We were about to arrive.