Having ordered the Regiment to begin setting up camp, Luc had finally managed to get some time to himself; time which he was going to use to figure out what he should do next, and figure out who it was that lived in what remained of the town. His own tent had been the first to be set up as it would serve as the Regimental HQ for the time being until they could find a more suitable spot to set up a proper operation. Though modest in size the cream coloured shelter offered enough space to fit and house not only himself but well over ten men. Within the decently sized area some folded furniture that had been arranged in such a way to allow for a proper functioning base for the administrative staff -who were now scurrying about the place trying to set up reports on various things- to establish a semblance of order in an otherwise chaotic situation.
Overlooking a stack of recently filled out reports, Luc Demoulin’s sea blue eyes began to take in the situation presented before him. “Alright… so… we’re not in France, Germany, or Earth for that matter, but rather… some… where?” Running his ungloved hands through his messy hair, he wracked his brain for all it was worth in an attempt to figure something out, “Fuck… I don’t know!” Whipping around in annoyance he collapsed on his makeshift bed.
It was annoying not knowing what to do, more so when there was over twelve hundred personnel who looked to him for guidance. “Shit… shit… shit… shit… fucking shit.” Rolling over on the bed, Luc peered over towards the armour stand that held his cuirassier and helmet.
He still couldn’t believe the situation he was in right now. Mere hours before he and his unit were on their way to the frontline and now… now they were somewhere completely different. The only reason a majority of the men in his Regiment weren’t losing their minds was in part due to how a majority were single young men who sought such adventures like this, while others were lucky enough to have their wives part of the medical personnel attached to them. Indeed, it seemed if anything, Luc lucked out in how well his men were taking the situation; sadly, it didn’t help matters that it felt as if he was the only one going through the worst of it. Still, he tried his best to push aside such worries, instead, closing his eyes while shutting out the world around him as he fell into a moment of calmness.
“Sir, the townspeople want a word.”
Luc wanted to groan out loud as he forced his eyes open. “Mhm, right, thank you, Sergeant, bring them in.”
Tossing himself back onto his back, “Right, up we go~.”
Pushing himself upright, Luc took a moment to adjust his belt before standing up. Upon standing up and walking back into the open part of the command tent, the first person his eyes to lay upon was none other than the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. Standing 5’11” as a Caucasian appearing woman with a slender yet curvy appearance that gave off the air of someone who trained regularly. Her long blonde hair seemed to match with the style of clothes she currently wore –a simple leather armour set- with the bangs framing her beautiful face perfectly. Indeed, perfect was a fitting word for what the 27-year-old was seeing now; he had to exert his best effort just to remain composed in front of her, much like Alexander was who stood close behind.
“W-welcome?” His voice cracked in a momentary lapse of control, before coughing into his hand and asking again, “Welcome, please make yourself at home.”
Alex quickly twisted his head to the side, trying not to laugh. Luc noticed the gesture off the corner of his eye but chose to ignore it… or save it for later.
“Ehem! Please, have a seat.” Quickly, the Colonel pulled one of the folding chairs out from behind a nearby table before offering it up.
The Pointy-eared beauty smiled before taking him up on the offer, “Thank you, Colonel… If that’s your name.” She replied warmly, a little puzzled as to why he had such a strange name.
Puzzled, Luc didn’t know how to respond for a moment before snapping his fingers, “Ah, no, no! Forgive me, my name’s not Colonel, that’s merely my official rank.” Walking over to the same table he grabbed his canteen and began to fill up a glass of water before handing it off to the woman who accepted it gratefully. “Forgive my rudeness in not introducing myself earlier, my name is Luc de Demoulin, Colonel in his Imperial Highnesses Fourteenth Cuirassier Regiment.”
As proud as he tried to sound, he was a little unsure if he should claim to be under the command of the Emperor given they weren’t really in France –or Europe for that matter. Still, he did his best to lay on the charm drilled into him back at the academy all those years ago. Though judging by the reaction he was getting from his guest, it likely wouldn’t have mattered as she appeared more confused by it all.
“It’s an honour to meet you sir Demoulin, my name is Calondra, the daughter to… well, the village elder.” Upon the final utterance, Luc could tell her father was no longer with them.
“Ah… so, it wouldn’t be incorrect to assume you’re now the Elder of your village?”
“Mhm, it wouldn’t, at least for the time being.”
Luc examined her reaction, he could tell it was a bitter subject, and given how things were, he thought it prudent to move on for her sake, as well as his. “Well… with all the formalities out of the way, what say you and I move on to more… pressing matters. Hmm?”
With a quick change of subject, Luc pulled up a chair and sat across from Calondra. “So, if you don’t mind me starting first… how is it you can speak out language?”
An honest question and one that was on everyone’s mind, as it was rather odd to hear anyone so foreign looking speaking such fluent French as though they were born and raised in the heartland. Indeed, upon every vowel Calondra spoke, all Cuirassiers in the room were drawn to the same question as the one asked. Yet, of all the puzzled faces in the room, Calondra’s by far took the prize.
“I’m sorry? Aren’t I speaking Saintri Common?”
Luc looked at her confused for a moment as he slowly turned towards Alex who was now standing behind him. “Umm… no, I’m pretty sure you’re speaking French.”
“Or –if you don’t mind me jumping in here- is what we hear.”
Calondra was even more confused, before finally asking the question, “Are you not from the Saintri Empire?”
Luc slowly shook his head, “No, we’re actually from France.”
Calondra brought her hands up as she covered the lower part of her face, “Oh, you’re all from another realm? Oh, Gods! I’m so so sorry, I had my suspicions when I first saw your men, but… I never would’ve thought such a thing possible!”
Raising his hand, “You speak as though this type of thing is common?”
“Gods no! Such a thing hasn’t been done or seen in well over a millennia, if not longer!”
Leaning back, Luc couldn’t help but let out a sigh as his shoulders slumped back somewhat. “What have we gotten ourselves into?”
Alex shrugged, he was just as lost as the Colonel.
Looking back into the eyes of Calondra, “So, with that in mind, where are we and who were those… savages we liberated your people from?”
The woman fidgeted slightly as if looking for the right place to start, “Well, for starters, you’re in the neutral zone… or rather, the land of Exiles. To the north of here is the Saintri Empire, and east of here is IronTooth. Across the Green, Sea is where the other Kingdoms and Dutchies are located… many I don’t know the names of… sorry.”
Both men briefly paused a moment to take in all that was said, with a junior officer quickly taking notes off to the side.
Either ignoring the sound of scribbling or completely unaware of it, Calondra continued, “As for who you saved us from, those were Orcs from IronTooth.”
“Orcs? Is that what you call those brutes?” Alex asked before Luc could open his mouth to speak.
“Yes, they often raid these lands looking for slaves given how most of those who live in these lands are exiles or refugees who fled from the North when the Empire launched its campaign of conquest.”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
As the scribe wrote all that was being told, Luc ran a hand through his hair, “Given what you’ve said, I take it these Orcs operate a slave-based economy then?”
Alexander frowned, his thoughts drawn to that of the USA before the Civil War before Luc rested his hand reassuringly on his friend’s shoulder.
“Correct, though, most countries have slaves, is that not a common thing in your world?”
“Not anymore.” Luc replied, “At least, not any civilized nation.” He added before pouring a glass of water for himself.
“I wish our world was like yours then… maybe then we wouldn’t have to worry about being constantly raided by slavers.”
Looking into his now empty glass, Luc replied bluntly, “It can be.”
Both Calondra and Alexander looked at him in a mix of shock and confusion.
“What? I’m simply suggesting that we work together.” Normally, Luc would be a little hesitant to suggest such an idea, but given the gravity of the situation, it was the best one he could come up with, “Given our current supply needs, lack of Intel, and of course… lack of common sense regarding this world, I think a partnership would benefit both parties.”
Alex was about to speak up before the Commandant walked in beaming with excitement, “I concur! I think that’s a grand idea!”
“Well… so long as you’re willing to protect us from any more slave raids, we’ll provide you with whatever you need.”
Luc grinned, “We’ll do you one step better… We’ll train you to defend your homes alongside us.”
The Commandant and Sergeant Major both expressed the look of shock. “I mean, I’m all for working with the townspeople, but… to actually train and arm them? That seems a little much Sir.”
Calondra herself was almost about to cry tears of joy at the mere prospect at getting the chance to work with the foreigners before her, but like the two senior soldiers, she felt as though the young Colonel was a bit too trusting to be giving such a deal.
“It’s fine, isn’t it?” Luc said bluntly. “Makes it a fair bit reassuring for us to defend your people while also protecting ourselves. As much as one might think all the intel you’d feed us would be enough, it’s not. We’re putting our lives at risk, so we need more assurances that we’re not just going to be used by your people down the line.”
Overall, he was just trying to ensure that his people weren’t going to be the only ones doing the fighting, and judging by what he had seen, there were just enough of the townsfolk to form something of a militia.
The woman paused before lowering her head, “Then, would this make us equals then… If we agree to this?”
Raising a brow, Luc leaned forward resting the weight on his elbows. “Yes, yes it will.”
“We’ll agree then!” She quickly popped her head back up beaming with joy as if she had just received the best news possible.
All three men were a little surprised by the sudden response but reverted to their previously calm demeanour. “Right… well, I’ll have the Captain Beaufort of the Second Squadron begin writing up a contract of sorts to ensure both parties honour their sides of the deal.” Aignan added with a sigh, “He’s a former lawyer so if anyone can write up an honest deal, it’s him.”
Luc nodded in thanks towards Aignan before turning to look at Alexander, “Sergeant Major Moreau here will set up a training regime and have a few of our Sergeants and Corporals work to actually train those whom you manage to convince to volunteer for the town’s militia. From there we’ll figure out how best to arm you.” Pushing his seat back, he stood up, “For now, you’ll have to make do with whatever weapons and gear we can scavenge from the dead Orcs… at least until our Quarter Master can begin working with your blacksmiths and tradespeople to start creating the necessary clothing and arms.”
The Elven woman nodded excitedly before waving any other details aside with her hand, “I know it’s somewhat forward of me to ask this, but would it be okay if I volunteered to lead the militia?” She asked, her face seemingly beaming with pure excitement to the point it unnerved the Commandant who felt a little unsure what to make of this woman.
“I see… well… I don’t see why not, though, you must pardon me for saying this, but… I feel as though you might need to prove your ability to fight first before we entrust any form of military leadership to you.” Alex announced before his commanding officer and friend could say anything.
Demoulin, on the other hand, nodded in agreement as he wasn’t sure how to reply to her request.
“Of course! I’d not expect anything less, but you should know, we Wood Elves pride ourselves on our martial skills.” Calondra proclaimed proudly in reply.
Smiling, the young Colonel couldn’t help but feel a little more confident as he walked up beside the scribe. “Very well then, we’ll test you on three different areas. The first being marksmanship.” Walking over to his armour stand, he pulled his Tabatière out from its holster before gently placing it on the table. “You’ll be given three rounds, each one will be used to test your level of accuracy.” As he let her get a feel for the rifle he added, “We’ll give you instructions on how to use the rifle, but upon learning how to handle, fire, and reload the weapon… you’re on your own. Sound fair?”
Calondra nodded with the same eagerness as before as she carefully returned the weapon to the table. “Sounds more than fair, but…”
“But?”
“… But how can you just give me a weapon like this, despite having only just met me? Are you after the same thing the Orcs were?” Calondra asked with some suspicion.
Luc scratched the back of his head, “Well if you’re looking for an honest answer, it’s to build something of trust between your people and us… however, in saying that I must stress that we’re only giving you that rifle and three shots as a means to test your abilities as we have no weapons, ammo, or even the means to provide you with the tools of our trade.”
Nodding in reply, the elf found the answer to be fair and understandable given the circumstances. “Well, hopefully, I can prove my worth then. I want to protect my people… I don’t want them to ever go through what they did before you arrived. If it hadn’t been for you and your people, we’d likely end up being forever in bondage. If I can learn to prevent such a thing from happening again, I’ll work harder than anyone else to earn yours and your people’s trust.” She stated the look of determination plastered across her beautiful features.
Sighing, the Sergeant Major took a step forward, swiping the three rounds before making his way out of the tent, only to stop at the entrance. “Well, come on then ma’am, I’ll get one of our Sergeants to show you how to use that thing.”
Calondra didn’t need to be told twice as she promptly about faced and followed closely behind Alexander who Luc could tell was questioning his reasoning. However, before they left, Luc called out to his SNCO.
“Could you also let a runner know to request the officers, SNCO’s, and NCO’s to meet here in an hour. I’ll have to give them a rundown of what we’re facing and give them their orders for the coming month.”
Upon giving the order, Alex replied with a salute and, “Sir.” Before making his way outside, the elf following close behind.
“Thank you!” Luc called out.
--
After adjusting his uniform and making sure he looked presentable, Demoulin had managed to give off the appearance of a man who was in control –despite the reality being he was just as lost as the rest of them. Once everyone had taken their seats that had been set up some time ago and had finished with their obligatory greetings to one another, Luc tapped the tip of a stick against the map board.
“Evening gentlemen! I hope you’re all rested and ready because we have some work to do.” He started warmly, trying his best to sound the part of an experienced officer.
Shortly after, he began to give the details of the world they were in, the races that populated it; or at the very least the ones that Calondra knew about. Each of the officers and Non-commissioned officers began to jot down notes as Luc, Alex, and Aignan took turns giving a detailed overview of what they found out and what they still needed to learn and what was going to be done. After the intel was shared with the men, the questions came, many ranging from what they were supposed to do to what their ammo and supply situation was like, all of which were answered as honestly as possible by Luc Demoulin who felt it best to keep all those within the Regiment informed of their predicament.
“Alright… with all the questions out of the way, I’d like to move on now to mission assignments. To start, I’d like to once again remind you all that we’re extremely limited in ammunition and weapons, meaning you’ll need to use the carbines if the situation is dire or a requirement.” Pausing to let his reminder sink in, he straightened his back as he turned to face the map with small pins placed in key spots. “Now then, to start, First Squadron, I’ll have you begin patrolling the Northern hills here while the Second and Third Squadrons begin setting Forward Listening Posts here… here… and here.” As he spoke, he would often indicate the position in question via the pins in the map.” If we can set up LP’s in these areas we should be able to prevent getting caught with our pants down should the Orcs come looking for answers… which we all know they most likely will.” Scanning the room, he found each of his men were promptly writing down the points in their notebooks.
Before long, hands began to raise as questions started to pop up in peoples minds. “Sir! Do we have any idea how many Irontooth might send?”
Shaking his head, Luc replied, “Regrettably, no… from what Calondra and the other elves say, Irontooth tends to deploy a varied number of soldiers, numbering anywhere between a hundred to a thousand based on the importance.”
The room fell silent, “*cough* but! That’s not to say they’ll send a massive force our way, if, for whatever reason they do send a small army our way, we can at least be prepared for such an event by taking out their commanders. From what the Elves suggest, the Orcs rely on their commanders to feed them, clothe them, and order them, meaning should they fall in battle the rest will up and scatter and run.”
“So, what you’re saying is, if we have sharpshooters in the woods picking off these commanders, we won’t have to worry about a pitched battle?”
“Exactly.”
Almost as though a weight was lifted from their shoulders, everyone began to feel a sense of relief wash over them. “Yet, saying that, I want you all on guard… you never know what might happen out there. This isn’t Earth gentlemen, and these aren’t fellow humans we’re dealing with but rather Orcs.”
“Now, returning to the assignments, I’d like for the fourth Squadron to act as scouts and work with a few of our artists to draw up a proper map of the area, with a particular focus on strategic locations should our allies have missed something. From there, the Fifth will work towards scouting out the south, while the Sixth and Seventh work on building LP’s in the south… just in case…”
Demoulin resumed the briefing, giving out the assignments to each and all the squadrons and the administrative staff before finishing up with a warm toast to everyone. Once, everyone started to exit the command tent, Luc was once again left alone, his eyes glued to the temporary map drawn for them by the Elven scouts. Studying all the details he could to get a better idea of what he was going to do next. He had two countries to worry about; Saintri and Irontooth, with the latter being the biggest concern.
“How to deal with them now…” He pondered, tapping his chin in silent contemplation…