The thudding of boots on wood, two pairs of footsteps moving swiftly down the hallway, an air of impatience. The two figures, in full service uniforms, wore plain gray coats over white shirts, with armbands and black loose-fitting pants. Faint light filtered through closed wooden window shutters to their right, casting patterns on the faded floorboards, while distant shouts from soldiers practicing their march drifting in from the field outside, providing a constant backdrop of activity.

The occasional salutes from lower-ranking men greeted them as they went. Chatter and laughter ebbed and flowed as they passed room to room. Nearing the end of the hallway, they finally halted at the second-to-last door. The pair briefly exchanged glances before the taller one knocked. Before he could speak, with the intention of announcing their arrival, a deep, gravelly voice from within commanded, “Come in,” without so much as asking who they were.

Adjusting their collars and sleeves one final time to ensure their presentation, the female of the duo took the lead in opening the door, followed closely by the male. Stepping into the room, they were met with the sight of an elderly gentleman seated behind a large rectangular table at the far end of the room, engrossed in reading, his rough scarred hands gently turning the pages of a worn leather book. Standing side by side, hands clasped behind their backs, the pair awaited the attention of an elderly man.

For a few moments, silence filled the room as the old gentleman, stroking his gray unkempt beard, finished his reading. Finally, as he closed the book with deliberate care, placing it on the desk before him, his deep-set, wrinkled eyes met theirs. In unison, the pair snapped to attention, saluting with practiced perfection.

"2nd Officer Raiden Anyi and Support Officer Nova Anyi Fable, reporting as requested, sir," Raid announced.

The elderly man studied them, a hint of surprise flickering across his weathered features. "You both appear younger than I anticipated." Gesturing towards the two chairs already prepared for them. "Please, take a seat, but ensure the door is closed. We don't need any prying ears."

Raid swiftly closed the door before joining Nova at the indicated seats.

"You called for us, Lead Lieutenant. May I inquire as to the purpose?" Nova asked, her tone respectful yet curious.

The Lieutenant's lips curled into a wry smile. "Support officers, always straight to the point. Is a simple exchange or greeting beyond your capabilities? Or do you harbor a general distaste for conversation? You see, older folk like me much prefer small talk before business, it gives us a, how do I put this? A comfortable feeling."

"My apologies if my directness seemed impolite. I presumed this was a matter of duty, not a social call," Nova responded bluntly, her tone leaving ample room for the interpretation of rudeness.

The Lieutenant chuckled heartily, his deep voice resonating. "An admirable first impression, Lady Fable. Allow me to extend my greetings to your esteemed household, as a fellow."

Nova nodded faintly in return, suddenly cautious with her actions and words. With the mention of her status, and the paid respects to her house, in addition to the Lieutenant reveal of his social standing. Compelled her to have a change in etiquette, the noble sort. She wasn't sure if this noble's greeting was a rebuke to her rudeness or genuine.

"Forgive me,” Nova said, soft-spoken and timid to the point of courtesy to a man much her senior, but not enough to sully her dignity as a member of a prestigious house. “I would reciprocate the greeting, but I am still young and learning." The expression of learning, often used by female nobles, being the more respectful way of inquiring about the other party's identity, instead of asking outright.

It is impossible for a noble to know every house and their members like the back of his hands, however directly admitting, even in question, that they did not know of a man who might wield influence, can be seen as an insult, even worse if said man was right before them. Especially more bothersome are the ones with fragile egos, duels of honor have taken place over such minor cases of ignorance.

"Colnier Rose, Highelder of House Hayes,” the Lieutenant introduced himself, smiling, leaning back against his chair. “But I'd prefer if we maintain our military decorum. I simply wished to acknowledge your status, Officer Fable, out of respect for your household."

"Your consideration is noted, Lieutenant Hayes. Forgive me, I assumed Hayes was a titled name," Nova replied with a slight inclination of her head. "I will keep your house in mind."

"No need, Officer Fable. Your humility is appreciated, but there's no need to be so modest. I actually preferred your earlier, bolder attitude. Perhaps it was a mistake to bring our statuses into this. My house pales in comparison to yours, a humble military lineage, merely three generations old. You do not shame me with your assumption, my house is not much different from a titled one, I’m not one to find fault in such a fact. Treat me as you would any subordinate, address me as you would your superior."

Nova considered his words, a flicker of understanding crossing her features. "Understood, Lieutenant Hayes. But I don't recall there being any additions to my name. What gave my ties away?"

"I would be a fool not to notice a direct descendant of the Kadalis right under my nose, even without the name," Colnier replied, his eyes shifting from Nova to Raid. "Officer Raiden, my apologies. I hope you don't feel left out.”

"No, sir. I'm just wondering when we'll get to the point."

"You as well? It seems you're both quite straightforward. Don't fancy the conversation? We can change to a topic more to your liking if you'd prefer," Colnier replied, his gaze shifting between Nova and Raid.

"With all due respect, Lieutenant, I assumed your conversation with Officer Fable was enough of a starter."

"The business sort, huh?" Colnier mused aloud, a sly grin forming on his lips. "Can't say I dislike it."

"Just trying to keep things formal, Lieutenant," Raid asserted.

"No desire to make friends? You make this old man sad," Colnier said, his grin widening as he reached for a folder from a small stack near him, placing it squarely before him but showing no intention of opening it. Instead, tapping on the folder in an almost rhythmic manner. "You asked for it, so here it is, the reason for your presence. These papers are from the government, requesting for a temporary transfer of personnel under specific requirements," he announced, sliding the folder across the table towards Nova and Raid.

Nova reached out to grab it, but just before her fingers made contact, Colnier smoothly withdrew it.

"But sadly," Colnier added with a smirk, "these papers are for my eyes only."

"Temporary transfer?" Raid inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"For some kind of operation unknown to me, it's government-led. They've left out some crucial details, leaving even a typically uninterested man like me intrigued. I've simply been tasked with picking the candidates, in a sense."

“Government-led? What do you mean?” Nova asked.

“Honestly, I'm not too sure either. We were given a criteria for eligibility, which strangely required a specific type of knight, the experienced kind, with an impeccable record, and such. Now, why on earth they would require knights unless some kind of combat is expected is beyond me. Because wouldn't that fall under our jurisdiction, the military, rather than theirs, the government? Do you get where I am going with this?”

“Not really,” Nova confessed. “But from what I understand, we're the candidates for this operation?”

“Correct. But understand that if we had our way, there would be no way in hell we would allow our knights to transfer, especially now when you guys are so valuable. However, the request was clear in stating that we cannot refuse. So, regrettably, we're going to have to let you two go.”

“Just the two of us?” Nova repeated.

“Wait, hold on,” Raid said. “I am still having difficulty understanding what's going on. We're getting transferred? To where exactly? Government-led? What kind of operation? I don't entirely understand.”

“Ahh, right. I tend to ramble to myself. Comes with age, so allow me some courtesy. I'll try to explain to the best of my ability. Where exactly do you want to start?”

“Let's start with the transfer,” Nova suggested. “Are we being redeployed?”

“In a way. This isn't your typical transfer, you'll be temporarily assigned to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, effectively relinquishing your military status.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“I'm sorry?” Raid expressed. “Like, as in we, civilians? Farriders. While operating as knights?”

“Yes… But as for the specifics of why, even I don't have the answer. This won't be a military operation but rather a civilian one, entirely out of our jurisdiction.”

“And what exactly would we be doing?”

“Don't know. The papers only state that it is a matter of prestige.”

“Prestige?”

“Yes, prestige.”

“That's the legitimate reason?”

“Yes, I am just as perplexed as you are. My only assignment is to select the candidate as outlined in the paper. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn't be very difficult, but we are severely lacking knights to the point where our options have become non-existent.”

“You mean we are not your first choice?” Nova asked.

“I mean you are our only choice. Out of the available knights, you two are the only ones that fit the criteria. Other knights are either injured, out of base, inexperienced, have misdemeanors, or in positions of responsibility they cannot vacate.”

“And are we not in positions of responsibility?” Raid asked. “We command two units, the advance group can be replaced with another officer, but my fireteam would require a knight to lead. You said we were both able? If that's the case, then Officer Fable can't replace me if she were to accompany me.”

“You two were in positions of responsibility,” Colnier corrected. “Aren't you two now relegated to reserve status? With both of your units rendered inoperational? The Battle of Hill 46 took its toll, with still no word of replacements for either. This leaves you two available, and, more importantly, your absence would be tolerated for a short time."

“Surely there must be other knights available,” Nova asserted. “We have a few units stationed here. How are we the only option?”

“You were picked, that's it. It is not to be questioned for a soldier. The decision has already been discussed and ordered. But I will give you an explanation nonetheless, an insight into knowledge, my courtesy. We have five knight units currently stationed here. Of those, three are fully operational, with the fourth, the 76th, while a shadow of its former self, is too valuable to let go in any extent, which leaves yours.”

"Our 3rd isn't fit for service, nor is it as valuable," Raid responded in thought.

"That's correct, and they won't be joining you. Your units will remain here as reinforcements or reserves, depending on the situation. Your 3rd, would most likely reinforce the 76th for the time being, that should solve the leadership issue. If not, I’m sure your 3rd is responsible enough to be officially leaderless for some time, without causing trouble. Do you have someone within the fireteam that can take the mantle of responsibility in your stead? Anyone you would recommend? Should the 3rd remain independent.”

“Yes, we have a lead sergeant by the name of Fable, Marcus Fable, middle aged and well experienced. He can take the mantle should the 3rd remain in independent reserve,” Nova said with confidence.

“Fable?” Colnier said curiously. “Is that his first name or surname? It would certainly be an odd first name. Family name perhaps, titled or noble? Dare I ask if this man has any relation to you Officer Fable? Or maybe just pure coincidence?”

“He does. We share the same lineage, and once even a house. That is all.”

“How curious. I'll take your recommendation to heart Officer Fable.”

“If I may ask,” Raid said. “Wouldn't it make more sense for the 3rd to come with us? As officers we often move with our units as a whole, unless there is a transfer of command. Our entire role requires attachment.”

“Are you educating me?” Colnier grinned in deep amusement. “Even if you are a monster, you're still a young pup. Did you forget what I said? Civilian…” He said with particular emphasis. “You won't be officers no more, so the norms you speak of means naught. And even if the 3rd can join you, if we ignore their ineligibility, we won't allow it. We need every knight here, in Vailiran, in case the Lemfords move northward. We already have too few knights, and we need everyone, even you two, if we weren't forced to give somebody. Understand that no one here is happy about this.”

“I think I can speak for the both of us when I say we're not exactly complaining about this new assignment,” Raid said. “Just confused. This sounds… suspicious. I've never heard of something like this.”

“We'll do our job as ordered. It doesn't matter where, we fight all the same,” Nova affirmed, her voice resolute.

“Well I'm upset. Do you have any idea how much we fought just to have the current number of knights here? Every commander from the Rose to the Kos is using whatever means they can to gain at least an additional knight under their command. And now some government ministry, with no stake in military affairs, wants to whisk away our knights in the midst of a fucking war? Without so much as offering a single coin or man in compensation?”

“Sir?” Raid ventured cautiously.

“Nothing…” Colnier seethed. “Continue. Where were we?”

Nova, her voice steady, unfazed by Colnier minor outburst, immediately asked. “So where exactly will we be going? Doesn't sound like we'll remain here in Vailiran.”

“The Knights Headquarters of Northern Operations, in Astra,” Colnier spat the words as if they were acid. “I'm sure you two are familiar with it?”

Raid and Nova exchanged puzzled glances, uncertainty etched in their expressions.

“The Kes-Northern?” Raid questioned. “Isn't that solely for foreign operations? Beyond the Rose borders? Places like the Eternal War?”

“Yes, but you won't be venturing that far,” Colnier clarified. “You'll still be within Rose territory, though you won't be facing the Lemfords. Otherwise, it would remain within our jurisdiction.”

“So we're being reassigned to a government branch, reporting to the Kes-Northern, but not to engage the Lemfords, instead for some semblance of prestige?” Nova sought confirmation.

“Yes... It's a waste of knights, if you ask me. If you're not contending with the Lemfords, then I fail to comprehend why they require your services. I couldn't care less if we have farriders, rogue-knights, or bandits burning the fields, there's a damned war raging on.”

“But Lieutenant, there's something I find perplexing,” Raid interjected. “The Kes-Northern is designated for foreign assignments exclusively, away from Rose territory and utilized only for critical missions, such as aiding the Northern Theatre. Yet you mentioned we'll still be operating within our borders?”

"I suspect the government simply desires complete control over the operation, utilizing the Kes-Northern as a means to operate beyond military jurisdiction. It's no secret, they've been employing this tactic for years. What's peculiar this time is that they're not deploying their own personnel but ours. Active knights have never been a necessity for them, typically, retired hands and farriders suffice to meet their needs.”

"Hence the transfer," Nova said.

"Correct, and you two fit the requirements perfectly. Officially, this will be a proper transfer, they're not asking for us to lend them personnel but give them, with a promise of return. In short, you both would be stripped of your command and rank temporarily. I'll be honest with you two, if it wasn't clear enough already, the reason you two were picked is purely out of convenience. We have an obligation to fulfill their request, and you two were the easiest to let go. Personally, I would apologize for treating you as loose fodder to the government hounds, but as an officer, my pride prevents me. So please accept my insincere apology in thought.”

“No offense taken,” Nova replied. “Our duty stands”.

“It does,” Colnier agreed. “But if doubt ever befall you, I hope these words would remind you, so listen. That as soldiers in this organization dedicated to war, we are nothing but wheat to a mill, to be grounded to dust in the millions past and present, to be loyal regardless of treatment. Wherever you go, what you see, your treatment, I hope that you remain loyal, to have no doubt, for our Rose. You both carry a different clan's name, I see that in your papers. But your tags are ours, you carry our emblem, you fight for us, and I am grateful for that. Not to mention Officer Fable's ties to one of the Colduel Houses. I see that you have accepted our heritage."

Raid's face ever so slightly tensed at the word, heritage. A topic he had been internally avoiding since the conversation with Marcus over a month ago, back in the rearguard. The recent nightmares have only muddled such resolve further. To face his, uneasiness, hypothetically, if he could only pick between one of the two, the Anyi or the Rose, what would he choose? The Sundahlem place great emphasis in the land of one's birth, the foundation of their identity, to the point every Kin's person carries a clan name, forever unchanged, until their death. It's to remind them of who they are, who they belong to, even if the clan that once birthed them no longer exists.

Its importance is not even questioned in the Sundahelm, and plays an ever subtle influence on an individual's life. And this conflict has a bigger effect on Raid than he realized, as someone who was raised with and considered duty to be his core. Duty was not a choice, it was a responsibility, like a son to his family. And to know where that duty lay, the roots, is like a son that knows his family, to know that he had not been orphaned. Except Raid did feel orphaned.

On Nova's end, she regarded Colnier’s words as an old man's ramble, to look with attention but not to listen. This man only grows more talkative with age it seems.

“I'm glad, truly,” Colnier continued. “Knights of foreign make that fights for our flag, young blood too. I can never get tired of seeing new kids join our ranks. That is, If I could forget the fact those ministry hounds just snatch you two right from our grasp.” His mood immediately souring.

A short silence fell, broken only by the incessant tapping of Colnier's fingers against the polished surface of the table, who no doubt, from the looks of it, dissatisfied with the circumstances. It wasn't exactly a secret in recent years that the government and the military didn't exactly get along. Budget cuts to the military in the last two decades before the current war did nothing but spur the anger of nobles like Colnier. The budget constraints being more of an internal conflict between the Jastol, large landowning nobles, and the Gada, military nobles. Rather than the actual degradation between the government and its blade.

Nova was the first to speak. “Then please give us your orders.”

Colnier, with a loud sigh of resigned acceptance, stood up, hands clasped behind his back, exerting an air of authority before them. "2nd Officer Raiden Anyi, Support Officer Nova Anyi Fable, from here on forth, until the government's request is fulfilled, both of you will now be transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Your ranks and positions of command will now be stripped from you under my authority. You are now recognized as public servants, not military personnel."

Raid and Nova stood up, saluting the Lieutenant. He looked at the two of them with a nod of approval.

"Make haste to Astra," Colnier continued. "Retrieve your combat gear from your quarters with the exception of your armor. You will be given a different set at the armory, something that has more resemblance with civilian wear than military, we can't have farriders bearing embroidered emblems. Return your uniforms and markings at the logistics office upon your leave. Your mounts await you at the Eastern Noda Stables, unless you have any specific mounts in mind that we can afford to gift. And if you're missing anything, simply ask the officer in charge of your barracks. That's all, you're dismissed."

"Sir!" they both responded in unison.