POV Alexious
"Alexi!" The daemoness gently cooed as she corrected my posture.
I always felt a chill race up my spine whenever the daemon was this close. She was a kind daemon though, speaking to me as if we'd been friends a long time.
"Loosen up Alexi…" she whispered in my ear as she walked around me.
"I may not be my master but I take my duties as my master's slave seriously." She took a stance with her spear pointed at the ground.
I heard a cataclysmic clash of steel behind me and whipped my head around to see Lord Fulton and his brother had locked the hilts of their swords together, both trying to leverage their blades to strike at their opponents. I felt a light tap on my neck and the daemon's chuckle.
"You must pay attention to your foe Alexi!" She grinned as she leapt back. The camp alarm suddenly rang and the soldiers started to scramble to grab their gear.
I scrambled after lord Fulton as he dashed to a small stout tower that overlooked the field. The darn stopped me at the bottom from climbing up. "They'll be down soon child."
All about the camp the troops rushed, forming into ranks and moving to their pre designated areas for assembly. It was like music how rapidly the women of the 86th performed their actions. Like it was a well rehearsed dance as the rest fumbled around in confusion.
The Fulton brothers slid down the ladder as scouts rushed up and breathlessly relayed reports. "Lord Fulton, the daemons spill into the plain, a daemon lord was sighted amongst their ranks not an hour ago!"
"Make sure Knights Tullio and Ponatoski are aware." Smith relayed quickly. The messenger saluted and left as another stepped forward.
"Sir, the undead remain unresponsive in Bauerdorf."
David nodded slowly. "Pass my orders for the 1st and 46th regiments to screen the right flank."
"Sir! The crown Princess wishes for you to explain the situation."
"Later, pass along that I'd like her highness to take command of the right flank." David replied after a quick glance at his brother.
He quickly waved over another messenger. "Pass along my orders, the 5th, 7th, and 17th are to support the 86th as directed by my brother."
I paused as I watched Smith jog off before I followed him. I wanted to be useful! I will not be some breeder father to be married off. I gripped the handle of the halberd tighter as I ran through the throngs of women forming up for battle.
"Lord Fulton, I came to help." I gasped as I finally caught up with him as he was grieving orders to his subordinates.
"Alexious? Damnit! lieutenant Sarrin, see to his safety." He turned back to his subordinates and continued issuing orders at a rapid pace. A woman turned to me and saluted.
"I'm lieutenant Sarrin, your highness. Can you fight or is that halberd for decoration?" I stared in shock for a moment at what I'd assumed was a common soldier. She wore markings to distinguish herself as a lieutenant. Under her helmet her purple eyes asked their own questions.
"I can fight." I replied defensively.
"Good, I've already received my orders, let's rejoin my platoon." She set off at a quick jog. I nearly lost the lieutenant amid the ranks of soldiers as we filtered through to a platoon near the front.
"Come on first!" The small lieutenant roared and waved her sword above her head. "Who are we?"
"First to fight!" They shouted, slamming their pikes against the ground.
"How long do we fight?" Sarrin screamed back as a pair of soldiers rushed over and saluted.
"Last to bed!" The soldiers screamed.
One of the soldiers that rushed over turned and shouted over their shoulder with a thunderous cry. "Who are we?"
"First platoon!" They screamed and hollered. I waffled about, confused by the ruckus as the other formations nearby began chanting similar cries.
"Over here Prince." Sarrin grabbed me by the shoulder and pulled me into the formation.
"Alright first! We got a special assignment for the battle, see the rookie wets his halberd and stays alive!" Sarrin clapped a hand on my shoulder. The women cheered loudly, many congratulating me.
"Welcome to First platoon, sixth company sir."
"Staying awhile or just the evening?
"Showing the losers in fifth company what they're missing eh?"
"We'll show you the ropes kiddo."
"Better than the royal first!"
I felt a smile on my face as I looked around. They felt so welcoming even though most of them would probably soon be dead. Like how I used to imagine my older sisters would act like.
"Right, that's enough chatter." One of the soldiers called out and started putting everyone in ranks again.
"That my platoon sergeant, Vivian." Sarrin nodded to her compatriot. "My equal in all but rank. Stick with the two of us and we'll get you through this."
"How can you all be so confident?" I asked after a moment, it didn't seem real. The aura of determination and invincibility, the killing intent in the air.
"Lots of hellish training. You want to go through the general's drill camps?" She asked with a bemused smile.
"I… think I'll pass."
"Shame," Vivian appeared on my left and put me in the second rank between her and Sarrin. She then attached a small flag to the haft of her pike, a little blue banner with 1st PLT, 6th COMPANY in silver letters.
"Captain's about to give the order to advance Ma'm." Vivian nodded to Sarrin.
"Thank you Vivian." She paused and listened as a strange trumpet blasted out a series of notes.
"Platoon! Quick time, March!" Sarrin shouted with that impressively loud voice.
I found myself being pulled along by Vivian as the whole platoon started marching in perfect sync. Gone was the chit chat and little jokes and faces which had been smiles turned into grim imitations. The deadly aura around me seemed to rise as we marched forward.
All I could see was the back of the woman in front of me and to either side down the rank. What was going on? The jangle of steel and the stench of sweaty leather were my few companions on this silent march. But soon I heard the cries of the daemons as well.
We halted, Sarrin shouting out commands and the platoon showed up its flanks with its sister platoons. Pikes were lowered and braced and I saw the horror charging at me.
A mass of muscle and teeth, siliva being flung from its jaw as it ran and leapt towards us on its three stumpy legs. Four bloodshot eyes the size of my fist glared at us with the hatred of unforgotten millennia.
My breath came in short ragged gasps as I braced my halberd like the soldiers around me. The daemon grew closer, its howls of madness joined by similar monstrosities. Then, they slammed into us.