I personally think that the nature of people does not change. Certainly it evolves, it changes and transforms into something new. But all these changes have for primary basis our primitive behavior which does not disappear and remains asleep. Man is an animal, a dirty beast who cannot help resorting to violence to solve his problems. And war is precisely what brings out our true nature from us. We may have developed strategies, drawn up plans and tactics one crazier than the next, there will always be this moment of the battle, this primitive moment where men will no longer be able to count on their training or their logic. I called it the primitive moment, the Zero minute.
Year 994 of the sacred calendar, the world is in perpetual conflict with itself, new lands are discovered, new territories are conquered, then sold or reconquered. The world leader of this colonial age is none other than the Ingels Empire, or Inglesia. Since the discovery of the new continent Ascheritz Inglesia has had a lot of trouble on all fronts. It had first the revolt of the local colonists who wanted their independence, then the indigenous people, the natives who wanted to see them leave this land and finally the republic of Valorys, a long-standing enemy who coveted all these resources. Prime Minister Inglesien played it fine for once, he accepted the independence of the settlers if they agreed to remain under Inglesien sponsorship. They would receive all the help and contribution necessary for their development. It was not easy, but they finally find a deal. Then he signed a major agreement with the native peoples promising not to take over their land and just aiming for peaceful coexistence. These numerous agreements allowed them to forge alliances to repel the soldiers of valorys. Today the Allied States of Ascheritz are a concentrate of several colonies across the continent and just like Elysion, are sponsored by the great power that is Inglesia. But let's go back to May 994 where it all started for me. I was stationed in the port town of Dawn when I was summoned by Brigadier General Francis Wagner.
-You summoned me my general?
-Seat major.
I was stationed at Fort Sealion, and I wore the uniform of the Inglesian officers, red tunics, leather boot, gold cufflinks, barrette on the shoulder, waistcoat under the coat and a sword on the belt. I still had my blonde hair properly slicked back that I had tied in Catogan.
-Well I think we are complete. Today, gentlemen, I have summoned you for a matter of the greatest importance. To tell the truth this story must remain secret so I count on your discretion to all.
- Count on us General. * Said the officer next to me *.
The guy next to me was an officer like me, we had the same rank and his hair was ash blonde, he had recently shaved his beard and he looked stiff. In the end, the general explained the situation to us, but the more he spoke, the more I understood that it was a fairly serious situation indeed. Our faces tightened and we felt uncomfortable. We glanced at each other to see who Wagner was going to pass the hot potato on.
-And so it is you who are in charge of it major.
-What's a joke? *Yelled the officer next door*. He is simply not seasoned enough for this type of mission I propose ....
-My bad, Von Braun you can not help but look for shit eh? Growing up, we're no longer kids. *I tell him calmly*.
I raised it and greeted my superior as a sign that I had accepted the assignment then left the office putting on my hat. Once outside I walked into the woods next to Sealion and let out a fucking angry howl.
-NO ... NO ... NOOOO.
I was screaming so loud that I couldn't hear my own voice anymore. I slashed the tree opposite with my sword and then calmed myself down.
- Damn, what are you doing here? *I ask myself.*
A week later I found myself at the dock with a lot of my guys waiting for the ship to arrive, we waited all day and it ended up arriving in the afternoon. It was a sailing ship, a Man O'War, and it had holes all over it, it looked like the devil himself had tried to sink it more than once. Then came down a tale of twenty soldiers followed by 2 women in dress. They had blond hair like the nobility, tied in a bun, their dresses were quite eye-catching and they had umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun. That said, despite their resemblance, one of them was older than the other, her gaze was more haughty and we could already identify her personality. The youngest kept peering around her, her face shining brightly, it looked like it sparkled. I dismounted from my horse and came to bow down to them.
-Majesty, Duchess .... It is a great honor to welcome you here in the town of Dawes.
I stood up and faced them. I don't know why but my gaze lingered on the younger one, she seemed so lively, so full of life that was disconcerting.
-I am Major Baldra Lineberg. I would be in charge of your escort.
-A Lineberg? *She said*. I see I'm in good hands then. I hope for you that my room is ready.
-I means that the fort is made of wood and ....
-In that case I would sleep outside.
-Where is the governor's house?
-The ... the governor?
-Answer Lineberg.
-Well yes the governor would be delighted to welcome you to his home.
-Very well. I count on you.
- Lieutenant McPhearson bring the horses.
-Yes Major.
She got on the horse like that, but her younger sister walked over to mine and began to stroke it.
-Madam with all due respect a more suitable horse has already been sealed for you.
She continued to stroke my mount, fixing it with a tender gaze.
-Brave stupid, and courageous and more. A good horse. A war horse.
-Mrs ....
- Drop major. *Said her sister* When she has a fixed idea she doesn't want to give up.
-But ... it's my mustang. *I whispered*.
Having said that I helped her mounted the horse since I had no other choice and she stared at me with a smile that I will never forget. For a minute I lost myself in the void then I came to my senses.
-Major ... It's time to go. *She told me.*
-Ah ... Yes yes, McPhearson accompany them to the governors I will join you later.
I watched them move away then I turned to the point that had caught my curiosity. The instant they disappeared the air took on an incredible tension, a tension only found on the battlefield. I turned to the escort squad and stared at them, most of them were black, most of them injured but they were straight and staring at me with that steadfast look.
-Who is the leader of your small group?
A man stepped forward, he looked old and older than me, he was black and tall and by I mean imposing, his murderous aura was creepy yet we were on the same side. Once in front of me he greeted me.
- Sergeant Elias Rashford sir. 23rd regiment of Ducales Marines sir.
Dukam, everything is explained and why this ambient pressure. Despite this he addressed me with disconcerting politeness.
- Sergeant ?! *I say amazed.* Where is your captain?
-Dead sir.
-A lieutenant or a second lieutenant?
-They are also dead sir.
-Hey ? But how is this possible?
-The ship has been attacked by 3 times sir. Valorys' navy, Urschek pirates, we had a hard time containing them. At the moment there is only us.
Than them? A small platoon of twenty guys? And they are all injured.
-I see you are injured. What about the on-board doctor?
-Dead also sir.
-Ok who is currently ordering. *I say pissed off.*
-Currently I am in charge, as well as my brother Omar Rashford. OMAAAR? @ * ## €€
He said something in his language that I didn't understand but which probably meant come here. Master Corporal Omar Rashford was scowling but he remained polite like his brother probably out of courtesy. They exchanged a few words in a language I didn't even know existed, then Omar greeted me.
-Ok ok. I'll take you to Fort Sealion for treatment. From now on you are at my command.
-Thank you Major. *Said Elias*.
Well this mission promises to be boring. Ah yes the mission let's talk about it. A week ago when the general summoned me, it was precisely about this, the wife of the Duke of Elysion had more or less escaped from Odin's house and had sneaked a boat to come to the new world. Helga Galatea, whom she was called, and her sister, Gilda Galatea, had followed her on her journey. Both were the rightful heirs to County Galatians northwest of Elysion. As a native of Elysion, I owed her double respect because she was both my duchess and my Queen. As for her sister ... Her sister ....
-Major ... Major Lineberg are you okay?
-Lady Gilda ... Me? Sorry I fell asleep in front of the newspaper.
I was sitting outside the door of the house in a rocking chair. It's been 3 days since she moved into the governor's house and I sleep in the guest room. His house is located away from the city but it is very well guarded. The poor man was obliged to sleep with a merchant friend if he wanted to keep a minimum of his comfort. Live in such a house. It changes me a lot from the barracks even if as an officer I have better comfort.
-What do you read?
-The Dawes Gazette, apparently a native tribe does not agree with the construction of the new fort and they attack the convoys which leave to supply it. But I'm sorry I must be bored with my military blah.
-The construction of the fort would establish a trading post facilitating trade in the region and also prevent any invasion of Valorys.
-That ... Yes ... Yes that's exactly. *I say surprised*. You ...
-The County of Galate has a long military tradition, our father forced us to learn all that from a young age.
-Are you daughters of military Lady Gilda?
-Niece. Hector G Maltes is our uncle.
-HECTOR G ....
She covered my mouth to keep me from screaming and then looked around before giving me an amused smile at my reaction.
- Calm down major.
-Sorry for my overreaction I didn't want ...
I got up and put on my red coat. There we heard screaming upstairs.
-Nabila you Idiot, squeeze the corset less tightly, do you want to cut me in two?
-Sorry madam I won't do it again.
-Shut up. *She yelled giving her a slap.*
I admit, Helga's abuse of her maid sometimes left me indifferent, but she's still a human being and she treats her like shit.
-Your sister has always been so irritable?
-I thought the fresh air of the new world would change her but it looks like no.
-Normal, the nature of people does not change. We are what we have been from birth.
-I don't agree Major, people change for good and bad. And that's what shapes society.
- If you say so. Well excuse me I have to go to the fort.
The following days I got into the habit of walking with Gilda, she was curious by nature she was always looking to improve her knowledge and did not appreciate at all not understanding the thread of a discussion, even when it concerned military affairs. In a few weeks she had toured the establishments of Dawes, everyone knew her and addressed her as if an angel had arrived in town. In contrast, her sister only went out to go to upscale neighborhoods, great restaurants or high fashion stores. A real narcissistic personality, but I think she was basically not a bad person, I say that because I saw her apologize to Nabila once or twice out of sight. I don't know what their relationship is but I don't think I have a say. Especially since this mission was shaping up to be a kind of vacation for me. One day I was walking in the forest behind the building with Gilda and about twenty of my guys. She had invited some friends over for a shooting game. I saw her shoot the muskets and she seemed to get used to it. Was it her curiosity that made her so adventurous?
-Oops ... Failed. Said one of his friends.
- Take a better aim Merl.
She walked over to him and dyed his hand to show him how to hold his gun. At that moment my heart skipped a beat, she turned her head towards me and winked at me then he fired and hit near his target.
-There is progress. She says.
- Next time I will got it.
-By the way Major, would you like to give it a try?
-Hey me? Not really, I am more skilled with a saber than with a rifle.
-Come on Major. Let's give it a try. *She insisted.*
I looked at her for a moment, her insistence on getting the better of me. I took my pistol out of his hostler and from where I was standing I made a hole in the center of my target. The others applauded in front of so much dexterity and Gilda smiled as I tried to contain that proud smile that was about to come out. In the evening I went to the fort to see how they had retrieved my Dukams, it had been a while since I had come from elsewhere, so I was just wearing my vest showing my pistol holster. Once in the fort I can see that the atmosphere was the same as when I left except that I saw the ducal marines in the distance. At first I thought of segregation but nothing to see the black soldiers from other branches were not seated with them was strange. I saw one of the men approaching their group to provoke them and Omar who seemed not to like him suddenly stood up.
-I'm sick of you, fuck yourself up for crying out loud.
-Oooh come on me too I'm a Ducale Marines, in the soul i mean. We should sympathize, you know.
-After the insults you gave us last week, do you think we're going to become friends? If you still approach us I will ...
-You are going to do what ... Apocrypha of shit.
Omar gave him a violent punch which made him retreat, he returned to the charge but he avoided his predictable attacks and mowed him down before kicking him in the ribs. The other spat blood and then stood up.
-That's enough Omar. Come sit down. *Said his brother.*
-No wait, I'm not done with this junk.
-Go Lino smash him. *Shouted his friends*.
- Calm down guys, I'm ... Just a little ...
Omar punched and kicked him and ended with a jab that knocked him back. His face was bloody and probably bruised but he got up, it's his kind of always getting up.
-Just put my ideas in place .... Now it's done.
At that moment Lino had rather changed, Omar breath, came back to the charge and gave a blow with rage but Lino avoided him and struck so fast and so violently that nobody saw anything. Omar was on the ground unconscious.
-Hey Omar, it's not funny stand up. *Said one of his friends*. Omar?
-I'm hallucinating, *said one of the soldiers *. He knocked Omar out in one blow?
-And here is my little lady, that's how we do it. *Lino said, making the reverence.*
-You are the best Sergeant Major. *Shouted a guy in the crowd.*
Seeing that his brother was no longer moving Elias got up to come and help him, but suddenly he got up and took Lino by the hips.
-Hey ... Little shit ...
-If you want to beat me, you'll have to kill me first. *He shouted*.
He caught him wrestling, German supplex and Lino crashed head first against the ground. If it had been someone else I would have freaked out given the violence of the shock, but this guy was in an unbelievable frenzy. When Omar let go of the hips he got up doing acrobatics and rushed at him at full speed with a punch.
-Steinberg that's enough. *Cried his captain.*
We then heard a crack, his fist had hit Elias' abdomen but he remained stoic, this guy did not flinch after taking Lino's fist I couldn't believe it. Lino had his wrist farted.
- Holy shit you're hard you.
-That's enough. Sergeant Major.
-Kiss my ass. *He yelled*.
He took a lightning jab worthy of a boxer which calmed him immediately, Lino fell to the ground unconscious and for good this time. Seeing this his men took their rifles and surrounded Rashford.
-You dared attack the sergeant. Bastard
-What? You're blind he's the one who started *Omar Trying to justify himself*.
-You hit him first.
At this moment the other Dukams took their rifles and stood up for their sergeant. The situation was becoming explosive and the captain was no longer heard. A gunshot echoed in the air and everyone turned their heads in my direction.
- Enough you piece of shit.
-Major Lineberg ?!
-I saw it all is enough of it. And also Gregoire. Discipline your men for crying out loud. I no longer want this kind of incident to be repeated.
-Yes Major.
-Ah and also screw Steinberg and Lino in the hole.
-Yes Sir.
During the whole incident I observed the reactions of the guys and there was one that surprised me, Elias had remained calm and stoic even in front of the guns, in truth I feared more for those in front than for him. In any case it was quite a phenomenon and it intrigued me more and more. Time passed and incidents of this type did not happen again. As for the two princesses, I don't know what made them come here but as long as they stay in Dawes they will be safe.
-I want to go there.* Gilda had said.* At the fort. It is finished I saw it in the newspaper they will inaugurate it soon.
-This is out of the question. *Had I said.*
-It's an order. *She replied.*
-That I refuse to obey. The road is dangerous if we go there the natives will fall on us. Unless we mobilize a large number of soldiers we will not be safe there.
-Do so. *Helga said, who was knitting next door.*
-I beg your pardon ?! *I said, surprised*. Princess you more than anyone I thought you will dissuade your sister.
-At the beginning yes, but she will continue her whim if nothing is done so I want to accompany her. My company will be worth a 100-man escort, right?
I'm swimming deliriously, there's no way ... But if I don't do anything they'll ... And shit.
- I'll see what I can do.
I got out of there, slamming the door in anger, and went once more into the woods to scream. I hit the shaft with my fist, which eventually twisted slightly.
-Shit I have to find another one.
I then saw Gilda join me, still beautiful with her scarf around her neck.
-Are you angry Major?
-Is it showing that much? I refuse to put you in danger, that's all. You, your sister and even Nabila.
-I understand that it's your mission that's why I'm asking you to ....
-It has nothing to do with the mission. *I screamed.*
At that moment it started to rain and I think she felt the sadness in my eyes. I regained my composure and she put her hand on my cheek and gave me her beaming smile again.
-I ... I ... I like you very much Gilda. If something bad happens to you, I ... I will never forgive myself.
The rain turned into a thunderstorm and we took shelter under a tree. Bad idea maybe but we were huddled together and I liked it, she had my coat to keep her warm.
-You are a good man Baldra.
In the end they had their escort, I only took volunteers, Lino and his crazy gang, Elias and his troop and other soldiers from my crew as well as Captain Montalban. Gregoire was born in Valorys but for some circumstance he was now an Inglesia officer, at first we thought he was a spy but that would be ridiculous considering how he got involved in our army. We took the shortest trails to make it fast, our trip should last a week at best. But I was far from suspecting what awaited the company. On the 5th day an arrow flew over my head and killed my scout. I felt the second arrived and I lowered my head then I pulled out my pistol and fired in the forest, I heard a cry and I understood.
-FORM THE LINE. We are under attack.
I was stupid, we relaxed with these 5 quiet days, this group seemed to follow us and study us for a while. It was already raining arrows. Several guys were wounded or killed, but the big one began to form. We were about 200 against an invisible enemy. Once the group was formed, they lined up.
-READY?
-DON'T SHOOT. *A voice yelled from the back of the line*.
-What? Who gave this counter order.
I saw Elias Rashford running along the line screaming.
-DON'T SHOOT. They're stashed behind the trees, when you've fired they'll come out and slaughter you while you reload. DON'T FUCKING SHOOT.
He ran like this shouting his message along the line and no one Shooted, then he came to my level.
-What are you playing Sergeant? *I asked.*
-Trust me Major, I will have done the same if i was them. *He told me.*
-Shit. *One of my sergeant told me*. This guy just wants to screw it up. Perhaps ...
-Shut up Stone. Shut up. *I said.*
-MAJOR. *Rashford insisted.*
I lifted my head and stared at the forest.
-1st line FIRE.
The first line fired into the trees then passed behind the second to reload. There were heard battle cry and the natives emerged from the thickets. Unfortunately for them the second row was still in play.
-2nd line. FIRE
A deluge of lead fell on our enemies and many of them fell from their horses or collapsed to the ground.
-Stone your platoon protects the princess. Others ...
I was about to tell them to reload but I was surprised by the cry next to it.
-Ducales Marines. Fix Bayonet. *Rashford shouted.*
His men did so without flinching then when the enemy was near him.
-We chaaaarge.
This group of madmen threw themselves into the woods like the possessed and a melee arose with the natives.
-Fix bayonnet. *Lino yelled*. EVERYBODY.
-No wait Steinberg.
-WE CHAAAARGE.
With setbacks they were right, the natives would never give us time to charge.
- SOLDIERS CHARGE. *I order for good.*
It was a real bloodbath. Normally the natives should have had the advantage but the guys under my command know how to fight hand to hand, and it turned into carnage. In addition, the ducal marines were really brutes and massacred their enemies without mercy, sometimes with their bare hands or with a knife. I saw Lino skewered a guy by stabbing him with the barrel of his rifle then he opened fire killing the guy behind him. Omar avoided an arrow about ten meters away and threw himself on the native who had shot him and broke his neck. He took his rifle and shot in the chest of a native who was behind Steinberg's back. The latter gave him a smile and returned to the fight. Elias fought practically with bare hands exploding the skulls of his adversaries, it was like a bear in our ranks. He crushed the butt of his rifle so violently on the skull of his enemy that he broke it in two, a native hit him in the back charging with a bayonet but he turned and deflected the weapon which crashed in the tree. He broke the back of her neck and shot another in the head, smashed skulls with an ax and crushed necks under his boot. I was lost in the middle of it, I was just watching, looking for a way out of there. I then saw that Stone's group was in trouble.
-Gilda ... NO.
I was going to go there but a native made me fall from my horse. He sat on top of me and was about to stab me with a knife. I pricked my mount lightly with my saber and he gave a violent blow with her hoof that broke the neck of this guy, I stood up began to push my way to the princess and screaming. I cut everything that stood in my way and moved forward. A native on horseback threw me a rope that I avoided and stole to make it fall before crushing his throat under my boot. I opened fire on the one coming in front but he hid behind a tree. He got out of the tree but I shot him in the head. Yes in combat I had a whole palette of 8 pistols, but no matter what I approached Stone's squad by killing everything that moves but once there all my men were dead including my sergeant. I saw the girls struggling as these savages tried to kidnap them.
-Help. Let me go, you bullies. Let me go. *Cried Helga*
-Do not touch me. Damn Pig. Major Lineberg heeeelp ... BALDRAAAA.
At that moment I took off my coat, I felt a tingling in my spine and a kind of electric shock ran through my body. Montalban, who had seen me in this state before, gave me a frightened look.
-Major ... The minute Zero.
There were about ten natives in addition to the two who were trying to get the girls back. I unsheathed a pistol and rushed forward. The first blow of the ax failed me, I split the skull of my opponent in two with a saber, I killed the one who attacked me from behind with my pistol then planted the other in the leg which knelt before to break his neck. I used him as a shield and those armed with rifles shot him. One of the bullets brushed my arm, I threw the body and rushed at the two armed with rifles, two natives rushed at me I slice the leg of the first with my saber and slit the other before firing a shot in the eye of another. I felt things slow down around me and I was incredibly calm despite the anger that was building in me. Blood squirted everywhere every time I killed them and my red outfit was no longer enough to hide such a massacre. I saw the scared look of the natives and the princesses when I finished killing the other 10. My ponytail had torn off and my hair was falling over my shoulders. Panicked, the other two placed a knife under the women's throats. He started screaming and I didn't understand a thing.
-Sorry but I don't understand anything.
-He says to lower your gun or he will kill us. *Gilda shouted in fear.*
-It seemed clear even to me. *Helga said*. Lowered your gun dammit.
I put my sword down and took a few steps back. He continued to scream but I couldn't get it.
-He says the guns too.
-Oh that ...
- Hurry, Lineberg. *Helga sister insisted.*
I looked at Gilda who was still scared as ever. Was it me who scared him so much? She was right, I was far from the calm, thoughtful man she knew, the real me was manifesting itself on the battlefield, and yet I couldn't help but love her.
-Gilda do you trust me?
-I trust your Shooting Skill major but don't try anything stupid
- Trust me he won't see anything coming.
-Baldra please ....
I took few step back and then i draw two guns out of my hostlers. For the girls it was very fast, but for me and these guy too, everything was so slow. The minute Zero, this time when everything we did, everything we think become incredibely clear. Unfortunately for these natives, it was also the time to die. Two gunshots rang out, one in the eye of the one holding Helga and the other in the mouth of the one holding Gilda. The two natives collapsed while the two sisters burst into tears.
- Be careful, he is still alive. Helga yelled.
I turned around and saw that the one I had cut off his leg was crawling on the ground. I walked up to him and took his skull in my hands.
-People do not change, they may show themselves strong, dress nicely, behave in a dignified way, in a crisis situation their true nature always ends up resurfacing. What we see around us, this massacre is none other than the reflection of our nature as a soldier.
I banged his skull on the ground several times and punched him enough to kill a man 3 times. When it was done I don't think even his mother would recognize him. After that I turned to the princesses who stared at me in fear. At least I thought it was fear, but in Gilda's I saw more pity than anything else.
-Where is Nabila?
-Here. *A voice told me behind my back.*
I saw Rashford show up with the maid he was holding by the arm, she had blood on her but it wasn't her blood.
-She is fine. But it's nice to worry about my wife.
-What ... It's your ... What ... You know what I don't care, my head hurts.
Assessment of the attack fifty dead and almost as many wounded. Only one death among the Dukams. Opposite we killed almost all our enemies. We could find out which tribes they belonged to and the reprisals were going to be brutal. For having managed the assault Montalban and I were decorated and then assigned to the staff of the newly built Fort William Jensen. The princesses were able to attend the opening and then we escorted them safely back to Dawes.
-Have a safe trip princess. I'm glad I got to know you.
-And me Major. Hope to see you again in Elysion one day. And also don't forget me.
-It does not risk.
She approached me and gave me a passionate kiss. For le it was like the minute Zero because everything Froze around me. I was left all crypsy so I did not expect it, then she boarded the ship.
-I hope so. Have a good day, Major.
I saw the Rashford and Nabila pass by and I called out to them.
-Congratulations on your promotion Master Sergeant Rashford. Omar ... ?
-It's Sergeant Omar Rashford for you sir.
-Haha. Take care of your Wife, Black Tiger.
-I should hope so. We're trying to have a baby right now.
-A baby tiger. But it's great. You can never have enough Rashford in your team.
- With all due respect, my son will not be a soldier. *Nabila told me.*
-Excuse me then. Take care of you Rashfords.
-Thank you Major.
In the end the world has become what it is. On returning home I continued to see Gilda even knowing that she was engaged to Alysser. It ended when I met Friedich's mother Brienne. Even today I cannot help but tell myself that in certain circumstances things would have been different. Sitting in front of my office at the general staff, I looked north, wondering how the battle was going.
-Gilda you too must ask yourself ... What are our sons doing at the moment? What is their nature?
To be continued.