Quinn stood at the throne room doors barely able to understand what he'd heard. His father noticed him and silently waved him to the table, having him take the seat next to his. Holman was still ranting while everyone sat and let him vent. Once he was done, he was red-faced and out of breath like he'd been running a marathon, but he seemed calmer.
"Now," the king said addressing everyone at the table. " Let's call this council into order." everyone stood and bowed to their king. Lifting his hand, the king allowed everyone to sit. "Now let's catch everyone up," he sat on his throne as the current battle master explained the current state of events in the east. He explained how small but heated battles with Aesria the (self-proclaimed) kingdom of light and Almerians (the demon kingdom's official name) bitter enemy led to many deserters becoming bandits and hired muscle for criminal groups on the outskirts of the kingdom, and how after a new leader took over each criminal group, they'd declared their independence from Almerian. While normally this matter could be handled properly by a single general, the group had somehow managed to get a hold of real weapons, and given their force size they'd become a full-blown rebel army. They made up for their lack of funding by robbing any village they came across and slaughtering anyone who tried to stop them. Despite Quinn's father's best efforts, trying to suppress them by ordinary means was no longer possible, as king he had no choice but to show the power of the crown and send out an army of his own.
Quinn knew his father loved his citizens so he knew it was practically killing him to have to shed any of their blood but as a leader he had to think of the bigger picture, killing a few to save the country was all he could do now.
Everyone looked to the king watching his actions with interest, his following words would determine what course the kingdom would take. the king sat with his eyes closed contemplating what he should do. When he opened his eyes, they finally settled on Quinn. " Quinn second prince of Almeria you will lead a suppression force of ten thousand men assisted by battle master Drakus and mage master Cerius. I have faith you can handle this."
Quinn wanted to object but found that words seemed impossible to say at that moment luckily his elder brother said something instead. "Father i can't approve of putting Quinn in charge of such an important thing such as this, he is only fourteen with no battle experience, I strongly recommend you change your mind." anyone else in the room might have mistaken Luckas for being worried for his younger brother but Quinn and his father both knew the real reason why he objected.
" First prince Luckas, your concerns are noted, that being said Quinn is plenty old enough to fight, he is a prince of this kingdom he'll have to go to the battlefield sooner or later, as for experience Drakus and Cerius have plenty."
Luckas stood, "It's because of how important this operation is that I disagree, father, one misstep and Quinn could ruin this kingdom and disgrace this family. I think it'd be more prudent to send someone with more experience, not a child." As much as Quinn wanted to he couldn't deny the obvious truth in his brother's words.
"I know Quinn's age and real-life experience might leave much to be desired prince Luckas but I also know that Quinn's tactical mind is on another level next to kids his age and truthfully even some adults, he has sound judgment and the skills to match even Drakus with a sword, therefore I see no reason he should not head this battle," The king looked at Quinn for a few seconds before returning his gaze to Luckas. "Now if you have no more objections then take your seat first prince."
"Father I-" Luckas began but was cut off.
"TAKE YOUR SEAT LUCKAS!" the king shouted indicating the discussion was over. Luckas seemed stunned for a moment but slowly sat back down at his father's command. Clearing his throat the king addressed the council. " Now that that's settled let's talk strategies, Quinn as the leader of this operation you will also act as the deciding factor meaning all strategies must be approved by you." For the next three hours, they began discussing attack formations, troop coordination, and the best place to set the commanders. By the time the war council ended it was past midnight, and in just two weeks Quinn would fight his first war.
As he went back to his room, Quinn thought deeply about the many different ways his strategy could fail, how if he messed up it would mean that the royal family's bloodline could be tarnished or worse case is completely overthrown.
"Try not to worry so much child," Finrir said sensing Quinn's unease. " A good commander doesn't second guess himself, and a great commander believes in his men." Finrir had always known just how to calm Quinn down no matter how angry or anxious he was. Still, it felt as if one wrong move on his part would end his family
'I won't fail father' Quinn thought as he entered his room. 'I'll win no matter what I swear it.' Quinn layed in his bed and almost immediately fell asleep. In no time the day of departure had arrived and Quinn still felt unsure of himself but he knew he couldn't back out.
'it's time,' Quinn thought as he made his way to the head of his army.