Michael Magna. Month 10, Day 17, Year A.F 652. Northeastern Forest, Kingdom of Rosalia.
I take a step forward, my cape billowing through the wind as I passed through the camp. The once smoke and ash was once again filled to brim with soldiers, tents and their auxiliaries.
It seems Anders did well in rebuilding the camp. Let's hope he shows the same skill in managing the added personnel under his name.
I look around as I travel through the camp, with each step, people look at me, some curiosity in my clothing, some fear and most of were bewilderment.
Though most fearful reactions came from the officers standing in attendance at my presence, the memories of my magic, something they vividly remember. Though they are the only ones to do so.
As I walk through, a smell enters my nose. The disgusting smell of alcohol was followed by laughter as a rowdy bunch was enjoying themselves.
It wouldn't have been a problem If it was done sparsely. But an entire section of the camp reeked of shit and alcohol. A festering wound, on an otherwise perfect camp.
The sounds of fighting even follow as I left, a sign of the degeneracy currently happening under my supposed banner. Irritation crawls up to my expression, I expected more from them.
After a few minutes of travel, I push open the commanding tent. The commanders tensed up once I entered, something that always fills me with amusement. It's good that they fear me.
A commander stood up from his seat offering it to me, I nod at him as he hid away into the tent's corner, a bit afraid of the irritation painted all over my expression.
They remain unresponsive as I crossed my arms, the atmosphere thickens. Seeing this Anders decides to speak, "Sir, It is good that you arrived."
The glare from my eyes was enough to shut him up, "Stop with the pleasantries and tell me the situation that requires my presence."
Anders quickly nods as he looks to his subordinate for answers. His subordinate stiffens in fear before quickly speaking, "Ah yes, Sir. There have been disturbances in regards to the few cliques forming within the army."
With my chin resting on my hand, I question him, "Then why haven't they been given the appropriate measures."
The officer looks tense as he glances at his peers, he then continued, "That is because of the power these cliques already have inside the army."
"And why exactly were they allowed to gain such power?" I glance at him with a smile.
I tap my finger on the table, "Now that I think about it, how come their existence wasn't revealed to me till now?"
"T-that's because we didn't know they existed." A man beside him stutters.
He recoils away as I look to him, "I see, you mean that you have no idea what happens with your designated soldiers?"
Anders quickly interjects as he notices my worsening mood, "Sir, I know that this might be bad, but the men here aren't used to this amount of responsibilities."
I glance at him with a bored gaze, "So you mean we should train new officers?"
He quickly shakes his head, "No sir, I mean. They didn't get the chance to learn-"
His words snap something in me and I shout, "You have been given two years!"
"Two years to create a cohesive army, capable of fighting and resisting against any professional army." I grit my teeth in frustration, my temper rearing its ugly head.
I close my eyes and massage my forehead as I continued, "Yet now, all of you are telling me that the army, which I have spent near half a million gold, Is unable to discipline its own soldiers."
I sigh deeply as I lean back, "Are they at least able to fight?"
"They are, but there has been a recent trend of violence during training. The various cliques committing acts of violence towards one another."
"So, there has been recent violence against fellow soldiers? Yet despite such blatant opposition, None of you, are capable of exterminating these cliques."
My eyes are directed to Anders as I ask him in confusion, "Did this happen back then?"
Anders nods with a solemn expression, "Yes, Sir. But back then the cliques themselves made up the camp's governing body."
"I see, I do remember Alex deliberating with his little council."
I cross my arm in distaste, "This happens cause, there's only one authority, Correct?"
Anders hesitantly nods and I tap my chin in thought. Perhaps this was to be expected, you cannot lead an army without asserting your authority and expect there to be no problems.
I look down in thought, "I see, then this has to be rectified before we go any further."
Finished with a plan, I look up to the nervous men, "Then I'll have you collect the names of every troublemaker out there."
My eyebrow raised in question, "You can at least do that, yes?"
The commander quickly nods, "Of course sir, we would arrange it right away."
They leave the tent in a hurry, once they leave I wave the guards away as magic crawled from my feet, leaving the tent into a state of darkness and soundproofed.
"Anders, answer me truthfully." I watch him intently as I point to those that left.
"Do you think they are men capable of being competent commanders?"
Anders looks down in thought, before staring back with conviction, "Yes, they are they have studied what you gave them. It's just that none of us expected such a situation to arise."
With Arthon moving, there would be no time for a change of leadership, or even if there was.
I trust his judgement and I'm sure he couldn't be lying towards me. I just hope I won't be regretting this decision later.
I stood up along with the magic receding behind me,
"Good, with the closing storm, I hope you're right."