January 1731 City of Ber, Province of Ciresia, Osterian Empire.
"NONONONO!"
A guttural shout burst out from the tent.
Meyer, who was about to go in, bursts into a panic, his eyes ready for battle as his finger lights up in magic, the saber on his side rattling.
Fortunately, though, he only came up to a sight that would burn in his sight forever.
A child, barely a young man, screams, his eyes filled with tears as he looks around in panic.
His hand gripping the side of his bed as he screams in anger and grief, hugging his knees as tears flows from his eyes like a flood.
The same eyes then turn to him with so much sadness and grief that Meyer can't help but kneel to his side, his voice filling with worry as he asks, "Are you alright?"
His voice snaps the boy out of his stupor. His eyes turn to him as the tears stop and clarity returns.
Meyer could only watch as the same expressive golden eyes dim into recognition. His eyes sucking whatever light was around him as the boy whispers in icy rage, "Get out."
"But sir, you cl-" He tries to stand his ground, his instincts screaming for him to help the disturbed young man before him.
Only for those same golden eyes to look back in fury as he grits out, "Get the fuck out."
The utter rage and intensity hidden beneath those eyes choked whatever it was he wanted to say. He stands straight before immediately saluting as he turned on heel, those eyes boring on his back.
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The moment Meyer left his sight, he took a deep breath. The cold intensity leaving him in chills as he stood guard, awaiting the officer who moments ago was on the brink of a breakdown.
"What happened?" He mutters.
His mind stuck on those golden eyes that expressed so much grief and anger, as tears flew freely, the same boy that looked meek and afraid and seemingly broken.
He shakes his head at the thought, "I shouldn't butt in."
He searches around him something to take his mind away, his eyes roaming his surroundings as hundreds of men marched and pushed forth.
Each one wearing the typical dark blue uniform of the Drissian Military, one similar to what he wore, only emblazoned with the rank he was assigned.
Another bout of shouting erupted around him, one that reminded him of his duty for the upcoming battle.
The battle, the thought, rattles through his mind. The thought of fighting his first battle left him both excited and terrified, even with the protection magic has afforded him.
He has trained all his life, taught magic by the best professors the Officer Academy could offer. He fought in drills, exchanged fire, all in preparations for this moment.
Yet now when he stands before them, the smell of grass and gunpowder wafting through the air. it all leaves him terrified.
To die after all was still a terrifying thought.
A few moments later, Col Renzellern walks out. He glares at him as he spoke.
"So what has urged you into my quarters? Lt. Col. Meyer."
"General Weissman asked for your presence. Sir." Meyer stiffened.
"I see. You're dismissed."
He turns his back against him, only to stop his golden eyes looking back into his soul. "Never enter my quarters again. Is that clear?"
"Yes. Sir!"
With that quick conversation, Meyer runs.
The chill crawling up his spine, never leaving as those golden eyes glow in a terrifying light.
It only took a few minutes for Meyer to arrive back at his shared quarters. He pushes open the flaps as he walks in as two men looked back.
"Hey, you're back!" shouted Schneider.
The bright-eyed young man smiled a mischievous glint. His saber rattling beside him as he stood.
"Yeah. Had to send the Colonel a message from high command."
A man looked up from his preparation, "General Weissman asked for the Colonel?"
His rugged expression crunches up before he sighs. He rubs his black hair in exasperation before muttering, "Well, into the fire we go."
Meyer tilts his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"What he means is that the battle ahead would be destructive. Especially for our regiment." says Schneider, his bright smile now gone as he ruminates on the new information.
"Forst? What? I'm not following."
"Because there was no way that General Weissman would call for a man at such an important time. Especially now that the Osterian Army inches closer."
Meyer then asks as he prepares, "How exactly does that make our battle harder? I don't think there was much a sign of that or was there?"
Schneider shakes his head before returning to his preparations. "Never change."
Forst, though, stood up. "Because the Colonel is a special case. There isn't a lot of fifteen years old that gets promoted through to colonel now, is there?"
He then stood up, "That means the Generals would need a reason to justify his quick promotion, one that we will feel through the upcoming battles."
Meyer stops, the words settling in, "Oh... I see."
"Yeah, we're totally fucked." says Schneider as he shakes Meyer from his stupor.
"Yeah, and in our first battle too, huh?" he mutters back.
Schneider then looks back to Forst for guidance, his smile unsteady as he asks, "Hey, Forst, you're the veteran here. Any tips for our first battle?"
Forst looks to them both before he leaves, "Don't close your eyes and don't die."
"Meyer!" a voice shouts behind him.
Renzellern walked forth, his eyes deep in thought as he looked to him as he stood still like a statue, afraid of the domineering presence the boy exuded, despite his meager stature.
"Yes. Sir!"
"Where is Lt. Col. Forst? The recent briefing has given me insight into the general's plans. And Id rather have him informed for what I have planned."
Meyer salutes, "I believe he went to his battalion! Sir!"
"Well, obviously. I'm asking you to bring me there. Theres no time to waste. After all, the Osterian Army is already within our sights."
With such, a cacophony of explosion erupts around them as thousands of men ready themselves for the battle ahead.