Today is the first whole army training session since I left and it would be a simple three laps around the city, 1 hour of magic practice, 1 hour break, 1 hour sparring and last I will ask for volunteers to join in the next battle.
I have decided that in a defensive battle all of Serothor's army will fight but in an offensive battle like the city of fire I will ask for volunteers.
It only seems appropriate to not force anyone onto a battlefield that has nothing to do with them plus if I'm really in need of soldiers I can always bring along some of the empire's troops.
Speaking of they are basically independent they sleep in tents just outside the wall and get supplies every month.
But one thing about them that makes me curious is that I've never seen them train I'm the time that I've been here which is pretty weird for an active army I might need to speak with their sergeant later...
Once the whole army was gathered I told them the instructions.
"Alright listen up as a warm up to get back into the swing of things we will be starting with a 3 laps jog around the walls me in front old guard at the back starting immediately"
I started jogging out of the city leading the army and next to me out of the corner of my eye was a little girl wearing horse riding gear.
Clair begged me to join in army training and I just couldn't say no to her, she is quite hard to say no to when she gives you a certain puppy dog look.
Honestly I didn't a expect a little princess to be this enthusiastic about fighting and the military though I guess I was into some pretty weird things that age too.
Not often does a 9-10 year old ask for a scalpel set, sewing kit and a breeding pair of lab mice... yeah compared to me at that age she's pretty normal.
Oz then joined in the conversation in my head because I accidentally stopped shielding my thoughts.
"She's pretty normal compared to me too but what on earth would you need two breeding mice for of you just wanted to kill them couldn't you just buy sterile ones?"
I spoke back making sure not to let my memory slip.
"I cannot answer that question without a warrant"
Oz didn't reply and now the army and I were outside of the walls and I spoke to Clair while starting to jog.
"Don't fall behind try to keep up if it helps you could always imagine how we might need to do this sort of thing in a battle"
She seemed to perk up and started jogging at a good but steady pace alongside me it was incredibly unlikely the army would actually have to jog like this for a battle but it seems like the best way to incentivise her.
The jog went by quickly and then we went back to the training grounds and I organised everyone to spar I was sparring against one of the younger soldiers that was in the healing squad named Jeremy.
After his 8th loss he started crying and yelled towards the sky.
"Why do I have to spar with the monster prince?!"
He drew a short straw literally I wanted to fight someone from the healing squad and they all drew straws to decide who would have the 'honour' of fighting me.
I was actually looking to see who to give a certain rank to, Jeremy was a horrible fighter worse than clair a literal little girl but that is why he is in the healing squad but he is a full time soldier and one of the better healers.
Sparring continued and now was the time to request for volunteers the full time army members are required to come but by asking I hope to get at least about 1000 people in total including full timers.
Worst comes to worst I can pull from the imperial forces though technically they are empire troops and somewhat independent as long as its not against the empire I am still allowed to lead them to battle.
I walked onto a makeshift stage and spoke.
"Serothors next battle is coming soon so I am asking for volunteers, this battle won't be a defensive one so I won't force anyone who isn't part of the main army to come but I request that a few of you join me and the main army hand up anyone who wants to join"
Many hands went up a few less than I was expecting but many hands Is still many hands so I had the old guard round up those with their hands up and record their identities.
With that training had ended and the total army force for the next battle is 1100 people 100 people over my minimum so a pretty good turn out if I do say so myself.
Then Oz spoke.
"1100 people isn't going to make much difference in a battle between the empires is it?"
I scoffed and spoke back.
"In my opinion 1 a single person can make a difference under the right circumstances anyway if Serothor does get summoned it won't be because of numbers"
Oz spoke again.
"Then what will it be because of?"
I replied.
"Because of me obviously! a defensive strategist who has a premonition ability is a valuable asset to any battle but due to how the army works in the great empire it isn't likely that my opinions will be taken seriously until I prove myself"
Oz scoffed and asked a question.
"And how might I ask you do that?"
I smirked and replied.
"By making them regret ignoring me"