After the skirmish, every soldier returned to Lady Campbell's land. There, they treated the wounded and gave the dead their funerals. Alex, along with the other Silver Blades, entered their tent.
"Alex." A man said.
He had short graying hair and a long braided beard, and he had a strong build, as if he had lived his entire life on the battlefield.
"You did well; seriously, I think you made Robert shit himself."
"Thanks, Sergei; now we just have to resupply and prepare for the next skirmish."
Then a woman walked up to Alex.
"We still have probably a week until Robert gets his troops together. He's probably hiring some mages as well."
"You're always so worried about the future, Isabelle. Focus on the now."
Isabella had long brown hair tied up in a ponytail and noticeable, bright green eyes. She had a bow and arrow on her back since she was more talented at range than the others.
"Well, someone has to think about the future; after all, we know thinking isn't your strong suit, Sergei." Isabelle said.
"Of course it's not. That's why I leave the thinking to the rest of you." Sergei said, laughing.
"Speaking of, where's everyone else?" Alex asked.
"K.C. and Mason are checking with the squad leaders; meanwhile, the boss is talking with Lady Campbell." Sergei replied.
"Hmm, any news about reinforcements?" Alex asked.
"None; we're on our own. Luckily, your magic let us survive another day, but we won't be that lucky next time." Isabelle said.
"Excuse me?" A soft voice was heard from outside the tent.
"Come in." Isabelle replied.
A young maid girl with short blonde hair and green eyes walked inside.
"Lady Campbell wishes to speak with Sir Alex."
"Please don't call me, "Sir."We're like the same age." Alex replied.
"If that's what you wish, may I escort you now?" the girl asked.
"Sure, right behind you." Alex said. "By the way, what's your name?"
"Maria."
"Well, Maria, it's nice to meet you." Alex replied.
The two walked inside Lady Campbell's mansion, and they immediately headed up the stairs in the main hall and arrived at two large closed doors.
"Your leader and Lady Campbell are inside." Maria said.
"Thanks for the help." Alex said before knocking on the door.
"Come in."
Alex stepped inside and saw Lady Campbell sitting at her desk. She had long black hair and bright blue eyes; she was quite beautiful, even if she was nearly double Alex's age.
Next to Lady Campbell was the one and only leader of the Silver Blades.
"Hey, Alex."
"Hey Leonora. So why did you call me up here?" Alex asked.
Leonora smiled. "Well, first off, I wanted to congratulate you on how you performed today. You were exceptional."
"Thank you." Alex said with a head bow.
"But now we must plan for the next battle." Leonora said.
"Yes, you're the only mage in our entire force, so we decided to bring you in to talk about how to use your skills." Lady Campbell said.
"Well, what are our numbers looking like?" Alex asked.
"We're outnumbered, that's for sure; even today we lost about fifty soldiers, and about three dozen came back wounded." Leonora said.
"Well, that's not good." Alex said. "Any idea on Robert's troop total?"
"Enough to completely take us out if he does an all-out assault." Leonora said.
"Hmm...well, we should send a scout party to observe his mansion; no doubt he has one watching us right now." Alex said.
"Good idea. I'll ask Mason to lead it." Leonora said.
"Once we get a rough idea of their troop numbers, we can strategize further. We should have men patrol around the perimeter 24/7 and keep our archers at the ready as well. Rotate in shifts for sleep and rest." Alex said.
"Wow..." Lady Campbell said.
"What?" Alex asked.
"You're so young, yet you speak as if you're an experienced military leader." Lady Campbell said. "It's both impressive and terrifying."
"I'll take that as a compliment." Alex said, chuckling. "By the way, Leonora, any note on my family?"
"They're perfectly fine. My friend is keeping a close eye on them. Don't worry. I'll also be visiting them after this campaign ends." Leonora answered.
"Good."
Leonora then asked "Any chance you will be coming with me?"
"No..." Alex answered. "Just not yet."
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