With a strong sense of certainty, Victor's finger drifted to the Polish Line Infantry. Clad in a dark blue and yellow uniform these Polish Line Infantry soldiers were well-regarded in defensive tactics and could prove to be effective against the Cruyff Dukedom if they choose to invade when Victor ascends the title of Duke.
"Tomorrow will be a hectic day," Victor mumbled as he slowly drifted to sleep, exhausted from his quest.
The next morning a dust cloud could be seen in the distance from the camp. A convoy of carts and soldiers was fast approaching the camp. The soldier in the camp on high alert raised their weapons preparing to deal with them but soon lowered their arms when they saw Victor approach the head on the column where a soldier saluted him.
"We greet our lord, Victor Luxenberg. I am Captain Aleksander Nowak at your service." Greeted Capin Nowak.
"Well met captain, we look forward to your cooperation." Replied Victor.
Senior members of Victor's elite guard helped unpack the convoy and show their new comrades around the camp. It was time to expand and develop the camp now with so many new members. The total count was now 120 soldiers and 10 porters.
Logistically planning the expansion of the camp was a struggle. Having to tear down tents and build new wooden barracks and watch towers was not something that could be achieved in a day. Nevertheless, it had to be done.
After dealing with the newcomers Victor sought out Corporal Junot. Exploring the bustling camp Victor found the corporal dealing with some of the new porters and where they should leave the food supplies.
"Corporal Junot! How goes the organising of the newcomers?" Victor asked.
"Good afternoon my Lord. It's been busy but the worst of it has been settled, we are now preparing for the construction," answered Corporal Junot.
"Excellent, the reason I'm looking for you is I'd like to merge your 1st company and the 2nd company. I'd like for you to become a sergeant." Victor stated in a warm tone.
Shocked at the news of the promotion and gaining the command of more men, Corporal Junot lowered his head and said, "Thank you, my Lord, I shall continue to serve you devotedly."
With a gleaming smile on his face, Victor tapped the corporal's shoulder in a friendly manner. The corporal had been an irreplaceable follower. He oversaw the management of the camp and the 20 soldiers who were in residence there. In dealing with the bandits his leadership and tactical savvy were invaluable and now here he was dealing with logistical dilemmas involving the massive amount of newcomers.
Not wanting to interrupt the newly appointed Sergant Junot any further, Victor looked for Captain Nowak. Scouring amongst the many new faces he was able to pick out the captain. A taller gentle, with a well-fashioned brown beard. His long wavey hair made him quite distinguishable.
"Captain Nowak, how are you finding the military outpost?" Politely asked Victor.
"My Lord! Although it is small, with our combined efforts this place will be a brilliant outpost for your soldiers." Remarked Captain Nowak
"Excellent! I was hoping to ask for you to prepare a detachment of men to help escort our prisoners back to Hannover." Asked Victor
"Certainly my lord I'll select 20 of my best men to accompany you." Captain Nowak replied.
With that settled 20 of the Polish Line Infantry brought out the prisoners. With them bound by the hands, they began their few-hour march towards the capital city of Hannover. Unlike the journey to the crossroads, a nice breeze made the short march gentle and easy.
The bandits captured could put up much resistance with their hands bound and linked to one another and within a few hours the party had reached the entrance of the port city.
Passing through the streets clamoured with people Victor who was at the head of the column finally entered the palace courtyard. The Dukedom soldiers on duty nearby all looked perplexed at the situation. Once again the young lord they thought was a weak shut-in was now at the head of 20 soldiers parading prisoners.
After dismounting from his horse Victor requested that his father be brought out to deal with his prisoners. Victor's soldiers stood at attention maintaining all discipline in front of their lord, while in comparison the Dukedom's soldiers could only gawk and crowd around.
Ten minutes had passed and finally, Duke Vipon appeared with his wife Josephine and Victor's half-siblings Klaus and Katrina. They were all confused and curious about the news of Victor bringing in bandits he had captured.
"What is all this Victor?" Question Duke Vipon.
"I have eliminated the bandits camped near the crossroads, Father. Here are all that remain of them, including their leader." Confidently replied Victor.
Vipon's eyebrow raised. With a concerned look, he descended the stairs and closely inspected the prisoners. Passing by each one of them, his cold stare made them sweat. After inspecting the prisoner Vipon shot a glance at the soldiers who were dressed in a uniform he did not recognise.
"Who are these soldiers Victor?" Vipon asked in a cold tone. Thinking of a quick logical excuse Victor straightened himself and replied, "They are mercenaries, Father, I let them keep the looted goods as their payment."
Although skeptical Vipon could only nod at Victor's answer. With one command Vipon ordered his soldiers to throw the prisoners in the cell. With a lacklustre appreciation of Victor's deeds, Vipon left and returned to his office.
Klaus, Katrina and Josephine could only glare at Victor. For someone thought to be weak and pathetic, he had certainly crushed their previous opinions of him. He was now a rising threat who had somehow completed a difficult task with no backing.
Victor dismissed his soldiers and ordered them to return to camp and await further commands. Recognising this order the Polish Line Infantry left in a uniform and parade-like manner.
Wanting to return to his bedroom Victor ascended the stairs walking past the rest of his so-called family.
"Don't think you are equal with this feat, be sure to watch your back brother," Grumbled Klaus.
"You should know not to act up little one," Muttered Josephine, shooting a glare full of malice toward Victor.
'Glad to see their as friendly as ever,' Victor Giggled to himself
It was a shame that his father didn't show any appreciation or praise for his efforts, but, seeing his stepmother and half-siblings rattled was its own type of reward.