The morning sun cast a warm glow over the training grounds as Paul stood before his newly organized troops, a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh recruits. Just a day after his meeting with the knights, he had divided the nearly 600 soldiers into two infantry battalions, albeit incomplete, each brimming with potential.
As he surveyed the assembled men, Paul recalled the guards stationed at the lord's mansion. His penchant for organization kicked in, and he resolved to create a specialized unit—the Inner Guard. Drawing from military structures he had studied in the past, he established a hierarchy of squads and platoons, and with only 60 guards available, they were organized into two platoons.
However, the knights and their attendants presented a more complicated challenge. Paul had observed the stark division between the noble class and common folk in this realm, and he feared that imposing a rigid structure might breed discontent among his forces. To address his concerns, he sought the counsel of Bryce, a trusted knight.
"Bryce, I'm worried about how to integrate the knights into this new structure without causing friction," Paul confessed, his brow furrowed.
Brayce, his cheeks reddening slightly, chuckled. "You're worrying too much, my lord. Allow me to clarify our situation. When the Grayman family fell from grace, it left many knights without proper titles or recognition. We're often referred to as 'wild knights.' Despite our skills, we don't hold the same status as those with legitimate titles."
"So, Baron Ford is different?" Paul asked, intrigued.
"Yes," Bryce nodded. "His title comes from a distant relative. He's a legal nobleman, meaning he has the title but lacks a fiefdom."
"Then you should be the one to lead them into this new establishment. You have their respect."
Bryce's modesty was evident as he replied, "I'll do my best. Just don't expect me to charm them over a wine barrel."
The integration of the knights into the new structure went smoothly, as Bryce had predicted. Most of them were appointed as officers across various ranks. With Brayce and another knight, Claude, leading the 1st and 2nd Infantry Battalions respectively, Paul felt a surge of optimism.
Next came the selection of monitors for each unit, but Paul quickly realized the literacy rate among the soldiers was dismal. After polling hundreds, he found that few could even write their own names. With little option left, he pivoted to physical fitness as the primary criterion for selection.
To reflect their current status, Paul decided to add the title "acting" to the ranks of the new low-level officers. All soldiers would start as privates, while those selected as temporary corporals would serve as acting squad leaders.
"Given the volatile situation, we need to start training immediately," Paul insisted, his enthusiasm infectious. Ignoring the grumbling protests of his men, he led them to a clearing in the woods outside of town, announcing that they would camp there for the duration of their training.
Once the camp was set, Paul convened with Major Claude to discuss a training regimen. He handed Claude a carefully crafted parchment filled with his ambitious training plan.
"Claude, look at this! Have you ever seen a more brilliant training plan?" Paul beamed.
Claude scanned the document, his expression shifting to alarm. "My lord, this training is brutal! It's nearly impossible."
"Impossible? I've streamlined it significantly," Paul argued.
"Even so, the intensity rivals that of knight training. You must remember, nutrition is vital! I managed to eat meat at least once a week during my training. These soldiers are accustomed to much less. They won't be able to sustain such rigorous exercise without proper nourishment."
Paul's face fell as he absorbed this reality. "You're right. I'll write to Philip immediately to increase our food supplies, especially for meat. We can also organize daily hunts to supplement."
Claude chuckled, "But Philip might not take it well, my lord."
Additionally, Paul realized the importance of instilling discipline. "We need to focus on drills—standing at attention, marching, and maintaining formation. These aren't just trivial exercises; they're essential for creating a cohesive unit."
Claude wiped the sweat from his brow, "The kingdom's regular army doesn't enforce such strict standards, but I see your point."
"Let's not waste time. We'll start with posture drills before dinner. It will set the tone for the training ahead!" Paul declared, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
As the soldiers began their drills, Paul felt a wave of excitement and determination coursing through him. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation, a chilling laugh escaping his lips that sent a shiver down Claude's spine. The journey ahead would be arduous, but with each step, they were forging a new destiny for themselves and their lord.