[Eyvind Redbeard]

46th Brightening of the Fifth Cycle of the Month of Imperos in the season of Autumn; Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum.

It had been more than twenty Brightenings since Eyvind had sent a letter to Commander Jonathan De'Bali asking him for reinforcements and military equipment. The need to get some extra weapons and armor to equip the newly formed Provincial Army was great. There were many recruits to train and equip and the Factory couldn't provide weapons at the required rate. External means had been used, external help had been called and now the answer came.

Someone knocked at the door of the Cencoris' office and a Legionnaire entered. He looked weary as if he had been running to get to the office.

"Yes, Legionnaire?"

"Sir. You have ordered me to report if any fleet arrived coming from Prime. Five caravels are now docking near the river."

The Vagaran nodded and stood up, picking his black cloak and following the soldier.

"Five caravels you say?"

"Yes, Sir. Bearing the flag of the Jade Legion, the watcher told me he saw armored figures aboard. Are these the reinforcements, is this all Prime sends to us, Sir?"

The red-haired man shook his head and shrugged.

"I don't know, I hope it's only the beginning."

The soldier seemed pleased and smiled to his commander.

"Let's hope."

The journey to the docks wasn't long but it took more time than Eyvind would have liked. By the time he got there the caravels had already docked and the soldiers within each was coming ashore. Looking for the highest ranking Officer in the unit Björsson saw a Daekin ordering his men to form up. When he saw Eyvind approaching saluted and stood at attention.

"At ease. Are you the one in charge here?"

"Aye aye, Sir."

"They promoted you to Daekin, Dougan?"

The man looked surprised that Eyvind would recognize him and nodded.

"What's the status? How many men do you bring? Unit breakdown, equipment."

"Yes, Sir. Two hundred and fifty men. One hundred heavy archers, one hundred heavy infantry and fifty engineers. I don't have the list of equipment here with me but we brought many weapons and armor from the armories in the Military District."

Redbeard nodded and looked to the group of soldiers gathered nearby. Yes, this would be their baptism of fire.

"I need men to perform a mission, Daekin Dougan."

"What kind of mission, Sir?"

"A scouting mission. I need a Manus ready to departed in one Candlemark, the details will be given on their way out of the city. Do you know anyone good enough for the task?"

"I think I do, Sir. Legionnaires Isil, Cormack, Tornai, Otar and Boriam! These five will do whatever you want, Sir."

The Vagaran nodded and waited for the lot to gather. Of the five names one called his attention: Isil. He remembered a young elf who he had helped back in the Pegasi Woods some time ago.