The New Couple Chapter 7
#7 of The New Couple
The New Couple
(Wels, Duke Kolvak)
When the prince returned, he immediately sent word to all barons. He was ordering to supply all available troops. This meant only one thing, we were going to war. Though he did not give word of who was the enemy, only that he required well trained troops, plus additional mammals to be trained.
When my wife came in, I told her of the call to arms. She responded, "we can handle sending about half our guard. Though the prince will certainly need more troops than that." Because of us usually being at peace, and the well-fortified city, the Baron Guard was quite small, for the wealth of the area.
I answered, "we only have 500 baron guard, so even if we sent every single soldier, its only half a proper regiment. I believe that we should send 2 companies (200 soldiers), the issue though is with so little troops, he may doubt our loyalty."
My wife looked and me and said, "What would you suggest doing, to prove our loyalty. We can't afford to hire mercenaries for extended usage." My wife was meaning that, for a while we just hired mercenaries for small campaigns.
I looked at her, when I looked at her, "Well, the 2 companies are going to need some leadership. Maybe if put our son, into the leadership position, he would see we are risking our heir, for the prince."
She looked at me in shock and said, "how can you put our son's life at risk? Why, not just risk that cougar's life? I'm certain that our daughter wouldn't mind losing that beast."
I replied, "I understand your anger, but it's the only way. The prince knows we don't like Karl, so forcing him to fight wouldn't impress him. Yet our only son is different, he knows that we are risking our heir. This will show we still support him, and add that we will train 4 regiments for him, it might keep him content for now."
(Karl Antelo)
Duke Kolvak was assembling 2 companies for the prince. It was a pitiful number of troops, hopefully the prince will doubt their loyalty. Until I realized that, I could use this to my advantage. Simply stated, the prince will need leadership, I could volunteer to join a guard and leave this castle at least for a few years.
When the Prince came to have the troops transfer under his command. (Wels, Tradition has the prince visit all the baronies. Where a transfer of command happens.) He was sitting and talking to Duke Kolvak, until he saw me and greeted me. I came towards him and bowed to him.
I than began to speak, "my prince, if you will excuse me. I would like to volunteer to fight for your greatness."
The prince began to say, "are you sure? Duke Kolvak has not drafted you for the service, nor I'm not ordering the service of all mammals."
I answered, "I understand, my prince. I would still like to serve you, in this conflict."
He answered back, "I understand. It also works out perfectly, you and your bother-in-law, both leading a company. I like the idea."