Page 45 of Sword & Sacrifice

He'd met each of these soldiers during individual interviews but none of them particularly stood out. The ones he remembered most were combative, cursing Arnsveld and everyone who lived there or refusing to answer questions.

Emera looked at Archer, eyebrow raised in silent question. He nodded, and she took up a position to his left. Darian stood to his right, so Archer was framed in green and blue, representing both his and Silas’ kingdoms.

“The Bellacostan Army cannot remain as it is,” Archer said, voice echoing through the mess hall. “It also cannot be rebuilt from scratch without leaving your people vulnerable.”

The new recruits had barely started their training before the prison break. They needed a few more months, perhaps a year, before they were ready to contribute to their kingdom’s defense. What Bellacosta needed most was leaders, people who could make snap decisions in a battle, who would put their country before their own ambition.

“All former units will be disbanded and rebuilt with new officers in charge. You have been selected to lead these new units based on references from your fellow soldiers and your performance in training.”

The atmosphere of the room lightened as the soldiers’ dread slowly morphed into curiosity and a small measure of pride. One of the soldiers cleared his throat, and Archer acknowledged him with a sharp nod. “I’m only a private, sir.”

Archer looked to Darian, allowing him to explain his choice.

The sergeant shuffled through his papers until he found the soldier’s file and read aloud, “Eiden Tos, Private, enlisted five years ago. You showed promise in your training and would have risen quickly through the ranks except for one incident, three years ago.”

Eiden flinched and his shoulders hunched slightly inward, as if hoping to make himself small enough for everyone to forget he’d spoken.

Darian dashed his hopes, plowing on to describe the incident. “During a shift at the prison, you witnessed a fellow soldier beating one of the prisoners. You tried to intervene and were wounded in the scuffle. After that, you were assigned posts at the barracks or the armory and any talks of promotion halted. If someone requested you for a team assignment, that request was denied. Meanwhile, the soldier you fought—Beltran Villar—was promoted to sergeant.”

Eiden’s jaw clenched, a hint of fire burning through the meekness. He didn’t say anything to confirm or contradict Darian’s account.

“Sergeant Beltran was one of the traitors involved in the prison break.”

Quiet contemplation settled over the soldiers as they pieced together why they, specifically, were chosen from among their colleagues.

“A good soldier defends the people,” Archer said. “Sometimes that means following a superior’s orders. Sometimes that means interfering when others abuse their power. You’ve been chosen as new leaders in this reformation because you’ve displayed both qualities. If you accept this promotion, you are to serve the people, not your own interests.”

“Before you accept,” Emera said, drawing everyone’s attention to her. “Know that this is a probationary appointment. Arnsveldian soldiers will be temporarily assigned to your units. Any concerning behavior will be reported to General Griselda Holt and King Silas.”

Archer tensed, waiting for the same accusations of invasion or spying he’d heard dozens of times every day since he and Silas announced their alliance.

When the first soldier spoke, he simply declared, “I accept your conditions.”

Down the line, others followed his example. Until they reached the soldier at the end of the row. Eiden looked hesitantly between the people standing in front of him, one superior and two strangers. “What happens if you decide we aren’t a good fit for the position after all?”

Archer’s eyebrows knitted together. “Clarify.”

The barked order startled Eiden and he ducked his head.

Sighing, Archer tried to apply Penn’s advice for better communication. “What is your concern?”

Eiden swallowed and rephrased, “What happens if you decide we aren’t good leaders?”

“You’ll be demoted or discharged, depending on the infraction.”

Instead of discouraging him, Eiden straightened up, looking more confident now that he knew the stakes. “I accept your conditions.”

Satisfied, Archer turned to Darian, “Captain Darian will discuss your assignments.”

Darian startled slightly at the title change but took the on-the-spot promotion in stride as he discussed new positions and new divisions with each soldier.

Archer pulled Emera aside to discuss a more personal favor. “I want you to take charge of Silas’ personal guard,” he explained.

“I didn’t know he had a personal guard.”

“Exactly.”

“Ah, and does His Majesty have any preferences for his guards? Female or male? Young or old? Snarky or quiet?”