As explained, the recruits shared their tents together.  What they didn’t expect was that they’d also be sharing it with the other recruits who had been gathered several days earlier. Arthor couldn’t tell at first. Their mail and surcoats were not the new style, so they looked the same as everybody else. The tents that were shared were not as big as Sir Yolk’s. Each tent could fit 6. Fineese was a little worried, so Arther and Wallace promised to stay with her. They shared with three other recruits, including Deizin, instead of sharing with the other recruits they didn’t know yet. Charns and Baulks, brothers from Lemming, offered to share with the not yet known recruits. They were happy so long as they were together.

Grain soup and pork bits was served tonight. It wasn’t as bad as the soldiers made it seem. But the pork was a bonus, Arthor found out. One of the blessing of being at Trough. Well, outside Trough, that is.

All the soldiers and recruits were gathered around the fires to dine. All the recurits were made to sit together. To get more acquainted, Arthor figured. The new 8 sat together. Keldon and Pete, the other two of the eight, were both quiet. The rest found out the two did not even know each other, which was strange because their shared silence seemed well synchronized. That and how they both silently agreed with each other on things, like where to sit, or who would get a bowl of soup first. Keldon’s family ran a small in, which explained why he looked to be a well fed lad. And Pete’s father a a little chapel. Was that why they were both quiet and compatible? Families involved in service must have had something to do with it. Arthor felt that they had a similar air about them, too. Slightly gold. Like Mr.Miley’s tavern.

“Are you people the new batch? You’re a lot fewer than we thought.”

The new recruits turned to find a young man and two of his comrades standing before them.

“Only 8 of you” The young man continued. “Well, I guess there wasn’t many places to recruit further into the country.”

“I think Sir Yolk passed through 3 small counties before the came back here” one of the friends said from behind. The other friend just gave a nod.

“I heard the inner country is not very populated.” The young man looked to Arthor. Arthor was unsure about this stranger. “But no matter. You lot took a stand for our Monrosia. And soon we’ll all be part of the ranks. So, welcome. I’m Hicsen. I’m from the first batch to arrive here at Trough.” He and his two friends stepped closer to greet the others. Arthor felt the need to stand, still unsure about these strangers. The three faced Arthor who stood before them.

“I’m Arthor” Arthor felt obliged to tell them.

Hicsen gave Arthor a welcoming smile. “Arthor? Nice to meet you, Arthor.” This lightened the mood. “This is Junior and Twin!” Hicsen pointed behind him.

“Nice to meet you. Arthor” Junior waved hello.

Twin just nodded silently.

Wallace was about to get up but Hicsen raised a hand to stop him.

“Now don’t worry. We’ll all get to know each other soon enough.” He told Wallace. “I just wanted to say hello and make sure you folk have at least met us. Twin and Junior are from the second batch. And like I said, I’m from the first. So now if any of us need anything, we all know someone. Arthor, right?” Hicsen asked.

“Yes.” Arthor told.

“I’ll remember.” Hicsen turned to leave.

“Are we allowed to bring girls with us?” Junior looked over at Fineese. The three new comers turned to have a good look at Fineese. This made her uncomfortable. Arthor noticed. Arthor stood in the way of their sight while Wallace stood beside her.

“They never told us we could have a girl with us.” Junior seemed strangely curous. Hicsen realized how he and the other two had been peering.

“I’m sure she is part of their batch, Junior.” Hicsen turned to his friend to get his attention. “And if she is, then she will be honoured as we all will. Now let’s leave our future brothers and sisters to their meal.” With a slight nudge, Hicsen got his party to make leave.

Hicsen turned back to give a farewell. “Arthor…” he nodded politely.

Arthor was still unsure about them. But he did not like how they made Fineese uncomfortable.

“You okay?” Wallace asked Fineese.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” She said quietly.

“You look a little scared.”

“No. I’m just embarrassed to be here.”

“What? Why?” Wallace worried. Fineese noticed Arthor had the same worry.

“Umm. Because I’m a girl?” she didn’t seem to proud to say that.

“Why are you embarrassed about that?” Arthor did and didn’t quite understand, himself. Maybe it was because he was a boy? This girl business again.

“Because I’m the only girl here.” Fineese began to shy and shrink. She sat there, curling up into her knees. “Maybe I shouldn’t have come. Maybe this was a bad idea for me.”

“What? No!” Wallace told her. “We came here together. Me, you, Art. I’m glad we’re together in this.”

Arthor agreed. “We all took the call at the same time. So it’s only right that we’re all here.”

“No, you guys. You don’t get it!” She shook her head. “I’m the only girl here. Even Terner the cobbler found it strange I was here.”

The boys couldn’t deny that fact. There were camp helpers who were women helping to sort the food and fires, but they were clearly not in the Army. When they thought about it. She was the only female joining the Army. Did she feel alone? Or maybe that she didn’t belong here?

“It’s gonna be okay, Fineese.” Arthor tried to make things seem fine. “No one has told you you don’t belong here. The lords haven’t even shoo’ed you off.”

“Yeah. Sir Juisom and Sir Yolk both know you’re a girl” Wallace reminded. “And they never said you couldn’t join.”

“But I’m the only girl here. What if I’m not welcome here? That guy was surprised that I was a girl. I think he didn’t like me.”

“I don’t think he didn’t like you.” Keldon though he should mention. He actually had something to say. “I think it was the complete opposite of that.”

Arthor quickly realized what Keldon implied. He looked to Wallace and saw that he also understood. The though of it made Arthor furious.

“No one’s gonna hurt you, Fineese” Arthor told her. “Not as long as I’m around.”

Wallace agreed. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Fineese.” He looked to Arthor. “Me and Arthor will protect you.”

“But that doesn’t mena I should be here.” Fineese was still worried. “Am I the only girl who is in the army?”

The boys wanted to be strong for her. They didn’t know why. But they did. But the answer to her question, they didn’t know.

“I’m not sure.” Wallace scratched his head. “I remember hearing of women in the army. I think.”

“Yeah. Me too!” Arthor thought to join in.

“I don’t think so, guys.” She said quietly. This didn’t seem to be helping her.

“Lady Mila,” Baulks spoke up. “from Kwass is said to be one of the most fierce commanders in the Ivon army.” Charns, his brother, joined in.

“She’s supposed to be so mighty on the battlefield that you can’t even tell that she’s a woman. Men fear her, everywhere.”

“Oh! And I heard many women fight for the Qatahni” said Baulks.

“Yeah. I heard they don’t think of men and women as different” Charns butted in.

“Except for size.”

“Yeah. But not in the Army, I meant.”

“Well, they’ll have to have different sized armour. And swords too.”

“Oh yeah. Wait! Do the Qatahni wear armor?”

“Of course they wear armour. Everyone wears armour!”

“But I heard they fight topless in wars.”

“Even the women?”

“Well, I don’t know about that.”

“See! There must be an armour!”

“We’ll have to find out about that…”

Whatever nonsense the brothers were talking about was keeping Fineese distracted. Thank the Father above for that.

“I heard the Vodfrost women were just as deadly as the men.” Pete joined the brothers in their dispute.

“Really? How so?” asked Baulks.

“I’m not sure” Pete rubbed his chin. “But I heard you were twice more likely to be killed by a Vod woman than a Vod man.”

“Who told you that?” Charns leaned in to hear.

“My daddy told” Pete said proudly. “He said he’d almost lost his whole life to a Vod woman. Until the Father above saved him.”

Baulks seemed confused. “I don’t think you quite understand what we’re trying to talk about here.”

“Or at least what your ‘daddy’ you. I don’t think.” Charns smiled to Baulks. The brothers couldn’t help but giggle.

“Wait! What is it?” Pete could tell they were laughing at him.

“Oh. It’s nothing.”

“We’ve just never heard of such close encounters with Vod women before.”

“Me neither.” Keldon said unknowingly.

“Oh you havn’t, have you?” Baulks grinned.

“I’m sure we can thank the Father above for that.”

“What do Vodfrost women look like?” Keldon asked.

“Now that you mention it…” Charns rubbed his chin. “I don’t actually know.”

“My daddy said they look wonderful” Pete told.

“I’m sure he did!” Charns laughed.

“I don’t disagree with that!” Baulks smiled

“Really?” Pete wondered.  “Have you seen a Vod woman before?”

“What? No!” Charns corrected. “I mean I don’t disagree with… Oh, don’t worry. I’ve never seen a Vod”

Fineese was listening to the lot. Her mood seemed to lighten. She was interested in what they were talking about. Was it the part about Vodfrost. Maybe she should have listened to Scaps when he talked about his adventures.

Arthor was glad she had lightened up. It seemed Wallace was relieved as well. The boys looked at each other in relief, but both were still worried about Fineese. They couldn’t figure out how she felt. Did she want to leave? They definitely wanted her to stay. The three began their journey together. It had to stay that way. But Fineese was worried she didn’t belong. Arthor wanted to say something to reassure her to continue with them. But if he said something now, it might’ve ruined her mood again. This made Arthor a little worried. He saw Wallace must have been thinking the same thing. But what to say? When to say… Maybe not wasn’t a good time. Not while she just cheered up. Mum always said if a woman cheers up, its best it stays that way.

“I hope you join the Army with us” Deizin told Fineese. She realized he was talking to her. “When I realized you came with us to actually join, I thought you were the most awesome girl I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen a girl as brave as you before. I know the others are talking about these other women, but I don’t even know if those women are real. But you. You’re really real. And you marched with us to Trough. I think you’re tougher than you realize.”

“Yeah!” Charns and Baulked agreed. Fineese saw Keldon and pete, and they both gave her an encouraging nod.

“We know you might feel like the odd one out, but we would all love for you to continue with us. And join the Army.”

Fineese saw everyone then looked down. Unsure. She was still nervous about everything, that was for sure.

“And don’t worry about answering that.” Deizin told. “We just want you to know that.”

Deizin couldn’t have said anything beter at a time like that. Arthor was glad.

As the night continued, more recruits walked past and watched Arthor, Wallance, Fineese, and their batch. The batch grew more uncomfortable as they noticed more of their unwanted attention, but not as uncomfortable as Fineese. They soon realized everybody peering their way was looking to see someone in particular. Who other than ‘the girl’ to draw that sort of attention. Instinctively, the others in the partch huddle around Fineese. To shield her from all the piercing, I mean, peering eyes. Everyone was a stranger here at the camp, and the only ones you could seem to depend on were the batch you were bunched with. It was relieving when Arthor realized that his batchmates could be trusted. There was an unspoken determination to protect Fineese. Arthor and Wallace wore it first when Hicsen and Co noticed her. Now the other batchmates donned the duty. The protectiveness was good. It built a strange sense of trust. But Arthor couldn’t help but not want to sit around as such.

“Maybe we shouldn’t sit around like this.” He informed the others. We got nothing to hide.”

Fineese didn’t seem too comfortable with that suggestion. Neither did Wallace.

“But everyone keeps looking here.” Wallace pointed out. He saw more walk past to look.

“They’re going to look anyway. We’re the new comers.” Arthor peered from his batch to the rest of the camp. “They’re just trying to get to know us. Everyone looking looks like they’re recruits.” Arthor could tell. Those who were peering didn’t have that steady stride that actual soldiers had. Their footing was less sure. Less stable. The soldiers looked as if they’d never fall over. And most of all, those peering didn’t have that shine. That batchmates all turned to look out at their audience. They saw Arthor was right, but it didn’t change their desire for defence.

“It will be okay, guys” Arthor tried to reaffirm. “Everyone just wants to see who’s around. Like how Hicsen and the other fella came. I just don’t think we should sit around like something is wrong.

Fineese didn’t seem any more at ease.

“He’s right, guys.” Deizin stood up. “If we look like something to be picked on, we will be picked on.” Arthor saw Deizin stand comfortably, like nothing was wrong. Deizin knew exactly how Arthor felt, and had the words to explain it to the others. He sure knew how to explain the difficult things that Arthoer wanted to say. And luckily enough, they were in the same batch. 

“Me uncle always told me to not let anybody choose how busy you are. So if you’re too busy, look busy. If you don’t want to help someone, don’t look like you can help. If you don’t want to be ordered around, get busy and don’t look like you can be ordered around.”

The batch didn’t completely follow, but what he said made enough sense. Everybody eased up, expect for Fineese, who couldn’t help but wonder if others were still trying to peek at her. Arthor tried to encourage her.

“Don’t worry. Nothings wrong.” Everyone is happy to have you here. The others just want to see who we are.”

Fineese saw others still look, and shied at that.

“You okay?” Wallace asked her.

“Yeah” she said quietly. That didn’t reassure the boys.

Keldon, Pete, and the brothers suddenly stood up. In alert, Arthor straightened up. He peered around to notice it was Sir Yolk and Sir Juisom who had arrived. Lower ranks were to stand and acknowledge a lord when they arrived, unless told not to. Sir Yolk had a smile as wide as the sky as he saw the recruits. Sir Juisom was cooled, as usual.

“How are our newest recruits?” Sir Yolk seemed excited. “Settled in yet? Camps are the heart of the army. You ought to love em. I know we’re just outside Trough but we best get all our recruits used to camp life. The other two batches who arrived before us got to coze up in the foothouses they got in the city. But why suffocate in a box when we got the fresh sea breeze out here?” The lord laughed to himself. Sir Juisom didn’t seem to know what was so delightful. Sir Yolk continued.

“We’ll be here for one more night after this. We await Sir Ladger and the recruits he’s rallied up before we make our way to Ozdin. And for now, we’ll run a few patrols in Trough to keep you lot busy. And some… drills was it?” He looked to Sir Juisom for clarification, who was already slowly nodding his head as if Sir Yolk should have been sure about that.

“Yeah” the Titan continued his briefing. “We’ll have some no-gear training. Some positionings, some forms. A little taste of team work. To see if you’re cut out for established brotherhood.” Sir Yolk noticed Fineese huddle up at that. “Which I’m sure you’ll all be. Any concerns?”

Sir Yolk viewed his recruits. “No? For now, have a wash and rest up. There won’t be anything asked of the recruits tonight.”

Arthor called out to the lord knights as they strode off.

“My lords!” He trotted towards where they stopped. Only Sir Yolk turned to approach Arthor.

“Speak, young one” the lord raised his tall eyebrows.

“Ummm.” Arthor hand’y planned what to say. “My lord, are girls allowed in the Army? I mean. There aren’t other girls here. Where would they be? Is it okay for them to be here?”

“What’s wrong, young one? Did something happen to our dear recruit?” Sir Yolk put a hand to his hip and peered toward Fineese.

“Oh. No. Nothing really” Arthor startled. “Fineese is scared she doesn’t belong here. Or if people don’t like her. She saw she’s the only girl here and…”

“Why is she worrying about that?” the Titan hinted concern. “Did someone say something to her?”

“No. Well, the other recruits from the other batches saw her. And now they keep looking at her. She doesn’t like it. She think she isn’t supposed to be here.”

“Hmmm.” Sir Yolk looked over at Fineese again.

“You’ve got an important roll for us, young one. You and your other brother from Sir Koverd’s place. You two are to take extra care of our little missy. And to let her know that she is, or will be, an important part of the Viridian Ranks. Anybody and everybody who is iwlling to devote themselves to the Viridian ranks is allowed to be part of us. Boy or girl, man or woman, soldier or solider.”

Arthor ease at Sir Yolk’s confirmation, but would that be enough to ease Fineese. Arthor checked Fineese from where he stoon then wondered.

Sir Yolk prodded, “Well, young recruit?”

“So there’s girls in the army?” Arthor knew a meer example would work some magic. Though he did sense doubt about his queries. The Titan placed both hands to his hips in thought.

“If you’re not talking about the our camp hands… In dark times we’ve had sisters take arms…” He took a moment, searching for answer. “Some like Lady Nirvagee have been known to wreak havoc on the field. But she wouldn’t be considered part of the Army, I’d say. Lady Woods herself is not she to flaunt her husband’s military strength. But that’s considering their own forces rather than the established Viridian ranks. Those two would be seen as more involved in council and influence rather than the arm. I cant say young one.” He thought again. “And. There is her highness… But she too isn’t…” A long frown hung off the Titan’s jaw. “We havn’t footwomen since the very dark days. But that’s not to say we don’t accept footwomen. Monrosia honours all who stand to defend her. And I know our dear recruit will make a great development in our forces. And she will eventually stand in our forces.

“Is she not at ease, young recruit? Her fire has dulled since Lucifer last shone.”

“I think she wants to leave.” The thought upset Arthor. “We’re all telling her to stay, though. To join the army with us.”

The lord slowly nodded. “I see. And it’s not too late for her to leave yet either. Since she’s not yet bound to our duties.” They both saw her huddled away, likely still avoiding looks.

“I’d love for her to join our ranks. But only if she wants to stay.” Sir Yolk looked about and saw Sir Juicom waiting there for him. Startled, the lord looked about more until fixing his gaze toward Trough.

“Go was up, young one. I’ll return when you’re done. To have a quick word.

Arthor noticed Sir Yolk’s excitement had returned and soon that wide smile.

“Go on, now! Your sergent awaits.”

Ikuran was waiting along with the other recruits and did not look impressed. He raised an eyebrow on Arthor’s return.

“Hushing up with our lord, are you? He’s kind, but our lord is not one to be swayed, just to let you know.”