22 The Commandants

Princess Sam soon got introduced to the two Commandants assigned to her. One was Commandant Lucas Nirono who was minister Nirono's second son.He was a thirty-year-old man with blond hair a large frame. He spoke rarely and when he did, he only talked business. Sam had done a background check on him and found out that he was not on good terms with his father. Minister Nirono had asked him to join the army and had ambitions to make Lucas a General. Lucas rather wanted to settle down with his betrothed and lead a peaceful life in one of their fiefs. He had reluctantly joined the army in return for permission from his father to marry. Sam wondered whether this guy would be of any use to her.

She now made her way to the army training unit of the capital to meet with the second Commandant. She thought she might as well familiarize herself with the place once she gets there. After reaching there on horseback she was received by a Sergeant who showed her around. Sam was a little displeased that the Commandant had not shown up to greet her.

Sam saw the artillery units and the infantry units in training.She made a rough estimate of their numbers and weighed their strengths.

'So, where is this commandant right now?" she asked the Sergeant.

"Well princess,..."

"Don't worry, I won't give you away." said Sam

"Commandant Astor usually rests there." He pointed to a place a little far from them where several Maple trees were lined up.Sam saw someone resting under one of those trees and she inferred that it was the Commandant she was looking for.

She went over to this person and saw that it was a female with long dark red hair.It matched well with the Burgundy uniform she was wearing. Sam cleared her throat and the Commandant opened her eyes.

"Who are you and what do you want?" she asked Sam

"I am the second princess of Hebelone and I am here to get to know you, Commandant."

The Commandant got up and brushed her pants off dust.She looked at Sam from head to toe and then made a curt bow.

"You are the 'Superior Marshal' asked to take down the rebels?" She asked mockingly.

"That would be me." said Sam keeping her calm.She understood that this person was arrogant but strangely beautiful.She had met similar kinds of people during her pirate days.They exuded confidence and did not take the trouble to hide their strengths.

"I will pledge you my allegiance once my sword surrenders to you, Princess." Said Commandant Astor.

"Suit yourself." said Sam pulling out her sword.