The Calm Before the Storm

Jacob awoke the next morning with renewed determination. Following Nova's training program, he dove into his regimen with a fierce dedication. Each day began with mock battles against other soldiers, followed by intense strength training until his muscles screamed in protest, and ended with long runs to build his endurance. The soldiers around him began to notice his relentless work ethic and the rapid improvement in his skills.

Three weeks passed in this grueling routine. Despite the pain and exhaustion, Jacob felt himself growing stronger, faster, and more resilient. His swordsmanship became sharper, his strikes more precise. Nova's constant guidance was invaluable, helping him correct his form and optimize his movements.

Serath observed Jacob's progress with a keen eye. The squad leader often watched from the sidelines, offering occasional words of advice and encouragement. Jacob appreciated Serath's presence; it was clear that he was a leader who genuinely cared for his men and took pride in their achievements.

One evening, after an especially intense training session, Serath approached Jacob as he sat catching his breath.

"You've done well, Jacob," Serath said, his voice carrying a tone of genuine admiration. "Your improvement is remarkable. The men have noticed too. They respect your dedication and skill."

"Thank you, Sir," Jacob replied, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I'm just doing what I can to survive and get stronger."

Serath nodded. "I understand. But remember, you're part of this unit now. Your strength is our strength. Keep it up, and you'll go far."

Jacob felt a surge of pride at Serath's words. It was a rare moment of recognition, and it meant a lot coming from a man he respected so much.

As the days turned into weeks, Jacob couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. It seemed unusual that the Empire of Norlik had not attacked. The lull in hostilities was unsettling, especially given the Empire's reputation for relentless aggression. He shared his concerns with Serath during one of their evening conversations.

"Sir, isn't it strange that we've had so much time to train without any sign of the enemy?" Jacob asked, his brow furrowed in thought.

Serath nodded, his expression serious. "It is. The Empire is known for its swift and brutal tactics. This quiet period... it's like the calm before the storm. We must remain vigilant."

Jacob nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Despite the unease, he continued his training, driven by a mix of determination and the ever-present need to be ready for whatever lay ahead.

One night, as Jacob lay on his cot, exhausted from another day of training, a commotion outside the tent woke him. He sat up, straining to hear the hurried voices. A scout had arrived, his urgent message sending ripples of anxiety through the camp.

Inside the commander tent that stood majestically in the heart of the camp with heavily armored guards, Commander Beltran, a tall man with a messy grey beard , sharp eyes and aquiline nose, he looked haggard but still listened intently to the scout's report.

"Sir, a large force of enemy soldiers is marching towards us," the scout said, breathless. "Five thousand strong. They'll be upon us by dawn."

Commander Beltran's face hardened. He turned to his officers, his voice calm but firm. "We don't have much time. Mobilize all troops. We need to be ready before dawn. This is what we've trained for."

The officers nodded, swiftly moving to relay the orders.

Suddenly, the bells inside the camp rang out, signaling an emergency gathering.

Officers and squad leaders burst into each tent, waking soldiers and directing them to assemble on the training grounds

.Jacob felt a knot of fear tighten in his stomach. He knew something serious was happening. Even Serath's eyes were more intense and serious than ever before.

All soldiers gathered on the training grounds within two minutes, standing ready and disciplined.

Each squad leader stood before his 100-soldier squad, with Serath in front of Jacob's squad.

The leaders began issuing commands rapidly.

The soldiers whispered among themselves, creating a low buzz of anxious voices.

"SILENCE! Get your armors, swords, bows, and shields, then return here to get ready. Go now! You have ten minutes," Serath bellowed, his face turning red.

The soldiers from all squads scattered in all directions, heading mostly to the armory and stables.

Jacob sprinted to the armory, grabbing his leather armor and boots. He retrieved his sharpened, oiled sword and placed it in his scabbard. He also collected some hidden weapons that were concealed in his scabbard shaped like finger-sized arrows, tying them with cloth and concealing them in his armor.

Nova had suggested this extra measure of protection. She had prompted him to ask Serath for some unwanted wood scraps without explaining why.

When Jacob tested the hidden weapons against a practice dummy, they worked like a charm, penetrating deep into the dummy's stomach.

He hadn't just trained his wrist muscles for wielding a sword but also for flicking the hidden weapons with more force.

Within ten minutes, all the soldiers were in their armor, standing ready.

Serath raised his voice, now filled with determination, "Stay focused. Remember your training. We'll get through this."

The soldiers tried to puff out their chests, attempting to appear more ready and confident.

"March to the outside of the camp's gate and make ready!" The squad leaders bellowed, their voices echoing through the now-silent camp.

Jacob, fully armored and prepared, felt anxious. This was the moment they had been training for. Despite the fear gnawing at his insides, he felt a flicker of confidence when he remembered that he had Nova to assist him.

With Nova's support, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead. The camp was alive with the sound of marching soldiers and sound of cadence of horses hooves reverberateed across the camp

Outside the camp' gate, the soldiers were placed rows upon rows

The night passed in a blur of preparations. Soldiers armed themselves, checking their weapons and armor. The tension was palpable, but there was also a sense of grim determination. They were ready to face whatever came their way.

Jacob took his place among the ranks, his heart pounding with anticipation.

In the distance they could see large number of hazy shadows moving as they got closer with tall red banners

The calm before the storm was over. The real battle was about to begin.