Clues on Magic

(Nel POV)

I was riding together with their cavalry back to their command. I looked to my right and saw Dustin determined to see this through. 'Sometimes I wonder what he's usually thinking of. To come up with this strategy on the spot. He's only around 15 or 16 years old. He's talented both in strategy and martially. He'll be one general I won't want to cross with if he continues promotion.' We neared the command and I saw my target. I was going to behead their commander. 

I got down and immediately rushed at him and swung my long sword at his neck slicing through it cleanly. He didn't have time to remove his sword from its sheath. 'Now for the hard part, going back.' I looked at Dustin and he was already lopping off heads quickly making way for our retreat.

(Dustin POV)

'Nicely done Nel.' I was swinging the long sword I had wildly making our retreat possible. 'I knew it. It would be hard.' I looked at my men, "Men we'll cover our retreat. Give them everything you've got." I shouted. I picked up the Nonguls halberd and swung it breaking apart everything in its path. Their reserves came out of nowhere and it became a problem for us because we hadn't planned for an additional 1000. "They took our commander's head. They are not to leave alive." Someone who I assumed was the next big officer issued orders. Nel and I had all our soldiers roundup and formed a circle with shields.

"So, this is it." Nel said next to me. struggling with the enemies in front of her. 

"In my defence, I tried to make you stay back…" I stopped when we felt the ground shake from horses riding fast, and they sounded many. 'A new enemy reserve? No, it's our reinforcement.' "Well, Nel. Looks like today is not your day." The new army saved us from our extinction. 'Hmm… the royal banner?'

Later that day inside the war tent. We were in front of the second prince, Albert Derlinny, giving him our report, everything included. Some of the captains were absent because they were killed in battle. Bad news was more than half of our men died. Good news for me was that Boyle died inside the castle trying to hide from the enemy. It was satisfying. A week later more troupes from Banestone came and used the castle and the territory we captured as a general's headquarters because it hosted the second prince. He held the rank of general at the age of 29. Nel and her remaining captain were awarded. Nel got promoted to the rank of Noble commander who oversaw 10000 men. Among the captains only I promoted fast again to battalion commander, Nel's previous rank. I knew it was going to be another long time before I was promoted.

I had 500 cavalries, 500 archers and 1000 infantry divided into heavy and light footmen. I was still under Nel's noble battalion and the whole noble battalion under the command of prince Albert. General Albert commanded 20000 men. He commanded the force that was going to push into the Nongul territory. With 2000 men, I had to retrain them according to my drills. I had to make sure there was coordination for effectiveness. Every battalion had a camp, and they could arrange it any how they see it. I dedicated a quarter of for training in drills. I had Josh train the new recruits. The brothers Gon and Bon helped him. These three became captains; Josh took the archers, Gon had the heavy infantry since he was a battle junkie and Bon trained the light infantry. I decided to be involved much with my battalion, so I captained the cavalry. It was 4 months since we started training. We were progressing my faster and we were becoming fierce.

Two years later…

I was seated inside my tent when a messenger came to me reporting to me of his findings in a lord's castle 10 km away from our headquarters. He also said I was summoned by the prince. I nodded and closed my report book and stood up looked at myself at the bronze mirror I found in the castle streets. I had cut my hair to a length above my neck. I had a beard now. It was short and now I looked like how a Chad handsome man looked in the medieval times. I wore my tunic and adjusted the collar through the mirror, 'Almost 18 years in Aerth.' I exited the tent and headed for the prince's tent. I announced myself and entered.

I found him talking to a group of people, two men and one woman who wore a veil. "Forgive me your highness is this a bad time." I bowed. "No, Dustin. In fact, let me introduce you to them. they are from the Sanctuary. She is priestess Elaine and her guards. Priestess, this is Dustin, one of my best commanders." I stood before her and bowed, "May the light be with us all…" she was stunned a bit. She then stood up also, "And may us all be with the light." She placed her hand on my head. She looked at her guards and they dismissed themselves.

"I didn't think there was someone who still the old religion." She started, "And that they would still remember its prayer." I was going to say something, but the prince went before me, "Dustin here likes history… and literature."

"Not many commoners are literate."

"He's talented than many." The prince then said then wet and filled three cups of wine. He gestured for us to help ourselves with a wave of his hand. The priestess took her cup, "Very talented to make the Ironbane Legion." I frowned at that. She laughed lightly, "Do not make such a face. Your name is heard all over Banestone if not the whole human realm."

"Human realm?" I was confused at her last words. I looked at the prince and he just smiled. "You have questions, ask them." the priestess said.

I picked up my cup and took a huge gulp. "Magic, they say it's forgotten. Do you seer through magic?" she was surprised at my idea of magic. "You are clever than many, Dustin. Yes, your philosophy on how I use magic to seer is correct. And before you ask your next question, no human cannot use magic." I was confused and then it hit me, the realization. "Then you are not human… or part human."

"Yes, I'm not." She then removed her veil, "I'm a beastman… half human." She showed her cat ears. I was stunned a little. I didn't think I would see fantasy creatures this close in my life.

"So, beyond the Dark Forest in the north… is the non-human realm?" I was curious.