Carmen's training [P1]

His words echoed the sentiments of everyone present. The gravity of the task and Cassius's unyielding approach made it clear that he was going to push Carmen to his limits

Cassius gave a smile that never quite reached his eyes. "Would you like to join him, Maron?"

"Ah. er, no, many apologies my Lord" He quickly stated, his back suddenly drenched with cold sweat, he would rather clean latrines for a year than be caught dead attempting the feats he expected Carmen to succeed in, pay and honour be damned.

Carmen however was conflicted, looking between the three men with considerable confusion, What did I just sign myself up for?.

Horace, seeing the oblivious look on his face, simply recited what was asked of him on the parchment, to Carmens credit however he simply nodded.

His response to this insanity? "Oh." As his face split into an incredibly nervous but wide grin.

Maron and Horace however were stumped, Cassius had just asked him to commit some pretty severe crimes, and that was his response? Maron had enough and asked him simply; "Do you understand the consequences you could face if you're caught? You're no expert thief Carmen, how are you going to be able to accomplish this?"

Carmen simply looked to Cassius who nodded, the silent understanding passing between the two young men. "I think Lo- I think Cassius has a plan." He said, placing his naïve faith in Cassius's other worldly abilities.

To which Cassius explained. "Indeed, for now you two are dismissed, I need to explain some things to Carmen in private. In the meantime, gather up the rest of the squad and exchange some pointers by sparring, or exchanging some battle experience."

Horace could get behind that atleast, he wanted to refine his skills and the best way to do that was through practice and experience.

Maron himself wasn't as keen as the younger go-getter, but he had figured out that Cassius had high expectations for them all. Besides, who asked him to get caught drinking while on duty?

"Also, I would like you to procure me some dark grey clothing in Carmens size, and a thin canvas net if you can find one, something a fisherman might use."

Once again, the two exchanged a curious look but Horace simply shrugged, he figured he'd eventually hear about it later from Carmen, besides, he was starting to understand that Cassius's plans and considerations were far outside his realm of understanding

Maron however simply placed a sympathetic hand on Carmens shoulder and gave a silent prayer to whatever god was listening. Bless this boys fortunes to change and may he find peace after death.

The two men eventually left the room, leaving an eager looking Carmen staring directly into Cassius's youthful eyes.

"Firstly, I choose you because I believe you have the makings of an excellent Scout."

"A Scout?" Carmen asked, a little confused and let down. His dream was to eventually become a knight just like Horace, but what was a scout?

"Well, let's start with some answers then." Cassius began, "A Scout is the eyes and ears of any Army or Patrol, they are masters of reconnaissance, stealth and observation, and if it came down to it, assassination and sabotage.

A Scout's decision making and information gathering skills can determine the lives of entire armies. Every mighty tale of battle you've heard of had a scout present to determine where battles should be held, every glorious victory, every ambush, it all was in part to a scout advising their commander's of advantageous land, or enemy positions."

This all having been said, Cassius didn't know that scouts weren't nearly as relied upon during this era, and were much more basic than what he had planned. Scouts normally just rode ahead of the main unit almost like a vanguard, or hunters would be hired to find enemy positions. There was no specific "Scout" Profession as he had assumed incorrectly, it was simply a job or a duty people were hired, or ordered to perform.

Either way, Cassius's goal was to turn Carmen into the leader of his Scout unit, he had no idea if the boy would succeed or fail, but it wouldn't cost him anything to attempt it other than a small amount of coin and time.

"Now, what did you like to do back in your village? Were there any games you enjoyed playing, hobbies you liked?" Cassius suddenly asked.

Carmen blinked, and thought. "Well… outside of farming and harvesting… I really liked to play man-hunt and tag with my friends, I was really, really good at them." His answer was simple and lacked the eloquence of an educated individual.

Carmen was completely understating how good he actually was at these childhood games, having gained a reputation as the ultimate hunter, or the ultimate hider in every game he joined. Even in simple games of tag he excelled at as his smaller frame and high endurance made him slippery to successfully pin down, becoming an almost entirely separate person as these games ignited his long dormant competitive spirit.

The only reason he had struggled when he was originally pressed into joining the guard and had been looked down on was due to his poor upbringing, and how lacklustre his swordsmanship skills were. If only his instructors knew what sort of gem they had overlooked.

Upon hearing all this information though, Cassius grinned widened. He himself had enjoyed those games growing up as well, mix in a little paintball or laser-tag and you had yourself a good time he thought. If Cassius could help Carmen could translate even half of those skills to a battlefield, then he'd be liquid nightmare fuel for any one unprepared for the bastard-like tactics he was going to implement.

"If you can complete the training I have planned for you successfully, you will have gained a skillset which will make you more valuable than any Knight in my service, essentially becoming my eyes, and ears in conflicts, or a blade in the dark."

Carmen was officially convinced, this was a position that was tailor made for him.

He had to ask though, curiosity burning through his desire.

"Why me?"

Cassius met Carmen's gaze with a slight smile, reading the curiosity in the young man's face.

"Why you?" Cassius repeated, leaning back in his chair. "Because you already have the instincts. You might not realise it, but everything you've done—your quick reflexes, the way you move, your natural ability to stay hidden—it's all the foundation for a great scout."

Carmen's confusion slowly gave way to understanding, though he was still unsure of how games of man-hunt could translate into something as serious as military strategy.

Cassius continued, his tone shifting to something more thoughtful. "Being a knight like Horace is a noble goal, but being a scout—my scout—means you're indispensable in a different way. Battles are won before swords ever clash, and that's where you come in. You could be the one who turns the tide before anyone knows a battle is coming."

Carmen's expression changed as Cassius's words sunk in. He hadn't considered how critical someone in such a position could be, how much responsibility would rest on his shoulders.

"You've got a sharp mind, Carmen. I've seen it in how you carry yourself, in how you observe your surroundings. You have an edge, something that others overlook. And if you hone that skill, you won't just be another soldier—you'll be the one who decides whether a battle is won or lost. You'll be my unseen weapon."

Carmen felt a surge of pride and excitement he hadn't expected. The idea of being more than just a knight, of possessing a unique role that could shape the course of battles, thrilled him.

"But," Cassius leaned forward, his eyes locking with Carmen's, "This path isn't easy. It'll test your patience, your endurance, and your will. Stealth isn't just about being invisible—it's about discipline, knowing when to act and when to wait. It's about becoming a shadow in the night, a whisper in the wind. Can you handle that?"