Chapter 6: A New Start for the Troops

Morning sunlight broke warmly over the training fields as Eugene stood before his brand new soldiers, a combination of battle-hardened veterans and raw recruits. One day after meeting with the knights, he had organized the almost 600 men into two battalions of infantry, imperfectly formed as they were, each full of potential.

Glancing at the men in front of him, Eugene remembered the guards in the lord's manor. His obsessive mind took over, and he decided to form an elite unit—the Inner Guard. Based on military formations he had read about in the past, he established a chain of command of platoons and squads, and since there were only 60 guards, they were divided into two platoons.

The knights themselves and their personal attendants were a more difficult problem. Eugene had seen the clear separation of noble and commoner in this world, and he was concerned that too rigorous an organization would cause resentment on the part of his army. He consulted with Bryce, one of his veteran knights.

"Bryce, I'm concerned about how to assimilate the knights into this new system without causing tension," Eugene admitted, furrowing his brow.

Bryce, his cheeks reddening, chuckled. "You're fretting too much, my lord. Let me explain our plight. When the Lionheart family lost favor, it left a number of knights without decent titles or favor. We're what are occasionally called 'wild knights.' While we have abilities, we don't enjoy the same standing as one with a true title."

"Is Baron Ford different, then?" Eugene asked, intrigued.

"Of course," Bryce assented. "He inherited his title from a great-uncle. He's a legal nobleman, so he has the title but no fief."

"Then you are the one who must bring them into this new enterprise. You have their respect."

Bryce's modesty was on display when he replied, "I'll do my best. Just don't expect me to charm them over a wine barrel."

The integration of the knights into the new setup was also effortless, as Bryce had predicted. Most of them were commissioned as officers of various ranks. Since Bryce and another knight, Claude, were commanding the 1st and 2nd Infantry Battalions respectively, Eugene felt a glimmer of optimism.

Then came monitor selection for each unit, but Eugene soon discovered that the literacy rate among the soldiers was low. Having held a poll of hundreds, he discovered that few were able to sign their own names. With not much choice left, physical fitness became the main selection criterion.

To denote their temporary status, Eugene decreed that he would insert the word "acting" into the ranks of the new junior officers. All of the troops would begin as privates, and those who were chosen to temporarily serve as corporals would be acting squad leaders.

"Given the volatility of the situation, we must begin training at once," Eugene urged, his zeal catching on. Disregarding his men's complaining protests, he took them to a clearing in the woods just outside of town and declared that they would be camping there for the period of their training.

Once the camp had been set up, Eugene sat down with Major Claude to discuss a training regimen. He showed Claude a carefully crafted parchment with his ambitious training schedule.

"Claude, come see this!" Eugene shouted. "Did you ever see a better training plan?".

Claude read through the paper, his face taking on a look of astonishment. "My lord, training here is ruthless! It's almost impossible."

"Impossible? I've streamlined it significantly," Eugene argued.

"But the intensity is as much as training knights. You have to recall, proper nutrition is everything! I might have eaten meat at least a week while I was training. These men are used to so much less. They will not be able to keep this pace of exercise if they are not well-nourished."

Eugene's face fell when he absorbed this fact. "You are right. I will write to Philip immediately to bring in food provisions, especially meat. We can also hold daily hunts to supplement."

Claude smiled, "But Philip may not like it, my lord."

In addition to this, Eugene understood the value of teaching discipline. "We have to spend time on drill—standing attention, marching, and staying in formation. They are not drills; they are key to producing a cohesive whole."

Claude swiped the perspiration on his brow, "The kingdom's ordinary army never maintains such levels of quality, but I do understand what you mean." "No more goofing off. We'll begin with posture exercises tonight before supper. It will pave the way for training to come!" Eugene said, as a devious grin crept onto his face. As the soldiers began their drills, Eugene felt a thrill of excitement and determination course through his veins. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation, a chill laugh escaping his lips that sent a shiver down Claude's spine. The path ahead of them would be difficult, but with each step, they were forging a new destiny for themselves and their lord.