The Legarthan Saga

Chapter 2

Axton stared at his slowly moving surroundings as the sun began to rise over the horizon, signaling the start of a new day. As he looked at the ever-increasing number of trees and snow on the ground, he glanced at the driver. "How much longer until we're there?"

"Not too much longer. Maybe another ten minutes? This snow certainly slowed us down though."

Axton chuckled. "I'm not surprised. Most of the country warmed up months ago, except for here." Axton rubbed his arms with his hands, stifling a shiver. "I'm not exactly the greatest when it comes to dealing with the cold."

"I take it you grew up in a warmer area of the country?"

"Yes and no. When I was a kid, my family lived in the capital, which isn't exactly cold. However, when I was a teenager, I moved out and survived on my own. Got a tiny one room shack about four hours north of the capital. That's actually where I saw snow for the first time."

"Why'd you move out when you were a teenager?"

"Let's just say my family and I didn't exactly see eye to eye. They had other plans for my life, and I want to prove to them that I can do what I set out to do."

The driver nodded. "I can understand that. You managed to graduate from the academy though. Not many people can claim that."

Axton sighed. "Yeah...that's true...but..." Axton trailed off as a dark look took over his expression. Realizing what he had done, Axton quickly snapped out of his trance and steadied his emotions. "Let's just say that I still have a long way to go before I've proven to them that they were wrong. I can't stop until I do."

"I see. I guess we all have our definitions of success."

The rest of the drive was silent, a sudden tension suddenly forming. Much to Axton's relief, he could see the stone tops of the fort. Within a couple minutes, the carriage was stopping at the front gate. Axton grabbed the few bags he brought along and hopped out of the carriage. "Thank you for bringing me here. I'm sure I wasn't the best passenger."

The driver laughed. "Oh, trust me, you're FAR from the worst. You're probably one of my favorites. I hope you're able to prove to your family that you're successful in the path that you chose."

Axton smiled and nodded. "Have a safe trip back."

The driver tipped his short hat to Axton before turning the horse and carriage around, soon out of view as he traveled into the forest. Axton looked at the gate and towards a guard who was standing at attention. Axton walked up to him and saluted the guard. "Axton Riley, reporting for duty."

The guard gave Axton a small glance before nodding. "Welcome. Please make your way to the command center. You'll be briefed there. The command center is just down the first flight of stairs to your right once you enter. Just go straight down and it'll be the farthest door at the end of the hall. Can't miss it."

Axton nodded. "Thank you."

The guard didn't respond and opened the gate, allowing Axton to enter. Looking to his right, he could immediately see a flight of stairs going into the earth. Guess that's where I'm supposed to go.

Axton slowly descended the stairs and looked around. To his surprise, instead of a sprawling labyrinth, it was just a single large hallway with a few doors. At the end of the hallway was a large door. "That must be it..." Walking up to the door, Axton cleared his throat and knocked. "Excuse me, Axton Riley reporting for duty."

A gruff voice could be heard from the other side. "Come in."

Axton opened the door and was greeted with a well-lit, circular room filled with desks, maps, and documents. There were a few people inside, writing on paper or talking with one another in a hushed tone. Axton took a step into the room and closed the door behind him. He looked at a tall, middle-aged man who was staring right at him. "Axton Riley, welcome to your new home away from home."

Axton stood at attention and saluted the man, who dismissively waved at him.

"Don't give me any of that formal military shit. I'm too old for that."

Axton relaxed his posture and nodded. The man continued to stare at Axton, looking him over. "Mr. Axton Riley, youngest son of Oliver and Kendra Riley. Descendent of one of the two heroes in our war for independence centuries ago." The man started to pace around Axon, like a lion eyeing his prey. "Despite your family's successes centuries ago, you all have nothing to show for it currently, always overshadowed by the Holts who have continued to show the country what it's like to be true military geniuses, both in the past and present."

Axton's body stiffened as he continued to stare directly ahead, keeping in control of his emotions. "Looks like your family connections though are still of good use though. After all, they're the reason why you're even here to begin with."

Axton gave the man a confused look. "They...are, sir?"

The man nodded. "Yes, they are. Your father called in a few favors with the big guys up top, specifically requesting that not only you be assigned here, but you be put in charge of the garrison. Told them that it would be the 'bare minimum someone with the family should be able to accept.' Or something like that."

Axton clenched his fists, nearly letting his anger overtake him. That damn bastard...always trying to interfere!

"Wait...put in charge of the garrison? Isn't that your..."

The man chuckled. "Finally caught on, huh? Yeah, you're here to replace me. I've been reassigned to the fifth battalion at the border of Acray. In all honesty, this is a promotion, but I'm not enthused at the thought that my replacement is someone who just graduated from the academy, with nothing but his family name backing him up."

Axton took a deep breath to compose himself. "I can't say I would be pleased as well. When are you set to leave, Sir?"

"Most likely later today. I just have to wait until your assistant arrives, show you two around the place and explain what needs to be done. Then I'll be on my way."

"My...assistant?"

The man nodded. "Yeah, another graduate from your class. Actually, she was supposed to be my assistant before your orders threw a wrench into everything."

Axton shuffled uneasily as he stood. "I...see. Do you know who she—"

Another knock at the door interrupted him. "Excuse me, Jaylee Hayes reporting."

Axton's eyes widened. Oh you have got to be kidding me!

Axton watched as the man opened the door for the woman, who stepped inside. Her shoulder length black hair and blue eyes were the first thing Axton saw as she entered the room. Almost immediately, their eyes locked on each other.

"This has to be a joke." They both said in unison, both giving the other a disgusted glare.