𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒

𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬

Professor Devera claimed the space at the front of the lecture hall, her bright purple badge representing the flame section stood proud on her shoulder. "Welcome to your first Battle Brief," She proclaimed, causing the chatter in the room to come to a standstill. This was the only class held in the circular, tiered lecture room that curved the entire end of the academic hall and one of two rooms in the citadel capable of fitting every cadet. There were multiple rows available to the cadets but even they were all filled to the brim leaving multiple third years standing around the curved space.

"Whilst students are rarely called out before graduation it is always possibility, starting with the most senior of the third years and then trickling down to the younger students if a true crisis has arisen. For this reason, Battle Brief is a daily class that is given in order to give you the opportunity to dissect and analyse previous events, alongside understanding the politics involved and the strategies of our enemies."  Her medals shone as the sun beamed down onto them.

"This is also the only lesson where you will also be taught by a Scribe." She motioned for the man in cream-coloured robes behind her to come forward. " This is Professor Markham, and you are to treat him with the same respect as you would with any of the other teachers within the Riders Quadrant. His thick brows raised for a moment as he eyed the first years in front of him.

His eyes lingered on Isolde for longer than she would have liked, but he quickly moved on as she pulled her eyes away from his glare. "It is the duty of the scribes not only to study and master the past but to relay and record the present," he says, rubbing the bridge of his bulbous nose. "Without accurate depictions of our front lines, reliable information with which to make strategic decisions, and—most importantly—veracious details to document our history for the good of future generations, we're doomed, not only as a kingdom but as a society." An uncomfortable tension enveloped the room.

With a single clap of her hands, Professor Devera diverted the attention back onto herself. "So, the topic of discussion for today will be over a recent attack that occurred at the borders of Navarre by the village Shepley in the southeast region. Twenty-four civilians were killed and twenty-one injured by the time a squad from our eastern wing arrived to help. Naturally, pieces of information are redacted but what questions would you ask if this was a real-life scenario in which you were partaking? Let's start with the first years."

Multiple hands throughout the lecture hall shot up into the air. "Is this the first time Shepley has been targeted?" A girl with bright pink hair answered from the other side of the room. Isolde believed her name to be Imogen, she also carried the relic which immediately made her more memorable. "No, it isn't." Devera replied.

"Is it related to the attacks that have also occurred in Chakir?" A boy with blonde hair stuttered. "We are unable to distinguish a clear link at the moment." Another hand went up but this time it was of a second year. "What was the condition of the squad from the eastern wing afterwards?" Devera's lip curled up in approval of the question she was being answered. "No dead riders but three were injured alongside some members of infantry as well."