Pillars of Age

Aurelian Army

HARLAN

The grandeur banners of Aurelia, predominantly blue, fluttered around the main square of the military palace complex. Hundreds of high-ranking officers from all branches of the kingdom's army and dozens of high-ranking officials stood upright, their eyes fixed on the imposing stone stage at the north end of the square.

The Royal Palace loomed majestically in the distance, with Mount White Peak standing as a silent sentinel. The crowd's attention was riveted on the stone stage where two figures, Commander Prince Taiber and Grand Chancellor Likano, stood ready to address the assembly. Taiber's commanding voice echoed through the square, filled with authority and resolve.

"The kingdom has decided to dispatch a military expedition to Elven realm, currently under siege by a massive invasion of Orcs and Tengu in their Elder Forest territory. Green Leaf government has sent an urgent plea for assistance, delivered by Forest-Commander Faenthir, the highest leader of their Forest Army."

Taiber paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. His voice carried the weight of history and the promise of unwavering support.

"After assessing the magnitude of this invasion and confirming the reduced threat from Orcs and Tengu on other borders, the King has decreed that we will launch the largest military expedition in our kingdom's history—twice the size of the campaign against Parsha decades ago."

Taiber stepped back, and Likano took the stage, his presence equally commanding. A herald echoed Likano's words for all to hear.

"This grand undertaking demands the full cooperation and dedication of every official and soldier. You must act with the diligence and urgency as if Aurelia itself were under attack."

Likano's words were met with solemn nods, the weight of responsibility palpable. Taiber returned to announce the names of the officers and units that would join the expedition.

Harlan observed the ceremony from a distance, leaning casually against the balcony railing of a nearby building. His expression was one of detached boredom, though his eyes betrayed a keen awareness, because his mind already occupied with plans of action.

Recognizing familiar footsteps, Harlan turned to see Sara approaching, stumbled by another soldier.

"Lieutenant of the Cavalry, Dihan. Long time no see," Sara greeted with genuine warmth, her tone breaking through the formal atmosphere.

"Lieutenant..." Dihan hesitated, then corrected herself, "Captain of the Royal Investigator, Sara. It's good to see you again," she replied, a hint of awkwardness in her voice.

Harlan turned fully, observing the two women. Sara's uniform, a blend of brown and blue special cotton, looked both practical and expensive. The leather armour she wore complemented her attire, and the emblem of Aurelia, with two crossed swords above it, marked her rank as Captain. Her fair skin and well-maintained blonde hair spoke of the discipline and care required by the army.

Harlan noted the practical beauty of Sara's appearance, recognizing how it could sway both allies and adversaries to their advantage.

"So, this is what Taiber meant by resolving his issues with Dihan superiors on the border," Harlan muttered, his eyes shifting to the soldier beside Sara.

Dihan's uniform, with its distinctive white and purple, indicated her affiliation with the elite cavalry directly under Prince Taiber. The emblem of Aurelia on her chest bore a horse head, denoting her rank as Lieutenant. Her sun-kissed, freckled face looked smoother, and her bright red hair, combined with the uniform, gave her a striking appearance, though still not as striking as Sara's.