Beautiful Scar

Chapter 13

"Listen up men!" Scarlet announced during the second day of training. "In two weeks' time, we will disembark on an expedition to the Rise Continent. Please see to it that all preparations for the journey are made accordingly". Her experienced men responded unanimously. "Newcomers and suitors", she even turned to those five men. "You are to participate in this expedition. This is not an option".

Lucas gulped hearing that. The other five suitors had their brows furrowed.

"In the meantime, I will train you lot to be deemed fit to join the expedition", Scarlet added.

"And if we're deemed unfit, what would happen to us? We would still have to go, don't we? Or...?" Zuber bravely asked.

"What do you think, hm?" Scarlet only shot him back with a query. But her eyes seemed to communicate the answer. A death-cold stare was enough. Zuber shut his mouth from speaking further.

When no one raised any query or opposition at her, she clapped her hands.

"Alright men, on your feet, meet me at the deserted field near the mountain's foot". Scarlet ordered.

All the other men had started to ready themselves. Almost like they were readying for a run or a sprint.

"Be there in two hours' time. The time begins...now".

And all the men started to file in an orderly manner, slowly jogging themselves to build momentum. All the men except for the new ones and the suitors.

They slowly followed suit the actions of the unit, but they were still dumbfounded at what to do really.

The sun was up and bright outside. And it was growing hotter reaching noon.

Newcomer warriors were faring quite well considering these were similar to their previous trainings before, except Scarlet's regime was more strenuous.

The suitors were also able to keep up.

Somewhat.

James and Jackel were rather lagging behind.

And for the first time, some of the Scarlet's men had started to strike a conversation with them. Well, more like in spite.

Because when James and Jackel looked over behind them, they were alarmed at the infuriated faces the warriors were making at them.

"Oy, can you be a bit faster?"

"We don't want to be late".

Jackel forced a gulp before replying, "Y-you can just move past us..."

"No can do. We are assigned to guard you lot from behind...at the same time to arrive on time"

"So, do us a favour and pick up the pace, will ya?"

Both of the suitors turned back and focused on increasing their speed despites their panting.

"Officers, status report?" the voice of Scarlet reached their ears from the back group.

One of the warriors responded, "All is good, Captain".

Scarlet was also jogging with them. She started a bit later than them, ensuring they all left the base. But she had steadily reached the back unit of the group.

She glanced at James and Jackel. "Are you sure? Do you want me to release the hounds to hasten the pace?"

Sweats trickled from James and Jackel's forehead, either from these exercises or an impending fear at the mention of hounds.

The officer managed a calm response to his Captain, "I don't see there is a need, Captain. We are managing well here", he panted through.

Scarlet remained silent. Then, she said, "Very well". And jogged ahead of them.