The Annex

Chapter 31

I rode hard and fast toward Evert. I had realized that I had to do the right thing. The Commander had been right. One soldier was one more soldier fighting for Evert. I would never forgive myself if I left Evert to fend for itself, or the Commander to fend for Evert. When I saw Evert, night had already fallen but the lights in the village guided me on. At this late in the evening, the village should have been tuckering down but as I drew near, I could tell that everyone was still busy. When I finally made it to the village square, I found the Commander, having a serious discussion with several men. The moment our eyes met, he stopped in his tracks and fixed his gaze on me.

"You're going to have to excuse me," he said as he came towards me. I dismounted Val and strode towards him.

"Catarina, what are you doing here?"

"Commander," I gave him a curt nod. "I am reporting for duty." I gave him a dramatic salute to which he raised an eyebrow.

"One soldier more is one solder more than they currently have," I said, spitting out the words he had said only hours before. "How can I help?"

"Thankfully, King Aegon made sure that all the villages have a stocked armory in the event of war. I need someone in charge of fitting everyone with weapons and armor. Can you do that," he asked.

"Yes," I turned to a young woman close by. "Can you take me to the armory?" He nodded and I looked back at the Commander as he grabbed my arm.

"I'm almost glad you're here," he murmured. "Be safe." I nodded as I followed the woman to Evert's armory.

"I'll teach you how to size the right swords and I'll string the bows." I led her to the armory. When the door was unlocked, I was grateful for the Commander's meticulousness. He must have been stringent with the standards for the armory because everything was placed as it had been in the palace. Even the bow stringers hung in the same place. I walked over to the varying swords.

"Some men have a preference as to which sword they want. If they ask for a sword, give it to them. It's always best to use what you're familiar with. For the younger and the older, if they have less strength, you can size down on the weight. For able bodied men, I'd suggest just a normal longsword. The shields vary by weight and size as well, but that is straight forward. Larger men need larger shields, and smaller men can get away with smaller shields. There are a few lightweight shields that should be reserved for less able bodied." Even as I said it, I cringed. The thought of sending non able bodied men into war felt wrong. "Bows and quivers should go to archers that have had some experience. So when the men line up to retrieve weapons, separate out some archers first and send them to me. They'll be fitted with swords after they've been fitted with a bow and quiver. Do you have someone who can help you with handing out armor."

"Yes, I'll go get my sister," she nodded dutifully. I looked out at the men who had begun to gather in a line outside. As the girl went to fetch her sister, I stood in the doorway.

"How many of you have had experience with a bow," I shouted over the crowd. About two dozen men raised their hands.

"Okay, come to this side of the armory and I'll fit you with bow and arrows." I gestured the men over to my side of the armory.

"Hello," a fresh faced boy just a bit younger than me greeted me. He reminded me of Tomas and I felt a sharp pang. Would I survive to see Tomas again? I shoved the thought to the back of my mind as I smiled. I looked over his height and selected a bow for him and strung it quickly before handing him the bow and a quiver.

"Goddess be with you," I murmured as I turned to the man behind him.

"Good evening," he smiled gently. This man was older and the crinkle in his eyes tugged at my heart. At his age, he shouldn't be fighting in a war. I pasted a smile on my face as I strung a bow for him and gave him a quiver.