A new dawn lingers over the capital city of Lunestra Kingdom, Glacrest.  At the center, a large castle overlooks the entire city. Its majestic silver marble glistens under the sun’s shine. Scattered around it, multiple stone buildings, and merchant stalls line stone streets. A few earlier customers line up at the storefronts ready to make their purchases. Towards the outer west side of the city, a large dark gray building stands like a shadow, giving off an intimidating presence. At the top of the Lunestra Army Headquarters, a blue and purple flag with a feather dragon silhouette shifts in the wind. The outer perimeter, a six-foot-high fence separates the building and entryway from the rest of the land.

Coming up the dirt path from the woods, two horse drawn carriages clop up to the front double steel gates.  Captain Julius steps out from the first carriage in his blue and white captain’s uniform with two assistant soldiers by his side. From the second carriage, some high uniform officers get out, straightening up their clothes to look presentable. A small group lines up in two rows outside the entrance, their swords at-attention. Both heavy gates creak open, clicking in place to welcome the guests. Julius strolls past the soldiers displaying proud confidence, his arms tucked behind his back. Feet away behind him the other officers follow in silence. To his left, he views the training field with new recruits participating in their morning warmups.

Heavy steel doors screech open by a man in a dressed in a white uniform and gloves on. He bows slightly and adjusts his glasses on the rim of his nose. “Welcome, Mr. Lyberg. The commander is expecting you in his office to give your report.”

Julius shifts his feet uncomfortably and clears his throat. “Of course.”

“Follow me.” The butler leads him inside to the main floor.

Inside, visitors and other workers go about their business. Across the room, the same feather dragon silhouette sits in the center of the marble flooring, banners and flags. On the walls in between the windows hangs wavy light blue tapestries. Several of the hallways remain closed, guarded by soldiers in lightweight armor, their swords at their sides. A reception desk sits nestled between two half circle steps leading up to the second floor. The woman behind the desk looks up from her work and nods to the man.

Julius follows the man up the stairs and into a long-carpeted hallway. Faded wall lamps light the dim hallway. At the end, two large wooden doors decorated with gold trimming around the edges welcome them. The man knocks three times, he clears his throat. “Commander, Mr. Lyberg has come to give his report.”

“You may let him in.” A medium deep voice arises from behind the doors.

Both doors open and Julius proceeds inside. The commander’s office houses many luxurious items like a soft sofa, a large map of Lunestra Kingdom, an expensive carpet, large windows, and sturdy crafted work desk. Behind the desk, a man in his late forties’ stares down at a large pile of papers. He wears a light blue and white uniform with a few metals hanging from his left chest pocket. Short chestnut hair covers his ears, and his bangs hang just above the top of his eyes. A commander’s hat sits just on the corner of the table.

Julius crosses his right arm in front of his chest and bows. “Commander Luke Vaynes, I’m here to report that the mission was a success.”

“And?” Luke looks up at Julius.

“We couldn’t find any survivors. The conclusion is they perished at sea.” He answers back.

“Their captain?” He asks.

“We haven’t identified him yet. He may be lost at seas too.” Julius responds.

“What have you been taught, Julius?” Luke stands up from his desk and glances out the window. His arms fold behind his back.

“Sir?”

“Never disobey orders. I’m pretty sure I ordered the destruction of the ship but the capture of the captain. Did I not?” He lectures.

Julius doesn’t respond.

“Did I NOT?” He presses Julius to speak.

“Yes, you did.” He lowers his head.

“You have been with us for quite a few years, climbing up the ranks and making achievements those twice your age could only dream of.” Even though praise comes from Luke, the words piece Julius like sharp daggers. “However, not listening to commands, that’s how mistakes are made. We don’t want a repeat of what happened twenty-five years ago.”

Anger bubbles up in Julius’ chest. He tightens his hands into fists. “I personally destroyed that ship. If he did manage to survive, I’ll hunt him down. No pirate deserves to live their lives peacefully after what they did!”

“Calm yourself. You have already done so much to help us with your strategic mind. Ah!” Luke interrupts himself, turning to face Julius. “Incidentally from the initial report it says you did something else against orders.” He lifts a paper to his eyes. “Discharge of a prototype weapon that wasn’t even ready for a test yet.”

Julius casts his gaze away from his commander unwilling to meet his eyes.

Luke flips to another page. “Not only is the prototype weapon damaged but also the ship too. You know that will come out of your pay, right?” He sits back down at his seat. “But a pay deduction hardly seems like a fitting punishment for everything.” While the words seem light, a shiver snakes down Julius spine.

A smile crosses Luke’s face, but Julius feels an intimidating pressure hiding behind it. “I think I have a better fitting punishment for you.”

He pulls out some documents and slides them open across his desk. Julius looks down to see a several pictures taken of a port city. Individuals in clocks, with their faces hidden behind a mask snake their way through a crowd. Another highlights a cloak figure at a food stall in the middle of an exchange with the merchant. The third photo shows two individuals entering a mansion two-stories high.

“We have received reports that pirates have infiltrated the Milonite city. Of course, those reports are unconfirmed, but we must act as if they were accurate. We also couldn’t get in contact with the mayor in the last week or so.” Luke explains.

“What is the goal?” Julius asks.

“No idea, that’s why I would like to send a group there to report back the accuracy of these reports and photos. We must stop any pirate activity and arrest those responsible on the spot.” Luke answers.

“Aright working with no breaks? I can handle this type of punishment. I’ve done it before. Just give me a ship and crew to use.” He proceeds to exit from the room, but Luke speaks up.

“Ah no no. Let’s not jump to conclusions. Your ship is indisposed right now. So why your living wages pay for the damaged that you caused, you will be handling this with another high position officer.” 

Julius stops in his tracks. “Um…who?”

The double doors burst open and a semi tall man with large muscles and a slightly round stomach comes right in. His mustache and beard give him a grizzly bear type look. “I’m here for my orders commander.” He speaks in a gruffy voice, ignoring Julius.

Julius’s face goes pale, and he turns back to Luke.

“Your next mission will be with the leader of the third division, Gunther Warrin.” Luke announces to him, a terrifying smile painted on his face. “I told you it would be a fitting punishment for you.”

“Hm.” Gunther looks at Julius. “The briefing begins in five minutes. Don’t be late.” He bows to Luke and exits the room.

A cold sweat runs down the back of Julius’s neck. This is a nightmare…it must be a nightmare. The same words repeat in his head, when his gaze aligns with Luke’s. The smile on Luke’s face grows wider and scarier.  Nope. It’s reality. Complete reality. Hah…I’m screwed. Despair grows on Julius’s face, but he bows to Luke and leaves the room. Satisfaction fills Luke’s heart, watching Julius unsettled with despair. He leans back in his seat.

“That should teach him.”

Another knock at the door interrupts his moment of quiet. A man in a dark blue cloak, opens the door and steps inside. On his finger, a silver ring with a purplish gem stuck in the mouth of a serpent.

Inside the meeting room, a group of soldiers gather waiting for their next orders. Julius stands at the head of the table next to Gunther. He barely hides his discomfort of being directly next to him. When the last soldier enters, they all stand up.

“Listen our next ass-“ Julius begins.

“We will be going to Milonite City.” Gunther interjects himself. “There has been pirate activity, and our job is to stop it.” He slides the folder with the photos across the table. “We will be leaving in twelve hours. Get sleep and be prepared to move out.”

After saying his piece, he leaves from the front, heading to the door. Julius tries to stop him. “That’s it? Nothing else? No strategy, or plan? Nothing?” He bombards Gunther with questions.

“I don’t know how you ran things on your ship, but your with my division now. What I say goes. They are just some lowly pirates, not even worth the time of my division if you ask me.” His cockiness irritates Julius.

“Doesn’t matter we still need-“ Gunther draws his sword, pointing it at Julius.

“Look you may be what others call a genius, but to me you’re a liability. An inexperienced soldier who relies too much on the noggin to get anything product done.” The insults just keep piling up, silencing Julius. “Now we will be leaving in twelve hours.” Without another word he exits the room. The soldiers still sitting, remain silent.

“You heard him, be prepared to set sail.” He exits trying to hide his flustered face. I’m living in hell. It must be. Strolling down the hall, he takes out a pocket watch. It opens with a clock on one side, and a family picture on the other. The family smiles for the photo, a father and a mother are sitting with a young boy, and a baby in their arms.

“I won’t let a tragedy happen like that again.” His thoughts harden his resolve, wiping away any prior embarrassment. Julius puts the pocket watch away then calls out to one of the soldiers strolling down the hallway.