1226 AGC

Lenric rose with the sun as he always did. He opened the flap to his tent and looked over the desolate plains as the sun bathed them in light. Even after more than a thousand years precious little grew in the wasteland. The bombs of the Great Conflict had left their stain on the world and Lenric doubted it would ever change. He turned and began to see the men of his unit stirring. Five hundred of the finest fighting men and woman the city of Vaipreth had to offer. Beyond them the rest of the ten thousand strong army still slept soundly.

Its not the biggest army I've served in, but then again we wont need even this many, Lenric thought. With the sun at his back he stared across the plains at the opposing army. Even from this distance he could tell the opposing force had less than half their number. According to the scouts, only three thousand men from the city of Volance had come to contest the mineral rich area. Lenric knew very little about how the remote mining operations worked, but he did know they were vital to Vaipreth's massive industry. This area held some of the richest precious metal deposits seen in years. Being almost exactly half way between the two mega cities, both had sent armies to try claim it. Although he wondered why the enemy had committed so few to the task.

Just as he finished pondering the coming battle, Lenric heard a soft whirring coming from the Mess tent. That meant the men had turned on the food reconstitution machines and were helping themselves to their rations. He slowly made his way along one of the neat rows of tents, greeting people along the way. When he reached the tent, the Mess sergeant handed him a cup of reconstituted coffee which he accepted gratefully. He watched as nutrient cubes were fed into one end of the machines and steaming plates of mouth watering bacon and eggs came out the other. The men eagerly grabbed the plates and found a spot to sit and eat. Lenric made his way around the tables, sipping his coffee and checking that everyone was satisfied with their rations. The men were all cheerful and happy to see their Captain taking his usual interest in their well being. To him they all seemed eager for the coming battle.

After doing the rounds he stepped out of the Mess tent and looked to the Commander's pavilion. To his great surprise he saw the various Captains milling around the entrance. He swore under his breath and broke into a jog back to his tent. Once in his tent Lenric threw on his Officers coat and buttoned it up. The coat had the Tavhek family crest emblazoned on the back and the Vaiperth city emblem on the left chest. His family was well know and had a long military service history, with many of his ancestors holding lofty positions. Lenric himself was possibly the greatest Blademaster in the entire Vaiperth army, a significant achievement in a force of 82 million men. This was proudly displayed by the highest Blademaster rank of five platinum slashes and a star on his right chest pocket.

Looking every inch the Captain, Lenric strode up to the other seventeen men waiting outside the Commander's pavilion. As he reached them, he remarked "Up early today aren't we!" to which others grumbled. A moment later the Commander emerged from his tent. Igniv Solimar had white hair, piercing blue eyes and was well built for the seventy years he had under his belt. With more than half that time in a position of command, he was well know and respected as a general and leader of men. One of his aides stepped up and handed the Commander a clear glass tablet which lit up with information at his touch. "According to the scout reports, the eggheads of Volance have sent a tiny force to oppose us," the Commander said with a laugh. "They may be the most technologically advanced city, but their military is clearly lacking," one of the captains replied.

Looking very nervous one of the younger Captains blurted out "Some of the men are talking about a rumor that the Volancians have a new weapon called a 'Nanomancer'." He went on anxiously "According to what is being said they hired this mercenary for an exorbitant fee and that he is worth ten thousand men." After a long silence the captains burst out laughing. Even the Commander had a small smirk on his face, "Im sure we would know if the enemy had a weapon of such proportions. Its likely just the Volancians trying to demoralize the men," he replied. The young Captain looked sufficiently chided for putting any faith in camp rumors. "Now that we have the bed time tales out of the way, on to the battle plan. A simple Echelon formation will do the trick, as usual Captain Lenric's unit will be front and center. They will drive a wedge between the enemy force, once the enemy are divided they will quickly turn tail and retreat. Now go to your men and prepare for glory!" the Commander boomed. To which Lenric and the captains responded "For Vaiperth!"