Ten Thousand Year War - Chap 1

It is the year 9987, month of June

When Michael slipped past Gabriel's guard Steven, the Arms Master, screamed "Parry, you mother lovin' son of a pig!"

Immediately after, Michael smacked Gabriel in the side of the head with the wooden practice sword. Gabriel swooned, almost losing consciousness, but Michael steadied him before he could fall.

Steven, shaking his head in disappointment, didn't notice the large man who quietly walked up behind him.

"How goes the adjustment training, my old friend?"

Steven sighed. "Well enough my Lord, but they need time to adjust to the new manipulations." He paused for a moment, thinking. "Because of their speed they've lost fine motor control. Their bodies haven't had time to adjust to the fine tuning of the muscles due to the enhancements, which tends to make them overbalance" Steven turned to look at Magnus. "As well, Gabriel has skipped the past three practices. The only way I got him to this one was to tell Michael to remind him that without training he could hurt himself and others and that he wouldn't be able to play any musical instrument without his finer motor control training."

Steven looked out over the training ground at Magnus's three boys; Michael, Arthur and Gabriel. Michael and Arthur were wrestling, but Gabriel was standing apart, laughing at his two brothers.

"He just doesn't have any interest in anything physical, whether it's fighting or sports. He just wants to play his damn instruments all day!" Steven turned back to Magnus, coming as close to pleading as the old warrior could. "My Lord, if you want him to come to practices, you must talk to him. He only listens to you."

Magnus Paen'Dragaan, Lord of the Five Isle's and Master of the Paen'Dragaan Estates, sighed. Gabriel, as the youngest child, was often spoiled by the members of the Estate, himself included. He turned to Steven. "After we get back, the boys will be at every practice," He looked over at Gabriel "All three of them.

"My Lord?" Steven asked quizzically.

"Chancellor Lyon has called me to Akaari. I leave tonight. I need you to leave instructions with a few people. Chamberlain Thomas can take care of the Estates. Counselor Edmund can overlook the Isles while we are away. I will be taking the family with me. David wants them to come." Magnus got a faraway, confused look on his face, as if listening to instructions he didn't understand. "I ... want you to step up training of the current soldiers and recruit as many new ones as you can." Magnus glanced over at Steven, looking grim and puzzled. "I have a feeling we will need all we can get in the future.

Magnus turned to leave, but stopped and spoke over his shoulder. "Send the three boys up to my study after their shower. I will talk to you after we get back about possible promotions among the soldiers. Before I leave I will give you a letter stating that you have ultimate authority in case of attack until I get back. Thank you." And with that, Magnus walked to his horse to ride back to the Estate, thinking dark and troubled thoughts.

After his Lord walked away Steven shrugged. He only had to follow the Lords orders, not understand them. He looked over at the boys. "Line up!" he barked at them.