Post by David on Oct 8, 2012 15:59:38 GMT -5
David sighed as he sat in his tent. Blessed Andrsate… How did this happen… He thought to himself. Commander of an entire Legion…. Hope you’re proud mon père. His father was very proud of him in fact. He had said so in the letter he sent after the banquet in Val Chevin. His mother was so happy that her baby boy had finally risen past the commoner station she had caused, and his father was proud that the name “Bouvier” was finally on the lips of military commanders as a word of praise, not one of annoyance. He later wrote how yes, they had butted heads on a lot of things, but one thing he was always proud of was the fact that David at least always stood up for something, even when everyone was against it. David smiled, folded the letter, and placed it on his desk. A soldier entered the tent.
“Sir, the legion is formed as you asked. You wanted to address them sir?”
“Aye, I did lad. Merci.” He replied, nodding as the man saluted and exited the tent. David sighed and cracked his neck. Time to show the men their new commander.
The 6th legion was comprised of 6000 men, and was primarily an infantry force. It had 2000 longbowmen, 2500 men-at-arms, 1000 halberdmen, 300 light cavalry, 50 Captains’ guards (which would serve as David’s personal guard during the battle), and 150 staff officers and auxiliary services (cooks, medics, quartermasters, messengers, etc). It was a fine unit. Thankfully, his old unit from his days in the forests of the Dales was transferred under his command, so he trusted his personal guards whole-heartedly. He was glad to have them at his side. He wouldn’t go anywhere without them.
Walking out into the light, he noticed the men had constructed a small platform, which David climbed and took a look at the men he would command into battle. As he walked up the steps, the command of “all rise” was called out by the Sergeant Major, and all the men were standing at attention as David looked out on them for the first time. He was taken aback at first, but only those who really knew him could tell that. To anyone else, he simply appeared calm and silently observing his surroundings.
“At ease gentlemen.” David called out, as the men relaxed their posture. All eyes were on him now. This was where he’d make his first impression. Already, the story of him winning the tourney, and the stories of how he did anything he could for his troops, had spread amongst the men. Morale was high. It was best to not ruin that.
“First and foremost, I’m glad to be here. When I was told I was to be put in command of the 6th legion, I thanked the Maker for having cast his gaze upon me, for I could not believe my good fortune. To be a part of such a distinguished unit, the very same that has is the model of professionalism, the same legion that served with such distinction during the exalted marches against the qunari, and the legion that has held the north from all of Orlais’ foes, it is an honor and a privilege to be in the company of men such as yourself. I can think of no finer force I’d have at my back whilst we hack down those who threaten our beloved Orlais!”
A few cheers rang out as David paused for effect. He smiled a warm, confident smile. Ahh, soldiers. These men he understood. The common foot soldier was finer company than all the nobles of Orlais combined! Well… With one great exception. His smiled widened a bit at the thought of Cecille, then spoke up again.
“Many of you have heard the stories of tourney, and I promise you, the same valor I displayed in the ring I shall display with you all. I will not ask any man to do something I would not willingly do myself. Commanders who lead that way are not leaders, they are simply high-born twats who think that a shiny sword and armor makes them a warrior. That is why you soldiers are the best in this country. Every man here, before I arrived, I personally ensured each and every one of your officers was risen from your ranks. They were men you have fought with, bled with, cried with, shared watch with, drank with, and huddled with around fires on cold nights. They are common men of distinction, and I would trust my life in the hands of any of them!”
The men cheered again at that, because it was true. Before David arrived he removed the old, inefficient commanders that had plagued this legion for the last few years. Being peacetime, many of their officers had been young fools too eager to see battle. While a few high-born officers remained, especially in the general staff, the majority of the legion was commanded by common men. Among the numbers of the new officer corps were sons of butchers, tanners, blacksmiths, merchants, fishermen, and even a few orphans. They had proven their loyalty to their comrades, and under David’s command loyalty like that was rewarded.
“I am a simple man, so from you I will not ask anything unreasonable. Do your duty to Orlais. Protect your comrades as though they were your own brother, for I promise you on that field the man to your right and to your left will be the only family you have. Remember that you represent the finest this empire has to offer! Remember your battle cry men! ‘Strength and Honor!’”
“Strength and Honor!” They all cried back in unison. Somewhere from the back, one man called out for three cheers for Champion of Jader! As they cheered, David smiled. The Champion… He thought to himself. He could get used to that. The fact that it came from soldiers, and not from petty nobility, made it all the sweeter. He nodded to the sergeant major, who dismissed the men, as he turned to step off the podium.
“Sir, the legion is formed as you asked. You wanted to address them sir?”
“Aye, I did lad. Merci.” He replied, nodding as the man saluted and exited the tent. David sighed and cracked his neck. Time to show the men their new commander.
The 6th legion was comprised of 6000 men, and was primarily an infantry force. It had 2000 longbowmen, 2500 men-at-arms, 1000 halberdmen, 300 light cavalry, 50 Captains’ guards (which would serve as David’s personal guard during the battle), and 150 staff officers and auxiliary services (cooks, medics, quartermasters, messengers, etc). It was a fine unit. Thankfully, his old unit from his days in the forests of the Dales was transferred under his command, so he trusted his personal guards whole-heartedly. He was glad to have them at his side. He wouldn’t go anywhere without them.
Walking out into the light, he noticed the men had constructed a small platform, which David climbed and took a look at the men he would command into battle. As he walked up the steps, the command of “all rise” was called out by the Sergeant Major, and all the men were standing at attention as David looked out on them for the first time. He was taken aback at first, but only those who really knew him could tell that. To anyone else, he simply appeared calm and silently observing his surroundings.
“At ease gentlemen.” David called out, as the men relaxed their posture. All eyes were on him now. This was where he’d make his first impression. Already, the story of him winning the tourney, and the stories of how he did anything he could for his troops, had spread amongst the men. Morale was high. It was best to not ruin that.
“First and foremost, I’m glad to be here. When I was told I was to be put in command of the 6th legion, I thanked the Maker for having cast his gaze upon me, for I could not believe my good fortune. To be a part of such a distinguished unit, the very same that has is the model of professionalism, the same legion that served with such distinction during the exalted marches against the qunari, and the legion that has held the north from all of Orlais’ foes, it is an honor and a privilege to be in the company of men such as yourself. I can think of no finer force I’d have at my back whilst we hack down those who threaten our beloved Orlais!”
A few cheers rang out as David paused for effect. He smiled a warm, confident smile. Ahh, soldiers. These men he understood. The common foot soldier was finer company than all the nobles of Orlais combined! Well… With one great exception. His smiled widened a bit at the thought of Cecille, then spoke up again.
“Many of you have heard the stories of tourney, and I promise you, the same valor I displayed in the ring I shall display with you all. I will not ask any man to do something I would not willingly do myself. Commanders who lead that way are not leaders, they are simply high-born twats who think that a shiny sword and armor makes them a warrior. That is why you soldiers are the best in this country. Every man here, before I arrived, I personally ensured each and every one of your officers was risen from your ranks. They were men you have fought with, bled with, cried with, shared watch with, drank with, and huddled with around fires on cold nights. They are common men of distinction, and I would trust my life in the hands of any of them!”
The men cheered again at that, because it was true. Before David arrived he removed the old, inefficient commanders that had plagued this legion for the last few years. Being peacetime, many of their officers had been young fools too eager to see battle. While a few high-born officers remained, especially in the general staff, the majority of the legion was commanded by common men. Among the numbers of the new officer corps were sons of butchers, tanners, blacksmiths, merchants, fishermen, and even a few orphans. They had proven their loyalty to their comrades, and under David’s command loyalty like that was rewarded.
“I am a simple man, so from you I will not ask anything unreasonable. Do your duty to Orlais. Protect your comrades as though they were your own brother, for I promise you on that field the man to your right and to your left will be the only family you have. Remember that you represent the finest this empire has to offer! Remember your battle cry men! ‘Strength and Honor!’”
“Strength and Honor!” They all cried back in unison. Somewhere from the back, one man called out for three cheers for Champion of Jader! As they cheered, David smiled. The Champion… He thought to himself. He could get used to that. The fact that it came from soldiers, and not from petty nobility, made it all the sweeter. He nodded to the sergeant major, who dismissed the men, as he turned to step off the podium.
