Subj:	 [ffml] [MW] Forging Weapons of Iron
Date:	99-12-29 22:06:50 EST
From:	skyhall@hotmail.com (Sky Hall)
Reply-to:	ffml@onelist.com
To:	ffml@onelist.com

From: "Sky Hall" 

  Three weeks went by quickly.
  In that time, Tim became the admiration of his commanders, and the scorn 
of his soldiers. Every morning, the men had weapons practice. They improved 
their phalanx maneuvering, worked with swords, spears, axes, and bows, and 
practiced riding. The specific intent was to train every man in the company 
so they could fulfill multiply tasks, and even be more self-reliant on the 
field, making use of whatever weapon they had on hand. Also, so that those 
men skilled in a certain area could be placed in the position that best 
suited him.
  After the men wore out their arms, they had lunch, then would march out of 
town and practice field strategy. Every attack, defense, ambush, and 
movement that Tim could think of, the brigade tried, in a variety of ways. 
The pressure was put on the sergeants to use their men effectively and react 
quickly to any situation.
  Then, after a long, hard day, the men were treated to a march back to 
their barracks, a good evening meal, and then an exhausted sleep.
  Also during this time, Tim took advantage of the skilled swordsmen at Doma 
and began learning sword techniques. He also learned a few blitzes from the 
martial arts masters. Martin, as well, improved. From the weapons training 
and running around in the field, he was changing from a slightly awkward 
country boy, to a confident young man with a sturdy build. He no longer 
clung to Tim for support or guidance, and handled his duties exceptionally 
well, though still Tim’s valet.
  After a long day of training, in which even Tim’s strengths and limits 
were pushed, Hisel, Tim’s lieutenant would invite his sergeant major to his 
quarters for a glass of wine. They often talked about the day’s events, 
ideas for the future, and thoughts that lingered in their minds.
  “I realized something today,” said Hisel, towards the end of the three 
weeks. “Tim, you are quite experienced when it comes to warfare. I mean, 
I’ve seen combat a handful of times and have trained my men in a lot of 
standard drills, but you… you have added two whole new scenarios that I 
never thought of. Camp infiltration, I think you called it, and desert 
drought. I mean, I would have thought about such events in my wildest 
dreams.”
  Tim chuckled softly. He lounged casually in a padded chair, sipping his 
wine. “Well, sir, it’s just my experiences as a mercenary. I have seen and 
done everything I have trained our men to do, and a have a few more ideas to 
add.”
  “Those new variations on drills were quite impressive,” said Hisel. “But 
you are training the men well, and making them good leaders. Even I forget 
now and then the idea of reconnaissance of an area.”
  “It was just a simple instruction drilled into me when I was a lieutenant 
of my own little group. The captain always told us, ‘Unlike regular 
soldiers, we don’t have reinforcements to call upon. So now your area, now 
who’s there and what’s going on. Never be surprised.’”
  “Sound advice,” said Hisel. He scratched his chin and rubbed his fingers 
over his short, black moustache. Hisel stood a little shorter then Tim, but 
was as built. He carried a fine saber at his side and often displayed 
himself as a very competent fighter. His short, curly black hair and dark 
penetrating eyes gave him a nice appearance, but could also make him look 
very intense at times.
  “The old books said, ‘To build an army, work from the ground up. Make your 
men soldiers by training them, disciplining them, and showing them how to 
fight. Make your commanders know how to use their men, to lead them in 
battle and every situation. Then have your leaders understand the 
effectiveness of their units, what can and cannot be done, and how to make 
the most with what they have.’ And you seem to fit that image to the letter, 
Tim.”
  Tim smiled. “Thank you, sir. I have been taught something similar in my 
travels. Indeed, when all an employer needs are hired swords to scare off 
thieves, you have a lot of time to train and learn the ways of fighting and 
combat. To be a good soldier requires a good leader.”
  Hisel nodded. “Indeed. And we have that now. My Captain has said we have 
shown ourselves in an exemplary way. He is amazed with the amount of skill 
that our soldiers display, and the quality of the officers. I think that 
with the amount of effort we have put in, we can expect fewer losses and 
greater effectiveness.”
  “We would be better in battle,” added Tim. “Speaking of which, when do you 
think we will see combat again? It’s not that I’m wanting to see bloodshed, 
but after our last victory, the men are itching for a fight. And all this 
training is adding fuel to the fire. The men want to kill some moogles and 
show off what they have learned.”
  Hisel nodded. “I am itching for a fight, myself. The moogles need to get 
dealt a blow. Hell, I wouldn’t mind some border duty. Our small unit tactics 
are so effective, I think we could do well in keeping the borders safe and 
destroying any incursions into our territory.”
  “Aye, being out in the field would be nice,” said Tim.
  “As for combat, I think we have something new coming up. I’m not sure 
when, but soon. So let’s cut back on the field exercise, and just keep the 
men to morning weapons practice, and give them the afternoons off. A little 
rest will have them ready for when the orders come through.”
  “Aye sir,” said Tim.


--Sky

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Date: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 19:04:11 PST
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