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"Drilling the Troops" (L'Renouille) Agares sat in his throne pondering. He needed to start this war. But how? The unrest in Highland was growing. People were starting to feel and itch. An itch that could only be scratched when Jowston was no more, and Highland had taken Jowston's land. Unlike Ruka, who wanted war for the sake of bloodshed, Agares wanted war because Highland was small. And the Population was growing. People were wondering what their King was going to do about it. No one would trust a Highland citizen in Jowston and no one in their right minds would allow a Highland citizen to move in. War seemed to be the only way. Agares was falling out of favour with Highland's people. He needed some way to put their faith back into him. Agares would do anything for that. Hence, the Infinity Stone. It would be a major Morale booster for the people of Highland to have the sister stones in their possessions. He could also complete his life's greatest achievement. He would create a weapon so powerful that it could topple entire nations and make even the bravest warriors cower. His power would be supreme. No one would question him. He would rule. He could kill Ruka and assure Highland's survival. But first he had to start the war, and make it look like he was doing everything in his power to stop it. Then it hit Agares. He could follow Ruka's example and stage an attack on his own people and make it look like a Jowston attack! Agares immediately thought of his good friend and associate, the Wizard Martin De'Lavarque. Martin was an experienced Wizard and the proud owner of a Blue Gate Rune. He had 2 associates. There was Raulff Derinlo, a Kobold warrior who possessed a Fire Rune, and Gideon Forestdweller, an Elf who possessed a Cyclone Rune. Those could make a lethal combination. Durimal walked over from across the room. "Excellency, It's about time for you to review the White Dragons. I've had your armour looked at, since it's been a few years since you last used it. Also, how would you feel about some Sword lessons, in the case of a war?" Agares rose, and took his prized sword, Blitz, from it's sheath. He suddenly launched into an array of swipes and slashes, and finally striking down at Durimal, the blade stopping a hair's breadth from Durimal's nose. Durimal gulped. "Uh, right, no Sword lessons. Have you been using Blitz in your spare time, Sire?" "I try to fit in an hour or so a day in my spare time, yes." Agares remarked offhandedly. "Reviewing the White Dragons...Yes, and maybe do some drills. That sounds reasonable. Right, go rouse the troops. I'll be there shortly." "Yes, Sire." Durimal bowed once to his liege and strode from the room. "Lords and Ladies of the Court!" Agares addressed his court. "I am leaving now to review the White Dragons, a mere precaution in case of war! If one happened to break out, our troops must be in top condition!" He walked from the room. Agares stood on the balcony of L'Renouille Castle, with Durimal standing to one side. The White Dragons were assembled below him. They looked like normal Highland soldiers, save their armour was a bright white, and the dragon face design on their helmets and dragon shields. Some carried sword, others stabbing spears, and others carried crossbows and had arrows slung over their shoulders. "My soldiers!" Agares addressed them. "You have served me long and faithfully, and you have set great examples for the rest of Highland's soldiers! You are the elite of the elite, your combat skills are unmatched! But you have had an easy time. You have been neglecting your training. As such, with the threat of war looming over us, it is only natural that you begin drills to sharpen your skills. You will divide into three squads, each one a different weapon type. Captain Lydia will instruct those of you who carry swords, and Lieutenant Rylin will instruct spears. Lieutenant Tarmort will take the bowmen. You will each go to your training fields and for the next 24 hours you will train! You will have one hours break for food at noon and a ten minute rest period every 3 hours. Work hard, and know that on your shoulders are the hopes and dreams of every Highlander!" There was a great cheer from the crowd. Agares rode out a few hours later to see how everything was progressing. He was dressed in his armour and carried Blitz at his side. He rode into the sword lessons. Captain Lydia immediately snapped to attention. "King Agares on the field!" She cried. Each soldier also came to attention. He got off his white horse and walked over to the Captain. "At ease, Captain, soldiers." The unit relaxed. Agares turned to Lydia. "Who is the best swordsman you've seen so far?" "Sir, yes sir!" Lydia said saluting. "Sir, the soldier named Verilian is an excellent swords man, sir!" Agares turned to the line of soldiers. "Who here is named Verilian?" Much to his surprise, a slightly round soldier stepped forward. "I am Verilian, sire." He said, making a sweeping bow. "They say you are a good swordsman, Verilian." "I was not aware of this, Majesty." Agares smiled. "Well, let's see how you do against me. If you win, I'll give you my horse and promote you to Lieutenant." Verilian stepped forward, drawing his sword. "I would be honoured to fight you, sire." Agares stepped forward. "To that, I say, en garde!"
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