“Why? Why did you do that, Thadran?” Luc demanded, resting the weight of his upper body on propped up arms, while his eyes gazed down at the updated map laid out before them on a stone table.

Mountainhelm shrugged, “What do you mean? Normally, a Human would welcome such advancement.”

Luc shot him a glare, before letting out a defeated sigh as he calmed himself down. “Well… it’s not like we can’t just push the role onto someone else. Why not give the title to Calondra? She’s a native of this continent and is someone who has worked with your people in the past?” Luc said in an attempt to avoid getting crowned.

Mountainhelm shook his head, “Aye, she’s worked with us before, but it was you who led to the freedom of my people and helped purge the tunnels of one of our biggest threats within two days. No one else can claim that except for you and your men.”

Shaking his head he looked over to Calondra, “She was part of the Operation though, I think it’d be better suited to have someone actually native to this world look after things than someone not from here.” As he spoke, he began to think of his own inexperience and how much of a challenge it already was leading a Regiment of Horse despite having neither the experience or years to do so.

This time it was Calondra who spoke up, “I agree with Thadran, Luc. I have no desire to lead… not after what I saw when my father was the Eldar of my people… I couldn’t have dealt with all you had and still keep sane.” Her admittance gave no relief to Luc who merely rolled his eyes in mind annoyance at how none of the two actual race leaders were pushing the title of King onto him. “Plus, I’ve seen how you work Luc! Despite all the pressure and stress, you’re put continuously through, you always have the visage of a calm, cool, and collected individual. If there’s anyone I’d trust with the title, it’d be you.” Calondra said warmly, her usual beautiful smile beaming to all those in the room.

Luc didn’t agree, he disliked being forced to take on too many responsibilities at once to the point the young Colonel felt as though he was drowning. “Thanks… but, I’m not the person you claim me to be.”

Patting Luc on the shoulder this time, Alexander shook his head, “No point fighting it Sir. You’ve lost this battle.”

Luc looked over at Alexander, giving him a ‘not you too’ look before letting out a defeated sigh. “Fuck…” Collapsing on the chair behind him, Luc gave a defeated look, “So what happens next?...” He breathed, trying hard to muster the strength to carry this new weight being cast upon his shoulders.

“Well for starters we’ll need to figure out where our borders start and end. Despite there being two territories in Kedirewen’s area of control, we only know that we control the Mountains and the woods which hide the Elven people.” Thadran started as he began to highlight the points on the map.

Alexander folded his arms over his chest as he began to stroke his moustache in thought. “Well, we can consider the plains leading to and from the Mountains ours as well, including these points. Before we came here, we had already begun to develop a Star Fortress just a little outside the woods to act as a buffer between the Elves and the Orcs.” The Sergeant Major noted as he began to trace his fingers around the areas on the map that the Cuirassiers had under control.

“A star fortress? What’s that?” Mountainhelm asked, confused by the name.

Luc raised a brow, before remembering where they were, “Right… you’ve never seen such things. Well, they’re basically a more advanced and defendable fortification that can withstand a greater degree of punishment than anything this world likely has.”

“Ohoh! By the Gods, I knew I made the right call!” Mountainhelm exclaimed as his mood seemed to only become more joyous. “What else do these fortresses do?”

Luc gave him a confused look, “Well… they do what any other fortress does. They allow for a garrison to pound the enemy from range via the gun emplacements and funnel the enemy in via a series of kill zones. These zones are designed to effectively bring any melee attackers dumb enough to hit the gates into a single point allowing the defenders to pour oil down upon them while also firing continuously whittling away at them until they either break and retreat or… are wiped out.”

Both the great Dwarf and Calondra had the look of pure shock plastered across their faces as they couldn’t believe what they were hearing. “So… these are smaller versions of castles?” Muttered Calondra.

“Mhm, in a manner of speaking, yes,” Luc replied.

“Aye… I was right alright… by the great old ones… we’ll not have to worry about the Saintri Empire knocking at our gates if we manage to conquer the Orcs.” Mountainhelm thought aloud. “So, then I take it these guns are those bronze canons you showed me earlier?”

“Yes, they are. Anything outside the range of our carbines can easily be taken down a peg by well-placed artillery fire.” Alexander started before frowning, “… That is if we had any.”

“Bah! Not for long! I’ll have our best forgers and craftsmen begin working on the designs you gave us!” Mountainhelm promised, his excitement seemingly getting the better of him.

It was then that Luc lurched forward, resting his elbows on the table, “We still need to inform the rest of our Squadron though. They need to know what’s happening, and I need to start reshuffling things… if I’m supposed to be King of Kedirewen, I’ll need to rearrange and promote officers and bump up NCO’s to ensure my place doesn’t disrupt the chain of command.” Luc said exasperated.

It was then that an evil slash of a grin tugged at the sides of his lips as he slowly shifted his head over to Alexander. “Guess who’s getting a field promotion… Captain.”

Alexander’s shoulders slumped as his face went pale, “Fuck me…”

--

The ride back home proved to be no quicker than the last. With Luc’s Cuirassiers still drained and sapped of all energy, they needed whatever they had left in them just to stay on their saddles. But, as they came up to the forest, they were quickly greeted by two riders from the Second Squadron, both of whom sported a smile as they recognised the faces of their comrades.

“How’d the fighting go?” Asked the first of the riders.

Luc looked up and at the man with a tired expression, “The fighting went well, but sadly we’ve been given a troublesome task.” He sighed.

The young Cuirassier looked puzzled for a moment before he looked over to Alexander for clarification, only to get a shake of his head. “Just know that diplomatic talks worked out, and everyone’s safe,” Alexander started with a breath, “But, for now, all we need you two to do is get the rest of the Regiment together. We’ll explain everything once everyone is gathered in the town centre.”

Both Cuirassiers looked at each other before turning back and giving a nod as they then began riding off to find the rest of their Squadron. The young Colonel – now King – watched them ride off a little while longer until he turned to the newly gazetted Captain, giving him an exhausted nod to let the rest of the Squadrons do whatever it was they needed to do before reporting to the makeshift headquarters.

Without saying a word, Alexander brought his hand up and motioned for the Squadron to dismiss, the sound of quiet approval muttering over the two-hundred cuirassiers as they broke ranks and began riding through the now open gates of the Elven town.

“You going to be okay?” Alexander finally asked, breaking the silence as the two began to ride up behind the rest of the unit.

Luc shook his head in the negative. “To be entirely honest with you Captain, I’m not… too much has happened in a short period and I’m left reeling in an attempt to formulate plans to keep us alive in this world. We’ve barely been here less than a few months, and already we’ve started a war, ended a war, and now started a Kingdom…” Luc paused his frown deepening, “And to make matters worse, I’m now a King… not a Colonel, not a General, a King. You know how strange that is to someone like me? Well, before you answer, let me tell you… Insane!”

Alexander turned, and looked ahead as his moustache twitched telling Luc he had annoyed his friend, “Sorry… It’s just… I don’t like how I’m getting too much thrown onto my shoulders within a short time frame.”

“I know Sir, I know. But bemoaning all your misfortunes isn’t going to help you any right now. All I’d recommend you do is do what you’ve been doing since your promotion to Colonel. Keep doing that, and you’ll be fine.” As the former Sergeant Major spoke, he peered over his shoulder and towards the Dwarves who had followed in a small caravan behind, “Additionally, I think the Dwarves will respect you more if you do. But, you also have us to help you if things start to become a little too crazy for you to bear. Remember, you have officers and NCO’s for a reason, so use them.”

Luc nodded, his smile returning, “Thanks…” He whispered back before straightening up.

As the two rode into the city, they quickly made for the newly built stables to have their horses cared for before they helped the Dwarves do the same for their own. Once everyone was able to unpack and relax a little, the rest of the Regiment came riding into town. Spoils from the small skirmishes with the Orcs that had been brave enough to enter their borders, as well as more reports of larger Orc scouting parties. All the officers poured over these new reports, each sharing their own pieces of intel and their own supply reports, while Luc stood in the middle of it all, trying to take in with so many men speaking at once. And, once everyone had their say, they calmed down, and tea was brought in – as it so happened the Elves had something similar to what was used on Earth. Warm drink in hand and a light snack in the waning light, Luc gave his report of the diplomatic mission to the Dwarven Kingdom. Highlighted was how it being a kingdom, not a small clan as previously shared by Calondra. It was then that he introduced their new Dwarven allies and… fellow-citizens, and told each of his latest titles as the King of the newly formed Kendirewen.

Many of the officers and NCO’s in the room scoffed and called out in protest, some even outright rejecting the notion that they should protect anyone other than their fellow Frenchmen. Yet, the vast majority seemed to agree with it and looked to be okay with the whole ordeal, with the flamboyant Commandant being the first to speak up in support of the entire thing.

“My! How very exciting~ I must say, your Highness, you’ve certainly made a name for yourself and our little Regiment.” The Commandant noted as he downed the rest of his tea. “Even if it’s a rather silly notion for any of us to be some sort of nobility, I still do think this situation is favourable to us, and our new allies. I for one support this new Kingdom of ours~ And I’m not just saying that because I’m getting a promotion.” He teased in jest as he jabbed Luc in the ribs before giving a wink.

Luc raised a brow as he rolled his eyes to look at the rest of his men, each of whom had to admit, there was a great deal of merit to this deal. If they were to survive in this world, they would need all the aid, supplies, and friends that one could gather. Even those who had at one point protested so vehemently were now nodding in agreement; more so when the former Dwarven King brought up the issue of their ammunition and how they had the means to produce more for them. If there was one thing more valuable to a unit than allies, it was ammo for their carbines. So, with all arguments and debate on the matter effectively dropped, the Cuirassiers moved onto the next pressing issue for the moment; the Dwarves and their role.

As the room started to quiet down, Luc took this moment to address his Cuirassiers and the Elves. “Now… with the issue of the Kingdom temporarily dealt with, I think we should now focus our attention on our new friends, the Dwarves.” The moment the words left his lips, the room was silent, save the occasional cough or sneeze.

Luc looked around the room, scanning each and every one of the men assembled before him, “No suggestions?” It was then, he turned to Alexander, “What about you Captain?” Luc asked, a small slash of a grin spreading across his face.

Alexander shot him a glare as he stepped up to answer the question, “Artillery?”

Short and sweet, Luc expected as much. Still, the suggestion itself was excellent having been initially thought of and discussed a bit beforehand, turning back to his men, Luc motioned his hand for others to either disagree or agree. The room slowly began to shift as the Commandant, and other senior officers began to raise their hands in agreement.

“Sir, forgive my bluntness here, but how are they suppose to field artillery if we have no guns to speak of? Much less the experience to even use one?” Came a question from one of the nearby Sergeants.

Luc nodded his head slowly, “Good question, Sergeant, and thankfully, that’s where the Quartermaster comes into play. It seems as though God blessed us by giving us a jack of all trades, seeing as how he knows not just how to build a canon, but also use them well enough to make the gunners back home seem like rookies.” Obviously, he was overexaggerating but, still, he needed to quell the worries of his men if he was going to have any chance of getting them on board with the notion of the Dwarves manning their artillery.

A few of the Officers and Senior NCOs shot him confused glances as though wondering what it was he was playing at, but it didn’t take them longer than a few seconds to clue in. “Now, it’s a matter of how to get the guns,” Luc said as he walked back to the table.

It was at this time, Mountainhelm walked up, and with a small grunt and wave of his hand. Another one of the Dwarves walked up and threw onto the table a small bag of ores. “For now, ya not have the want for the materials.” The great Dwarf noted with a grin.

Luc nodded his approval, waving over their Quartermaster who had been standing in the back, trying his best to keep as far away from the group as possible; until now. Taking his place at the table, the old veteran began to examine the metal that spilt out from the bag. After a few moments, he gave a rather impressed grunt – which Luc found rather humourous given how Mountainhelm did the same when happy– as he placed the pieces back on the table.

“Yup… I can work with that, Sir. Though, not sure how long it’ll take to pound it into a gun… but, yeah, I can work my magic and get ‘er done and started.” He promised.

Mountainhelm spoke up just before Luc could, “Actually, I believe we can help with that Grey Beard.” He said in place of an actual name. “We have the means to shape the metal any way you need it within a short period of time, but you just have to give our craftsmen the proper instructions.”

“Huh… convenient.” The old veteran noted before looking to Luc for permission.

Luc tilted his head in the affirmative. “Do what you need gentlemen. In the meantime though Mountainhelm. I’m hoping you can have a few of our builders help us in constructing another one of our projects.”

Mountainhelm paused, looking over at the Colonel turned King. “Oh? What do you need done?” He asked, his curiosity sparked once more.

Luc grinned as he rolled out another drawing that showed the image of a six-pointed star fortress, with several notes written around the parchment indicating point of interest. Mountainhelm looked at Luc before his eyes began to examine the blueprints.

“Oho! This is quite the project. If it’s stone you need, we have plenty o’that. I’ll also dispatch a few labourers to help in its construction if that’s what you’re after?”

“Perfect, if we can get this fortress built promptly, we’ll be able to adequately house the entirety of the Regiment and more!” Luc noted proudly.

As Luc straightened his back, he was about to add something else, but before he or the former Dwarven King could say another word, one of the Elven riders came rushing in, their appearance disordered and covered in dust and dirt. Luc’s eyes examined his appearance and could tell whatever he had was likely urgent, but hoped it wasn’t news of a possible Orc incursion.

“My… *hah* lord… I have news! Strangers… *hah* strangers in blue are near the foothills!”

Luc’s eyes narrowed in on the Elf, “Strangers in blue? Did you see what they had? Are they a foreign army? A scouting party? Speak man!”

The Elf quickly caught his breath, as he looked into the former Colonel’s eyes, “They carry weapons like yours!”