Another season of raid and pillage has occurred, and again we have come out alive. Three other kids and Leader at arms were not so lucky. After last season, I wrote about the changing of the guard, and how our new Leader at arms was changing the castle’s defenses. Well, we no longer wait in our fortress for the enemy to come at us.
We go to them, while our walls and wall protectors have been upgraded, plenty of our own blood has stepped to the plate. While some of their attackers have bested them, they have grown, and they have learned. Next season, time of war, we will be much better for it. We no longer relay on old guardsmen, ones who could barley run to protect the keep, let alone actually justify the gold we paid them. Now we have maneuverability, we have guts, we have steel, we have calmness, and more than anything, we know they will give 110% to defend the keep, unlike that of Collins and Dunne.
Our midfield is a work in progress, while it is learning to help the castle defense, it offers little when we take the fight to them, and this will change, just like the castle soldiers have changed. They will learn, and they will work on the new systems. They, too, are full of our own blood, and that of hungry and willing to learn individuals who help protect the keep and help supply the forwards. They will run until the enemy cramps in pain, and then our soldiers will run some more.
So far, in the off-season our greatest threat to the enemy showed his true mercenary colors. We knew this when we bought him, so after all the heads he has collected for us, and the numerous times he has saved us from defeat, we should not have been surprised. Besides him we have attackers we have grown, and a new one from the frozen countries. They should, when combining well, be able to take the attack to any enemy.
In reflection, we have rid ourselves of the drunken soldiers we once called heroes. The ones who we once regarded as our demise have left. We have been building from our own people, and hungry – nay – starving soldiers who will die for us. And some of you wonder about their abilities over a few skirmishes? Be ashamed, wait until true battle has come, in the form of our equals, and the greatest powers of the land, and then tell us your thoughts. Then can you tell us your worries.
Let our castle stand stronger, and higher than ever.
In Paul Lambert I Trust.
The Author
