"Your Highness, the one hundred newly recruited soldiers have been assembled," reported Amber Karstark.
Gaimon nodded in acknowledgment. "I knew."
The man reporting to him was none other than the captain of the Knights of the Golden Fleece himself. Ever since Jon had been transferred by Gaimon to oversee the territory's administrative affairs, Amber had become Gaimon's chief military officer. His responsibilities were extensive: not only did he oversee the daily protection of Gaimon, but he was also in charge of training the newly recruited soldiers of the territory.
As the population of the territory grew, relying solely on the original members of the Order of the Golden Fleece to maintain order and security was no longer sufficient. Recognizing this, Gaimon had asked Amber to select one hundred strong and healthy immigrants and transform them into soldiers capable of maintaining order within the territory and serving as ceremonial guards when necessary.
Gaimon wasn't worried about threats to his territory. Under King Jaehaerys' rule, the Seven Kingdoms were largely stable. Even if a reckless outsider tried to provoke him, the presence of a dragon was enough to protect his lands. For now, however, the main duty of this new force was maintaining public order and demonstrating Gaimon's authority, as it was neither practical nor safe for him to ride his dragon every day.
"How's their training progressing?" Gaimon asked.
"Your Highness," Amber replied, "after three months of intensive training, all soldiers are proficient with spears and swords. Archery remains a weak point due to limited training time; their aim is far from perfect."
"That's acceptable," Gaimon said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Transforming civilians into disciplined soldiers in such a short period is no small feat."
He surveyed the soldiers standing before him. They held shields in their left hands and spears in their right, clad in chain mail and black leather armor, lined up in ten teams of ten. Their formation was precise, and despite their lack of experience in battle, there was a sense of potential in their disciplined stance.
"Your Highness," Amber continued, "these men have been trained according to your methods. They haven't seen real combat yet, but their obedience and discipline exceed that of many soldiers from noble territories."
"Let's see them in action," Gaimon said. "I want to observe their training."
"Yes, Your Highness."
At Gaimon's command, a dull horn echoed across the training ground. The soldiers immediately dispersed, leaving ample space between themselves to maneuver. They raised their shields and spears simultaneously, and the air seemed to fill with an unspoken tension—a forest of spears poised and ready.
Gaimon studied the formation, silently thinking: The spears look like a dense forest.
At the sound of a second horn, the soldiers began to execute more complex maneuvers: draw swords, retreat, change formation, shift directions, and raise shields defensively. Despite their civilian origins, the troops' movements were synchronized, precise, and full of energy. At a glance, they resembled a legion seasoned in countless battles.
"Your Highness, this team has met the basic standards of a mature soldier," Amber noted, "but they've never experienced real combat, so their effectiveness in war is still limited."
Gaimon nodded calmly. He wasn't angry; Amber's assessment was fair. The primary objective had been to build a disciplined force capable of maintaining order, and this goal had been achieved. There was ample time to improve their combat effectiveness in the future.
"I notice they're wearing leather armor and chain mail. Why not plate armor?" Gaimon asked.
Amber explained, "Your Highness, the territory lacks iron mines. Iron must be imported, which is costly. However, the territory has ample fur resources. Equipping the soldiers with chain mail reinforced with leather allows adequate protection without overextending our budget. With the savings, I purchased several warhorses and plan to form a small cavalry unit of no more than ten riders. This will give us superior mobility compared to an all-infantry force."
Gaimon nodded approvingly. "Your arrangement is wise. The soldiers are trained well, and the security of this territory will now depend on them."
"Do not worry, Your Highness," Amber said confidently. "They will not fail you."
Pleased, Gaimon decided the newly trained soldiers could not remain idle. After a moment of consideration, he gave his instructions.
"Divide them into two battalions," Gaimon said. "Each battalion will have three squadrons, each squadron composed of three squads of five soldiers. Two extra squads will form a cavalry unit, ready to respond to emergencies. One battalion will be stationed at the docks in Oros; the other will be sent to Snow Salt Town, where salt production has begun, to safeguard the goods."
Amber nodded. "Very well, Your Highness. Who will manage these squads? The hierarchy needs to be established."
Gaimon considered carefully before responding. "Let the team members elect their own squad leaders. The squadron leaders will then elect their respective squadron leaders. Two members of the Order of the Golden Fleece will serve as captains to oversee the arrangements. If any issue arises, the captains can report directly to me."
Amber did not delay and quickly implemented Gaimon's instructions. By the following day, the captains had been chosen.
"Bran, William," Gaimon said, surprised. "I didn't expect it would be you two. How could Amber let you leave the City Guard this time?"
"Your Highness," Bran replied, slightly embarrassed, "we volunteered ourselves to Captain Amber. Although our positions in the City Guard are secure, we wish to experience leadership directly. This is an opportunity to prove ourselves."
Gaimon smiled. He had grown up with these members of the Golden Fleece, understanding their personalities well. Among familiar companions, they spoke freely, knowing Gaimon would listen with fairness rather than take offense.
"If you wish to improve, I will not stop you," Gaimon said. "From now on, this team is under your command. Should any problems occur, I will hold you accountable."
He understood the unspoken comparison with Jon's team. To foster internal competition within the Golden Fleece Legion, Gaimon had long maintained a system of rivalry, keeping the teams competitive and disciplined. Now, as Jon's team took on administrative projects in the territory, Amber's team was left to adjust to the shifting dynamic. By appointing Bran and William as captains, Gaimon strategically reinforced discipline while encouraging leadership development.
Amber quickly finalized the arrangements. Soldiers elected squad leaders, squad leaders elected their squadron leaders, and the captains coordinated all operational planning. Gaimon observed the results with satisfaction: the structure was effective, and morale was high.
The newly formed battalions were now ready for active deployment. One would secure Oros and its docks, ensuring the flow of goods and protecting trade routes. The other would move to Snow Salt Town to guard the salt fields and manage the growing economic resources. The cavalry units, small but agile, would respond to emergencies, allowing Gaimon to maintain control over the expansive territory without the constant presence of his personal dragon.
Observing the soldiers in formation once more, Gaimon reflected on how far they had come. From a group of civilians unfamiliar with weapons, they had transformed into disciplined soldiers capable of executing complex maneuvers and maintaining order. Their chain mail and leather armor, coupled with the strategic use of cavalry, gave them both defensive strength and mobility. While their battle experience was still limited, their obedience and adaptability were extraordinary.
Amber approached and spoke quietly, "Your Highness, with this structure and their training, we can respond to most internal threats. With further exercises, their combat effectiveness will continue to improve."
Gaimon nodded, satisfied. "Yes. This is only the beginning. Over time, they will grow stronger, and the territory will be secure under their watch."
Bran and William, standing tall beside Amber, exchanged a glance of determination. Leadership was a heavy responsibility, but they were ready. The promise they had made to Gaimon, to uphold the security and honor of the territory, was no idle word.
Gaimon turned away from the assembled troops and looked out over his growing territory. Oros was expanding, the salt fields were producing, and his new army was in place. Everything was moving according to his plans. Yet, he knew that maintaining security and stability would require constant attention and foresight. The soldiers were a critical piece of the puzzle, but so were trade, infrastructure, and the loyalty of the people.
As he watched, the soldiers executed a final drill, raising their spears in unison as the horn sounded. The forest of spears swayed slightly in the wind, a living testament to discipline and order. Gaimon allowed himself a small smile. His vision for the territory was coming to life.
"Amber," he said softly, "thank you. You've done more than I could have asked."
Amber bowed. "Your Highness, it is my honor. I serve at your command."
With that, Gaimon left the training grounds, confident that the future of his territory—and of the soldiers under his command—was bright. The foundation of a strong, disciplined, and loyal army had been laid. It was not yet perfect, but it was a beginning, and beginnings held the promise of greatness.
And so, with the army ready and the territory growing, Gaimon's plans for the future continued, step by step, with the unwavering support of those who had pledged their loyalty to him.
Ãdvåñçé çhàptêr àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)