The night passed quickly, the eastern sky turned fish-belly white, and the stars gradually disappeared. The military horns of the camp were loud, the crowds were shouting, and the war horses were neighing.
A new day for the Guards began with rigorous training.
Green and Trinville looked at each other and smiled as the cool morning breeze blew across their faces. They stayed up all night but were not tired. They opened the camp gate and watched the soldiers galloping on their horses, the smoke and dust being stirred up filled the air, and the crisp sound of horse hooves floated far and wide in the morning breeze.
A whole day and a night, the scorching sun and the lack of water and rice could not make them forget their duties.
They are sentinels, the eyes of the military camp, and the patron saints of soldiers.
The soldiers passing by them looked at them with slight surprise.
Their bodies were exhausted, but their expressions were resolute, and their fearless eyes told everyone that their spirits were made of steel. They can accept any challenge and test! No one should think that they can be defeated!
As darkness fell, the huge military camp returned to silence and tranquility. At least, that's how it looks on the surface.
Prince Mars paced back and forth in the tent, thinking deeply. Several knight captains and attendant officers looked at each other, not daring to disturb him. There was a deathly silence in the big tent.
Finally, he stopped and asked, "Where are they?"
The flag officer replied in a low voice: "They are still at the sentry post. They cannot leave their posts without permission from the regiment commander."
At this time, Captain Philo took a step forward and said: "Your Highness, after all, Grain was personally recommended and appointed by the king. If His Majesty knew that you treated them like this, he might be very angry. One day and one night is enough for them. I think they have learned their lesson and enough is enough."
He snorted and said to the flag officer: "Go and have a look. If they want someone else to take their place, let them go back to their own squadron."
The flag officer was ordered to leave, and they waited in the tent. After a while, the flag officer ran back. His expression was complicated and hesitant, and he hesitated to speak. Prince Mars guessed it. He asked coldly: "What, they won't?"
The flag officer did not dare to meet his eyes and could not help but lower his head and replied: "Lieutenant Green said that after they accepted His Highness's order, they must carry out their mission. Unless His Highness personally gives the order, they will continue to do so. Guards at sentry posts.”
The leader of the Guards, who already felt a little guilty because he had gone too far, was stabbed again by Glenn's uncompromising force. He looked at his knight leader sullenly.
"Camp patrol," he shouted.
If yesterday's legion commander just set off early and was slightly different from the past, today he has completely broken the routine. He inspected several barracks in an anticlimactic manner, leaving puzzled soldiers in his wake. His soldiers could tell that their legion commander was preoccupied.
Prince Mars led his entourage on a tour to the gate of the camp. He saw two tall sentinels standing like pine trees. Their solemn and inviolable look deeply hurt him. He wanted to rush over, yell, scold, ridicule and scorn, but he knew that if he did that, it would slightly reduce the frustration in his heart. However, he just stood.
Then, he said in a cold and arrogant voice: "I think it is unnecessary for you to worry about them. At least, they seem to like standing guard. Then, let them stand there. Stand for as long as they want. "He turned back to the big tent without looking back.
His attendants and several knight captains all looked at each other. They were used to seeing the leader of the Guards who was as calm as water, and they had also seen the furious legion commander, but they had never seen His Royal Highness feel so lost tonight.
None of them knew why Prince Mars was making things difficult for Glenn. Usually he loves to protect his soldiers the most.
Yes, although Grein was personally recommended and appointed by the king himself, if he were in another legion, he might become a halo around him, and others would look at him differently.
However, don't forget that Grein is in the Blue Eagle Guards. He is just a small squadron leader with a humble position. The soldiers of the Guards only follow the leadership of the legion commander, and it is their supreme honor to be able to carry out the will of the legion commander.
He didn't have to do this at all, doing something that was detrimental to his identity for a squadron leader who had just joined the Guards. But everyone could see that their regiment commander was clearly deliberately making things difficult for the newly appointed commander of the First Squadron. But it was also the first time for him to see this person. So, they don't understand what happened between the two of them? However, no one dared to persuade him.
"I really don't understand, Grain." The hungry giant said, "As you can see, they are too lazy to say a word to us today. Although I still have strength, I can't stand for any longer without bowing my head and admitting defeat. But, Glenn, does it really make sense for us to stand like this all the time? Even if we are a different sentry, aren't we still a sentry? It is better to go to the battlefield and fight the enemy face to face. It is better to die than to die stupidly. It feels much more comfortable standing here.”
Glenn looked at his friend and comforted him with a smile, "Trinville, facing the enemy's sword, bleeding and sacrificing is what every brave soldier can do. But, believe me. What we are doing now is absolutely It is not meaningless. Because we are fighting against ourselves. The only one who can defeat us is ourselves. Iron will is our strongest support and most precious quality. The Guards worship the strong, we must If you want to take root in the Guards, you must make yourself stronger.
Although, you and I both joined the Guards by chance. However, once we make a choice, we can never forget our commitment. For Apodoli, for His Majesty the King, I will defend the Guards and our honor as soldiers to the death. We will not fear anyone unless we can make them fearful. "
Trinville grinned widely and said: "Okay, Glenn. Although I didn't fully understand what you said. But you still convinced me. When I think about standing here, some people will be afraid of us. It's strange that we are unhappy. "I'm here." He patted his belly, "I'm not hungry at all - I dare to bet them that I can still stand for at least a few days. Alas, if only Daddy Blueberry would give me something refreshing to quench my thirst at this time. Here comes the stout, I can stand one more day.”
What Grein likes most is Trinville’s optimistic smile that will never be intimidated by difficulties. Like Trinville, he was thirsty and tired. At this time, he needs friends and Trinville. When comforting him, he will also get encouragement and courage from his friends' laughter.
He continued to joke with Trinville to make the lonely night less long and painful.
He smiled and said: "Trinville, this time I really hope that Blueberry Daddy will hear your prayer. If he can really come to give you beer, he must give you more beer. Otherwise, I'm afraid you will die alone." I’ll drink them all.”
At the mention of beer, Trinville's eyes flashed blue with excitement. He laughed loudly and said, "Don't worry, Glenn. I've said it since the day we met again. I will always be by your side and share everything with you - joy, sorrow, peace, happiness. Of course it will also include Blueberry Daddy’s beer.”
Glenn burst into laughter and said, "Ah, I didn't expect that this night, even I would feel that the Blueberry Tavern is the place I most yearn for in the world."
"Stop talking about it. Don't mention Blueberry Daddy and his beer. If you continue to describe that wonderful, foaming cup of the most delicious oasis on earth, I think it's a mistake. A deserter might make me forgive myself easily." He patted his belly with a look of fascination, still not satisfied, "I think I can drink the entire Blueberry Tavern's wine."
"In the Guards barracks, there are still people who are proud to be deserters. This is something that my old man has never heard of after decades of being a soldier." Sudden laughter in the darkness broke the silence of the night.
"Who? Who is where? Stand up!" Grayne and Trinville asked loudly and alertly at the same time.
A dark figure came out from behind the tree.
"Who are you? What do you do?" Trinville stepped forward and asked loudly.
The visitor was in civilian clothes and did not carry a sword. He put the two bulging leather bags in his hands on the ground and said, "I am Captain Philo of the Knights of the Storm."
He walked up to the two sentries, torches lighting up his face.
He looked at the two young soldiers and said with half sarcasm and half ridicule: "The sacred glory and glory of the Guards cannot be compared to the temptation of a large glass of beer. There are things more embarrassing than this. Really? It seems that His Highness the Prince is right - you may not be suitable to be in the Guards Corps."
Trinville flushed with anger. But the casual joke was overheard by others, and they were speechless for a moment, unable to think of words to refute.
Glenn patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Trinville, my friend. How could the mature and prudent Captain Philo take your joke seriously?"
Captain Philo said with a straight face: "I don't think that was a joke. If I hadn't thought that the young people in the Guards still needed my old bones, I would have gone to Old Man Blueberry's tavern. .Running faster than you."
Anyone who loves drinking and talking about wine will find Trinville an instant hit. His face was flushed with anger just now, but now he couldn't help but grinned and asked: "Has Captain Philo also drank Blueberry Daddy's dark beer?"
"Of course. But at that time, I was as young as you, and I was still an ordinary soldier in the Guards." He sighed, "Oh, it was all many years ago."
Captain Philo was the only person besides Prince Mars who had spoken to them in the past few days. Glenn was thoughtful and had already guessed the intention of the knight leader. He asked: "Captain Philo, you stayed up all night, are you here just to talk to my friends about the delicious wine in the Blueberry Tavern?"
"Oh, that's not the case." Philo looked at them, nodded and said slowly, "I want to see all my boys asleep so that I can sleep peacefully. By the way, Captain Glenn - if, you can If you become the squadron leader, your first squadron will be under the jurisdiction of this old man’s knights. I will be your commander."
Green held his hand and saluted, and Trinville immediately followed suit. "Yes, sir. We are honored to serve Apodoli and the Guards under your command."
Philo smiled and said, "But you don't understand me. So, can I take this as a compliment?"
"Of course. A sincere compliment will also be the most sincere respect. If the legion commander is the soul of the Guards, Captain Philo is the backbone of the Guards. Who doesn't know Apodoli?"
Captain Philo chuckled and said: "Well, I have begun to like you as a young man. Unfortunately, if you could be more tactful when talking to Prince Mars, maybe you wouldn't have so much trouble. I The old man can go to bed early."
Glenn smiled lightly, noncommittal.
Captain Philo obviously did not expect to get a response from him. He continued: "I know you are all strong. However, in the Guards, it is not just about being competitive who can gain a foothold. Although you seem to be in good spirits, But I can't imagine how long you can stand. Even your young body won't be able to bear it. As your regiment leader, I don't want to lose two brave Guardsmen before we face the enemy. .Listen to what I, an old man, say, and admit your mistake to His Highness, and everything will be fine."
Grain held the sword at his waist and said sincerely but resolutely: "Sir, if this is your order, I will definitely go. But I don't know why I should admit my mistake. Isn't the loyalty of the Guards sentry Should he be commended? Could it be that it would be wrong to faithfully carry out the legion commander’s orders?”
Trinville nodded vigorously and said in agreement: "That's it, that's it, that's right."
Captain Philo had already thought of many reasons to persuade Glenn, but he was stumped by Glenn's understatement. Sora had many reasons that he had thought of in advance, but at this moment, not even one of them was used.
He looked at Greene and Trinville standing side by side. After two days and two nights of suffering, they were still full of energy and indomitable. Although he didn't speak, they could still see the look of approval in his eyes.
After a while, he sighed and said, "Okay. You're right. I have nothing to say. Good luck to you."
He turned around and was about to leave, but Glenn stopped him: "Sir, you forgot your things." He leaned over and picked up the two leather bags on the ground, making a "thumping" sound.
Captain Philo turned around with a weird smile on his face and asked, "Are you sure I lost it?"
"Yes, sir. As if to make sure we're still standing," Grenn replied loudly.
He took the skin bag, sighed and said: "When people get old, they tend to forget things. Boys, you are all warriors, and I have remembered you. And I believe that tomorrow, more soldiers will remember you."
Until his back disappeared into the darkness again, Trinville stared at Glenn angrily. He asked loudly, obviously angry: "Grain, why did you give the water back to him?"
Glenn looked at his friend's thirsty and anxious lips and longing eyes, and felt a trace of guilt in his heart. He whispered, "I'm sorry, Trinville. I know we need it, but I thought you thought the same thing I did."
Trinville looked still angry and said: "Of course it's different. You always do, you make up your own mind."
Glenn sighed and said, "I'm sorry, my friend."
Trinville, however, refused to give up. He said solemnly: "If there is a next time, you should leave the opportunity to me. When I think of being able to say to the respectable Captain Philo, 'Sir, how could you What about throwing things carelessly? As the captain of the Knights of the Guards, you have set a very bad example for your soldiers!' It's more interesting to say it this way."
Glenn was stunned. Then they looked at each other and laughed heartily.
The cool wind blew on their faces, and the stars twinkled, as if they were laughing with them.
Commander Philo returned to the camp of the legion commander. The leader of the Guards was pacing back and forth in the tent, but he didn't even look back when he heard the footsteps. The veteran of the Guards sighed secretly.
He whispered: "Your Highness, they are still insisting. And I believe that they really will not evacuate the post without your order." He looked at the prince with a solemn face and carefully considered his words, "Moreover, they refused what I brought to them. water. Of course, I didn’t tell them that you asked me to send it.”
Prince Mars waved his hand, but Philo stopped talking. Seeing the young legion commander lost in thought, he gently walked out of the tent.
There was no one in the tent, but Mars was restless and exhausted. In just two days, he was more tired than if he had commanded a major battle. He looked at the empty tent and suddenly felt helpless and lonely.
He asked himself, why do this? What should he do next? The young prince hesitated.
If every child has a childhood playmate, then he is lonely. If it weren't for Glenn, who was about the same age as him, accompanying him, the empty and deserted palace hall would be like a dead tomb.
The king and queen undoubtedly loved him. He dared to say that, like all parents, they loved their children.
However, they were always busy, and the huge palace garden, with its beautiful flowers and beautiful scenery, could not make him happy.
Until one day, his mother brought him Gray. She looked at them with the same caring eyes and asked them to be friends.
He was happy but pretended not to care.
Soon, he discovered that little Glenn was much more interesting than those cautious guards and servants. He watched Glenn climb the garden wall, or hug the thick fig tree and climb to the highest branch to wave to him. He dared to roll up his trousers and run to the pond to fish, so that his legs and feet were covered with mud.
If he did the same, the guards who were watching them from afar would run over to stop him. They were respectful to him and could only reprimand Grayne loudly. Whenever this happens, Grayn will run away in a hurry, leaving him alone, listening to the painstaking lectures from the ministers of the bodyguard, asking him to never forget that he is the prince of Apodoli.
Sometimes he gets angry out of impatience. However, their mother is always on their side. Whenever he was about to have an attack, he could only sigh when he thought of his mother's stern eyes. Just like his uncle.
Occasionally his uncle would take a walk in the back garden, and when he saw him, he would hold him in his lap and look into his eyes. Then, let out a long sigh.
Suddenly, he thought of a lot. He couldn't help but sigh again, feeling confused.
Since he couldn't do whatever he wanted, he wouldn't allow Gray to do the same bold and outrageous things in front of him. However, Glenn was just as stubborn as him. It's like he doesn't know that he is just the child of a gardener and a cook.
He is the sun around which the stars of Apodoli and the moon circle.
He wanted Gray to know that he had the right to command him to obey him. But Glenn never gave in.
I can’t count how many fights they had at such a young age. His body was covered in mud, his clothes were torn, and sometimes there were traces of bruises on his face. Old Genard, the gardener, always scolded his naughty son. When little Glenn was spanked on his knees by the frightened old gardener, he would gloat at first. Then it became boring.
He didn't want little Gray to be punished because of himself. Knocking Gray to the ground was the happiest thing of his day. However, Glenn, who is slightly thinner than him, is very difficult to deal with. He would often be pushed to the ground by Glenn, and he could not stand up despite struggling. He had to surrender humiliatingly to Glenn.
However, they are still friends. They weren't always fighting.
They studied with Mr. Ledo together, and that was their quietest time. They are active and naughty, and it is rare that they all like reading and going to class so much. Old Ledo also always told the king and queen that these two children were the most intelligent and clever students he had ever taught. Given his fondness for his two children, he often gives them more playtime. At this time, they would walk around the hall hand in hand, or explore behind the statues, hoping to find treasures that someone might have left there at any time.
He also remembered that if they made too much noise, the king would sometimes hear it. He would ask the guards to bring them to him, then take the young men's hands and talk to them kindly.
"Grain, when you grow up, be Prince Mars' loyal bodyguard."
He always said arrogantly: "I don't want him to be my bodyguard. He can't even beat me."
He still remembered that his father held him in his arms, kissed his face, and said to him: "You have to remember, Mars - you can't be a good king by yourself. You need the support of your friends. .Grain, when you grow up, are you willing to be the bodyguard of Prince Mars? Protect him and all the people in Apodoli?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. I do!"
What Glenn said still rings in my ears.
They have all grown up. He was still a prince, but Grayne was to become a squadron leader under him.
Little Glenn suddenly disappeared without a trace, and his uncle also left the palace and Apodoli not long after. He became alone again.
Ever since he became wiser, he has never seen his father's loving eyes again. His father always treated him very harshly. He was wronged, and his mother would always comfort him kindly. Because he is destined to become the king of the most powerful country in the continent, it is natural for his father to strictly demand him.
He joined the Guards at the age of fifteen and worked hard day and night for the Guards. He worked hard to perform better in front of his father. Under his leadership, the Guards Corps became famous and became the pride of Apodoli, just in exchange for a few words of praise from his father.
Even so, he rarely saw his father, but he always found that his father was always worried when he saw him.
His eyes flickered. Indifference, suspicion, hatred. Still a little...scared?
That’s right, it’s “fear”! The idea suddenly occurred to him. It's just that he doesn't understand why a father would be afraid of his son who loves him deeply?
Grain is back. He was not without joy when he first heard the news. Moreover, his father admired him so much that he was appointed captain of the Guards almost immediately. You know, when he first joined the Guards, he had been a soldier for a few months. Through his unremitting efforts, he slowly grew up and won everyone's trust. Then he became the leader of the knights.
Could it be that Glenn is better than him? Does his father know Glenn better than he does? When he thought of this, his heart ached.
Yes, Grain is the same as before. Be calm and strong. And, stubborn.
He had no intention of making Grein surrender easily. He knew that Grain was a proud and honor-conscious man, and if he felt insulted, he might leave the Guards in anger. That would be best.
However, Glenn was not impressed at all by his cold treatment and difficulty. He even served as a sentinel with relish.
He had already heard the attendants secretly talking behind his back. They all admired Grayn, his iron body and will.
He had to make a decision.
Another day has come. Grain and Trinville remain in good spirits. The first horn of the military camp had just sounded, and they had already opened the door. The Guards cavalry passed by them, and more people began to look back at them.
The young legion commander was riding a white horse, surrounded by wolf-like officers and attendants. When he passed the sentinel, he didn't even look back.
The two iron-like sentries stood even taller.
He suddenly reined in his mount and said to the flag officer: "Go and pass on my order—Squadron Captain Grayne and Soldier Trinville can evacuate their posts. If they are willing, let them participate in the training of the First Squadron tomorrow. "
The flag officer turned his horse's head as soon as he heard the legion commander's order. Although they didn't get very far, he gave his mount a hard whip to make it go faster.
Glenn looked at the flag officer's joyful eyes and asked, "Did the Legion Commander personally name it?"
"Of course, who else! Go and rest. Today, you don't have to participate in training. Go and have a good sleep. You have endured enough these days!" He answered his question with a smile.
Grayne and Trinville raised their heads and saluted, and said loudly: "Squadron Captain Grayne and Soldier Trinville, we are ordered to evacuate the post."
As they walked in the camp, everyone who saw them looked at them with suspicion. Trinville couldn't help but be filled with joy when he saw their eyes. He stepped on the footsteps very loudly and raised his head high, as if to say: "Just wait and see, where are you going?"
As soon as they entered the barracks, Trinville said excitedly: "Grain, you are right, did you see the look in their eyes? Did you see it? Now they should know who the big Vika is." There are too many people!”
Glenn didn't answer. When Trinville looked back, Glenn had already quietly undressed and fallen asleep on the bed. He said proudly: "This time, I won..." Before he could finish his words, he fell to the ground, snoring like thunder.
It can be said that Grein was forced to join the Guards. But when he did join, he was still attracted to military life. To be honest, he had never seen such an army anywhere - well-equipped and full of confidence.
Every soldier believes that his army is invincible. Although Greene didn't express it as openly as his soldiers, deep down he believed it. As soon as he joined this great army, he was full of respect for Apodoli's Guards.
Trinville also seems to have found all the joy of life. With his strong body, abundant physical strength and high spirit, it seems that he was born for the Guards. The strict and hard training of the Guards was just a small warm-up before a meal for him, as if he only participated in it to give himself a good appetite. His bravery, boldness and cheerfulness soon won him respect among the soldiers.
You know, these arrogant warriors of the First Squadron have never seen a strong man as powerful as him. This doesn't surprise Grenn at all. He was even more sincerely pleased with the respect and love Trinville had won among the soldiers.
Trinville always said to him: "I finally understand now. Why I get angry when they say I'm like a proud Guardsman. Because they are not saying that you are a proud Guardsman." Guard soldiers!"
Whenever this happens, he always beams with joy. Glenn likes to see his friends happy. But he still said: "Old friend, I am just reminding you. Never think that this is the benefit that fighting brings to you. The best qualities of a soldier are loyalty and bravery."
"Of course, I know." Trinville was still smiling from ear to ear. "But, isn't it a place for fighting in the army? Isn't it? Oh, Glenn, that's really a fly in the ointment."
Glenn shrugged and shook his head helplessly but thankfully: "Fortunately not."
The life of the Guardsmen was intense and demanding, but it never made them boring. After the turmoil at the sentry post, they had already gained a reputation in the eyes of the Guards soldiers, but it was not all admiration, but hostility.
Not only the other Guards soldiers, but also the soldiers of the 1st Squadron still had a sense of unfamiliarity and rejection towards them. Glenn had already foreseen the situation in front of him. He didn't want to blame the soldiers.
If resisting the leader of the Mars Legion was a last resort, if he didn't want to be forced to quit before joining the Guards, he could only do that. On the other hand, his arrogance was undoubtedly full of masculinity in the eyes of his loyal friend Trinville, and he admired him endlessly. But in the eyes of many soldiers, it was contempt and blasphemy for their military god, Prince Mars.
Glenn knows this. He is waiting for the right time to show his soldiers that he will be a qualified squadron leader and hopes to be recognized by all soldiers.
Although he had been waiting, the opportunity came too quickly. Of course, for generations of Guards commanders and their soldiers, they have been waiting for this opportunity for many years.
