“Lieutenant Aria Corvo.” An officer of Easenna brought Aria before the unit. Surrounding her was a group of young adults, most of them at least four or more years older than she was. Among them were a few middle-aged fighters as well. All eyes were on her. Each staring in a mixture of emotions. They ranged from shock, to disbelief, annoyance, and mainly confusion.

  “Wait, she’s leading us?!” Victor, a man in his twenties, looked at the girl standing before them in disbelief. He let out a mocking laugh. “This is a joke, right?”

  “I assure you, this is not a joke,” Aria said cordially. “I am in charge of Easenna’s 48th Cavalry under the Raptor Brigade. I look forward to working with you all.”

  The group of older soldiers looked around at each other in stunned silence. The idea of a fourteen-year-old leading them was absurd. Among the thirty or so soldiers, all were in their early twenties or older. To be led by a fourteen year old was unheard of.

  “Major, this is insane!” One soldier exclaimed.

  “She’s a child!”

  “You can’t be serious!”

  Aria sighed, resting her hand on the pommel of her sword. She caught Mary casting her a sympathetic glance as she searched for the right words to address the unit.

  “My time at the academy in Selenia trained me to lead troops,” Aria began. “Additionally, I spent the past few months serving as a sergeant under several commanders. Regardless of my age, I am qualified to lead per Easenna’s generals.” Aria felt their scrutinizing gazes still on her. Taking a recomposing breath she figured she should let them speak if they want. “If any of you wish to voice your concerns, now is the time.” Her tone carried an icy weight, seeing if anyone wished to challenge her right now.

  Victor stepped forward, towering over her. “Yeah I got one. You really expect us to follow the orders of a little girl?”

  “As your commanding officer, I expect you to serve under me as you would anyone else,” Aria replied unflinchingly, holding her ground against the much larger soldier.

  “Victor, you could at least pretend to be nice to her.” A young woman with wavy purple hair sighed. “We look forward to working with you, Aria.” Elaine offered a kind smile, while Victor merely scoffed and stormed off. Seeing Aria cast the other soldier a wary glance as he stormed off, Elaine waved her hand dismissiviely. "Victory will get over it."

  “Doubt it. Victor would rush into a minefield before admitting he was wrong.” Marco, a boy with messy orange hair, hazel eyes, and round black glasses stepped up beside Elaine. He offered Aria a small smile. “Private Marco Leone.”

  “He’s always been moody.” A young woman with short black hair and light blue eyes shrugged nonchalantly as she popped a lollipop into her mouth. A sniper rifle was strapped at her side. “Don’t take it personally, Lieutenant. Victor is frustrating to everyone on a good day.” Alexia’s tone was casual as she watched Victor walk off, completely unbothered by his outburst.

  Aria looked at the strange group before her. Most of them had already decided she wasn’t fit to lead before she’d even arrived. While it was to be expected, she had hoped, perhaps naively, that they’d be more accepting, given that she was the one expected to lead them. “This is our new commander?”

  Aria’s eyes narrowed. The person approaching was even younger than most of the other soldiers, he looked around her age if she had to guess. A teen with messy dark-blonde hair stepped up to the group. Unlike the others, he wore a wolf fur-lined coat over an indigo dress shirt and dark slacks. The strange boy eyed Aria with open curiosity. Despite his casual demeanor, Aria noticed the black chevron stitched onto the side of his coat.

  “You’re my sergeant?” she asked, surprised that the second-highest rank in their squad was someone so close to her age. Lucian cocked an eyebrow at her observation.

  “So it would seem,” he said flatly, sizing her up. She was shorter than Lucian by several centimeters. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair. “Lucian DiAngelo. I suppose you’ll be the one ordering us around.”

  Aria recognized the name DiAngelo immediately. They are one of the strongest Easennian noble families, second only to her own. The DiAngelo's were regularly compared to her own family in terms of strength. Often called the wolves of the south, just as the Corvos are known as the Ravens of Easenna. “Aria of House Corvo.”

  “I guess war can force a wolf to work with a raven…” he replied dryly. Aria raised an eyebrow at his dismissal of her before he walked off. The other soldiers gave her their names before returning to their day-to-day tasks. Now left alone, Aria let out a frustrated sigh. Mary walked over to her friend, her expression soft with sympathy.

  “That went horribly,” Aria mumbled. “They probably hate me…”

  Mary gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, sensing Aria was being slightly melodramatic “They don’t hate you. I think they were more welcoming than most would be. Give them time and they’ll probably come around to accepting you sooner rather than later. Selenia wasn’t built in a day you know.”

  Despite the reassurance, Aria wasn’t sure Mary was right. She’d grown used to the whispers behind her back. The ones that claimed she only reached her rank because of her family name. The distrust in someone so young leading soldiers never truly went away. While she understood that this was part of being a Corvo, the judgment still felt deeply personal.

  “Only time will tell, I suppose…”

  “Nothing I try works!” Aria groaned, her face buried in a stack of papers. After the first few weeks, she was at her wit’s end.

  All her attempts to command the troops had failed. Everything she’d been trained for seemed useless when the soldiers didn’t see her as a real authority. In the end, she’d started delegating most of her orders through soldiers like Marco and Elaine. The troops saw them as leaders instead of her. Mary entered the office with a small cup of coffee, placing it gently beside her as Aria scanned the latest field reports.

  “Your squadrons aren’t doing terribly,” Mary said, trying to be optimistic. “Reconnaissance has gone quite smoothly from what I’ve seen. Plus, the medics and I haven’t encountered any major injuries in the field.”

  “I don’t know how to make them see me as their leader,” Aria mumbled.

  She’d thanked them for their work, oversaw their day-to-day actions, and even gave valid criticism of their training and techniques, despite them not asking for it. Aria wasn’t sure why they didn’t respect her as a leader, especially since she’d been trained to instruct troops and used those lessons when talking to them. "I could beat them in a fight, maybe if I challenge them all, that’ll make them see me as a strong leader…”

  Mary’s sweat dropped at her solution. “I don’t think beating your soldiers into submission is going to make people like you, Aria.”

  “That’s how Dad got everyone to unite around our king.” Aria countered, still weighing the option. Mary casted her a sideways glance. Aria was being oblivious to the fact that many people in Easennia despised her family for that very reason.

  “Please, don’t beat up your soldiers, my lady…”

  Aria sighed as she looked at a paper separated from her pile. “I’ve been getting reports of Albion forces mobilizing in our area, specifically along the edges of the Tuloc Mountains. If I had to guess, they’re looking to take Chroma while our military is occupied. Headquarters is planning to launch an operation at that time.” Aria took a sip of the drink Mary gave her. Her mind turned as she wondered if her troops would listen to her this time.

  “It seems Albion has been active in this part of the Tuloc range.” Major Regis looked over Aria’s report. The enemy activity in the southwest side of Easenna had been confirmed by her and other scouting platoons. Additionally, the motive for their movement aligned with Albion’s recent operations in the region.

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  “I’ll give full authorization to use whatever means necessary to eliminate the threat. I’d recommend blowing the entrance of the mine personally. You can minimize the risk of Easennians and the mine can always be reclaimed by our forces.

  Aria’s eyes narrowed at the order. From her reconnaissance, they deduced that most of Albion’s forces in the area were non-combatants. Ranging from miners and non-magical soldiers used to enter and protect their forces.

  “Permission to speak freely,” Aria requested. Regis raised an eyebrow, unused to Aria speaking on an order. “Granted. Something on your mind, Lieutenant?”

  Aria glanced over the report again, but it confirmed what she already knew. “They don’t seem like Mage Corps or even magic users. Most of them aren’t even soldiers from what we can tell.”

  “The moment they entered our lands and began fighting us, they became soldiers,” Regis replied curtly, his tone cold and matter-of-fact.

  “Sir, outside of maybe their leader, these people don’t use magic and aren’t a threat! I have no qualms fighting mages, but using my sword against unarmed people is dishonorable.” Aria argued, her voice firm but conflicted. She had been trained to only use lethal force in self-defense or against another magic user. To her, fighting and killing people who weren’t actively threatening them felt wrong, no matter where they came from.

  Regis met Aria’s gaze before sighing. He had expected this reluctance from someone as young as her, especially given her lineage. The ideals of her family, so tied to nobility and honor, clearly ran deep. “If you can find a way to defeat them without killing all of them, you’re free to try. However, Albion will not show you the same grace you're offering them, Lieutenant Corvo." He paused, his voice hardening as he delivered the final line, "As an order, if you cannot defeat them, then I will. Risking your soldiers' lives over chivalry will not win us a war.”

  As her troops mobilized on horseback, Aria led the way. By nightfall, they dismounted and began setting up camp. Tomorrow, they would scout the base of the surrounding mountains and report back to headquarters. The troops moved with practiced efficiency, as they set up a ground base, the soldiers were most surprised to see Aria assisting with the camp preparations. Ignoring the stares, she worked quickly.

  “You know, it isn’t normal for a commanding officer to assist with this, right?” Lucien said dryly as Aria pitched her tent for the night.

  “I’m a soldier too, so it’s my responsibility to help set up camp,” Aria replied flatly, though she took longer than the rest of the soldiers to finish the simple task. As they finished setting up their base camp, the troops gathered around a small campfire, preparing their rations over the open flame. The other soldiers eyed Aria curiously, unused to seeing her among the rest of their ranks like this.

  Clapping her hands together, Elaine smiled, sensing the tension between everyone and their new lieutenant. “Why don’t we share some things about ourselves? Seeing as we’ve had our new lieutenant for over a month now, it seems like a waste not to get to know each other better.” Victor scoffed, taking a bite of his jerky. He found her idea stupid but noticed the rest of the soldiers were more open to the idea.

  "So what exactly are we supposed to say?" Alexia asked, unopposed to learning about the others a bit better. Victor rolled his eyes at their supposed enthusiasm.

  “Okay, for now, you’ll say your name, where you're from, something you like, and your best skill. This way, I can learn something about you and figure out how our mission will go,” Aria suggested. She learnt this was an effective way for team building.

  “I’ll begin. My name is Aria Corvo, I was born in the town of Adon. I enjoy reading, and my best skill is using a sword.” Aria looked confused as her answer was met with unsurprised looks from her squadron. Did I say something wrong?

  Alexia sighed as she stoked the flames. “There isn’t a single person in our nation who doesn’t know the name Corvo. It’s not exactly surprising information to them.” Aria slumped down in defeat, realizing her answer was cliché.

  Elaine laughed warmly and went next. “I’m Elaine Sale, I grew up in Selenia. My best skill is aura manipulation, and I enjoy shopping when we’re in more residential areas. It’s surprisingly fun to see the different styles in each area.”

  Rolling his eyes, Victor found the entire group-building exercise a waste of time. “This is stupid... Victor Argent. I was probably born in the eastern region or something... Anyway, I’m good at many things, and I enjoy not being a part of pointless conversations.”

  Victor smirked as the rest of the group glared at him for not taking this seriously.

  “You could pretend to be interested in learning about everyone else...” Alexia mumbled. “I’m Alexia. I never really had many hobbies before entering the military. I’m good with a rifle, however.”

  “Marco Salvatore,” Marco saluted. “I’m pretty good with maps and I enjoy traveling around the countryside of Easenna. I even keep a journal of all our travels with this trusty guy.” Marco pulled out a small black box with a lens.

  Aria’s eyes narrowed as she glanced at Marco’s camera, recalling the few times her family had photographs taken of them.

  “I see,” Aria mused, deep in thought. Elaine sighed as Marco fiddled with the camera, checking the film. “Marco insists we document every place we visit…”

  “Hey! It’s good for record-keeping and keeps the memories fresh!” Marco argued.

  “Right, because remembering a battlefield is pleasant,” Alexia mocked briefly before sighing.

  Aria’s gaze eventually landed on the final member of their group. Off to the side, her sergeant was eating his food quietly. It seemed the others had realized there was one final member left unintroduced.

  “Hey Lucian, you want to say anything to our new leader?” Marco asked, their field leader eyeing the campsite before sighing. “She should know who I am given she manages our unit.”

  Aria pursed her lips as she met Lucian’s bored gaze. “I’d appreciate at least learning something about you, seeing as we’re working together for the time being.”

  Lucian raised an eyebrow before sighing. “I’m Lucian of House DiAngelo. I’m from somewhere, and I’m good at fighting, amongst many things. Happy?”

  Apparently, being friendly isn’t among his talents… Aria thought to herself. She didn’t know why he disliked her, but she decided not to focus on it right now. They had a scouting mission tomorrow, and she needed to focus her attention on that.

  A few days later, Aria had put the plan into action. “Maintain a perimeter around the road,” Aria commanded, her eyes scanning the map laid out before her. Her unit gathered around, ready to absorb her orders. The pressure was mounting as time was running out to deal with the Albion forces mining in their territory. Aria refused to kill them indiscriminately like Major Regis suggested. She knew prolonging a confrontation wasn’t an option anymore. “Sergeant DiAngelo and I will move in to intercept them inside the mine. Alexia, you’ll take position with your rifle to provide cover from a distance. Marco, work in tandem with her to lock down any potential intruders. We’ll prioritize eliminating any mages first; they’re the greatest threat. The non-magic users will be easier to handle, and if they’re not willing to fight, they’ll likely surrender.”

  Victor’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Aria’s map. “Why not use me?” he asked, clearly frustrated. He wasn’t one to shy away from action, but he didn’t fully understand Aria’s reasoning for choosing Sergeant DiAngelo and leaving the rest of the unit under his supervision. To him, it seemed reckless to think two soldiers would be enough to deal with a mage.

  Aria pointed to the base of the dirt path on the map. “I’d rather keep the forces attacking them small. Taking the entire team into an enclosed area would be irresponsible. On the off chance Albion forces try to enter the area, I’d prefer a smaller number with me. I’d go alone if I could, but I believe Sergeant DiAngelos abilities, along with mine, will be more than enough.” Victor, despite disliking Aria, could understand the reasoning.

  Lucian let out a long sigh, shaking his head in disbelief. “If you’re wrong, we’re heading straight to our deaths,” he muttered. He couldn’t help but think that Aria, inexperienced in the brutality of war, was being unrealistic about its true nature. “I can’t exactly argue against your order, but we'd be better off blowing up the entrance and leaving them there. It’s easier than risking our lives for a single group.”

  Aria’s eyes narrowed at Lucian’s words, knowing that the major must’ve spoken with him at some point. Her heart pounded as she took a slow, steadying breath, meeting his scrutinizing gaze evenly. “Sergeant DiAngelo, we both know that the majority of Albans in those mines are non-combatants,” she replied coolly. “Whether you approve of my decision or not, I will not murder civilians just because it is ‘easier’.”

  Lucian opened his mouth to argue further, but the words never left his lips. Instead, he gave a lazy shrug and muttered, “Very well, you are the commanding officer after all. Even if you’re naive, I suppose we’re obligated to follow you to our deaths regardless. After all, we are dogs to this nation.”

  Aria felt her throat tighten, but she did her best to brush off his comment, focusing on the task ahead. His words stung more than she cared to admit, an ugly reminder of how little some of her soldiers believed in her leadership. But she would not let it distract her. She was their officer, and it was her responsibility to see them through this mission, no matter the cost.

  The sound of footsteps approached, pulling her from her thoughts. She turned to find Mary standing at the edge of their encampment. She came to send her off. Mary reached out and gently adjusted the strap on Aria’s shoulder. “Please be careful, Aria. Even if you have good intentions, not every soldier will have the same conviction you have. Especially Albion.”

  Aria met her best friend's gaze, noting the worry behind her calm words. She tried to ease the tension with a smile, though it barely masked her nerves. “I’ll be fine. Plus, Dad would be annoyed if I died in a place like this.” Mary didn’t laugh. In fact, her expression hardened at the joke.

  “I’ll be careful,” Aria amended quickly, her voice softening. Satisfied enough, Mary gave a slight nod, stepping back as Aria turned toward the rest of the squad. The weight of what was to come loomed like the silhouette of the mountain they were about to enter. As she stood at the edge of the clearing, Aria’s gaze drifted toward the towering shadows of the Touloc Range. The chill in the air prickled against her skin as she adjusted her uniform jacket. Aria was determined to find a path to victory. She’d do so without compromising her ideals.

  Gripping her winged sword tightly, Aria closed her eyes, centering herself. I won’t let my soldiers die. I swore I’d defend this nation, even if it costs me my life. I can’t afford to fail on a mission like this. When she opened her eyes again, they were now filled with a steady conviction. Without another word, Aria stepped forward to complete their mission.

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  Aria and her teams decent into the Tuloc mountains puts them at odds with mercenaries operating for Albion.

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  Aria's Past Part 4