[b][u]Lieutenant Karras[/u][/b]

[u]Training Continues[/u]

Lieutenant Karras had been somewhat caught off guard when one of the Cornets approached him so readily with his own suggestions for training. Then again, such a thing was to be expected, he supposed - he hadn't been too different when he first purchased a commission. He wondered what the Cornet's motivation was - an attempt to impress his superiors? A genuine desire to improve his men and get to know them better? Then he remembered this was the same man who wasn't even of noble blood - Milos didn't hold that against him, but others certainly would. It might not hurt to give him a chance to prove himself...

Leventis would have almost been able to see the gears turning in Karras's head as he internally debated the merits of his fresh-faced subordinate's suggestion. The arguments in favor of it were sound, and he did not want to discourage his subordinates from showing initiative. On the flip side however, training the men independently could hinder the Bandon's cohesion should they ever need to go into battle as a full unit.

Finally, Milos nodded. "So long as these two hour sessions do not interfere with your training alongside the rest of the Bandon. I shall also have the other Omadons do the same. And I will observe from time to time to see how your unit is progressing." He paused, considering his next words. "It is rare to see such initiative from a junior cornet. Good work."

[u]Off To War[/u]

Milos thought the training had been progressing well. The men of his Bandon were still far from an elite unit, but they were much better off than they had originally been when they first signed on. At the very least, they had now gotten used to military discipline, the chain of command, and the rigorous schedule. So naturally, when training was cancelled, Milos was puzzled. And then the news hit.

They were at war.

He should not be surprised, he had told himself. The Empire had been at war countless times before, and had only been expanding its influence since then. To think that the other great powers of Europe would not notice and would not do anything about it was complete and utter foolishness. Still, expecting to go war and actually going to war were two entirely different things. His thoughts drifted to his brothers in their own regiments, and how they were taking the news.

But no matter what challenges laid in wait, Milos would not waver. He would see to his duty, and he would do so to the best of the ability. For himself, for his nation, and for his House.

[u]Staff Meeting[/u]

Their orders were clear, but also quite demanding. He wondered if any of his men or officers had been expecting something more exciting. For Milos himself, if he could spend a year and a half at a remote outpost without complaint then a quiet port town was nothing. As a result, neither the difficulty nor tedium of their new assignment had hindered his ability to formulate a plan.

He invited his Cornets and senior NCO into his office, where Milos was standing over his desk with a map already laid out. He wasted no time with pleasantries, before he explained the situation. They had to scout everything west of the northern river, and in order to cover the most ground in the quickest amount of time he had decided to split the Bandon up.

"Cornet Leventis." He began, looking at the gunmaker's son. "Your patrol route is to the northeast. You and your Omadon are to follow the river. You will record every potential ford or crossing point, no matter how hidden or how narrow. If it can be crossed, I want its exact position marked down. Then I want you to follow that road north to see where it ends. After that, you are to turn back and follow the road south and report your findings to me."

He paused for the briefest of seconds, allowing that information to sink in, before moving on. "Cornet Konyk." He said, turning to the bright magic-user in his Bandon. "You and Cornet Bardas shall take 1st and 4th Omadons northwest to investigate this bridge..." He pointed to the crossing in the northwestern reaches of the map. "I'm placing you in command until you reach your destination. When you arrive at the bridge, you are to split up. Cornet Bardas will take his Omadon to the northeast, while you take your Omadon south, both following the river. Again, I want you both to mark down every potential crossing, and you are to return to the bridge once you reach the forest and mountains respectively, and share your findings with each other. Bardas, you will remain to set up camp and watch over the bridge, so make sure you bring plenty of rations. If you spot the enemy, ride back here with all haste and inform us. Konyk, you will return to Tomis to make your report - on your way back I would also like you to scout those two side roads. Understood?"

Barely giving any time to respond, he then turned to Von Nyon. "Cornet Von Nyon. You and Cornet Nizar shall take your Omadons directly directly west, with you in command and Corporal Ioannis to advise you. Your destination is this bridge here." He pointed to the westernmost bridge. "Nizar, you have the same orders as Bardas - set up camp and keep watch for the enemy, and the same orders apply if they make an appearance. Von Nyon, you will take Ioannis and follow the river north through the forest. In addition to identifying potential fords, you are also to take note of the forest's density, and estimate how difficult it would be for a large group of men to move through there. Stay alongside the river - we will do a more in-depth sweep of the forest at a later date. Once you reach Cornet Bardas's camp, you are to follow the road south back to the town with your report. If you happen to link up with Cornet Konyk at any point, you are to aid him in scouting those two side roads on the way back."

His plan and the various routes laid out, he then addressed the table as a whole. "And do be sure to keep an eye out for any defensible buildings or potential camping sites that can be converted into outposts. The captain wants us to make note of those as well, and they will aid us in the defense when the main army arrives. You depart tomorrow at dawn. Those are your orders, gentlemen. Any questions or objections?"

If there were any doubts, confusion, or criticism towards the plan, now would be the time to have them cleared up.