I expect each and every one of you to keep it prepared from this day forward.”
A young woman on the left raised her hand, and when he pointed at her she asked, “For how long?”
“Until the war is over, or I order otherwise.”
Someone else in the back shouted a follow-up, “What about those of us who can’t keep a spell prepared yet?”
“Then you’ll be practicing until you can. That brings me to another question,” he announced. “How many of you can keep two spells prepared while still being able to construct and use other spells?” Out of the two hundred only seven raised their hands. “Step forward and give Janice your names. You’ll be joining the special practice group and helping others with their training.”
One of those had already given Janice his name, as he’d also successfully defended himself with an earthen shield. He was a short, curly-haired young man with dark hair and dark eyes. Will pointed to him. “What’s your name?”
The object of his interest looked as though he wanted to disappear into the ground as his cheeks flushed. “I—I already gave it to her,” stammered the student.
“And I’m asking you what it is for personal reference.”
“Burk Leighton, sir, but everyone calls me Bug.” A smattering of laughter rose from the gathered students.
Will’s eyes narrowed. “What do you prefer?”
“It’s all right, sir. I prefer Bug. My grandfather gave me the nickname.”
“Bug it is, then,” said Will. I’ll be keeping an eye on you, he thought to himself. He was going to need as much talent as he could find when spring came. Will raised his voice once more. “That’s all for today. I’ll expect everyone to have the spell memorized and prepared for our next session. Before you leave, look at the last page of the journal you have. You’ll find a time and date listed there, which indicates when you’re expected at Byron Waters’ armory. Each of you will be measured and fitted for your gear.”
“Gear?” someone asked from the back.
Will nodded. “Helm, gambeson, mail shirt, shield, and falchion. You’ll be equipped and armored similarly to the private contract soldiers, although only some of them can afford mail.”
Some of the students seemed excited at the prospect while others blanched at the news. One of the unhappier ones raised her hand and asked a question. “Armor is hot and heavy, not to mention some of us aren’t as brawny as others. Why do we need it? We won’t be near the fighting lines.”
His eyes were unforgiving as he answered the question, “On the contrary, each of you will be assigned to a company. You’ll be eating, sleeping, and marching with whichever company you’re assigned to. Not coincidentally, you’ll also be with them when they join battle. A force-wall spell won’t do them any good if you’re standing several hundred yards away.”
The response was mixed. Some gasped, and others looked even more excited. One well-dressed man who was obviously from a noble family asked, “If we already have armor can we use that instead?”
“Mail, yes, gambesons, maybe, so long as they are plain and unadorned. I’ll allow a breastplate if you have one, but if it’s lacquered or ornamented it won’t be suitable. Essentially, I don’t want any of you to stand out beyond what a sergeant might be wearing, otherwise you’ll make a prime target. Part of the reason for armoring you is to make you blend in, as well as protecting you from stray arrows.”
“Why the swords? Won’t they be a waste?”
Will didn’t see who asked that, but he’d been expecting something along those lines. “Unless you can reflex cast, there may be moments when you don’t have any better option. Don’t worry, though. The local reserves will be coming to meet us next week, along with several training officers. In addition to the spells and special training I’ll be giving you, you will also be drilled in marching, standard formations, basic sword techniques, and how to set up and break down tents.”
The same fellow who’d asked about bringing his own armor seemed offended. “Aren’t we joining as officers? We won’t be doing that sort of drudge work.”
Will moved forward, causing the crowd to part as he approached the fellow who had spoken. When he was a few feet away, he studied the young man critically. He was red-haired and heavily built. His clothes indicated wealth, but the callouses on his hands and the tanned freckled skin of his neck and forearms showed a propensity for outdoor