The Devouring Knight

Trask tilted his head. "Sub-Captain? What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I'm reorganizing the chain of command when I return," Lumberling replied. "No sweeping changes, just a few crucial roles added where they're needed."

He leaned forward and spoke. "Krivex will be appointed High Marshal, the senior-most Captain and third in command." 'He may not be the third strongest, but his intellect, steady judgment, and proven leadership make him the right choice,' Lumberling thought.

Then he continued. "The seven original captains and their vice-captains will remain in their current posts."

He paused for a moment. "And the new rank, Sub-Captains, will lead key strongholds and specialized units. That's where you come in."

Trask listened in silence, his expression unreadable, but inside, his chest was tight with excitement. A new rank… and he was the first chosen for it.

"You and six others will be appointed as Sub-Captains," Lumberling went on. "The captains have other duties, and I need someone I can trust to hold this base. I want you to lead it for me. Can you do it?"

There was no hesitation. Trask rose to his feet, placed a fist firmly over his chest, and bowed. "It would be an honor, my Lord. I'll keep this base ready for war."

"I know you will." Lumberling's smile matched the spark in his eyes.

Trask straightened, his tone curious. "If I may, my Lord, who will the other Sub-Captains be?"

"Ragza, Tor, and Shen for certain. The other three, I haven't decided yet."

Trask's tail twitched slightly, showing his approval of his Lord's choice. "If you allow me, I can recommend three others. They've proven themselves in both drills and battle. I believe they're worthy of the position."

"Write them down, I'll see them myself before I decide."

"Yes, my Lord."

…..

The next morning, Lumberling stood before the gathered soldiers of the second base. The courtyard was filled with ranks of warriors, hobgoblins, kobolds, goblins, and others, standing at attention.

No one moved.

Boots scuffed against the packed dirt as a latecomer hurried to join the ranks, earning a sharp glare from his neighbor.

All eyes were on the raised platform where Lumberling stood, hands clasped loosely behind his back, scanning the crowd. The longer he remained silent, the heavier the air seemed to grow.

Lumberling took a slow breath. A hundred expectant faces watched him, waiting.

Then, his voice rang out.

"Hear me, soldiers," he began, his voice steady and clear. "I am creating a new rank within our command structure. These officers will be called Sub-Captains."

He paused, letting the words settle.

"Their duty is to lead you when I and the captains are absent. They will carry my authority, so you will follow their orders as if they were mine."

Some soldiers exchanged confused glances, unsure of what this meant, but discipline held them firm.

Lumberling continued, "Today, I will appoint the first group of Sub-Captains."

He stepped forward.

"Trask," he called. The kobold berserker stepped up, standing tall and alert.

"Ragza." The hobgoblin warrior answered the call.

"Tor." Another kobold berserker with sharp eyes moved forward.

"Shen." A hunter unit leader came to attention.

"Zel."

"Zephar."

"And Kelgroth."

Each name was met with a firm step forward from the appointees.

"These seven will lead you. Treat their words as mine," Lumberling said firmly.

A roar of approval surged from the soldiers, cheers rolling across the courtyard like thunder. Every name called had drawn recognition, names who had already earned respect through competence and the steady hands with which they'd led.

The newly named Sub-Captains stood tall beneath the weight of the moment, nodding in unison, their expressions set with the quiet resolve of those ready to shoulder command.

Jen stood a little apart, watching the scene unfold. A quiet smile touched her lips as she felt the weight of the moment settle over the soldiers, their unity, their renewed purpose.

Lumberling allowed himself a brief smile, pride and resolve flickering in his eyes. The foundation was set. The army was growing stronger, more organized. Everything was moving in the right direction.

Just as the cheers began to fade, a sudden shift caught Lumberling's attention. A strong, unfamiliar aura pulsed from deep within the surrounding forest. His eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze toward the trees, trying to peer through the thick shadows.

But just as quickly as it appeared, the aura vanished.

'Am I imagining things?' he wondered.

He shook his head. 'Better to be safe. I should send someone here to help guard the second base, just in case.'

A sly grin crept onto his face. 'Shade… looks like you won't get to laze around anymore.'

…..

Morning light spilled over the second base, painting the training yard in gold.

Lumberling stood at the base gate, his warhorse stamping impatiently beside him. Before him, the newly appointed Sub-Captains stood in a straight line, their armor gleaming faintly under the early sun. They weren't just soldiers now, they were the foundation of something permanent.

Trask, standing front and center, held his chin high. His eyes betrayed a quiet pride, though the faint tightening at the corner of his mouth hinted at the weight now resting on his shoulders.

"Thank you for visiting us, my Lord," He said, voice steady. Beside him, the six newly appointed Sub-Captains.

One by one, they dipped their heads in a bow.

"I'll leave the rest to you here," Lumberling said, letting his gaze sweep over them. "Lead them well. I'll be counting on each of you."

A beat of silence hung in the air, heavy but not oppressive. Then Trask stepped forward, pressing a fist to his chest in salute. "We won't fail you, my Lord."

With a small nod, Lumberling swung himself onto his warhorse, the leather saddle creaking under his weight. Beside him, Jen climbed onto Lunira's broad back, her sword swaying at her hip. The great wolf rumbled low in her chest, then bounded forward with powerful strides.

They rode in silence for a while, the wind tugging at their cloaks, the rhythmic thud of Lunira's paws a steady beat beneath them.

"They seem competent, Brother," Jen said at last, breaking the quiet.

A faint smirk tugged at Lumberling's lips. "You'd like to become a Sub-Captain too?" he asked, catching the subtle edge of envy in her tone.

Jen puffed out her cheeks, looking away. "It would be great, you know, having others follow you… like they do with you."

Lumberling chuckled, the sound warm and deep. "Then work hard. Who knows? Maybe the wolves will become your followers instead." He tilted his head toward Lunira. "Though… you'd have to convince her first."

Jen narrowed her eyes playfully at the wolf. "I could win her over."

Lunira merely huffed through her nose, a sound halfway between boredom and dismissal.

Lumberling laughed again, shaking his head. "Looks like you have your work cut out for you."

The forest road stretched ahead, dappled in shifting sunlight, and the second base faded from view behind them.