The chariots were intended to be the first charge with a soldier steering while either a skilled archer-knight or Combat mage led the attack. The quick speed of such a light vehicle allowed the mages and knights the ease of a distanced approach that enemies would have a hard time countering. The Red Desert's knights and mages were known for their long-range attacks, and since Ishir Outpost was the most populace city with the largest regiment it had become one of the four territories mage apprentices and knights' squires trained in during their four-year apprenticeships.
"Soldiers of the Cavalry are exempt, of course, since they are immediately placed following their trial year in whatever region the Crown demands," the Commander noted. "It is a shame that they can't do a four-year rotation as well, but they take on much lesser roles in our service and it is not necessary for them to learn the chariots before they are placed in our city."
The imposing lady knight continued to explain the finer points of her strategy – pointing to her colleagues from time-to-time to explain what each leader would do once the chariots had left the barrier tunnels. The mounted knights would follow up with an armed assault – usually the sickle sword if they were desert natives, or the halbred if coming from the Crown's Army. Whatever horses remained were given to the soldiers – with the majority serving on foot with battle axes to break up their opponent's armor and give the knights an easier target to dismantle. The Restoration and Alchemy mages would remain in the tunnels – equipped for battle, but prepared for healing and the latter for a last minute defense.
They had left no possibility unplanned.
Though we went over various techniques for breaking up enemy lines and securing a victory, the one thing the Commander and her council never told us was exactly where those tunnels were located. We didn't know their number either, and we never would… unless we were given a position in command or participating in an actual war.
Because Jerar's capital had never been under siege, the Red Desert's tunnels had never been used. The laborers that had helped build them had died several centuries ago. The only people who knew their exact coordinates were either dead, or currently serving the commanding post in one of the desert or plain cities. The only exception was the royal family. Not even the various barons or ruling lords in the affecting cities knew.
From everything I had gathered the tunnels were Jerar's most safeguarded secret. It hadn't been said directly but I was almost certain they punished offenders with death. There were rumors that those who went looking for them never returned. And then there was the mysterious death of Ishir's past Commander who had been in the prime of his health when a sudden illness had rapidly taken his life after only three years into his reign.
Definitely a secret.
By the time our two hours were over I had forgotten most of my earlier problems. Priscilla, Master Byron, and my new injury were just small, annoying blips in my otherwise perfect life. Every time I walked away from Strategies in Combat I felt like I was a part of something great. No one and nothing could take that away from me.
I was an apprentice now. For Combat, the most prestigious faction of all. I had defeated more odds than any of the other war schools. In the School of Knighthood almost half of the first-year pages were made squires. In the Cavalry? Three-quarters of its applicants made soldier. The Academy? Less than ten percent.
I wasn't even considered lowborn anymore – as an apprentice mage I was now afforded the same status as a noble. Not even squires had that privilege. Magic was rare. And important. So I was.
And in four short years I would be a mage of Combat.
"You sure look chipper for someone with a broken arm."
Breaking free from my daze I spotted Lynn waiting with Ella's mentor, Loren, a tall dark-skinned youth with startling blue eyes that my brother loathed. It had been he who had spoken.
"Thanks for reminding me." I gave Loren a wry smile. Ella and I followed him and Lynn down the stairs to the third floor. The great building hosted four levels – the first was the privies and wash chambers, the second the squire/apprentice mage barracks (depending on whose year it was to field train – we were never in the same city together), the third was the dining commons, and the fourth for regiment meetings. It wasn't as grand as the Academy – but it was still impressive.
"Is Ian staying behind to do extra mentoring with Darren today?" Lynn joined me as I found us a seat. The room was smaller than the one we'd had at the Academy – and there were only three rows to choose from. Before there had been over a hundred of us – now there were only sixty, well, sixty-one since the exception the Colored Robes had made for me last year. Twenty apprentices from each faction – five for each year.
"I doubt it." The troublemaker was far more likely to be trying to talk his way out of the chore Byron had just assigned. I repeated what Ian had told me on our walk to the infirmary. "Wish I could see him do it," I added.
Ella picked at her plate, avoiding a curry she had deemed too spicy for her liking. "I'm surprised he would try."