Category: urban fantasy

Full Bloom

Intagua Island was the third state to falter from the war, with a devastation of famine. The central trading post for food and goods, and the naval force headed by General Malta, were established there. Nation-wide conflict deserters fled to the beaches for refuge, only to be met with a fatal chemical substance in the water. Scores of human and livestock remains piled up along the coast, as the infestation consumed the region.
Thomasa Savoi was the only child of a minor sugarcane harvester and a popular dressmaker. Her mother, Galayna, was discovered by General Malta’s new wife and asked to become a personal seamstress. Galayna did not want to leave her young daughter alone, so they permanently moved to the Malta estate. Her father, Oliver, was also requested to join them. All went well until he made a romantic pass at several female attendants. He then was dismissed back home. Oliver became bitter about being left out of such a promising future on the Malta estate, which was thousands of miles away from destruction and chaos.
Galayna was proud that her accomplishments as a seamstress brought enough acclaim that she could negotiate in her contract that Thomasa would be properly educated. She ensured her daughter was raised with knowledge of all of their traditions. The Savoi family had a long-standing history as phenomenal botanists. Before the war began, Oliver’s sugarcane plantation was the highest grossing agricultural establishment in the state.
Though General Malta spent most of her time away on deployments, she had developed a nurturing relationship with Thomasa. There were no other children on the estate during Thomasa’s formative years. General Malta’s wife tutored her in academia, while Malta herself incorporated light military tactical studies. Thomasa showed promise in both and was most enthusiastic about astronomy because it helped her cultivate land navigation skills around the estate. Thomasa displayed talents in homeopathy and also achieved high marks in academia, for which she had not received the same formal education as children of aristocrats and nobles. General Malta considered her a “gifted child,” and insisted to Galayna that she be enrolled at the Calvary Academy.
As the war raged on, each year the Infantry Lottery called every male head of household to serve on the front lines against the two houses. Thomasa’s father died from pneumonia twelve days after his name was selected from the Infantry Lottery, which meant she would serve in his place. By this time, Galayna agreed Thomasa was far too talented to serve as a mere infantryman. General Malta pulled some strings for a voucher and paid for Thomasa’s tuition to enroll at the acclaimed institution. 
 
The Waring Robins, Ch. 5
 

Family Affairs

The northern state of La’Montre was roughly 400,000 miles from Nerou. When the first war of the two houses took place, La’Montre was immediately sacked after the fall of the capital. Many of the lower nobles joined the Lesser House to ensure their properties and interests would not be adversely affected. Nearly all the cities of La’Montre were known as industrial commerce hubs. The smallest rural farmlands were run by the lowest level of nobles.
A combination of severe droughts, heavy land taxes, and lack of manpower played a role in the nationwide deterioration of each state. The Roudan family oversaw farmlands in La’Montre. The eldest heir, Victor, became executor five years after Calvary Academy opened. He felt passionate about protecting his homeland from the clutches of the two houses at the time. Many of his peers supported the Lesser House, to which he opposed. He enrolled at Calvary Academy to become an officer and serve as an engineer specialist. Victor relinquished his role as executor to his younger brother, Emilio.
Emilio had two sons, Emille and Emmett, who helped who helped him with all business affairs. Emille was not close to his father or brother. He instead, idolized his uncle Victor. He was born at the start of the 1st war, and at twenty-five followed his uncle’s footsteps by enrolling at Calvary Academy. Together, the Roudans were noted to be the least competent of cadets. They struggled mentally, physically, and academically. It was through a sheer determination that they graduated on time with their class.
Emmett was seven years younger than Emille. Until Emille left for the academy, Emmett enjoyed life as a moderately successful underground boxer. He had to give that all up once his father demanded him to attend their family duties. Emilio grew frustrated with his younger son’s lackadaisical approach to managing their properties. This put an even greater strain on dynamics within the Roudan household. The men often bickered on matters that ranged from finances to whether they should formally pledge support to the Lesser House. Emmett vehemently opposed the idea.
Victor and Emille were assigned to the Delta squad. During their 2-year stint at Calvary Academy, both the Greater and Lesser Houses called a ceasefire. General Benavides warned the graduating classes of cadets that this was not an end to the war. Benavides had concerns, which he advised the Tribunal Council. To his dismay, he was correct in his assertions. The day after graduation, bombs blasted once again all over the nation. Delta squad was sent on a reconnaissance mission shortly after.
A report came to the Tribunal Council that during the mission 2nd Lieutenants Victor and Emille Roudan were seen fleeing the pinnacle of action after an ambush by the Greater House knights. The officers were confirmed dead by the Delta squad leader, though their bodies were confiscated by the knights. Word got back to Emilio, who was embroiled in massive amounts of debt because of a decline in harvested crops. The scandal of his brother’s and son’s deaths drove him to suicide. With no family or a place to call home, Emmett Roudan felt he had no other alternative but to enroll at Calvary Academy.
 
The Waring Robins, Ch. 4
 

Fight and Flight

Guitterez frowned but changed his expression to match Benavides.
“That gleam in your eyes certainly looks promising,” he said as he stood to pat Benavides on the shoulder. “More troops are essential. Will we be able to send for them?”
 “I do not see why not. We could only muster twelve thousand to bring with us, and the attacks on both fronts have escalated,” Malta interjected with concern.
 Benavides inhaled sharply, then released a small sigh. “The evacuations have made it nearly impossible to assemble fleets to protect all of our borders. However, the Tribunal Council has just made everything easier for us, he said.
“How do you mean?” Guitterez asked.
“The Council has directed all military branches to remain neutral in this war. I advised them that our kingdom will be spared a countless number of casualties if the citizens are permitted to defend themselves from the tyranny of the two houses. The Council agreed to conduct a draft for infantry soldiers,” Benavides answered.
“The infantrymen will need dedicated officers to facilitate soldiers fit for defending this kingdom,” Guitterez replied.
Benavides clasped his hands and rubbed them together vigorously. “That is where the three of us come in. The Council gave their blessings for us to establish a conservatory specialized in mentoring an elite force of military officers. There will only be a select few who can be enrolled. The plan is to train them in various military tactical operations, so they can lead the infantrymen to victory,” he said.
Malta perked with interest. “Will this conservatory be only meant for men, or can women also be permitted to serve?” she asked.
Benavides turned to her and said, “Do not fret my friend, I did not forget what we discussed. And I convinced the Council that our kingdom and country deserve all the support we can get from every able-bodied citizen. The best part about the conservatory is that we can hand-pick the most promising and gifted young people from the all over the region.”
“This is brilliant. What an amazing opportunity!” Malta exclaimed.
“I agree, but I would like to propose that we take considerable measures to vetting these individuals. The conservatory should comprise only those who come from prominent households. That way we can ensure they will be both aesthetically and mentally fit for our program,” Guitterez said with a smug grin.
Malta rolled her eyes and quipped, “Prominent households do not always provide the most stable offspring.” She glared at Guitterez intently.
Guitterez paused for when he realized Malta’s jab was directed towards him. “Well, at least they will already be academically inclined, which will be to our advantage,” he shrugged.
Benavides felt the conversation had taken a turn for the worse, so he abruptly interjected. “We need to iron out that logistic later. What is important is that we at least will have the force to end the battle between the dueling houses. The infantry line and officers will report directly under our command.”
The trio agreed that the Tribunal Council had given them a gift, which was rare. They knew it would take mounds of compromises amongst them to pull off the conservatory. Each would have to lay prideful spirits aside for the benefit of saving their kingdom from the two houses. Having enough manpower to stabilize the entire country would be their only hope for the kingdom of Nerou.
Hours later, dawn crept in quietly and was ushered with a light flurry of snowflakes. The serenity of those first few moments was abruptly interrupted by thunderous war horns and a melee of soldiers who wore the Greater House’s emblem of the blue robin crest on their tattered uniforms. Their armor was mangled, and there was a great sense of hysteria, as if they were in flight of a hot pursuit. Soon, the city of Nerou was completely infested with both the Greater and Lesser Houses. Chaos and destruction were well underway by the time the military swooped in to take action.
Captains Benavides, Guitterez, and Malta lead the cavalry to victory by expelling the evil forces from the city. The battle was far from over. In fact, the duration was over twenty-five years of turmoil. Each House took turns besting the other, while the military remained neutral. Civilians were expected to serve their regions accordingly. The Tribunal Council gave Benavides permission to proceed with his plans for the conservatory. He chose the location as the city of Emor, where the ruins of a once renowned colosseum were reconstructed into Calvary Academy.
The institution had a decent start until General Guitterez came up on charges for command rape of five female cadets. He went into exile to flee from the Tribunal Council and the wrath of General Malta. She felt his crimes would hurt the enrollment count of female cadets, which she had worked tirelessly to increase. Malta was also at odds with Benavides for his decision not to pursue Guitterez and bring him to justice. She became dissatisfied with the direction of the academy, so they parted ways as well.

The Waring Robins, Ch. 3
 
 
 
 

Distinct Honor

For one month, the kingdom of Soleste mourned the passing of King Klauvius XVI. Each provincial state held daily memorial services and the entire workforce was sent on holiday for observance. Unfortunately, the two opposing factions of the monarch took full advantage of this period of national grief to mobilize their armies. Both the Greater and Lesser Houses declared civil war against each other.
Several authority figures within the king’s royal cabinet had become disgruntled because of the king’s lack of desire to gain more territories in other countries. The consensus was that this passive standing made the kingdom of Soleste appear weak to the rest of the world. All the uproar came to a head when the Archbishop and the Earl of Nerou conspired with a coup.
Lines were drawn in the sand when there could be no mediation between the two court officials on how to accomplish this task. Devout followers of the Archbishop congregated regularly and comprised their own sect. A white robin was selected for their banner. They called themselves the Greater House, as they felt their cause was closest to the will of the heavenly realm. The Earl of Nerou, who preferred the blue robin to represent his cause, called upon the lower-ranking constables. They formed the Lesser House, as it was not required to have such piety for their establishment.
Meanwhile, Captain Benavides had been summoned to the garrison headquarters for a promotion. He seized on the opportunity to request a summit with several battalion commanders to deliberate a battle strategy to put an end to the war. His unit leaders, Paolo Guitterez and Yasha Malta, were eager to be informed of the latest intel. Through the former king’s reign, it had been nearly impossible to achieve a promotion in rank without deployments to conflicts abroad.
Benavides, Guitterez, and Malta were among the sixteen soldiers who were honored for their service and dedication. Guitterez was the last to receive his new rank insignia. After the ceremony concluded, the soldiers were dismissed on liberty.
Guitterez remained in the reception area of the central office. He was a tall man with delicate fair skin that contrasted against his short, dark brown hair. His brooding mood only seemed to improve in the presence of a woman, which was certainly the case when Malta entered the room.
He shifted from lounging to sit upright, and flirtatiously winked with a nod at her. Malta rolled her eyes to rebuff his signal to sit next to him on the metal bench. She stood beside him with folded arms and her back braced her back against the wall. Her pursed pink lips showed she would not be friendly.
Guitterez did not take her hint to heart, and insisted on engaging.
He gruffly cleared his throat and said, “Congratulations to you, Major Malta. It fit that you were promoted for your ambitious endeavors out in the far east.” He took her smile to mean that she had warmed up to him. With a smug grin, he added, “I must say, your new rank insignia dazzles with the spark in your eyes.”
Malta scoffed, took three steps forward, then pivoted directly in front of him. “Thank you, Major Guitterez. It was also fitting that you received your new rank right at the conclusion of the promotion ceremony. We all wondered if you had been removed from the list because of rumors of fraternization,” she replied sternly.
“Alleged fraternization?” he choked uncomfortably.
Malta returned to her position, braced against the wall as she chuckled quietly. They both straightened their postures when they saw Benavides come out of the conference room with three members of the Tribunal Council. A heated discussion appeared to be in place. Tension descended through the halls with raised but hushed voices. Benavides held his ground, and did not falter under the heavy tone.
“King Klauvius placed a tremendous burden on Benavides, and all of Soleste,” Guitterez whispered.
“If anyone can handle such a hefty obligation, it would be Major Benavides,” Malta replied in her normal voice. She tucked a loose strand of her strawberry blonde hair behind an ear and continued, “few of us have the right to stand next to him. His brilliance has kept this kingdom afloat, even during such turbulent times.”
Guitterez sighed with annoyance. “Our king certainly put a lot of faith in him. That bothered me about Klauvius. I often tried to make sense of just who he was.”
“Klauvius was a lovely man,” Malta answered dryly.
“Benavides seemed to have fancied him greatly,” Guitterez said with a sneer. “I on the other hand, could never fancy another man in the same manner I would fancy a woman like you.”
Malta crinkled her nose and scowled with a death stare at Guitterez. Before she had the chance to rebuke him, Benavides crept into the office, smiling.
 
The Warring Robins, Ch. 2
 

Cadet Yoshida

Cadet Yoshida:
Yoshida, Hatsuharu
Age: 18
Height: 5’9
Weight: 176lbs (athletic build)
Eye color: Black
Hair: Black/with frost white tips
Birthmark/tattoo: Red Komodo dragon on back
MOS/position: Armorer (Weapons Specialist)
Highest Rank: Major
Home of Record: Old Toyoko
Background: Born into the prominent Kuge aristocratic class. Early on, he became disillusioned with the stifling hypocrisy of high society. At 10, he rebelled against his family by joining a Gokudō gang. By the age of 14, his father pleaded with a longtime business associate to intervene. Though his father hoped the intervention would lead the wayward youth back into the family fold, it was to no avail. General Guitterez became a mentor and convinced the boy that he would find more fulfillment with his strength and talents as a military officer. Instead of leaving the crime syndicate to return home, Hatsuharu enrolled at Calvary Academy.

The Warring Robins, Intro (p.6)
 
 
 

Cadet Shevchenko

Cadet Shevchenko:
Shevchenko, Lilya
Age: 18
Height: 5’7
Weight: 118lbs (athletic/petite build)
Eye color: Blue
Hair: Blonde, long
Birthmark/tattoo: N/A
MOS/position:  Linguist
Highest Rank: Captain
Home of Record: Dosea
Background: Middle daughter of a high-aristocrat, who spent entire childhood preparing for debutante ball. She was dubbed a “mediocre prospect” during the start of Social Season, as she was never deemed alluring like her older and younger sisters. Rashly, she enrolled at the Calvary Academy to avoid being shunned by any eligible bachelors.     
 

The Warring Robins, Intro (p. 5)

Cadet Faruk

Cadet Faruk:
Faruk, Maaz
Age: 16
Height: 5’5
Weight: 149lbs (athletic/medium build)
Eye color: Light Brown
Hair: Black wavy/short
Birthmark/tattoo: N/A
MOS/position:  Warcraft Pilot (Air Raider)
Highest Rank: Captain
Home of Record: West Praiju
Background: Eldest son of a Sheikh. Lost favor in his family’s eyes after he caused a horrific incident to occur at their estate. Requested to enroll at Calvary Academy to redeem his honor. Personal strengths are integrity and adaptability. Is shy and observant due to PTSD, but easily breaks free from that shell once given the option of comradery.   

The Warring Robins, Intro (p.4) 
 

Cadet Savoi

Cadet Savoi:
Savoi, Thomasa
Age: 17
Height: 5’7
Weight: 135lbs (athletic/curvy build)
Eye color: Hazel
Hair: Brown and red, mostly wears 4 long cornrows
Birthmark/tattoo: Small cut under chin
MOS/position: Chemical Analyst
Highest Rank: Major
Home of Record: Intagua Island
Background: Only child of a crofter and dressmaker. Mother was employed by General Guitterez. Thomasa’s father died from pneumonia 12 days after his name was selected from the Infantry Lottery, which meant she would serve in his place. General Guitterez considered her a “gifted child,” and insisted that she be enrolled at the Calvary Academy. She displayed talents in homeopathy and also achieved high marks in academia, for which she had not received the same formal education as children of aristocrats and nobles.

The Warring Robins, Intro (p. 3)