A week after Ghislain’s meeting with the Marquis of Branford, the Royal Army of 50,000 soldiers began its march toward Heine Plains, just as Baron Shear had indicated.

The Royal Army, hastily reorganized after repeated defeats by the Duke’s forces, was still a disjointed and uncoordinated mess. However, they had selected the best-conditioned units to lead the march.

At the forefront of the Second Corps stood the 3rd Infantry Company, holding their position proudly.

For the soldiers, this was both a point of pride and a source of discomfort. Winning first place in the evaluation had been gratifying, but standing …