Okay, heres chapter 8 as I promised. hope you enjoy! constructive criticism welcome. And please tell me what recruit you like best!

The very next morning Helmer awoke and stretched. His back was stiff and his yawns were stifled by loud snores that filled the whole bunkhouse. He scowled, getting to his feet. “Finally,” Said a voice behind him, making him jump. He turned and saw Clayton in his bunk, a book in his hands. “I’ve been awake for hours” Helmer rolled his eyes, and looked around the room. Frances was half falling off of his bunk, loud snores causing his stomach to rise, and push him farther off the bed. Tomas had two pillows and a blanket over his head, as to stop the snoring, and Ioan lay sprawled like a starfish on the floor. “How the- Wha-” Helmer started, confused.

“I know.” Clayton said, reverting his eyes back to the book. “They're ridiculous.” Helmer sighed then buckled on his scabbard. He waited for Clayton to come down and join him, but he continued to read. He retreated outside to grab a large gong, meant for waking his pupils up. He bustled back inside and hit it hard. The loud noise echoed across the room, half deafening Helmer for a second. Clayton plugged his ears, Frances fell off the bunk with a scream, Tomas sat up hitting his head, hard on the ceiling. And Ioan didn’t move. Helmers brows furrowed. “Is he dead?” Clayton asked, climbing down from his bunk. Helmer bent down and checked Ioans puls. It was there. “No, he is very much alive.”

Just then Ioan sat up abruptly, hitting heads with Clayton, who stood and backed away, cursing under his breath. Helmer shook his head standing up. He didn’t know, he just didn’t know. “Okay, bucks, I want you to meet me in the dining hall in ten minutes. Okay, just do it.” He exited as quickly as he could. He rushed to the dining hall and saw Wilfred already sitting down. He walked to the counter, and waited for his rations. “Ah, Hello!” Said a friendly voice, as Gort rose from under the counter. “Helmer is it?”

“Hello, Gort.” Helmer said, trying to avoid him at all costs. “So, how's your day been?”

“Fine.”

“Well, my days have been really great! You see-”

“Gort, can I have my food?”

“Oh, Yes! I forget myself, goodbye!” Helmer waved nonchalantly as he made his way over to the table where Wilfred sat. He collapsed into the chair. “So,” Wilfred said, looking him over “How are your recruits?” Helmer sighed, Wilfred grinned.

***

“Alright bucks,” Helmer said looking at them sternly. “We had a rough morning but I think that we’ll be better while training. Am I correct?”

“Yes Sir!”

“Okay, here's the game plan, you will spar with each other, then after a while, you will take on me. That simple.” They exchanged nervous glances before nodding. He smirked. They were afraid of him, and he would let them be. He watched them spar for a while, sizing them up. Tomas was no good with a blade but his kicks were very well aimed and effective. Both Clayton and Frances were good with the blade, but Ioan was remarkable. His well aimed blows sent his teammates to the ground one by one. Clayton got to his feet and deflected a blow, then lept, sending a powerful kick toward Ioan, who dodged it. Ioan brought his wooden blade to Clayton’s throat until he lifted his arms in defeat. Ioan helped his friend to his feet, and Helmer was surprised to see he didn’t have a smug look at all. He looked upset at himself, as though he had just stolen a carrot from a kit. Helmer got to his feet, deciding it was his turn to take on these bucks. “My turn.” He growled and he gripped the end of a wooden sword loosely, getting in his ready position. They surrounded him, all looking grim and determined. He waited for one of them to make their move, but when they didn’t he attacked first. He decided to take down Tomas first, He ran at him and struck him with the flat of his blade. Tomas flinched, but backed up, preparing to strike at Helmer's face. Helmer lept, kicking him in the side of the head and sending him sprawling to the ground. He lept at Ioan but he dodged, letting Helmer take down Frances. Him and Clayton charged at the same time. Helmer deflected their blows easily, slicing through the air they were both on their backs in a second. They looked up at him in awe as he spat, and moved back to sit again. They got to their feet, and after a quick drink they began sparing once again. Throughout the training session they improved. Tomas was getting better with a blade and Ioan didn’t look as sympathetic. They will be amazing warriors. Helmer thought as Clayton landed on his back. And you will get to say you trained them.

***

They sat once again around the fire, The two brothers chatted about their first day as Frances listened intently. Clayton sat by Helmer again and they talked a little. Helmer learned a little about each of his soldiers' backstories. Ioan and Tomas had grown up in a small town, not many rabbits lived there, but they said it was enjoyable. Frances had grown up with a votery father. He was never rich and he had to have a job from a young age, to support his thirteen siblings. Clayton grew up in Blackstone, his father had been an engineer and his mother made clothing. They told stories of their past, speaking of daring adventures and silly decisions until the moon had risen. Helmer yawned standing up. “I’m going to bed.” He grumbled and threw his piece of corn in the fire as he headed to the bunk house. As he closed the door he could here them talking, talking about him. He could have sword he heard the words, “He really is too good for us.”