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guard from another's was the painted insignia across the front of each cuirass and shield. They also kept the same rank structure, making it easier to work together. She knew the only part of the outfit that would change would be the shield, as a round shield was worn while on horseback instead of a rectangular one.
    Her Da proceeded to walk the line of fully equipped men and women, of which approximately a hundred and fifty were present from the company of normally two-hundred. Slowly and carefully, he examined each one as they presented their kit for inspection and with thoughtful remarks and nods of approval; eventually he reached the last and proceeded to the front of the quadruple column. As far as Elsa could tell, each one of the men and women present had been resplendent in their spotless garments and well-used yet clean weapons and equipment.
    "A fine bunch of warriors, Sub-Captain Milstein," her Da remarked to the grizzled man before him. Elsa knew from her Da's teachings, the position of Sub-Captain, allowed captains to perform other duties. Usually, the most experienced man or woman assumed this position.
    "That they are, Mad Dog."
    Then Da grinned at the soldier then both men reached out and shook, forearms tightly grasped.
    "I need to see the Captain and Troop Commander. Are they around?" her Da asked.
    "I sent for them when you showed up. They'll want to catch up and talk about old times."
    "Mad Dog, is that you?" A voice spoke from behind them, and as she was turning, Elsa saw the Sub-Captain approach as all the men present snap to attention.
    Before them were two older men, roughly her father's age with calm demeanors and friendly smile on their faces. Both carried themselves well and from the insignia on their helmets, she saw the designation for captain on one and troop commander on the other. All were in top physical shape and as they approached, all four of the others near Elsa, including her father, saluted. Her Da at attention and saluting was something Elsa had never seen before. Suddenly she had a glimmer of what her Da must have been like twenty years ago while in the service to the king, for his back was ramrod straight, and a profound feeling of no nonsense was readily apparent as he addressed the troop commander of the king’s elite guard.
    The hand over heart salute held for several seconds before the arms of all four snapped downward, after which the men grasped forearms and slapped shoulders. For a moment, she became lightheaded as she started to realize just how important a figure her father had been before retiring to a farm in the middle of nowhere.
    Her father was the first to speak."It is good to see you, Commander Morre, as it is you, Captain Ream." The two facing him smiled in return. 
    "Yes, it has been too long since your last visit. At least six months, I think. Wouldn't you say, Ream?" responded the commander.
    "Agreed. Great to see you, and when did you get in?" said Captain Ream.
    "Late yesterday afternoon. I wanted to get over here as soon as possible."
    "I am surprised you were able to pry yourself away from the widow Rosa so quickly," laughed Ream. Elsa blinked as she looked at her Da out of the corner of an eye but did not say anything, watching his face turn red before he cleared his throat.
    "I'd like you to meet my eldest, Commander Morre. Her name is Elsa, and perhaps we should leave Rosa out of the conversation for now," said Da as the others grinned at him, then he reached back to grab Elsa by the elbow and drag her forward. As he did, the older man, the troop commander, removed his helmet, holding it in the crook of his arm and walking toward her. Having never seen a helmet close up before, she glanced at it quickly, but thoroughly, and noticed it covered most of the head, leaving eyes, nose, mouth, and chin clear. Scalloped curves on the front covered the cheekbones, and the entire piece seemed to be made of steel.
    "The pleasure is mine, Miss Dragod." Moore reached out