Chapter 48: Pompous
The recruits had already been standing for about two hours by the time we started setting up.
Several desks were placed facing the recruits. I asked the help of two clerks already working in the Casa Real to man the enlistment tables. I also tapped the town doctor to assist with basic medical screening. The rest of the crew consisted of the NCOs from my escolta.
The boxes and crates containing the uniforms and gear were brought out and laid behind the desks. The recruits stirred with excitement at the sight, those in the back rows craning their necks for a better glimpse. The soldiers keeping guard barked rebukes to maintain their formation.
But before anything could begin, there had to be a speech. They needed to understand the significance of their decision to come here—and the consequences that came with it.
Once again, I mounted my horse. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think of myself as Napoleon, even if only in passing.
I wore my khaki general’s uniform—the same one from the dance and the parade—complete with gold-plated regalia and red-and-gold shoulder straps. I was reminded that I needed a saber to complete the look. It was an outfit the town, and certainly these recruits, had never seen before. I could see it in their eyes—they were impressed.
Pompous, maybe... but leadership needed to inspire. The higher they thought of me, the better.
I had my horse prance before the formation, making eye contact with as many recruits as I could. My escorts called for silence.
"You have crossed a line!" I shouted, and I liked how my voice echoed across the quiet plaza.