Chapter 87: Young
"Oh... to be young," sighed Colonel Abad, his gaze fixed on the scene unfolding below.
From our vantage point on the ridge, we watched the young soldiers enjoying themselves in the river. They splashed and chased one another, disturbing the fish and creating waves in the otherwise serene water. I wouldn’t be surprised if, before long, their playfulness turned rough, and we’d have a repeat of the brawl that had broken out during their first week of training. It was surreal to think that had been only a month ago.
Others were more content to remain on the banks, where they gathered around fire pits, roasting generous portions of fish and pork I had provided for the outing. Dimalanta, ever the instructor, hadn’t shed his military mode. In a quiet corner under the shade of a tree, he sat with a group of recruits, animatedly lecturing as he scribbled notes and diagrams into his ever-handy paper pad.
Vicente was there as well, but due to his obligation, he had to invite Isabela. They found a spot for themselves that, at first glance, looked like a couple enjoying a picnic. But upon closer inspection, it was clear the teniente wasn’t enjoying it as much as my daughter. Perhaps he wished he were in a library instead, reading another boring book.
Altogether, about a hundred recruits spread across the riverbank, covering a broad stretch of the waterway. The local women, who had come to wash laundry or fetch water, found themselves entertained by the half-naked young men frolicking in the sun. Some blushed, others giggled, and a few exchanged whispers behind their hands.
Meanwhile, my senior officers and I had set up our own camp on an elevated patch of land, just before the slope dipped sharply toward the river. Beneath an old acacia tree, we sat on large stones—courtesy of the rocky terrain—and gathered around a small wooden table where platters of roasted meat, cooked by the soldiers below, had already been laid out for us.
This first batch of recruits had worked hard since the beginning. They had served as trainers, patrolmen, peacekeepers—and nearly a fourth of them had already tasted real combat. After completing the two-week training of the incoming replacements for the three towns, I decided to reward them with a much-needed seven-day break.
They would need the rest. After their short reprieve, these men would be the first to undergo advanced training in Santa Cruz. Upon completion, they would resume their roles as instructors and demonstrators for the next waves of recruits. There would be no rest once things picked up again.
"We are still young, Colonel," I uttered absentmindedly, enjoying the sunny weather and the picturesque view of the emerald waters. I especially felt young when I remembered that I had been twenty years older before I came to this world. That I shouldn’t be enjoying the gentle touch of the breeze, the soothing music of rustling leaves, or the company of friends—because I should be dead.