Reborn: War's Nightmare by D. W. Jackson Page B

scolding her wayward children. It just seemed so out of place I couldn’t help but laugh,” Ash said trying to explain himself.
    Fay let out a short barking laugh that didn’t seem to fit her small frame. “You wouldn’t be too far off. Almost all of the sub-commanders are my students and many of them have been groomed by me since they were still in swaddling. I can’t help but treat the little brats like my own children. Now that we got this little fit over with, why don’t we get back to the problem at hand? Otherwise we will be stuck here until the enemy gets reinforcements.”
    “Reinforcements?” Ash asked puzzled. “I thought that this was the main force. There shouldn’t be much more that the King can bring to field.”
    “Foolish child,” Fay said shaking her head. “I guess that I can’t blame you. Instead I need to remember to slap that old sage a few times next time I see him. He should have sent you to me ages ago so that I could at least teach you the basics. As you are now, I don’t think you could fight your way out of a wet blanket.” Ash was dumbfounded at her words. Growing up Ash was used to being insulted but never in such a warm manner. Fay’s words might have been harsh, but the look on her face radiated warmth making Ash feel slightly odd when he looked at her. “Boy for now on you will be sticking with me so that I can teach you enough so that you don’t bring the entire demon kingdom down around your ears.”
    “Yes ma’am,” Ash said feeling like a small child under the small demon’s gaze.
    “Good,” Fay said nodding. “Looks like you have a good head on your shoulders. I just hope you can keep it there long enough for the next Maoh to be born and brought up, otherwise we might not be so lucky next time around. For now take a seat and listen. If you get bored just let grandma Fay know and she will slap you a few times to wake you up,” the general said with a smirk before turning her attention back to the other commanders and the maps laid upon the table.
    Ash did as he had been told and took a seat on an uncomfortable chair made of soft wood and reeds. He listened as the commander’s once again talked about the best way to attack the city fort. Ash listened attentively though he could only understand the basics of what was being said. The discussion continued on and the sun was quickly replaced by darkness as it dropped below the horizon.
    Shortly after the sun disappeared from the sky, a loud noise came from outside the camp quickly followed by a number of screams. Raising her head from the map, General Fay’s face twisted as she spat. “It’s a night raid…Fools I told you that we should set up a good guard just for this reason. Hopefully you listened to my suggestions, otherwise this is going to be a long night.” Ash noticed that none of the sub-commanders spoke and instead looked down like children who had gotten caught stealing candy.
    “We didn’t think they would dare to attack out camp given our numbers,” one of the commanders said with a down heartened look on his face.
    “We just finish a long forced march. Our troops are tired while theirs have been resting peacefully. Now is the best time for them to risk a night raid otherwise they will have to face us full on at a time of our choosing.” Fay glared at them and stomped her small foot. “Don’t just stand there moaning about your own stupidity, get out there and take command of your troops.”
    “Yes sir,” the commanders said with a stiff salute before running out of the tent.
    “Follow me my lord,” Fay said turning to Ash and waving her hand. “You should see what happens when you underestimate your enemy.”

12-7
    Ash followed closely behind Fay as they left the confines of the tent. The sky was dark and lined with clouds only allowing the moon brief moments to shine through. Each time the area brightened Ash noticed the faces of the demons rushing around him. Some of them looked calm