Morning Workout

The next morning, Jol found himself pushing to do one more push-up. One more than Kalic had done. Both men looked at each other, faces drenched in sweat. Looming over them were their commanders and comrades, hoping that they were looking at the man who'd give up first. Their arms burned, but neither man wanted to give up. Jol knew he'd have to push harder than anyone to prove he was still at the top of the food chain. Meanwhile, Kalic glanced at his Colonel, who gave the faintest of nods as he tapped away on his wrist computer. Kalice stopped, to which the Royal Guardsmen cheered. Not that it stopped Jol. He knew he couldn't just be good enough. He had to prove he was the best.

After five more push-ups, he finally stood up and then shook hands with Kalic.

"It appears the King is rather safe." Kalic states.

"And I'm only the guy in the armory."

The two men shared a chuckle before walking off. Jol approached Jani, who wore figure-hugging workout clothing that flaunted her toned body. As one of the few women in the gym, she could practically feel the eyes gawking at her. Eyes that often averted away when she'd retort with a menacing look of her own.

"Trying to impress?" She asked.

Jol shrugged. "Don't think I'm failing."

He noticed one of the Colonel's men sneaking a glance at Jani's behind as she said "Yeah well, just don't burn yourself out, okay?"

"I'll be sure to keep it in mind."

"Anything else?"

"The Black Daggers. Is that normal?"

"Guests are common, but I will admit they aren't usually foreign soldiers."

"Yeah, I figured as much."

"Don't worry. They're not your concern anyway."

"Of course. See you, Captain."

With that, Jol headed to the showers, before going back to the armory for another day of monotony.