Callum wants to enlist straight away

Callum trod through the gate and along the main street that followed. His first contact with civilization was an overwhelming experience. But not in a very good way. The pungent smell of tanneries, latrines and smoking fireplaces hit his nostrils, and he instantly became nauseous. And the narrow streets, crowded with noisy, bustling people made him feel claustrophobic. Callum, who was used to the clear breeze and wide open spaces of the Highlands, was clearly out of his element. He instinctively moved his hand to the hilt of his sword and growled, resolutely determined not to stay in Zatakia a day more than necessary.

The mighty Highlander decided to go about with his errand without delay. He found a surly city guard and inquired him about where he could join up with the army. The guard gave him directions to some nearby barracks further down the street.

Callum made haste to get there and soon reached a high wall. A guarded gate led into a barrack square, and he could hear the sound of roaring commands and the rattle of weapons from inside. He explained his business to one of the sentries and was told to wait. After a few minutes, a burly man in armour emerged through the gate. The grey-headed man had a stern, scarred face and gave Callum a scrutinizing look before speaking with a booming voice.

”Greetings! I'm Grim, sergeant at arms and in charge of the rabble in here. And who might this be?”

”Callum. I wish to offer my services as a soldier.”

Grim studied the tall man in front of him and chuckled. ”An exceptional mountain man if I ever saw one. Young, strong and eager, with fearless eyes and a sword arm, already well practiced, no doubt.”

Grim continued, ”But I have bad news, highlander. Peace!” The sergeant spat out the last word with disgust, ”The war is over, and there are no upcoming campaigns. The few men I have left are getting fat and lazy, and we accept no new recruits. You could try with another company, but they will just tell you the same. No, return to your brethren in the mountains, Highlander, or join the rest of the drunken rabble in the taverns and hope to get hired as a mercenary.”

The sergeant turned on his heel and returned to the barracks. The disappointed Callum was fighting so hard not to show that his whole world had just fallen apart that failed to notice the two beautiful young women on the opposite side of the street.

One was a slender, long-legged and high-bosomed brunette. The other was a bit shorter redhead with a curvy, very voluptuous figure. Both were wearing heavy makeup and matching silk red and black corset dresses. Standing in a nearby alley entrance, they were carefully eavesdropping, taking a keen interest in the young warrior.