Chapter 37 - THE INSPECTION OF THE GARRISON
By early afternoon, the winter sun had reached its zenith, casting long, sharp shadows across the stone courtyards of the estate. Although peace reigned across the valley, Victor and Elena maintained the discipline that had kept them alive through years of civil unrest. A private estate required a dedicated, professional security force—not out of paranoia, but out of absolute preparedness.
Victor strode across the central courtyard in his heavy black wool overcoat, his boots crunching firmly against the frozen gravel. Beside him walked Captain Miller, a veteran of their final campaign who now commanded the estate’s fifty-man garrison.
"The rotation schedule is holding, General," Miller reported crisply as they inspected the outer armory. "Sentries on the northern wall are cycling every two hours. The winter gear issued last month has kept everyone warm, and the rifle maintenance logs are up to date."
"Good," Victor replied, his eyes scanning the orderly rows of polished steel rifles racked neatly along the armory walls. "I want zero complacency, Miller. Just because the border is quiet doesn't mean we let our guard down. Discipline is what keeps a sanctuary from becoming a target."
"Understood, sir. We treat every day like a campaign eve," Miller nodded respectfully before stepping back to allow the General to continue his inspection.
Elena emerged from the adjacent administrative building, holding a clipboard containing the medical inventory for the garrison infirmary. She walked over to join Victor as he stepped out into the crisp air of the courtyard.
"Infirmary is fully stocked with antiseptics, bandages, and winter flu remedies," Elena reported, checking off the items on her clipboard. "And Dr. Henderson says the garrison health metrics are better than they were six months ago. Proper nutrition and regular rotations are working wonders."
"Good," Victor said, sliding his hands into the deep pockets of his overcoat. "How are the new recruits from the village holding up?"
"They're eager, if a bit green," Elena smiled slightly. "I had Miller put them through a drill this morning. They moved too slowly on the perimeter response, so I doubled their obstacle course quotas. They'll be moving like seasoned veterans by the end of the week."
Victor grinned, shaking his head. "You're harder on them than our old drill sergeants were in the eastern provinces."
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"They thanked me for it afterward," Elena retorted smoothly. "Well, metaphorically speaking. Competence keeps people alive, Victor. You taught me that yourself."
They walked side by side back toward the manor house, their breath pluming white in the freezing air, the heavy iron gates standing sentinel at the end of the long stone avenue behind them. The estate was a fortress, yes—but it was also a home, protected by people who knew the true cost of peace.
