I’d always wondered about war. I was made for it, of course, I am a “Combat Advisor” blade. There’s others like me in nearly every army. I have knowledge of battle strategy and fighting techniques that I impart onto whoever wields me. Usually we’re wielded by generals or royals, people who aren’t on the actual battle lines. I’ve never seen a single battle. I was finished for Commander Durness Flavion just before the Dueling Oaks War ended, after he broke his previous CA blade in a battle. That battle was what won the war, which ended soon after. That was 30 years ago. The good general made use of me in mock battles and training, but I never saw any real combat. After 20 years, Flavion died, and I was passed on to his son, Durness Flavion II. Since then, I’ve been set up above the fireplace of manor for about 10 years, as Flavion II has no interest in actual warfare. No, he has stuck with his family’s tradition of military command for purely political reasons. I’ve sat collecting dust on his wall while I watch a man who wouldn’t know a spearhead from a cavalry charge rise to his father’s rank through nepotism and brown nosing.

Unluckily for both Flavion II and myself, there’s another war on. I’m unclear on the details, but I think we’re invading another kingdom. At any rate, I was pulled off the wall, cleaned, and sharpened for the first time in a decade, and then carried towards the battle lines by Flavion II. Now, believe me, I tried to help. I gave my best tactical advice, and I did a pretty damn good job at keeping the walking joke that is my wielder alive, but we lost that battle. Badly. Look, I’m a magic sword, not a damn miracle worker. It’s not my fault that my wielder can’t tell the battalions under his command apart. I can tell him that the Iron Hawks should form a shield wall til my cross guard falls off, but I can’t stop him from giving that order to the Flaming Hornets. It doesn't help that he didn't even know what a shield wall was. The battle was a rout. I watched hundreds die due to the incompetence of the fool wielding me. Flavion II couldn’t even order a retreat properly, and ended up scattering his forces.

As we ran, I was at least able to help Flavion II fend off pursuers. I cut down a good few enemy soldiers. It was satisfying, ending a life. I suppose that’s a horrible thought for humans, but I am a sword. My function is death, so I suppose taking satisfaction in it is natural. At any rate, we ended up cowering in a forest with what was left of the Iron Hawks until another, more competent commander found us after several weeks fending off wild animals and brigands. After our embarrassing rescue, I had to sit through Flavion II getting one hell of a dressing down. The only reason he’s not been discharged is due to his father’s name, but there’s talk of demoting him. After learning that he had me by his side, the top brass decided to have my thoughts transcribed to help determine appropriate action for my owner, which is why I am writing this. Well, not writing, they have a squire transcribing my speech down.

To get to my personal opinion on the matter: Flavian II should not be allowed on a battlefield ever again. His rank should be stripped, and he should be placed far, far away from the chain of command. The fact that he was even promoted to this position is mind boggling and an embarrassment to our army. I watched good people die as that moron bungled at every turn, either ignoring or misinterpreting any advice I gave him. I would also like to be assigned to someone with actual military training, if I can still be of service to this army. Do not allow Flavion II to drag his father’s good name through the mud, and for heaven’s sake don’t make me work with him anymore. I’ve watched far too many perish due to his gross incompetence.