Markus had never really been fond of the philosophical arts, so to listen to Fallon speak of victory and defeat in such terms as she did and provoke thought. Or attempted to, perhaps. It was not unlike Fallon to choose a third option to such questions, let the intelligence simmer beneath her pretty head and when she spoke, it almost always paid off to listen. This time it gave him insight into her persona and although he had not intention to discuss the differences between winning and losing with her, he still felt it had not been a waste of breath for her to speak. - Still he did not like to philosophise. In the end, Markus saw it as a refusal to answer the question on its premise, insubordination might some say, Markus didn't care much at the moment, it was Sera Sulvet to respond to the question. The other squire, Bolivar answered the question on it's own terms. Deciding that being defeated together was the right answer - Markus could certainly follow the logic and he knew himself personally that surviving such an ordeal, as Fallon noticed, was not necessarily a cakewalk. Rarely did Markus not think of the knights and friends he had lost to Sahova and their fiendish designs.
It was a noble and romantic sentiment to go face defeat together, but to Markus, he'd prefer someone securing the victory to make the sacrifice worth it. The response from Sulvet was as Markus had considered, there was no real answer other than to spur the squires to think and show their colours. At least the opinions of the two squires did not conflict dangerously, but nor did they perfectly harmonize. Markus nodded in response to sera Sulvet and watched as she left. What he would not give to be put under her rather than Brudt. Markus looked to his squires.
"Well, you heard the captain, we don't have much time to turn the two of you a cohesive fighting unit. Follow me." Markus said turning away from the squires and towards the exit. The strategy was to be simple. With a single day there was no ground breaking new knowledge he could impart that would help them in time. Nor did he think he could make them fight perfectly in unison, but it would be a start. Get the two familiar with one another and at the same time teach them how to fight as a part of a wing. The way he led them was a simple training area where they all three could fit in nicely. Bolivar looked like his body could throw a heavy punch. Thus his weapon was rather fitting - Even though it was still just a glorified farmer's tool.
"Right. The basic strategy is to get the two of you to work together and normally I would let you get creative about how to best work together but since time is of the essence, so we'll do a crash course. The idea is simple, Bolivar you'll be playing the role of heavy infantry, get close, get their attention and keep that defence up! This is where you come into play, lighter armour makes for a good support, your job is simply to flank them. Stay behind Bolivar and be ready to get by the opponent's shield side when he engages Bolivar. If he turns to follow you- excellent, You just got a free shot at him - And should he stay on Bolivar, you just got in the best flanking position imaginable. But you have to strike fast." Markus took a break, looking from squire to squire. Making sure they understood their very basic roles. "For that to work, you will have to trust Fallon that she will do her job, for in the start of the battle, you'll be alone against two squires until Fallon comes into play. So don't freeze up or panic. - More importantly, don't get stuck in this plan if it is obviously not working, get creative. But for now, this is the strategy we're going for." Markus slid his shield onto his arm and drew his bastard sword.
"Well then, if you don't have any questions, let us get started. Both of you... Attack me according to the plan I just laid out." Markus would wait for any questions answer them appropriately and then fall into his left-leg leading stance with a raised shield between him and the squires. Wait for them to be ready with their weapons and shields and stances before he would strike fast and hard at Bolivar's right side in a backhand. Test his strength, test if the squire flinched when attacked. His lack of a helmet, however, meant his vision was not obstructed and Fallon's role of getting by would be easier to see. In either case, should be interesting.
