The sergeant's quarters had a different way of conducting wake-ups. Key was used to a roving watch that woke the required people throughout the night. Since the sergeants did not need to be awake at odd hours, they employed the use of three bells at a set hour every morning. The first bell, rung a single time, meant that if you woke up now, you would have plenty of time to get ready and enjoy the morning before starting your day. The second bell, rung twice, allowed for minimal leisure time. It meant that if you woke up now, you would have enough time to get dressed and still be on time.

Key woke up to the sound of three bells. The frantic chimes threw him out of bed. He almost put his clothes on backwards before exiting his door. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to tame whatever was up there, as he pumped his legs toward the castle.

All the guards, or at least those not on watch, stood in crisp rows, separated by gaps between the various sections. Key would normally slip into the back row of the closest one, but he was a sergeant now; his place was up front.

He sifted through the various faces while he looked for the ones that belonged to him. He didn't need to search long before he saw the smallest group off to the side. The two by two formation was all he needed to know.

Trudie waved for him to hurry, as he walked up the row of his bored-looking peers to get to his place in front. Master Sergeant Steel was making his way from right to left, getting muster reports from the other sergeants. They would salute, and the sergeant in front would say, "All present and accounted for!"

He had enough time to wipe his forehead and run a final hand through his hair before it was his turn. He saluted and made his statement before he could think about whether he had a fifth member who had not shown up yet. He was still waking up.

When the reports were concluded, Steele stood in the center and called everyone to attention. There was a moment of expectation before a procession of lieutenants, captains, majors, and the general marched up the narrow passage between formations. Key noticed that the prince was not present with Castor.

The officers made a formation themselves, while General Calcutta greeted the crowd. His voice, effective at low volumes, filled the open air like heat from a fire.

"Good morning, men!"

As the surrounding crowd returned the greeting, a moment later, a lone voice rang out a distinctly clear, "Good morning, sir!" It was Trudie. Key suppressed a smile. It was that attitude that got her sent to the investigators to begin with. He just hoped no one would get reprimanded for it afterwards.

"I am humbled to say that I misspoke just now. Let's try that again. Good morning everyone!" When everyone responded in unison, he smoothly transitioned to the announcements. "These last few months have been busy, and some of you have outshone your peer group. There are those not receiving an award today, and that isn't to say that your hard work wasn't noticed. Many of you have had remarkable reports. If you keep it up, I promise your name will be on my list the next time around.

"With that said, can I have corporals Armero, Artini, Bardeen, Borjani, Cameras, Conway, Eckart, Gabor, and Harowitz, front and center."

The ones whose names were called walked up and stood in a row at the base of the castle's steps. The general continued before they were finished shuffling in place.

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"You represent the best of our fighting force. Even in times of peace, you have been singled out for outstanding service in your line of duty. Your efforts have earned you the bronze medallion to wear proudly. This award should not be taken lightly. It is an achievement that is earned with hard work and dedication in service to the king."

Major Kain went from person to person, pinning each of them with a medal as the general spoke. After they were dismissed, more guardsmen were called up and pinned similarly. Key was happy that Borjani was awarded. When they met, he was a promising new guy with a knack for bluffing at cards. He must have impressed someone to get that kind of recognition so early in his career.

He didn't know or even like some of the people who got similar medals next. The list seemed to go on and on, while the general repeated the same speech at each iteration. Key thought he might fall over from leg cramps until there was a shift in the speech. The vocal change and more personal approach caught his attention.

"The next award goes to someone who has not only turned their life around, but has risen to the height of excellence. This individual has adopted managerial duties with the kind of effort that, as a result, my desk is constantly flooded with positive reports. Not to mention that, through dedication and a keen eye, has recently solved a murder with minimal resources…

Key smiled inwardly. It was about time that Trudie got the recognition she deserved. After all, she had earned it. She was single-handedly running his team with minimal effort from his part. When the general called out the name, he turned to congratulate her. Their eyes met, and a pained expression crossed her face. Then the announcement dawned on him like a sunset over a graveyard. The general hadn't said Trudie's name; he had said his name.

"Sergeant Key, front and center."

Trudie forced a smile and said, "Go on."

Key made his way to the stage, but it all felt like a dream. He hadn't even helped solve the murder, so why was he getting the recognition for it? He forced his aching legs to take one step at a time until he was standing before the castle's cruel steps in full view of everyone.

"Sergeant Eulerous Key was only promoted recently. He only has four people under him, but he managed to do the work of a force multiple times over. Solving a murder is no small feat; for that, you are being recognized with the silver star of excellence. This award should not be taken lightly. It is an achievement that is earned with superior work and dedication in service to the king."

Major Kain spent extra time making sure the medal was straight. It was a silver, star-shaped medallion hung from a red and white ribbon. He thanked the major and left to take his spot before the people who had really earned it.

"Not so fast, Sergeant," the general boomed, stopping his exit.

"I think I should give you your second award while you're up here."

Key paused his retreat back, just long enough to see the dejected faces of his team. He pivoted and returned to his place before the general.

"Most of these awards are based on recommendations from your superior officers; some of them I award when I start noticing trends, but this one comes from the king's recommendation himself. I don't think I can express what an honor it is to be recognized personally by His Majesty the King.

"For going above and beyond the call of duty. Through keen observation and quick wit, you uncovered and stopped corruption from spreading inside the Royal Guard. You were central in uncovering the tragedy of the late Chancellor Templeton, running into unknown danger with your sword drawn, and single-handedly rescuing his household staff. Your bravery didn't stop there. You also uncovered a plot of robbery, and drew your sword once more, and prevented grave crimes from being committed. For that, and more, the king has awarded you with the gold falcon of bravery.

Major Kaine unpinned the silver star to place the golden falcon in the primary position on Key's chest. The medal hung from a purple ribbon, displaying an intricate falcon with a wingspan reaching over the silver star. The weight on his chest wasn't just physical. He would have to make it up to Trudie and the rest of his team when this was over. He just hoped that they would understand they were the ones who really deserved it.

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