Excerpt: The Battle at Lake Lahiri

“General.”
It was a single word he'd heard dozens of times before. Usually it was when he was in the room with some elite soldiers discussing what he'd be doing on the field. The title showed honor, skill, and natural talent like no other. To Professor Morley, however, the word now meant something very different. General. It was his title. What was he supposed to call himself? General Professor Morley? Professor General Morley? He hadn't even asked for the rank; he was never supposed to be involved with the Great Republic's military, but over the years he'd repeatedly shown that he handled himself quite well in tense situations. His title of “Professor” came from his great skill as a master mage, one who had mastered magic of all varieties, and he'd only earned it after two decades of hard work. But in only ten years since the war had begun, he had suddenly gained this new title. General.
“General! Are you paying attention?”