The unit was assigned a new captain today, a man by the name of Rastus Willem. I've heard the name, but before today had never met him. He's a large, sturdy man, barrel chested and thick limbed. He appears to be approaching middle age and he's got medium length dark, knotted hair. It looks as if it's been a while since he's had a good shave.
He didn't talk with us much today. It was more of a formal introduction and he was whisked away by Commander Askalon before many of us had the chance to speak with him. I expect he'll be back sometime tomorrow to talk with us in more depth. Either way is fine with me, he didn't appear to be much of a conversationalist. Then again, neither was Captain Algan.
I miss our former captain. Word has it that he's still in a slumber and has shown no signs of life since the accident. His wife and two daughters remain constantly by his side, praying for his recovery. I know that even should he awake tomorrow his crippled form will keep him from ever commanding us again. This saddens me greatly as it was he who molded the Red Blades into what we are today. Both Askalon and his superiors have expressed their sympathy, but it has done little to lessen the loss.
Captain Willem follows in the wake of one of the best men I have ever known. He has a very large void to fill and the other men, as well as myself, certainly have our doubts.
I know little of Willem other than what was told to us this afternoon. I have heard rumors that he'd been ranked much higher, and had served a position in the royal court guard. Such rumors weigh as heavily upon me as the wind which carries them but if they are indeed true it would be a worrisome affair.
Why would he be placed in a lesser command? The Red Blades have a reputation, a well-earned reputation, but as an officer in the court guard he would have outranked even Algan. I could be so bold as to say he was demoted, but it is just as possible that he requested the position. For what reasons though, remains a mystery to me.
To judge him this early on would be unfair. I am hopeful but remain skeptical, Willem has a long way to go to prove himself.
Edonus Taggart
Red Blade Unit
