Like all Barrow Wights, Basikov is required to serve two years in the military. While Lartuen's regime may be leaning more towards the free peoples, it does not mean he changed the laws especially those that are convenient. He saw that a strong military is needed and maintaining good relations with the military will keep opposition at bay.

Basikov went to say goodbye to Aowyna.

Aowyna said "Good luck. I hope they don't harden you. I need you in my life so much."

Basikov said "Don't worry, when I get the chance, I will visit."

Basikov went to the forests and met up with Lareneg. Basikov said "Don't have too much fun without me."

Lareneg said "I won't. Don't be nervous. I already did mine and you'll get through it. I have confidence that you will be fine."

Basikov said "I know I am not solider material, so this may be hard, but I would much rather not get in trouble with Lartuen's law."

Lareneg said "Take care, my old friend."

Basikov arrived to the military complex of North Barrow Downs. They complex was just like home mounds only meant for more Wights.

Out walked an authority figure from the top of a mound. The skeleton was shorter than the average Wight, but was still very stern in stature. He said in a firm voice "I am Captain Chet. You will refer to me as Captain. Understand that?"

All the Wights said "Sir, yes sir."

Chet said "I hear today, we have many new individuals who are starting their service. Can I have a raise of hands?"

Basikov and twenty four other Barrow Wights raised their hands.

Chet said "You will be my personal battalion. I will turn you into the best battalion even if some of you are absolutely hopeless. You will be broken."

Chet showed them the way to two large mounds. "This is your dorms." he said.

The Wights entered the two mounds. Basikov entered a mound and sat down on his mat, thinking of what he will have to get together.

While he was thinking, he heard an interruption. Another Wight who was above six feet in height said "What are you doing?"

Basikov said "I am thinking. I have never been in the military before."

The Wight recognized him "Well if it isn't Basikov. I see we this dorm will be shared by a success and a failure."

Basikov recognized the voice. It was Dahc, a Barrow Wight who bullied him in early education for being fascinated by Middle Earth cultures and history.

Basikov was ready now to just get this whole thing done with, but he couldn't as it would get him arrested.

Chet said "A good solider must be a great climber. I want you to climb that wall."

It was a wooden wall with no handles. Barrow Wights are known to have extremely sharp toes and fingers which have been compared to the claws of the Eagles on a smaller scale.

Basikov started towards the wall and began climbing. To his surprise, he was doing well, but then Dahc pulled him down and Basikov fell on the ground. He could feel the soft and mushy dirt.

Chet said "Solider, why are you down on the job?"

Basikov said "It's not my fault. I am not to blame. Dahc cheated and pulled me down."

To which Chet responded with "And guess what war isn't fair and neither should be your training."

Basikov was now feeling down. He knew life will get better after military, but this will be two long years.