There was no need for conscription in Theolagius's military, almost every man and their slave enlisted themself.  An army in the millions.
"Forward!" An officer bellowed, spearmen, swordsmen, archers, cavalry... they all moved in unison, even mages rode with the siege equipment behind.

(A week prior)

"Astreiden, come here." a very tired Royal adviser ordered.
"Yes attasivan, what is it."
"I understand that your trip to Orcish lands did not go so well, pity.  I have another test, a simple one." Yktrisen took a sip from a ceramic mug, thick wine dripped down his chin.
"Another?"
"Yes, you will go to Xi'an... with the crusaders."
"The crusaders!  You want me to go to battle?"
"No, I want you to observe, capture a Xianese heretic, a demon even, interrogate him and find the flaws in their lands."
"How could you find this simple?  Speaking with orcs was enough, I could die!"
"I'll pray for you."

(Present)

Astreiden lay in the back of a supply wagon, he shifted uncomfortably.
"Damn, why am I doing this?" He asked no one, an officer, one who accompanied him to Ocrad, rode up beside him.
"Do not worry, boy, you'll be back in your comfy bed before you know it."