Caslon's mother never understood her. Caslon wanted to play war and her mom wanted her to play with dolls. Caslon was a tomboy from an early age and was strong. As strong as any of her friends, even the boys. This led to a number of fights, arm wrestling matches, and deflated male egos.
Her mom tried to make a lady out of the tomboy. She sent Caslon to dancing lessons, taught her proper etiquette and paid for a voice tutor. Caslon loved the dancing lessons: they helped her with balance for her sword fighting. The singing and etiquette were put to equally contrary purposes. Singing helped her with yelling and march songs. Learning the proper order for this and that helped her understand military order and protocol.
Her mom finally gave up when Caslon won the local tournament using a sword longer than Caslon was tall. This tournament also led to Caslon's draft notice into the military. Her strength made her the envy of many of her fellow recruits. She seemed destined to a long and rewarding military career.
Something went wrong. She was assigned to a post under Commander Millard. Millard was one of those men who cannot deal with strong women. Part of it was that he was weak for his size but his ego lead him to believe that he was strong. His position of authority had helped because many men had let him feel strong so as to not anger the boss. Caslon has never been one to throw a fight or let the other person win unless they deserved to win.
Millard set out to prove his strength holding a "friendly competition" to "improve morale." This competition included weight lifting, fencing, running, jumping, and rope climbing. Caslon won each event and Millard was incensed. Only after the competition did anyone tell her that Millard did not like to lose. From that day on, Caslon's days were numbered.