The stew was still warm as Iris took her meal from the maiden serving it. She sat down next to Lady Elizabeth, which wasn't her preferred seat. She would prefer to retire back to her tent. She may have even been able to train a bit more before the departure of the group.

Lady Abbess Elizabeth sat having finished her meal. Her chin rested on her open palm. She motioned towards the maiden sitting on her right. “Locate the Deacon of Lady Iris, tell her to report to her Lady’s tent for orders.”

Iris looked up from her bowl at this with disapproval.

“You are too predictable Lady Iris, you will command your cohort, thus it has been spoken.”

Iris slightly frowned at this, “Let me fight alone, let them take your orders.”

Lady Elizabeth shook her head. “No, you are to learn leadership, not reinforce your reckless nature.”

“I do not care about the leadership of neither man nor angel.”

“Exactly why her Ladyship has assigned you to a group of battle-maidens of human blood.” Her blue eyes narrowed at Iris. “At the very least you will listen to orders. I need not remind you of the chaos from our last battle.”

“My lady, I am fine alone.”

“Well, my lady, aren’t you lucky.” Lady Elizabeth said sarcastically.

“You care for their company?”

She sighed at this, “I find myself disliking everyone besides Lady Grace.” She paused, reflecting on her words. “Most of all you, but I tolerate my cohort.”

“So just tolerate them, even the other angels? Why even bother then-”

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“Iris, I will not play this game with you. Speak no more of the matter.” She leaned back and rubbed her eyes. “We march soon, Lady Ranius,” she looked to her right, “Do make sure Lady Iris gives her maidens orders.”

Lady Ranius bowed, “Yes my Lady Abbess.”

“Do not be swayed by Lady Iris pouting,” she got up to leave, “Oh and your assignment for the mission is to guard my arcanists. Do not let your blade meet the flesh of the enemy until ordered to do so.”

Iris finished her meal and got up from her seat. Behind her tailed Lady Ranius, a quiet looking woman with a long face. She said little as Iris made her way back to her tent. Her Deacon, Lady Senas obediently bowed, waiting for her orders.

“We march into battle, finish preparations and follow alongside me.”

Lady Senas stood waiting for any more orders. Iris raised an eyebrow, “Yes?”

“My Lady Iris, what of the battle itself?”

“Oh yes, just follow me, our objective is to protect Lady Elizabeth’s arcanists.”

“Yes my lady, I will spread the word.”

Lady Senas began preparations and gave out orders. She already had on her battle regalia of the light infantry of the Coven. Iris's cohort reflected in part there Lady’s attire, only more armor, but most similar was the blindfold across their eyes. They tried to mimic their Lady as close as possible, but Iris paid it little mind. As on the battlefield she only focused on the strongest opponent, paying little mind to her cohort. Which had gained much skill and prowess from the limited knowledge learned from their leader.

The march began within the hour and the city of Toric could be seen in the distance. Its walls were heavily damaged and the gate stood open. The army of Archduke Marthius was in a stalemate with the rebels. They stood in desperate need of reinforcements. That is where the Coven came into play, as they had managed to not only defeat a flanking army, but also capture the town of Volkstein. This town was being used as a supply and training location for the rebel Duke within the city. Volkstein was the last major holding besides the city of Toric, to stand against the Archduke.

The Coven numbered around three hundred and fifty. The Archduke’s army numbered around at minimum seven thousand upon the beginning of the war. With another couple thousand from nearby Dukes loyal to him. This number now was around four thousand, as they had suffered heavy losses throughout the entire campaign. This was further split in half to pursue a fleeing army in the East.

After the siege, the Archduke only had around one thousand five hundred soldiers left. The rebel Duke Gawain had at least two thousand, not including allies and mercenaries. The battle would be close and upon arriving at the outer gate the moral of the Archduke was already fading.