Dorothy staggered back to the royal army's camp. She didn't anyone else spot her and sneaked to the duke's tent. She entered the tent of duke Mihalh all bruised up with bad wounds on her side gotten from Gwon's claws.

"Oh dear. You look like shit," the duke said.

"Did you know?" Dorothy asked with an angry tone.

"Did I know what?" Mihalh asked.

"Know what kind of monsters they were. They are not any bunch of kids. First, we were ambushed by some kind of monster that had killed all of my assassins without me even realizing it. Then when I was able to escape I spotted Rufus who had gotten extremely strong. Lastly, the young guy with the long sword swung at me with such strength that it felt like a building collapsed on me," Dorothy explained and sat on a chair.

"How would I have known. Just get yourself patched up and get back to the capital. There is no need your you to stay here anymore," Duke said and tried to ignore Dorothy.

Dorothy felt agitated by the complete nonchalant attitude of the duke.

"What the hell is your attitude? Are you not at all worried? We might lose this war. They are not weak. The soldiers are motivated and the people leading them are monsters," Dorothy yelled at the duke.

The duke sat down and crossed his leg.

"For us, it doesn't matter what is the outcome of this war. When the battle starts we just make sure both sides have battered each other to a pulp. If we lose we just leave this country. It already is like a sinking ship. We just have to leave it a bit early," the duke explained with an eerie voice.

Dorothy looked confused.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Dorothy asked.

"I will tell you in good time. I cannot tell you yet but when everything is ready then I will. Just get yourself patched up and get yourself to the capital."

"Yeah. I will get patched up, but I will not leave for the capital. I will not be made a fool anymore by those damn ex-gangsters," Dorothy said and left the tent.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"So you plan on staying?"

"Yes. I will definitely kill them....."

~ ~

Rufus's army reached the Ins river that flowed from the grey scale mountains down to the bigger Dane river the flowed through the entire kingdom including. They marched over the river using a small bridge to cross it. On the other side were high hills and with light forest.

Doreen went alone to inspect the area. She was remembering a chapter of her books. She was remembering a lesson from Pericles and how he defeated a larger enemy army in a similar situation.

~ ~

"Well, we followed your instructions, Doreen. We are all ready now?" Amala said.

"Good. It seems the enemy is here soon."

"You think this will work?" Rufus asked.

"It has to, we have no choice. Remember to keep yourselves hidden before they are close enough as I planned," Doreen said and looked to the other side of the battlefield.

"Why don't we just attack now when they haven't yet realized where we are. Use surprise to our advantage?" Amala asked.

"They have a bigger force. We have to think more strategically and bait them."

"Where should I be?" Rufus asked.

"You will stay here. You are not to do anything!" Doreen yelled at him and pointed him with her finger.

"What? Why? I could be way more useful down there. There are people fighting. I can't just stay here while other people are sacrificing their lives," Rufus argued.

"That is the reason why you are needed to stay alive. They are fighting for something and for them to get it you need to stay alive. What would you do if you run into Rikard Plangent on the battlefield? You may be stronger now than a year ago, but it is too much of a risk to have you on the front line. Just do as I ask, please. Even Edward agreed to his role without complaining," Doreen said and pleaded with Rufus.

Rufus understood that he had to stay behind this time. Haley joined in on the conversation.

"Where will I be?" Haley asked.

Doreen looked at Rufus.

"Haley, I am sorry, but you have to be at the camp," Rufus said.

"What bullshit is that. You left me behind already once. I am more capable than many of those soldiers and you know it. Don't try to give me anything that I am weak crap," Haley yelled mad.

"I know, I know. I am not asking this for your sake. I am asking this for my sake," Rufus explained.

"I know why. You are worried about me. But think about me also. How do you think I feel like when always you are the one putting yourself into harm's way? This feeling of guilt is unbearable," Haley yelled very mad at Rufus while shedding a couple of tears.

Rufus just looked at Haley without saying a word. He just looked with a sad look at Haley. Haley then left back to the camp since she knew Rufus was not letting her join the battle and would even use even force to keep her away if possible.

"You okay with this?" Doreen asked.

"No….no I am not. When this war is over, I hope I don't have to force Haley or me anymore to any dangerous situation anymore," Rufus said and then prepared for the battle.