"Alright, let's get going then. Lizzy!"

As Lizzy comes running over at my call I see that Pol is also approaching leading a horse for Mercy. The horse catches my eye, it is a very nice horse, not something I would expect to see here. Lizzy reaches us first and immediately bumps me with her head demanding scratches.

Pol says "Your horse, princess."

Mercy says "This is a thoroughbred, where did you find such a horse?"

Pol says "I just chose the best in the stables."

"It was probably the commander's horse. Pol if there are other horses make sure they are taken with us and give them to the rebellion."

Pol says "Yes, my lord."

Mercy says "Shall we go?"

"Yes, let's."

I feed Lizzy a chunk of drake meat before I mount up, then Mercy and I ride up the road out of the mine and turn north-east. It only takes a few minutes before I can hear horses ahead of us, I stop and motion Mercy to take cover. Then I dismount and stand next to Lizzy and wait for the riders to come in sight.

"Lizzy, when they get close scare the horses so they can't charge."

When the riders see me the first rank immediately launches into a charge, but a hiss from Lizzy causes the horses to stop. The riders are good, even with their horses suddenly stopping they manage to keep their seats. When they can't get their horses to advance they dismount and stand there waiting.

"I wish to speak to your leader!"

Cheyu says "I am Knight Commander Cheyu of the northern garrison, who are you?"

"I am Ash, I'm sure the king sent you orders about me."

Cheyu says "Yes, you are to be killed on sight. So why are you standing here wanting to talk?"

"Because the leader of the rebellion said those who guard the northern wall are good men and didn't want me to kill them."

Cheyu says "What rebellion? All I have heard about are some persistent bandits hiding in a forest."

"Of course that is all you have heard, the king would never allow you to hear the truth."

Cheyu says "And what is the truth?"

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"The truth is that the king killed the queen to usurp the throne, he attempted to kill the heir, and he sacrificed his youngest daughter to summon the heroes."

Cheyu says "Preposterous! Wait, did you just say attempted to kill the heir?"

"Yes, Princess Amercy is alive and well and is the leader of the rebellion."

Cheyu says "The princess is alive? Truly?"

"Yes, and she is the one who told me not to kill you. You should return to your duty on the northern wall. You are not saving anyone by continuing, all that lies ahead are nine thousand freed beastmen."

Cheyu says "I don't suppose you have any proof of any of this?"

"That depends, have you met the princess? Would you recognize her?"

Cheyu says "Yes, I have met her several times."

"Alright, Mercy, come say hello."

As Mercy walks out to stand next to me Cheyu's jaw drops and he looks like someone hit him in the back of the head. His troops seeing his reaction start whispering amongst themselves. After a minute Cheyu regains his wits and kneels and salutes Mercy.

Cheyu says "Men, salute the rightful Queen!!"

Seeing all the soldiers kneel and salute Mercy is quite the inspiring sight. I am glad because I didn't really want to have to kill them all, they don't deserve to die for a false king. Mercy looks quite happy as she takes a few steps forward and motions for everyone to rise.

Cheyu says "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

Mercy says "I want you to return to your post and continue to defend this kingdom. While you protect us from the beasts I will work on cleaning up the mess that has been made of our kingdom."

Cheyu says "As you command, my queen. I will spread the word, know that all the northern soldiers are with you."

Mercy says "Thank you, Knight Commander."

The soldiers all salute Mercy again before mounting, what surprises me the most is that they are all smiling. I guess knowing the rightful heir to the throne is alive and well must mean a lot to them. After all, they were all born and raised in this kingdom under Mercy's mother.

Mercy also seems to be in a much better mood as we ride back to the mines. I wonder if it is because she was acknowledged or because she was able to save their lives. Maybe it's both, but no matter what it seems like a great weight has been lifted from her shoulders.

Mercy says "I can't believe that actually worked."

"I told you I had a plan."

Mercy says "You call that a plan? Anyway I should be getting back, Alexa is probably going insane by now."

"Don't look now but I think it's too late."

Alexa apparently got tired of waiting and came through the portal looking for Mercy. As we ride down the road she is already heading our way, but even that doesn't remove the smile from Mercy's face. Even as Alexa berates her and complains about how much work has gone undone Mercy just keeps smiling.

I don't even get another word in, Alexa quickly drags Mercy through the portal. I go around and check on the work that's been done and how the progress is going. Pol seems to be a born organizer, everything is running smoothly and they really don't need me around.

Pol says "Lord Ash, is there anything you need?"

"Nope, everything seems to be going well. I think I will go poke around in the sealed mine for a bit."

Pol says "Alright, just be careful. Oh, I forgot to mention, it was rare, but occasionally a miner would be attacked by a giant rat."

"Are you talking about a ratman?"

Pol says "No, just rodents of unusual size."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

Pol says "In that case I shall await your return."

I give Pol a nod and head over towards the sealed mine, it only takes a could of tugs to tear off the boards. Now standing in front of it I suddenly have second thoughts about entering yet another cave. But the thought of turning away makes my curiosity burn even brighter.

'Caves, why does it always have to be caves!'