Training and Planning

Saphoa watched as the Arkantans under her command marched across the field, spears at the ready. Actually, they were more sprinting in line. The Arkantans had picked up on land warfare rather quickly, as Lord Cartegna had thought they would, and they were able to do some things better than land races due to their strength and endurance gained from a life underwater.

There was a wind blowing today, and she felt the cloak she was wearing push against her. It was light, but covered her arms, legs, and head (as long as the hood was up). All the Arkantans were wearing them, as the sun had been, for lack of a better term 'drying' them up, the longer they'd stayed on land and directly under it, with the only real solution to the problem being soaking in water for a while. It had been Lady Sophia's recommendation for the cloaks, as it was similar to the cloaks elves used to protect themselves from the elements.

Lord Cartegna, who was standing next to her on a hill, sighed. He was overlooking behind her, where many new recruits were being trained. “I guess maybe I was expecting too much.”

Saphoa laughed, turning around to see. There had been an issue in their marching formation, and it was not straight, despite them going a quarter of the speed the Arkantans were. “It has not even been a week yet.”

Lord Cartegna shook his head, “I know, but who knows how long we will have before the Navarrans come back. Or the King orders us to move.” He looked up at the sky, “We should probably get back to the others and see if our spirit friend has arrived.”

He and Saphoa rode down the hill, back to the army camp, and towards the council tent. Inside, Sophia, Lord Harald, and Lord Pegog were already talking.

Saphoa pulled back the hood, shaking her hair slightly.

Seeing her, Lord Pegog frowned, “I cannot get used to these garments you are having us wear.”

Lord Cartegna chuckled, “You'll thank her and Lady Sophia if we end up going to Navar. It's part-desert and the sun is twice as oppressive.”

Lord Pegog shook his head. “I do not look forward to that.”

They made small talk for a few minutes, when the tent flap opened slightly, and Rhea came flying in.

Since Lord Pegog was taking part in the planning, he had been formally introduced to Rhea. Much like Saphoa, he had taken it in course.

Rhea opened her bag, putting a letter on the table. “It's good news!” she said excitedly. As she generally preferred not to give away letter contents, and let the readers be surprised, the letter must have some extremely good tidings.

Since it was addressed to him, Lord Cartegna opened it and read aloud. “We have taken Marsae with minimal casualties. We are currently regrouping and resupplying before pursuing. Our next goal is to chase after the rest of their southern army and retake the area of Provent they lost in the last war. Keep on standby, training and defending the border until we ascertain what to do next. Also, the catapults performed excellently in field combat. They destroyed the army lines and they were unable to keep their formation.”

Lord Harald smiled, “Haha, excellent.”

Lord Cartegna was not as excited. “Yes, but we need to evaluate our own tactics as well, then. Eventually other armies will have catapults against us.”

Lord Pegog, who was trying to absorb as much as he could during these meetings, asked, “Could we not space ourselves out more? That way less people would be hit.”

Lord Cartegna nodded. “That's an option I'm considering, but it also makes the formation less compact, and less effective in a melee.”

They discussed tactics a bit, until Rhea asked. “Um...do you want to say anything to Mac? Otherwise I have a letter I need to deliver to the palace.”

Lord Pegog reached into a bag, handing over a waterproof satchel. “Could you deliver this to Queen Hylia? I believe we may be away from Arkanta for a while, and I want to make sure she is kept aware of the situation.”

Rhea nodded, taking the letter.

Sophia seemed to hesitate, then asked, “Is Miss-...Lady Amiry doing okay?”

Rhea nodded, “Yeah, she's great, actually.”

Sophia raised an eyebrow, but nodded, “That's...good.”

Since no one else had anything, Rhea flew out the tent, creating a small gust as she flew away.

Lord Cartegna sighed, “I wonder how the country at large will take to the news of a spirit being wed to our King?”

Lord Harald laughed heartily, “Haha, I'm sure they'll be shocked. Well, once you get to know her a bit, she's not that different from us.”

Lady Sophia shook her head, “You're right, but I worry it will be a bigger shock than you think. I don't envy Marie's job...”

Marie's nose itched a bit, but she stopped herself from sneezing. I wonder if Mac is thinking of me...probably not. He has bigger things to worry about. She sighed, looking down at her stomach. She still wasn't really showing, but inside her was growing their child. She had declined Rhea's offer of knowing whether it would be a boy or girl, instead opting to be surprised once it was born.

Rubbing her stomach, she went back to her paper. Ositania had been very fortunate so far in that the war had only touched one city, and not much else, so relief efforts had not been needed, although they would probably need to help Stromvurk at some point in the future monetarily.

Of course, that didn't mean nothing needed done. Requests and requisitions were being made to send supplies to the two armies they were currently fielding. The one near Stromvurk was mostly self-sufficient right now, but Mac was currently in Provent, and sourcing supplies locally could definitely not be counted on. And, of course, there was the matter of pay. Any mobilized soldiers needed paid, on top of the regular soldiers getting their wartime earnings. And, of course, they would need to make a payment to the families of any fallen soldiers. War was expensive.

I need to tell Mac to make sure he gets some monetary concessions from Navar. Marie was, of course, assuming they would win. They had to win.

Mac was on a horse, trotting slowly behind Gabriella, as they wandered through their army camp outside Marsae. His nose tickled a bit, and he wondered if it was the smell of the horse. While they had been staying in the palace the past few days, they had still been coming out to inspect troops and talk with the commanders.

Gabriella turned around and smiled, “Are you okay?”

Mac nodded, although clutched the reigns a bit harder. She had taught him to ride the past few days, and he was now able to stay upright properly, although he still wasn't entirely comfortable. He had been given an old horse from the palace stables, Oak. He assumed the name was because of the horses color, but it could also be because it stood as upright as an oak tree. Either way, Oak was a very calm horse, and didn't mind or ever try to buck Mac, for which he was thankful.

Eventually, they got to the center of the camp, and stopped in front of the war council tent. Similar to the one for the army outside Stromvurk, it was usually only for meetings with the top leaders. Inside today was La Hire, Drenven, and Alfons. Alfons had set up a tent at the camp as well, taking charge of the Provental troops in the army, who's numbers had swelled when adding together the ones who had joined the attacking army with the defenders from Marsae.

La Hire did a bow as he entered, “Sire.”

Alfons did as well, “My Lady.”

Drenven chuckled, also doing flourishing bow, until his beard touched the ground, as if to show off. “Your highnesses.”

Gabriella giggled, throwing La Hire off a bit.

La Hire coughed. “Let's get down to business.”

Mac stopped him. “Amiry isn't here yet, though.”

As if on cue, Amiry came into the tent, smiling as she saw Mac. “Hello. Did you two enjoy yourselves again last night?” she said with a giggle.

Mac sighed while Gabriella blushed.

Alfons sighed, “Can we please get down to business?”

La Hire looked at Alfons with admiration, before nodding. “Our scouts are reporting the enemy stopped at the city of Aux, and looked to be fortifying there.”

Gabriella nodded. “Aux is one of the cities we lost during the last war. It has a wall, but it's nowhere near as thick or tall as Marsae.”

Alfons nodded. “We must take care to not hurt the locals if we can avoid it, they are mostly loyal Proventals.”

Mac nodded. “Of course.”

Alfons seemed slightly surprised at the quick response, then nodded back.

Drenven asked, “Our catapults...they could probably take out those walls, right?”

“They should,” Mac smiled.

La Hire grabbed a stack of papers, looking at them. “We should have enough supplies to leave by tomorrow. I wanted to wait until we got more supplies from Pearie, but I think we'll need to make do.”

Gabriella nodded, “If we wait too long, Lavon might be able to reinforce this southern army. If we strike as they are now, they should be too weak to hold out.”

With everyone agreeing on that course of action, they went over some minutiae for a while, until breaking to go set their plans in motion. As they left, Gabriella whispered to Mac, “Do you want to go to Amiry tonight?”

Mac blushed slightly at the subject change. “I don't have to. Technically she is just a concubine right now...”

Gabriella blushed, “Um...I'm suggesting this as I think I actually need a night off. I enjoy it immensely, but I'm feeling sore right now...” she explained, before kissing his cheek.

Mac gave a sheepish smile. “Ah...”

As Gabriella got on her horse to ride around camp, Mac turned around. Amiry was walking away, so he ran over to catch up.

Amiry heard him coming, turning around and smiling when she saw him. “Sire? Something you forgot to tell me?”

Mac wasn't sure how to broach the subject, but then remembered something, and dug into the pocket of his coat. Grabbing the contents, he held out the fan that was inside.

Amiry looked at it, then blushed. “You want me to visit tonight? Will Queen Gabriella be okay?”

“Gabriella suggested it, actually. And I figured I would just stay in the camp with you, if you'd like.”

Amiry blushed slightly, then took the fan. “Follow me.”

Mac followed as she wound through the tents, until going into one near his (currently unoccupied) tent.

Inside, Amiry turned on the lantern, and lit some incense that smelled similar to her normal perfume. There wasn't much inside besides the bed, trunk, and a small table with only one chair.

“Do you want a bigger tent?” Mac asked.

Amiry giggled, “This is all a concubine needs. Normally I'd go to your tent then come back, although some weird King's like to sleep with their concubines still in bed with them...” she added, before smirking at him.

Mac sighed, “I'm sorry...”

Amiry seemed confused, “What? I'm not upset.”

“Well, I was with Gabriella since we got here.”

Amiry nodded. “Of course. She's to be one of your wives, and a fairly important one, given the circumstances. I know my role.”

Mac nodded. “Yes, but you're important to me too.”

Amiry blushed slightly. “But I....” she shook her head, then walked over and wrapped her arms around him. “Are you reading my books? You can't just say all the lines to win me over and expect them to work.”

Mac chuckled, “No, although maybe I will, sometime. When we're less busy.”

Amiry smiled, then gave him a kiss.

Mac wasn't sure what the plan was, but Amiry immediately started pulling off his armor, so he went along with her.

After a few moments, they were both unclothed and on the bed. Amiry seemed to want to skip the foreplay, and grabbed his member and stuck it in quickly. Mac quickly started thrusting in to her, causing her to moan in pleasure every time he hit inside. Mac picked up the pace, going faster and faster, as Amiry smiled and started moan louder, intermixed with giggling, before pushing her forehead to his, and giving him another kiss. Mac eventually felt her climaxing, and this caused him to start releasing inside her while she shivered in his arms.

As they lay there afterwards, trying to catch their breath, Mac whispered. “I'm sorry I didn't pay you more attention...”

Amiry blushed more and shook her head, “Don't be sorry, it's not your fault. Let's just focus on each other when we're together,” she smiled, and crawled on top of him.

Mac grabbed her breasts, squeezing them.

Amiry smirked at this, reaching around and untying her hair, letting it splash around as she started to rub his member back to attention. Once it was standing straight again, she slid herself on top and started pushing herself up and down.

Mac grabbed her hips, holding onto her as she kept sliding over his shaft, until pulling her tight as he finished into her again.

Once he was done, Amiry fell on top of him, and Mac wrapped his arms around her, squeezing their bodies together.

The two of them lay their together for a while, until Amiry suggested, “We should get some lunch.”

Mac nodded.

Amiry walked over to the door flap and stuck her head out, then shouted, “Kylie? Could you bring us some stew?....Yes, Mac is with me.”

Mac sighed, I guess there's no point keeping it secret...

They wiped their sweat off, then redressed. After a few minutes, Kylie came in with two bowls of stew. Smiling at Mac, she said, “Thanks for visiting Lady Amiry. She seemed lonely the past few days.”

Amiry blushed again, “Dammit Kylie, that's none of your business!”

Kylie laughed, “Nyahaha, you're too easy to read,” she said, before dashing out, her tail wagging as she left.

Mac gave Amiry a hug.

“Don't worry about me, I just got a taste of you and wanted more...” she said, poking his chest.

Mac squeezed her tightly, then let go. “I can't always be with you, but I'll at least try to keep you happy.”

Amiry giggled, then gave him a kiss. “That should be enough.”

Both of them ate their stew, then decided to go on a walk around the camp. Amiry decided she was going to show off a bit, wrapping her arms around his and shoving her breasts into it as they walked. While they hadn't been telling everyone about her being a concubine, it also wasn't a secret, either. Given Amiry's reputation with the soldiers (especially those who had been at Stromvurk) they were mostly greeted with grins or light cheering.

Amiry seemed to be enjoying the attention, clasping him tighter whenever someone reacted to them.

Mac held back from sighing, letting her bask in the moment. She's earned a bit of selfish fun, at least.

Desperate Preparations

King Lavon of Navar sat in his chair, listening as his council discussed their potential next steps.

“We should reinforce our troops with new recruits, then attack the northern army again, now that they've split up” said one.

“No, we should reinforce the southern army in Provent, and finish that conquest. We should never have split our forces to begin with,” said another, with a bit of malice directed at Lord Oran.

Lord Oran shook his head, “No, that will just allow their northern army to attack Navar directly. Lord Cartegna will invade immediately if we don't have a force here.”

A fourth noble, an old man sitting in the corner, shook his head and sighed. “We cannot win. Those rock-throwing siege machines will destroy us.”

They had received news the day prior that the southern army had been decimated by the same rock-throwing machines that had battered them at Stromvurk.

“We have no counter to them. We need to sue for peace until we have a way to stop them. Or our own,” the old man said, before leaning back in his chair.

“Uncle, do you know any smith's in our country that could even begin to assemble them based on our description?” King Lavon asked.

The old man, his Uncle, shook his head. “It must be some dwarven secret, and we have few in our country. We could try and steal designs, or maybe one itself, but that would be hard even in peace time...”

King Lavon sighed. The rage from a week ago when they had been forced to retreat back to Navar was gone, and now he had come to terms with their defeat. Of course, despite their loss, they still had an intact, if weakened, army, and another in the south of their country digging into one of their fortified cities. The war was nowhere near lost.

Lord Oran suggested, “I believe we should conscript and mobilize forces and attempt to re-invade. They have split their forces, and if we amass our troops we should be able to deal a blow in open battle.”

The King's uncle shook his head, “And the flying rocks?”

Lord Oran grabbed some pieces, and started arranging them. “We must spread out our forces. It will make the rocks easier to dodge, and if they do hit it will minimize our casualties to them. As well as against that accursed magic Mac and his companion use.”

King Lavon looked up, “You still have no idea who that is?”

Lord Oran shook his head, “Not any noble I know. But they are with Mac in Provent right now based on the reports.”

King Lavon nodded, “Let's go with that. Conscript as many as we can afford without angering the locals, and drill them in looser formations. I want them at least ready to march back into Ositania within a week. And make sure no scouts or spies get through, I don't want them finding out about our plan ahead of time again.”

The King was convinced there had been a leak in information somewhere about their invasion. It apparently hadn't been enough to stop the King from getting stuck in Stromvurk, but it had gotten out to the nobles of the realm, considering how fast they had reacted to the siege.

Lord Oran and the other nobles bowed, then left to go implement the orders. His Uncle slid off his chair, hunched over slightly, then walked over to King Lavon. The King rose his gaze slightly to meet him.

“Nephew, don't forget the lesson. 'How you lose a war is just as important as how you win it'. Provent failed to remember that lesson, so don't make Navar suffer the same fate.”

King Lavon nodded. “I understand, Uncle, but I don't intend to lose.”

The Uncle grinned, then waddled off out of the tent.

After he was alone, he clenched the armrest of his chair. We won our last war, we'll win this one as well.

Planning Ahead

Melissandra sat back in her chair, heaving her baby bump back, then forward. It was basically impossible to get comfortable at her desk with how big Millia had gotten, but she had work to do regarding Toulouse.

Mac had said to not suspend her plans (even though she knew that was probably impossible with all the money going to the war right now) but it also helped her to focus on something besides her husband currently campaigning in a foreign country. She was a little less worried than she had been a couple weeks ago, when he had been trapped in Stromvurk.

She shook her head, No, focus, focus... She sighed, shaking her head. I can't focus right now. May as well get a drink. She got up to head to the door, when she felt a twinge down below, and some water trickling on her leg. Her eyes went wide. No no no! You're not supposed to come for at least another week! However, thinking about it made no difference, Millia seemed intent on coming now.

After calling for the maids, they helped walk her to the special birthing room Tillie had set up (a seeming necessity when five different Queens were all pregnant).

Melissandra was lying down, trying to steady her breathing when Tillie arrived. “Tillie...what's wrong? Why is she coming now?”

Tillie shook her head. “It's okay, a week early isn't uncommon. I might have been a bit off, too, and now's the correct time.” She then got to work helping Melissandra, ordering maids around who all seemed a mix of terrified and determined. The rest of Mac's partners also showed up (except Eleanor, who was bedridden with her own pregnancy), though Emma and Charlotte seemed a bit squeamish, standing near the door. Tillie gave Melissandra a concoction to help with the pain.

“Mac...” Melissandra cried.

Marie and Kay grabbed her hands. “It's okay, Mac will be so happy when he's back to see you and Millia,” Marie tried to reassure her.

Melissandra nodded, going red as she clutched harder.

After an hour of pushing, Tillie exclaimed, “She's out!”

Melissandra was a bit concerned, since she had expected crying, but was relieved that most of the pain was gone. She watched in a haze as Tillie seemed to be cleaning off the baby, then swaddled her up to hand over to Melissandra.

Melissandra looked down at Millia, who seemed to look back up at her. She had the same blue hair as her, but her eyes were the hazel of Mac.

Melissandra started crying, which caused Millia to start crying as well.

The others looked on with smiles.

Marie quietly slipped out, only to run into Rhea.

“Aww, I missed it!” Rhea said, looking inside. “She's a cutie.”

Marie smiled and nodded. “Thankfully it appears everything went well. I'll need to prepare a statement about the birth of the first heir. Hopefully that raises the countries morale.”

Rhea nodded, then had a realization. “Oh right, Mac had a letter for you.”

Marie took the letter, opening it:

Marie,

We're marching for Aux, and at the rate we're going, I don't think I'm going to be able to make it for Millia's birth. I feel terrible, but I don't think leaving the army mid-campaign is a good idea, either for morale or for my magic contribution on the battlefield. I gave a separate letter to Rhea for Mel to let her know, but please make sure she's okay.

Mac

Marie sighed as she finished reading. Well, even if you had wanted to come, it wouldn't have helped...though I agree with your reasoning. “Maybe wait a bit before giving Mac's letter to her. She is going to need some rest for now."

Rhea nodded. Looking inside the room, Melissandra already seemed to be dozing off, and Tillie was putting Millia in a crib next to the bed. “I should probably go tell Mac.”

Marie sighed, “It might be better to wait, I don't want him upset.”

Rhea blushed, “Mac might get mad though.”

Marie shook her head. “I doubt he'd get mad. Especially at you,” she emphasized, lightly poking Rhea's cheek.

Rhea nodded, “That's true. I still don't feel right keeping it from him though.”

Marie thought for a moment, then nodded. “You're right. I'll write him a letter.”

Later that day, Rhea returned with a letter to Mac, who was sitting in his tent. They were a half day from Aux, but it was late at night, and they planned to march on it and attack in the morning. He opened the letter:

Mac,

Millia came early. Tillie said she and Mel are both fine. I know you might want to come running back, but please continue with your campaign. Winning this war will make it a safer country for Millia and your other children in the future.

All my love,

Marie

Mac took a deep breath and sighed. I had sort of figured I wouldn't get back in time, but I didn't expect it to happen this quickly. He felt himself getting angry, but kept calming himself.

Rhea grew big, and wrapped her arms around him. “Don't feel bad, you had to do what you had to do.”

Mac teared up a bit, then hugged Rhea back. “Thanks, Rhea.”

They hugged for a minute, then the tent flapped open. Amiry came in, “Mac? We're about to start the meeting, but-” she stopped when she saw them. “Am I interrupting something?” Amiry said, unfurling her fan. “I can come back.”

Rhea shook her head, shrinking back down and flying out (though gave Mac her a kiss on the cheek before).

Amiry asked, “What's wrong?”

Mac handed her the letter.

Amiry read, her eyes going wide. “That's...I'm sorry, Mac. I know you probably wanted to be there, but at least they are both fine.”

Mac smiled, “You're right. Let's go.”

Both of them went to the war council tent, where the rest of the commanders were already gathered.

Gabriella smiled at him as they entered, and before pointing to a map with Aux on it. “The plan tomorrow is to attack immediately once we arrive at Aux. The Navarrans will probably expect us to settle in for a siege, but we're going to surround the town and batter down the walls on one side so we can attack through there.”

Alfons squirmed slightly. “I hate to knock down the walls of our own city.”

Gabriella sighed, “It's not in our hands right now, though.”

Mac reassured him, “Once we can afford it, we'll repair the wall. Honestly, we'd probably need to strengthen the existing one as is, anyway.”

Alfons nodded. “I'm holding you to that sire.”

Gabriella continued, “We'll then need to attack through where the walls are broken.”

“I'm hoping they surrender once the wall is down.”

Gabriella nodded, “I agree.”

Drenven seemed upset. “You wanna just let 'em go?”

Mac nodded, “I don't want to endanger the civilians any more than we have too. If they will surrender with just the walls going down, I'd rather take this city without a fight. We've already proven we can beat them in open battles anyway.”

Drenven nodded.

Gabriella smiled, “As my fiance said, we'd like to take without a fight. If they don't surrender, though, we'll try and batter down more walls so we can attack from every side at once.”

They discussed the minutiae of the battle a bit more, making sure they were all on the same page, before adjourning.

As everyone was leaving, Gabriella grabbed his sleeve. “Mac...” she blushed slightly. “I'd like to join you tonight.”

Amiry smiled and bowed, then headed out of the tent.

Mac nodded, and Gabriella followed after him to his tent.

Once they were inside, they started their normal routine when together, taking off their armor and soaking in the tub together.

Gabriella let out a sigh, closing her eyes as she laid against the tub, then opening an eye, she asked, “Are you okay? You seem a bit...put off. Are you not wanting to be with me?”

Mac shook his head, “That's not it, I just...” he reached over to his clothing, grabbing the letter from earlier and handing it over.

Gabriella started reading, then her eyes went wide, grabbing the rim of the bath with her other hand and sitting up. “Mac, this is incredible!”

Mac nodded, smiling weakly, “I know, I just wish I had been there.”

Gabriella sat the letter down, then scooted over to lay against him, putting a hand to his chest. “Don't feel so bad. It's possible you miss mine too, if I'm in Marsae and you're in Pearie.”

Mac shook his head. “I wouldn't do that.”

Gabriella blushed, “I'm glad to hear that, but you never know. Maybe we'll be at war again, or something else is going on.”

Mac sighed. She's right. Being practical, I guess it's likely I end up missing some more.

They soaked in silence for a while, before Gabriella stood up. “Come on.”

They dried off and put on their pajamas, crawling into bed together. Gabriella held his hand, laying sideways to look at him. “It's okay Mac.”

Mac smiled, “Thanks...I like this Gabriella,” he added after a pause.

Gabriella blushed, “I'm just saying what I would want to hear.”

Mac nodded, then closed his eyes, exhaustion fading away as he fell asleep.

Gabriella kept blushing to herself as she laid next to Mac. He seemed to be asleep, so she huddled closer to him.

I hope he feels that way about our future children as well. No wonder Mel and the others are so enamored with him, I will be too at this rate.

Taking of Aux

In the morning, the army quickly marched on Aux. Mac had hoped the Navarrans might send out an envoy to negotiate, but there was no sign of any willingness to.

Mac and Amiry got in the scaffold-cart again, although this time Gabriella joined them to help get a better view (since there was no battle right now, she wasn't needed on the field to give orders).

They watched as the catapults started hitting a section of the wall. Through his binoculars, Mac could see the wall was already falling apart just at the first volley, and several defenders had fallen over.

He handed it to Gabriella, who also watched as the second volley of rocks hit the wall. It started crumbling away even more, huge chunks falling off the top. “Well...this is working better than expected.”

Mac nodded, lowering the scaffolding as the third volley smashed through the wall. That area was now minced up, more a pile of rocks spilling out then an actual wall at that point.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

As they reached the bottom, La Hire asked, “Should we motion to negotiate?”

“Yes, may as well see if they'll surrender.”

La Hire saluted, and went to go talk to the signalers.

After a few minutes, they received a response, a flag waving above the gate. They watched as the gate opened just long enough for five horses to come out.

Mac, Gabriella, Amiry, La Hire, and Alfons rode out to meet them, followed closely by a contingent of guards.

The riders stopped when they were about twenty meters away, so Mac and company stopped as well.

“King Mac of Ositania?” the lead one shouted, reigning his horse sideways.

“Yes. And who am I speaking too?”

“Lord Esteban, Marshal of the southern army.”

Mac waited, but Lord Esteban said nothing, so Mac asked, “Well, will you surrender?”

Lord Esteban laughed, “You want us to surrender? I thought maybe you wanted peace. Are you that intent on winning Provent's battles for it?”

Mac glanced at Gabriella, but her face was calm. “I intend to help them, at least. Have all your forces leave the territory Provent lost and go back to Navar, and we will let you leave unharmed.”

Lord Esteban seemed angry now. “You want me to leave all of it? That's not even my decision to make.”

Gabriella chimed in, “You can just leave it, and we'll negotiate later.”

Lord Esteban smirked, “What are you even doing here? I had heard you were the Ositanian King's plaything.”

Gabriella nodded, “Only in bed.”

This earned some chuckling from the guards, while Alfons sighed.

Lord Esteban seemed thrown off by the response. Then, he seemed to just get angry again, turning his horse around and yelling, “We're not surrendering to the likes of you!”

Mac sighed, “I appreciate your confidence, but I think you angered him,” he said to Gabriella.

Gabriella blushed slightly.

Alfons shook his head as they all turned to ride back as well. “No, he never intended to surrender. He probably was just hoping to gauge our morale. He can see now that it's high enough for my Queen to jest about her nightly antics.”

Gabriella blushed more.

Mac had a realization, “Does he not know Gabriella is the Queen?”

Alfons stroked his short beard, then nodded. “He must not. He might have been confused as well why King-... our ex-King wasn't here.”

When they got back to camp, Drenven greeted them. “King, Queen, as you could see the catapults did quite a job on the wall.”

Mac nodded, “Yes, and it looks like we'll be using them more. Line them up on every wall and start when La Hire gives the order.”

Drenven saluted and ran off.

“La Hire, Alfons, get the armies in formation. Try to thin them out with arrows before we go over the rubble. And focus on taking the gates so we don't have to have everyone climb up rubble.”

They both saluted and rode off.

Gabriella kissed Mac, “Stay safe up there.”

“I'm more worried about you,” Mac replied, hugging her.

Amiry and Mac went back to the scaffolding, watching as the catapults got in position, the armies behind them. After a while, the catapults started up again, battering the walls.

They continued on for a dozen volleys, until the walls were rubble.

Amiry asked, “Was it necessary to batter them down that much? Now we can't use them either.”

Mac shrugged, “If they went down that easily, they won't be worth much if... well once catapults get widespread.”

The catapults stopped, and Mac pulled out the horn. He blew it three times, and the armies started marching towards the rubble of the wall, boxing the city in.

Amiry grabbed his shoulder, pointing to the gate (one of the few parts of the wall mostly undamaged). Above it, they were waving a white flag.

“They're surrendering now!?”

Mac sighed, then blew the horn twice. There seemed to be some confusion, but the armies slowly ground to a halt.

Mac quickly lowered the scaffold as La Hire already was riding up to them. “You saw it too?”

“Well, Amiry did, luckily,” Mac replied. “Are they actually surrendering?”

La Hire shook his head, “I don't know, but the timing seems odd. Unless they were more afraid of the catapults then they let on.”

They saw the gate was opening in the distance, so the three of them rode out to meet them. Only four riders came out this time, Lord Esteban not among them.

As soon as they got close, the lead one, a young knight, stated, “King Mac, we wish to surrender.”

Mac took a deep breath, relaxing slightly. “What changed? And where is Lord Esteban?”

The knight waited a moment, before replying, “The rest of the commanders did not....agree with Lord Esteban. As the walls were coming down, we deposed him and decided to surrender.”

These guys are smart. Or at least, don't want to die. “Who are you, then?”

“I am Felipe, nephew of King Lavon. I am... was adjutant to Lord Esteban. We have locked him up until King Lavon can decide on the matter.”

Mac nodded. “I will accept the surrender on these conditions: All arms and armor are left in the city, and you can only take two days of supplies. That should be enough to get you to Navar. Our soldiers will escort you out. Also, you will stay with me as a diplomatic prisoner until the end of the war.”

The knight seemed to hesitate, before looking back at the others. None of them said anything. He turned back, “Can you at least allow nobles and officers to keep their arms for security?”

Mac thought a moment, then nodded, “If it's just them, that's fine.”

Felipe nodded, “We will agree to your terms, then.”

Mac nodded, “Good. Even if it's Navarran, I'd rather not spill any more blood than is necessary.”

La Hire rode off to give instructions, and slowly the news of the surrender fanned out amongst the troops, until a loud cheering filled the countryside.

Meeting Family

While Mac was riding back into camp, Eleanor was lying in bed, holding her stomach. She had just gotten her Tillie-mandated exercise for the day in (walking through the gardens for a bit) and was now on bed-rest again.

He back ached constantly whenever she stood. She was somewhat used to this, as her breasts could cause problems, but Elana had exacerbated the issue immensely, and the only way to get relief was to lay on her side. She could still work, a bit, although even that was draining.

Why won't you come out! Well, maybe you're waiting for your father... Eleanor thought as she rubbed her stomach. Sighing, she stared outside as a slight breeze came from the open veranda. I love all my sisters, but I want to see the rest of my family too. Mac...Father...Mother... she thought, before drifting to sleep.

“Eleanor?”

Eleanor opened her eyes slightly, blinking. There was something shining in front of her, and she had to squint.

“Eleanor? Is that you?”

Eleanor was taken aback. Mother? Her eyes focused, and Eleanor saw her mother coming in from the veranda. “Mother!?”

Her mother(?) giggled. “No, I'm not your mother. Well, I guess that isn't wholly incorrect, but a bit more back of a descendant.”

Eleanor looked over the figure. Now that she was fully awake, she could see this was not her mother, although she did look somewhat like her, with the same long blonde hair that ran in their family. She also didn't remember her mother radiating light. Eleanor thought for a moment, before putting the pieces together. “Celestina?”

The lady nodded and smiled. “Oh my, I thought you might be a bit more surprised to see a spirit visit you, but I guess you do see Arborhea all the time, don't you?”

Eleanor didn't know how to react, and just sat on the bed to face her.

Celestina sat down next to her, and put a hand on her stomach. “I'm so glad to see my descendants doing well.”

Eleanor blushed as she saw the golden eyes of Celestina looking at her. “Um...thank you for visiting.”

Celestina smiled, “Of course! When Arborhea came to visit me, I was so happy to hear about you. She convinced me to come visit myself.” A small glow emanated from her hand, and went into her.

Eleanor was taken aback, “What did you...”

“I gave her a little blessing. Do you have a name already?”

Eleanor nodded, “Elana.”

“Oh, a beautiful name! I can't wait to meet her. I came just in time.”

Eleanor sighed, nodding.

“What's wrong?” Celestina asked.

“Well, her father isn't here...” Eleanor started, before explaining the circumstances.

Celestina saw Eleanor tearing up a bit, and hugged her. Her breasts were even larger than Eleanor's so they were squished together tightly. “I'm sorry dear. I hope he can make it back in time.”

Eleanor nodded, wiping a tear away. “I appreciate you visiting, though.”

Celestina smiled, “I hope it's okay if I stay a while? At least until the baby is born.”

Eleanor brightened up, “Of course!” and hugged her again. “Do you want to meet the others?”

After having Celestina conceal herself as Rhea normally did, they walked together down the hall towards the nursery. Inside was currently Melissandra, (who was napping on the bed) and Felicia, who was rocking a currently asleep Millia.

Felicia smiled when she saw Eleanor. “Hey Elly, you want a turn?”

Eleanor shook her head, “That's okay, I just...” she stopped as Celestina leaned around her.

Felicia was so surprised she stopped rocking. “Errm...is that your cousin? Or Aunt?

Celestina giggled, “Not quite.”

Eleanor explained and introduced her properly, causing Felicia to be a bit taken aback. “Hmm...so you really are a Spirit...”

Celestina nodded, “I didn't think you would be so surprised, since you're friends with Arborhea.”

Felicia shook her head, “Rhea feels a bit different.”

Suddenly, in through the window flew Rhea, growing large and hugging Celestina. “Celly!”

“Rhea!” Celestina hugged her back.

Eleanor giggled, “It hasn't been that long, has it?”

Rhea looked around, under Celestina's breasts, “Even if you hadn't seen Mac in a while, wouldn't you greet him like this?”

Eleanor blushed and nodded.

The commotion had caused Millia to wake up, and she started crying a bit, which also caused Melissandra to wake up.

“Sorry!” Rhea said, bowing a bunch as Melissandra hurried over and grabbed her daughter.

Melissandra shook her head, “It's okay, she needed to drink anyway,” and pulled down her dress so Millia could latch on to start feeding.

Felicia surrendered the rocking chair, and they all watched Millia as she happily drank from her mother's teat.

Melissandra eventually looked up, then was surprised. “Why is there two Eleanors? I need to go back to sleep...” she said, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

The others giggled, then re-explained things to Melissandra.

She smiled once she understood. “Well, I'm glad you could grace us with your presence, Celestina. You're welcome to stay as long as you would like.”

Onwards to Navar

It had been three days since the capture of Aux. Mac was watching as part of his army returned from escorting the unequipped Navarran forces back to the border of Navar. Or at least, what he was calling the border, assuming that with the capture of Aux, they had de facto moved Provent's borders almost back to what they had been before the prior war.

The standard of Ositania passed him, followed by the standard of Provent. Luckily, though of course partially by his design (and, ironically, from King Lavon's error) the troops of Ositania and Provent were working together without much issue. There had been the occasionally argument here and there, but Alfons and La Hire had kept everyone in line for the most part.

He and Gabriella providing a united front definitely helped in keeping anger or divisive opinions from fomenting among the ranks as well. He looked over at Gabriella, who glanced at him as she noticed his gaze, blushing slightly.

Mac looked back, Amiry sitting on her horse behind him, fanning herself slightly. She gave a knowing grin when she saw Mac's gaze.

Mac looked ahead again before Amiry made a scene. Luckily, La Hire rode up and stopped in front of them at that moment. “Sire, Queen, we successfully escorted them without incident.”

Mac nodded, “Good, let's go plan our next steps then.”

The four of them rode deeper into camp, entering the war council tent. Alfons and Drenven were already inside, as well as Felipe, their hostage.

La Hire looked at Felipe, then sighed. “Sire...why is our diplomatic hostage here? You....you can't seriously be expecting him-”

Mac waved him off. “Hold on, let him speak.”

La Hire turned to Felipe, who explained, “This war is lost. My Uncle erred in his judgment. I would like to see this over as quickly as possible, just like King Mac.”

Drenven turned to him, “You know how many dead dwarves lay in Stromvurk because of Navar? Why should we end this war quickly? Navar must suffer for it's actions,” he added as he clenched his ax.

Felipe, despite the aggression, looked back at him. “Such is war. Or are you saying Ositania has never attacked another country before? Sure, you're current King hasn't, but no country on the continent can claim it has never been the aggressor.”

Drenven's anger faded somewhat, and he loosened the grip on his ax, realizing this was true.

Mac thought over Felipe's words. He's not wrong. And I don't want Navarrans to needlessly suffer, but I have my own country to think about. “Felipe, tell him the other thing.”

Felipe raised an eyebrow. “Other? You mean about Lord Oran?”

La Hire's eyes closed momentarily, then reopened. “Lord Oran? Was he not sold into slavery?”

Mac nodded, “Yes, and apparently King Lavon recognized and bought him. Supposedly it was on his advice that King Lavon chose now to strike.”

Alfons smirked, “If I didn't know better, I'd think you did that on purpose to sabotage Navar.”

Drenven shook his head, “If we had, we'da been better prepared.”

La Hire nodded, “Well, that doesn't change much at this point. Did you devise our next course of action while I was away?”

Alfons stepped up to the map, “Yes. Tomorrow, we will march onwards to Navar with all our strength, leaving a token force as garrison for Aux, enough to keep bandits at bay.”

Mac nodded, “I'd rather Provent didn't develop the same bandit problem we did.”

Alfons nodded back, before continuing, “At the same time, the army at Stromvurk will go through the same mountain pass King Lavon retreated through.”

La Hire asked, “So you intend to have Lord Cartegna fight them while we occupy the south of Navar? Is that what you are aiming for in a peace deal?”

Mac shook his head, “I don't particularly want to take their land.”

Drenven shook his head, “I keep tellin' ya, Sire, the nobles aren't going to be happy about that. We have a chance here to take a large chunk of Navar.”

Mac sighed, “And I keep saying, occupations are expensive, and we have enough territory we're trying to govern right now between Ositania and Provent, we don't need half of another country as well.”

Gabriella nodded in agreement. “I concur, we're going to be busy re-integrating Aux and the rest of our territory.”

Alfons chimed in, “I don't disagree my lady, but would it not be better to stunt Navar so they can not threaten us again? At least not soon?”

Mac felt a twinge. He's right, but I just don't think that's going to work.

Before Mac could voice this, La Hire leaned over the map, then pointed at a city on the Navarran side of the mountains, about halfway between Stromvurk and the point at which Navar, Ositania, and Provent met. “What about this area? This is the city of Valien, their third largest by population. It will definitely weaken them, but it's also only one extra city, which we should be able to manage, right?”

Mac looked over, nodding.

Alfons added, “That would provide a good buffer, too. If Navar were to ever attack again, we would have ample warning before they could cross the mountains.”

Mac turned to Felipe, “Do you think King Lavon is likely to take that deal?”

“As he is now, not likely.”

Everyone turned to look at him.

Felipe continued, “He believes...well I believe that he believes that victory is still possible.”

Mac sighed, “Well, maybe he'll be dissuaded once he talks to your returning army.”

Felipe raised an eyebrow, “Is that why you sent them back? I was wondering why you didn't just capture all of us.”

Mac shook his head, “I didn't want to have to feed you all, so I took your supplies and made it his problem.”

Felipe thought for a moment, then his eyes went wide. “You mean to divert his resources by forcing him to resupply his southern army, so you can attack him with your northern one?”

Mac smiled, “Well, I'm hoping he surrenders before that.”

That night, Mac was laying in the tub with Amiry She and Gabriella had agreed to switching off every other night, which made things easier for Mac. Gabriella didn't even always want to have sex (though sometimes, especially stressful days, she wanted to go two or three times) instead sometimes opting to just cuddle together in bed, as if just lying next to him was enough for her.

Amiry, on the other hand, often acted is if she was never going to see Mac again, relentlessly throwing herself against him every time he stayed with her.

They had just finished doing it twice while standing, and were now laying against opposite ends of the tub.

Mac decided to sate his curiosity, “Not that I don't enjoy it, but why are you so into it every night?”

Amiry blushed slightly, smiling at him. “You're the one saying that? You seem into me as well.”

Mac shrugged, “I try to match my partner's tempo.”

Amiry thought about what he said, then blushed slightly. “Well, I'm worried you won't visit me much once we're back.”

Mac shook his head, “We already discussed this...”

Amiry wrapped her arms on the side of the tub, “Yes, but telling me something doesn't mean it will actually happen.”

Mac cranked his head sideways, “Are you saying you don't believe me?”

Amiry blushed again, “No...I'm saying that you can fully intend to still give me lots of attention, but have it divided out amongst your women anyway.”

Mac sighed, not being able to deny this.

As they were silent for a moment, the tent flap suddenly flew open, and Rhea came in. She flew up and hugged Mac's head from behind (she was currently in her courier-form). “Mac...”

Amiry giggled, “Hello Rhea.”

“Hi Amiry,” Rhea said, looking over Mac. “Sorry I intruded while you guys were bathing, but I really wanted to see him.”

Amiry shook her head, “I would do the same.”

Rhea blushed a bit, then whispered to Mac, “Hey, can I borrow you for a bit?”

Mac looked back, “What's wrong?”

Rhea squirmed a bit, “Um...I really wanna have sex.”

Despite her whispering, Amiry seemed to have heard her. “Should I leave?” she asked, standing up to dry herself off.

Rhea blushed, “Um...you don't have too...”

Mac sighed, “Do I get a say?”

Rhea looked downcast, “If you really don't want to...”

Mac gave her a kiss.

Amiry giggled, “I was actually hoping to have a threesome with Mac at some point. I've only read about them in my books, but I wasn't sure if any of his other women would be willing to try it out...”

Mac just shook his head. “Is our relationship just based on your books?”

Amiry shook her head, “No. If it was, we'd be living in a seaside cottage by now.”

Rhea had taken off her dress and gotten into large form, pulling Mac up and drying him off. She then pulled him onto the bed, rubbing his member furiously as she floated in front of him. Once it was at full attention, she got onto it, pressing her breasts against him as they squished together.

Mac grabbed her hips, thrusting up into her as they kissed, causing her to spasm in his arms.

Amiry crawled up behind him, pressing her breasts against him and kissing his neck.

Mac was overcome with all the stimulation, and quickly emptied himself into Rhea faster than normal.

Rhea hung off his shoulders, her face seemingly satisfied. “Mac, I love you so much.”

“I love you too,” he responded, running his hand through her purple hair and kissing her again.

Amiry was fascinated by Rhea's wings, gently caressing them.

“Ooohhh,” Rhea cooed.

Amiry blushed, “Sorry...”

Rhea shook her head, “It feels good, just be gentle.”

Amiry smirked as she gently rubbed Rhea's wings.

After a few moments, Rhea flew off of him. “Well, I better get going. La Hire has letters for me to send to the other army.”

Mac felt a bit sad, but nodded. “I'm glad you could stop by.”

Rhea gave him a kiss. “Me too.” She then got back into courier form and put her dress back on, before flying out.

Amiry, still leaning on him from behind, asked, “Does she always just come in and out like a whirlwind?”

“Mostly,” Mac sighed. I feel it's partially my fault for having her be our courier...

Sending Supplies

Daisy sat down in the carriage, taking a deep breath as she unlocked the brake from in front of the bench she was sitting on. It slowly started to chug forward.

Charlotte started jumping up and down, “It's working!”

Daisy smiled at her, but kept her focus. She pulled the lever to her left, and the carriage slowly started turning to the left.

Charlotte was jogging alongside the carriage, “Good, good, we knew that should work from the tests with the horse carriage, but I'm glad the engine didn't change anything.”

Daisy turned right as well, just to make sure, and she slowly started turning right instead.

Charlotte shouted, “Now test the brake!”

Daisy slowly pushed the lever forward. There was a grinding sound as the metal screeched together, but the carriage slowed down until coming to a stop.

Daisy wiped her forehead, as she had been sweating a bit in nervousness. Glad it worked this time.

Charlotte jumped up on the carriage, hugging Daisy. “We did it!”

Marie, who had been watching the demonstration, nodded in approval. “I'm glad this one didn't crash,” she said.

Daisy nodded with a sheepish grin. In the first test, the lever had broken off, and she had to bail as the carriage crashed into the wall. Luckily, the engine had been fine, since it was in the back, although the first test carriage had been smashed to bits. “I made the brake a lot thicker. It means the carriage axles will need replaced more often, but that's better than having a runaway carriage.”

Charlotte and Marie nodded in agreement. “We need to train some drivers on these, then get them going. This should cut our travel time in half.”

Charlotte turned to her, “Did Mac request something?”

Marie grimaced, “Yes...he says Provent is low on food supplies, and wants us to send some to spare. Since we have a small surplus in Pearie and Loren right now, we're going to send over what we can.”

Charlotte nodded.

Daisy jumped off the carriage, saying, “I probably need to go with them.”

Marie shook her head, “I don't think-”

Daisy shook her head back, “I know, but who's going to fix the engine if something happens? Or if the brake comes off again? I haven't trained up any other dwarves yet.”

Marie sighed, “You're right, of course. Mac won't be too happy with me once he's back.”

Daisy chuckled, “I doubt that, he's probably gonna be happy to see you and your stomach.”

Marie blushed, looking down. She was now starting to show a bit, and couldn't contain her feelings every time she thought about it.

Charlotte was looking over the carriage. “Everything looks fine.”

Marie nodded, “Alright, I'll go have the guards get stuff loaded.”

Emma sat in her office, feeling sick. Lately the morning sickness had been catching up with her, except now it was sometimes extending into the afternoon as well.

She chugged her tea, some Tillie had given her to calm her stomach. It usually did the job, but she had to drink a lot, and it ended up making her have to pee a lot every day.

She sighed as she sat it down. I'm glad I got pregnant, but this is such a pain. She shook her head, It'll be worth it...but it's still a pain. She went back to her papers, continuing to try and balance her accounting. They had been doing a lot of purchasing lately, including her job of purchasing food. They had had to acquire some for each army, and recently even more to send to Provent, as they were low on food supplies in Marsae and Aux. I guess Provent will be part of Ositania, from what they said. I probably need to take a trip there once it's safe, she looked down at her stomach again, and maybe once this boy is out.

They didn't have a name yet, but she had decided to have Rhea tell her the gender, and her baby was going to be a boy.

I need to figure out what the food situation is there, too.

Thinking of how happy Mac would be with her work, she started writing again, signing her purchase orders with an increased vigor befitting the normal Emma.

More Desperate Plans

King Lavon sat in his war council tent, re-reading the news he had received. In the north, the army outside Stromvurk was starting to move towards their location, heading for the mountain pass. In the south, his army had had to surrender, and was sent back to Navar without their belongings.

King Mac let them go, but just stripped them of arms and supplies? What is he playing at, was his army that low on essentials? “How much extra supplies do we have to send to the southern army? Could we re-equip them quickly?”

A noble shook their head. “No arms to spare at all. Any we had we gave to the new troops we're currently drilling. We have enough other supplies for our army, but definitely not enough to supply the southern army as well.”

King Lavon thought, then slowly realized what was happening. “He intended to neuter that army without actually committing anymore resources...” he said out loud.

Lord Oran bit his lip. “This bastard...”

King Lavon looked at him. “Why is this summoned King so good at war?”

Lord Oran shook his head, “It cannot be him. He must just have good advisors.”

“A dam lot better than mine!” King Lavon raged.

His advisors, all surrounding him, were quiet, having no response.

King Lavon sighed. “We can't continue going at their pace. We need to turn the swords back on them.”

His Uncle chimed in from the corner. “You intend to attack them?”

King Lavon nodded. “It's our only option. We must attack their northern army with ours, and break it. Then we can gather up our toothless army down south and bear down on King Mac.”

His Uncle nodded. “If that's what you've decided.”

Lord Oran chimed in, “I don't like it, but it's probably our best bet to attack while Mac and the other magic user are down south.”

One of his other advisors asked, “Is that really going to work, though? We don't have the new troops trained near enough.”

King Lavon stood up and walked over to him. “Just put them out first, they can soak up the first volley of rocks,” he said menacingly.

The advisor nodded.

Most of them left to go initiate the plans, and the camp bustled with activity as everyone packed up. Many were happy to just not be sitting in camp waiting anymore.

King Lavon's Uncle walked over, giving him an eye. “Just remember what I told you.”

King Lavon sighed, nodding.

Lord Oran came over, “Shall I-”

King Lavon grabbed his shoulder, “You're coming with me.”

Lord Oran gave a weak smile, “I suppose that's for the best.”

Battle of the Mountain Pass

Saphoa stood next to Lord Cartegna as they watched the enemy below them. They were currently surrounding the exit to the mountain pass their army was going through.

“Well, I can't say I expected them to come meet us while Mac is marching into southern Navar, but here we are...” Lord Cartegna sighed.

Saphoa asked, “Is that bad?”

Lord Cartegna shook his head. “No. We slightly outnumber them, our mobilized troops have more training than theirs, and we have the catapults. We are clearly going to win if they attack. Which is what has me worried. Does he have some strategy we don't know about?”

Sapoha responded, “It is good to not underestimate your enemy, but you also don't want to get pulled along by their current.”

Lord Cartegna smiled, “I'm sure King Lavon is thinking the same thing.”

The two of them rode back down, meeting up with Sophia and Lord Harald.

“Where is Lord Pegog?” Lord Cartegna asked.

Lord Harald pointed, “He is with his troops.”

Saphoa nodded, “It is normal to be with your troops before battle. I think he also trusts us to lead things.”

Lord Cartegna smiled, “He's a smart man, I think he'd make a good Marshal if we gave him classes in land warfare.”

Lord Harald chuckled, “We'll have time aplenty for that once we send these bastards back to the sand pits they crawled out of.”

The four of them went over the plan, which wasn't too complicated. They would roll up towards the enemy, loosing the catapults as soon as they were in range. Then when the enemy attacked, they would try to trap them in place while the catapults continued pelting their backlines. Rinse and repeat until the enemy retreated or surrendered.

A while later, everyone was ready, and the formation started moving as the catapults rolled behind them. Eventually, the signal was given and the catapults started throwing rocks into the enemy. Some were coming up short, but a few rolled into their lines.

“A bit more forward!” Saphoa heard Lord Harald shout.

Suddenly there was a lot more shouting, and Saphoa looked across the battlefield at the cause. A large mass of cavalry had ridden through the enemy ranks, sprinting across the battlefield.

“What in the blazes...” Lord Cartegna said as he tracked them. “I wish I had my binoculars back right about now.”

Saphoa watched as the cavalry collided with their left flanks, fighting through the ranks. Looking at where they were headed to, she had a realization. “They are trying to reach the catapults, I think.”

Lord Cartegna nodded. “Cavalry, to me! Reinforce the left flank!”

Saphoa jumped on the back of Lord Cartegna's horse, and they rode to the far left of the army. As they were partway there, a loud sound of screeching metal rang out.

“What in the blazes was that!?” Lord Cartegna shouted.

Saphoa thought for a moment as she held on. “Could they have destroyed the catapult? Does not their King have the ability to warp metal with his magic?”

“That insane...he charged headfirst into our army!? We must capture him,” he responded, whipping the reigns to speed up their horse.

There was then three horn blasts from the enemy side.

“They must have been waiting on that to charge. They only took out one, though.”

“We should go to the next one in line, they will be fighting to get to that,” Saphoa responded.

Lord Cartegna nodded, turning a bit.

A minute later, and they were at the second catapult. Sure enough, the dwarves near it were fighting off cavalry from the enemy, who had formed a moving mass within the Ositanian ranks.

King Lavon was in the fray, surrounded by several of his royal guards, and many of the Navarran elite cavalry.

There was a cheer from the dwarves as they all got out of the way for the charging Ositanian cavalry, who swept into the Navarrans from the side.

Lord Cartegna swung his sword wildly, trying to cut a path towards King Lavon. They were suddenly hit with a gust of wind, knocking them both off the horse.

Saphoa recovered quickly, helping the armored Lord Cartegna back up.

“Haha, you need young women to help you get back to your feet now?”

Lord Cartegna's eyes went wide. “Cousin? Is that really you?”

Lord Oran stroked his goatee. “How do you like it? I fit right in with the Navarran nobles, now.”

There was a loud screeching as the nearby catapult crumpled. The two of them tried to make for it, but Lord Oran used his wind magic to block them again.

Lord Cartegna used his own to counter, shouting, “Capture their King!”

Several of the nearby guards rushed over, and Saphoa looked at Lord Cartegna.

He smiled, “Go, I'll take care of this traitor myself.”

Saphoa nodded, using her spear to knock over several Navarrans as she made her way to the crumpled catapult. Once there, she found who she assumed was the King. He wore a crown similar to Mac, and had a gem encrusted mace he was using to swing wildly around at enemies while his guards protected him.

Saphoa followed the other guards, stabbing around them and nabbing a few in the neck.

“To the next one!” King Lavon shouted, jumping back on his horse.

Some of his men followed, while several others stayed back to stop anyone from following. The pocket of Navarrans started pushing and cutting their way through towards the next one.

Saphoa jumped up on the ruined catapult, watching them slowly fight their way through. She then aimed her spear, chucking it at the Navarran King.

It flew the twenty meters towards him, spiking him on the back and causing him to fly off his horse.

There was a sudden chaos amongst the Navarran guard around him, as some jumped off their horses to try and rescue their King, who was getting stepped on by horses, while others didn't know what was going on.

Saphoa didn't wait, and went back to report to Lord Cartegna. She found him kneeling, bleeding from his side. The battle seemed to have left this area, and the only thing around was people treating the wounded.

“Father! Are you okay?”

Lord Cartegna looked over, smiling when he heard the 'Father'. “Haha, yes, I'll live,” he grunted. “Can't say the same for this treasonous bastard.”

She looked over, and saw the 'cousin' he had been fighting was lying on the ground, bleeding from multiple places, including the chest.

“Sorry, but could you hold him up to his knees?” he asked.

Saphoa raised an eyebrow, “For what purpose?” she asked, but went over to him.

Lord Cartegna wheezed a bit as he leaned on his sword. “Execution...for treason to one's country. Your fiance might be a bit upset, but he's too much of a softy. As the father of his wife, I appreciate it, but as a noble...”

Saphoa nodded, and pulled up Lord Oran.

“Anything to say in your own defense?” Lord Cartegna asked.

Lord Oran spat at him.

Lord Cartegna held up his sword, but then paused, “Just so you know, your family is still alive. Mac just has them working as servants around the country. I'm sure they'll be glad to hear their father and husband helped cause this invasion,” Lord Cartegna explained.

Lord Oran's eyes went wide, but Lord Cartegna swung his sword, slicing his throat. Saphoa let him drop as he bled out.

Lord Cartegna started limping back to his horse, and Saphoa went to help him. “We must catch up with King Lavon. I haven't heard another catapult get destroyed, so we might still have time.”

“I took care of him,” Saphoa explained.

Lord Cartegna blinked. “What?”

Saphoa explained what she had done.

Lord Cartegna started laughing, “Haha, well, let's go make sure that did the trick, then.”

As they trotted on, he took one last look at his cousin, then shook his head.

The battle ended quickly after that. Eventually word made it around the Navarrans that King Lavon was dead, and they quickly either ran away or surrendered. Word had made the rounds of the Ositanians that Saphoa had done the job with her spear throw, and the spear she had used was being paraded around like a relic amongst the troops.

“I'd like my spear back,” she asked when she saw it.

The soldier who currently held it nervously gave it back, as the others watched in awe.

Saphoa casually wiped off the blood, confusing the troops watching her, before she headed back to meet up with the others.

Gathering Together

The next day, Rhea had made her rounds and gotten word to everyone of King Lavon's death, and Navar's surrender. With the northern army defeated and their leaders captured, and the southern army unarmed (with most of them disbanding and going back to their homes when supplies didn't arrive), Mac and the Ositanian army he was part of marched north just west of the mountains that separated their countries.

Most of the Provental army had gone back home, either hunting down bandits (mostly AWOL Navarrans) or helping to start rebuilding from the war. Gabriella and Alfons were coming as representatives of their country for the impending peace talks.

The countryside around here was rugged, with only a few villages scattered around, which they steered well clear of so as to avoid problems.

Two days after they had received word, they met up with the other army outside Valien (where the negotiations were taking place, since it was the nearest city to where the battle had taken place). The army was outside, and Mac could hear the celebrating going on, having seemed to 'procure' a great amount of wine from the Navarran supplies they had captured.

It was dusk when they entered, a fanfare of trumpets and banging shields heralding Mac and Gabriella as they strode in.

From out of the crowd bounded Saphoa, who stopped next to Oak. Mac leapt down and kissed Saphoa, earning a round of cheering from the nearby soldiers.

Gabriella dropped off Gale, giving her a smile, “Good to see you.”

Saphoa grinned, catching Gabriella off guard as she pulled her tight to her chest, breasts clanging on Gabriella's armor.

Lord Cartegna walked up. “Good to see you, son.”

Mac smiled, but then grew concerned as he saw the bandaged wound on his side.

Lord Cartegna waved him off. “Don't worry about it, a small price to pay to end that treasonous lout. Although, I fear I need to retire soon, if I have trouble beating the likes of him.”

Mac smiled, “I'm sure you've earned it. Maybe you and Lady Lorraine can take a holiday in Brescia.”

Lord Cartegna blushed slightly and brushed his mustache, “That's not a bad idea...”

Once caught up with each other, the leaders all met in the war council tent.

Mac looked around at everyone there. Lord Cartegna and Lord Pegog were laughing over something. Lord Harald and Sophia were discussing something with Drenven, who had a serious look on his face. Alfons and La Hire both stood quietly to the side, as if competing on who could play the serious, stoic guard more. And Saphoa, Amiry, and Gabriella were giggling together. Rhea, who had just arrived, was napping in Mac's pocket. She would be needed to carry news back to Pearie after the negotiations were complete.

After the conversation started to die down, Mac walked over and sat in his 'throne', a big wooden chair at the back of the tent.

The others all turned to look at him.

Mac sighed, “I feel weird sitting up here.”

The other men (and Sophia) chuckled.

Saphoa shook her head, “Nonsense. You are a victorious King. Speak with confidence.”

Mac smiled, remembering their talk around confidence. “You're right.” Turning to the others, he said, “Alright, let's get this planned this out.”

The Negotiations

The next day, the groups met inside Valien. They had taken over the manor house in the middle of the city, and were meeting in a giant antechamber in the manor's interior.

Ositania was represented by Mac, La Hire, and Lord Cartegna (La Hire had offered to give his seat to Lord Harald, but he had wanted to sit with Sophia in the back with the other nobles instead).

Provent was represented by Gabriella and Alfons, since the rest of the Proventals were back in Provent.

Navar was represented by Felipe, Lord Esteban, and an old, hunched over man. There was a string of Navarran nobles behind them to match the Ositanian ones, with varying levels of anger and depression showing on their faces.

I guess with King Lavon's demise, Lord Esteban is off the hook? As they sat down, Mac asked, “I'm surprised to see you here, Felipe. Isn't your Father supposed to be a representative?”

“He is consolidating power in-” he started, but was whacked by the old man's walking stick.

“You idiot, don't start talking about our internal affairs.”

Felipe blushed slightly, “Sorry, Grandfather.”

The Grandfather sighed, then looked at Mac. “Just get on with it.”

Mac nodded, then looked over at Gabriella.

Gabriella nodded back, and Alfons produced a scroll. “Provent demands all it's territory back, plus five-thousand gold coins.”

There was a rumbling from the nobles. Lord Esteban stood up. “You won your territory back, but five-thousand gold coins!? Are you planning on building a new palace with that?”

Gabriella stared at him coldly. “No, but I have half a country to rebuild, and people to feed.”

Lord Esteban sat down, “We reject your terms.”

This time Lord Esteban received a whack from the old man's walking stick, this one sounding harder than last time. “There are three representatives, you don't unilaterally make decisions.”

Gabriella continued to glare. “I can recall my army if need be. Or better yet, ask my fiance to use his.”

Felipe looked at his Grandfather, who nodded. He then turned to Gabriella, “We agree to the terms.”

Alfons slid the paper over, and Felipe and the old man both signed. Lord Esteban was going to refuse, but winced as the old man threatened him with his walking stick again, then signed.

After Alfons sat back down. Felipe turned to Mac, “What are your terms?”

La Hire stood up, producing a scroll in the same manner Alfons had. “Ositania demands the Valien region of Navar, for the borders of Navar and Ositania in all other areas be moved to the Navarran side of the mountains, ten-thousand gold in payment, and the freeing of all slaves in Navar.”

There was a furious uproar from the Navarran nobles, angry yelling and the shaking of fists engulfing the hall. Mac was sure some would have drawn weapons if they hadn't been forbidden in the negotiating hall.

Lord Esteban once again was enraged. “Valien is my city, and I'll let you have it over my dead body,” he said, glaring at Mac, and reaching behind his back.

There was a flurry of motion, as Mac and Gabriella both readied their magic, and Saphoa had jumped down onto the table towards Lord Esteban.

Felipe, however, had grabbed his arms from behind, knocking the dagger onto the ground and pushing Lord Esteban's face into the table. The old man picked it up, sliding it over to La Hire, who carefully grabbed it. Felipe called to his guards, handing the struggling Lord Esteban over to them before sitting down and sighing.

The old man bowed, as much as he could with his hunched back, “My deepest apologies, King Mac. Lord Esteban will be dealt with appropriately.”

Mac, eager to continue things, nodded. “Good. Let's continue then.”

Sapoha jumped off the table, and everyone settled back down. La Hire slid over the scroll.

Felipe read it over. “I don't believe we have room to complain about Valien and the border changes, and we will manage the gold somehow. But the slaves...”

The old man shook his head, “We cannot rid ourselves of our slaves. Even if we wanted too, most owners would just refuse. If the King wishes to conquer all of Navar and force every single one to comply, you can go for it, but that would be the only way.”

Mac sighed. He turned to Lord Cartegna, whispering, “You were right.”

Lord Cartegna shrugged, “Not that I'm happy to be.”

Mac turned back to Felipe. “Very well, we will retract that demand, but instead we demand a royal diplomatic hostage.”

Felipe nodded. “Very well, I will-”

The old man rapped his stick again, but this time he didn't hit Felipe, instead hitting the table. “We're not sending you, boy. We'll send one of your sisters.”

Mac felt a vague sense of dejavu, assuming he knew what they might intend, but he had known this would be the likely outcome and was already preparing. “Very well.” It worked out well with Gabriella.

There was silence for a moment as La Hire quickly modified the scroll writing to change based on the negotiations, then slid it over to be signed.

While they were signing, the old man looked over at Mac. “That's some magic you have. You and that earth-mover.”

Mac heard the click of a fan behind him. “Thank you.”

“I didn't expect you to light up the whole night sky like that, especially from inside the mountain city.”

Mac felt movement in his pocket. “That wasn't me.”

The old man chuckled, “What, you have another magic user we don't know about?”

Mac thought for a moment, then thought to Rhea. You know, now might as well be a good time. It should at least dissuade any of the Navarrans from messing with us again. What do you think, Rhea?

He didn't have to wait for an answer, as Rhea then flew out of his pocket, once again reciting her practiced greeting. “Wahaha, it is I, the great Spirit Arborhea! Lighter of Battlefields, blower of horns, and lover of the victorious King Mac!”

There was confusion from both sides, Mac hearing a few murmurs of people not understanding what they were looking at.

Mac took off his Prism Beast cape, throwing it up. “Why don't you grow a bit so everyone can see you?”

Rhea grew and caught the cape, wrapping herself in it as she grew. There was now audible gasps as everyone could see the human-sized purple spirit with the shimmering cape wrapped around it floating in the middle of the room.

This led to shouting, some in fear and some in awe. A few just stood there with their mouth opened.

Mac saw Gabriella giggling slightly. Yeah, I'm sure Rhea is enjoying this. Mac decided to seal the deal, “As you can see, even the spirits favored Ositania.”

Rhea flew down, kissing Mac on the cheek. “Mostly just you.”

There was even more confusion, and some laughing from behind.

The old man laughed as well. “Haha, I had heard you were a lecherous King, but you even seduced a spirit?”

Rhea shook her head, “I seduced him. Also, we're getting married.”

There was more murmuring behind him, Mac hearing a 'is that even possible?'. Yeah, I had the same thought.

Rhea quickly shrunk and flew back into Mac's pocket, and he grabbed his cape and fastened it back on.

“That should conclude everything.”

After they were done, everyone stood up to leave.

Felipe stared at Mac, then sighed.

“What's wrong?” Mac asked. “I feel like our negotiations were fair. Or was Rhea too much of a surprise?”

The old man laughed, “Haha, to be frank, I expected you to demand more territory than just Valien. Although yes, the spirit was a surprise.”

Mac shook his head, “I have enough territory to manage.”

The old man chuckled.

“Do you not agree?” Mac asked, looking at Felipe again.

“No, I agree with Grandfather. I just wish I had met you under different circumstances. I feel we could have been friends.”

Mac grinned, “Maybe next time we could be.”

Felipe was caught a bit off guard, as he watched Mac walk off with the others.

His grandfather clapped his back, this time with just his hand, in a reassuring way. “You did good, Felipe. Come on, we need to go pick up the pieces your Uncle dropped.”

The next day was a whirlwind of events. Gabriella and Alfons left, as they wanted to get back to Provent immediately and start overseeing the rebuilding, as well as reintegrating their restored land.

“Don't be gone too long,” Mac said, holding her to him.

Gabriella smiled, kissing his cheek. “I don't want to be. Plus, we'll need to get started on children soon, so I'll need to come stay in Pearie until I at least am pregnant.”

Mac grinned sheepishly, “I guess that's a good excuse.”

Gabriella giggled, then gave him one more kiss before riding off. They were going through the pass back to Ositania, where part of the army would escort them back to Marsae.

After she had left, he was having talks with Lord Cartegna in preparation to head to Pearie. Now that the war was over, Mac was eager to go finally see his daughter, and they both wanted to arrive in time to see Elana born.

“What do we do with Valien?” Mac asked Lord Cartegna. “I'm assuming I can't just pass it off to you again.”

Lord Cartegna laughed, “Haha, no, I'd rather not, especially if I'm actually to go take that holiday. Don't you have a woman you could pass it too?”

Mac shook his head. “I thought about that, but Mel, Eleanor, Saphoa, and Emma already have one. Kay, Daisy, and Charlotte are busy with other projects. Felicia would say no even if she had the ability. Fawna could in the future, potentially, but she isn't there yet.”

Lord Cartegna thought, “Well, you could install a temporary governor until you figure out what you want to do.”

Mac looked around. Lord Harald has Stromvurk to tend to, and I'm sure Sophia wants to be with him. I don't know how much I trust other nobles to run an entire city for me... His eyes then alighted on someone. Lord Cartegna, seeing who he was looking at, smiled, “Worth an ask.”

He and Lord Cartegna walked up to Saphoa and Lord Pegog. Saphoa gave Mac a kiss, and Lord Pegog smiled, “It is good to see you, King Mac.”

Mac nodded, “Lord Pegog, do you have experience running territory?”

He nodded. “Yes, I have a few villages I run in Arkanta. My steward is currently running them, she is very capable. She is also one of my wives, so I might be biased, though.”

Mac smirked, “It's nice to have capable wives, isn't it?” he said, looking at Saphoa.

Saphoa blushed and kissed his cheek.

Lord Pegog chuckled, “Yes, it is. Why do you ask, though?”

Mac went straight into it. “Frankly, I need someone to run Valien until I can figure out what to do with it.”

Lord Pegog immediately nodded. “Of course.”

Mac was taken aback, “You agreed already? I didn't even say what it would all entail.”

Lord Pegog shook his head, “In truth, I have enjoyed my time on land. I would like to stay a while and learn more, now that we do not have to fight for a while.”

“Hopefully a long while,” Lord Cartegna sighed.

Lord Pegog nodded, “I concur. Many of the other Arkantans also wish to stay a while longer, so garrisoning troops won't be an issue.”

Mac nodded. “Good. Besides the normal things, I also want you to hand out a couple edicts. First, any Navarrans that want to stay can receive Ositanian citizenship. They'll need to follow our laws, though.”

“Do you foresee that being an issue?” Saphoa asked, and Lord Pegog nodded.

“Yes. I also want you to simultaneously free all the slaves in the city. Try and protect them, if you can. I'm sure the owners won't be happy, but as I said, they'll need to follow our laws.”

Lord Pegog nodded. “Of course. You know of our issues with the slave trade, so I'm sure the Arkantans will have no qualms in helping.”

Mac nodded. “I...want you to try and release all of them, even ones of people who leave the city. Some might be leaving now, but starting tomorrow I don't want any slaves leaving the city. You can say we're 'confiscating' them or whatever, but either way free them. And let any that want to move to Ositania go.”

“I'm assuming you mean to the other side of the mountains, since Valien is now also Ositania,” Lord Pegog corrected him.

Mac nodded, “Sorry, yes, help any move if they need it. Give them any extra food supplies we have as well.”

Lord Pegog nodded. “If you don't mind, I'd like to start immediately.”

Mac was taken aback at his gung-ho nature. “Yeah, of course.”

Lord Pegog then left.

Saphoa giggled, “Uncle is always at his best when he has a task to sink his teeth into.”