Fall of Provent

- Four days after the Navarran invasion -

King Ferdinand of Provent was sitting in his study, looking out the window at his capital city, Marsae. In the distance, he could see it was surrounded by the armies of Navar, their campfires lighting up the nearby countryside. They had beaten back an assault on the walls today, but it had been a bloody fight, and they wouldn't be able to survive many more.

Should I just surrender in exchange for letting my men live? Although, who knows if those bastard Navarrans will even hold up their end of the bargain...

He shook his head and walked over to his war council table. Technically, a War Council was in session, but those few that were left were busy. Some of the people who would be important members, like Gabriella, his former adjutant, was currently a diplomatic hostage in Ositania and her father, his younger brother, had mostly likely fallen in battle a few days prior.

When the Navarrans invaded out of nowhere, they had only a day to gather as many troops as possible before they ventured out to meet them. They had been outnumbered by them two-to-one though, and despite defending valiantly, they had only really bought enough time for civilians to take shelter. Many had come here, and the city was overflowing with them at the moment.

He looked at the two letters sitting on his desk. Both of them written by him, and they were for the same person. However, they had slight differences in what they said, depending on how the situation developed.

There was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” he said gruffly.

The door opened, and his adjutant, and older Provental man, came in. “Sire!”

“What's the news?” Ferdinand asked, sitting and sighing.

“It looks like they aren't going to attack again soon. They may be settling in for a long siege.”

Ferdinand leaned forward, interested. “Really? I was afraid they would rebuild their ladders and rams to attack again.”

The adjutant shook his head. “They may in the future but we see nothing right now. It's possible they are waiting until reinforcements arrive.”

Ferdinand nodded. “Were you able to arrange a meeting with King Lavon?”

“No, sire, the messenger said he doesn't wish to talk with you. They only reiterated the demand for the surrender of all of Provent.”

Ferdinand furrowed his brow. Is he ashamed of what he's done and doesn't want to talk? Or does he just think he's above talking to me? Or does he just think there's no point to negotiation? As these thoughts ran through his mind, he shook his head. It doesn't really matter, does it. “Are my wife and child safely out of the country?”

“We have not heard back yet, but they should be. We have yet to receive any word about where the rest of the Navarran army is.”

Ferdinand nodded. He knew, roughly, that the army Navar could muster should be larger than the one they had by at least half again, if not more. Why would he leave it at home, when he could secure victory easier with it? We would not have held today if their whole number was bearing down on us instead of just half, or whatever this is. At he was mulling this over, a realization hit him, That must be it! Grabbing one of the letters, he threw it into his fireplace to burn.

The captain raised an eyebrow. “Sire?”

Ferdinand took the other letter, grabbed something from his desk, put it in and sealed it, and handed it over. “Make sure this gets to Princess Gabriella. And ready my horse.”

“Are we to sortie out under cover of night?” the adjutant asked, a bit suspicious.

“No, I am leaving to join with my wife and kid.”

The adjutant started to get angry. “You...you intend to abandon your kingdom, sire?”

He shook his head. “No, I've just exhausted everything I can do for it.”

Time

- Eight days after the Navarran invasion -

Mac watched as the catapults launched another barrage at the Navarrans, smashing up the remains of their old camp.

Over the course of the last week, more and more of the metal catapults made their way up to the Ledge (as Mac thought of it), and more and more stones rained down on the camp. The Navarrans had ignored it at first, and he saw a few had magic to defend themselves with, but eventually they started hastily moving farther and farther away, until finally everyone was out of the catapult range. They still fired volleys regularly whenever some of the Navarrans went picking through tents in the abandoned section, to remind them they were still there, watching.

Mac and Miss Amiry sat near the edge of the Ledge, with Mac looking at the catapult results through Lord Cartegna's binoculars. They had not used their magic in a couple days, as the Navarrans seemed to have gotten fed up with their rams constantly being destroyed.

“Sire, do you see that?” Miss Amiry asked, pointing.

Mac moved his binoculars around. “See what?”

“There, behind their camp,” she said, snapping shut her fan and pointing with it.

Mac followed the camp back, and saw what she was pointing too. They were building some sort of structure. It looked similar to the battering rams they had used, but quite a bit larger. If he was judging properly, probably over a hundred men could stand in it, maybe more if they squeezed together. Are they just building a big ram? It almost looks more like a siege tower, but that doesn't make any sense, there isn't a wall to go over. “I'm impressed you could see that with just yours eyes.”

“Elves, even half-elves like me, have very good eyesight. It helps with the archery. Or long distance groundshaping,” Miss Amiry explained.

Mac gave a wry smile. Miss Amiry had been indispensable the last week, having smashed up multiple rams the Navarrans had tried to bring up to the gate of Stromvurk. Several scouts that had tried to sneak up closer to the mountain had gotten their legs shattered as well. “You've been a really big help this week,” he decided to tell her.

Miss Amiry gave a sly smile, flipping out her fan again. “I'm glad, sire. Though, I think this...catapult...technology of yours proved to be the most indispensable thing for us. They basically can't attack us for fear of them.”

Mac nodded. Hopefully they buy us enough time.

“We're running out of time, dammit!” shouted King Lavon as he pounded his fist into his War Council table, sending several splinters flying. The table itself was barely still standing, having been slammed many times over the past week.

Lord Oran nodded. “I have no idea how they managed to muster so quickly.”

King Lavon turned on him. “You said we would have weeks! It's barely been one and they're almost here!”

They had received multiple reports that several armies were forming near them, merging together and marching towards Stomvurk. Included amongst them was one made entirely of dwarves, which was baring down on them imminently, probably arriving in only a day or two. Of course, they might wait to attack with the others, but their anger at having one of their cities attacked may have caused them to lose reason.

A new scout came into the war council tent. “Sire, reporting in!”

King Lavon turned on him, “Dammit, what is it now? Do the Spirits themselves march against us?”

“No, sire. Or at least, I don't think they are spirits...” the scout trailed off.

King Lavon briefly forgot his anger in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Well, they were...blue. A whole army of blue people.”

King Lavon walked up, getting in his face. “Is this some sort of joke, scout? Blue people? Are you drinking on the job?” He turned to his adjutant, “Have this scout executed for-”

Lord Oran held up his hand. “No, he might be telling the truth. It could be the...seafolk.”

King Lavon turned to him. “Seafolk?

Lord Oran looked grim. “I've never actually seen one myself, but I've heard tales from some of the soldiers who used to be stationed on the northern coast. They're tall and blue. I don't know why they'd be this far inland, though...”

King Lavon nodded. “Could they be taking the opportunity to attack Ositania while they're being invaded? Maybe they'll try to capture Pearie.”

The scout shook his head. “They were heading directly here, sire!”

King Lavon rubbed his goatee. “Send my messenger to them. See if we can strike some sort of deal with them.”

After the scout left, Lord Oran said, “Do you still intend to stay? I still believe our best option is to meet up with our forces in Provent. The messenger yesterday said the siege was uncontested and they would be able to win eventually. If we leave now with minimal losses, we can capture Marsae, then use it as a staging point to attack Ositania from the south, where we can-”

“Enough!” King Lavon shouted, pounding the table so hard this time a large crack formed. “King Mac is right there” he said, pointing out the tent towards the mountain. “I will not leave until he's either in chains, or his head is on a spike.”

Interrogation

- Three days after the Navarran invasion -

Maria walked down to the stairs to the dungeon, holding her stomach. While she wasn't really showing yet (according to Tillie she was between two or three months along) she kept feeling an unconscious desire to protect her and Mac's baby at all costs, even just from slightly shaking on the steps.

When she got to the bottom, she headed down the hall to the only cell currently in use. The guards saluted her as she approached, then walked down the hall.

“Finally come to visit me?” asked the person in the cell.

Marie smirked. “I can't say I was too interested in talking to you, Lord Arpitan. Or I guess I should just call you by your first name, now, Gren. You probably realized this, but you were stripped of all your titles and holdings.

The former Lord Arpitan, Gren, sighed, “As expected. You didn't come all this way just to tell me that, though, right?”

Marie stared at him, trying not to give anything away. “Who were you working with? I know you were helping foreign actors.”

Gren laughed. “Foreign actors? Whatever could you mean?”

Marie stared at him coldly. “I know what you were using those gold bars for. I just want to know with whom.”

“Maybe I just like gold? Why do you think I was giving it to anyone?”

Marie sighed, then started walking away.

“Leaving already?” Gren asked, trying to act smug.

Marie detected a slight bit of concern in his voice. “It's fine, we'll defeat them even without you giving us info.”

She heard nothing else come from behind her, so she continued walking up the steps.

As she was about back at her office, she saw Melissandra waddling down the hall towards her.

“Mel, are you sure it's okay to be walking around so much? I know Tillie recommended it, but...”

Melissandra walked up to her. “Marie, where is my husband?”

Marie forced herself to keep her voice even. “What do you mean? He's not due back for a few more days.”

Melissandra wrung her hands together. “Marie, I know you're lying to me...”

Marie started growing red.

“Did you think I wouldn't notice Gabriella leaving with half the guard!? Or all the maids murmuring about something happening?”

Marie blushed, “I...Mac told me not to tell you, for fear of stressing you out too much during your pregnancy. I...I agreed, so I...”

Melissandra started crying, “Dammit Marie, he's my husband! He'll be your husband! What's going on?”

Marie hugged her. “Sorry, I...let's gather everyone together, and I'll explain.”

They gathered all the wives and fiances currently in the palace into the council chamber, where Marie read off Mac's letter (including the part about not saying anything).

Felicia smirked, “Well, you didn't follow that last part.”

Emma looked at her, “Fe, how can you joke at a time like this!?”

Felicia shook her head, biting her lip. “Mac didn't want us to worry, so I'm not going to worry.”

Marie shook her head, “No, I'm sorry, I wanted to follow his directions, but I shouldn't have...”

Eleanor, who was crying a bit, came up and hugged Marie. “It's okay.”

Marie started crying, too, hugging Eleanor back.

Kay stood up, gently slapping the table. “No, Felicia has the right idea. I know we're all sad, but...we can't let this affect us so much. Not just for the babies, but for Mac. He didn't want us to worry, so we need to not worry. Mac will get himself and the others out of this.”

Fawna, who had been bawling softly, wiped her face and stood up holding up her fists. “Yeah, we need to keep doing what we're doing, and trust Mac.”

Melissandra took a deep breath, then stood up, forcing herself to smile. “That's right. Let's do what we can here, and make sure everything is ready for Mac's return.”

Making a Decision

- Six days after the Navarran invasion -

Gabriella was sharpening her blade again. However, today was different. Instead of just passing the time, she needed to be ready to use it soon. And instead of being stuck in her room in the palace at Pearie, she was in her personal tent.

She had been taking the Royal Guards, traveling a circuitous route and joining up with mobilized armies from cities in the south of the country, their numbers swelling to the point it was overwhelming. Since she was leading the Royal Guards, most of the other commanders were deferring to her, at least for the time being. Most of them didn't seem to know who she was, exactly, just that she was leading the guards in lieu of La Hire for the time being, which she felt was probably to her advantage.

When she had received the letter from La Hire about leading the royal guards, she had been surprised at the contents. Every fiber of her being wanted to ride straight to Provent to join the defense there, but she knew he was right – she would be of more use here, helping out Ositania for the time being. Then, she just had to convince Mac to help out Provent.

She knew this might mean agreeing to some sort of marriage, or maybe just becoming his concubine, but she had steeled herself for that day anyway. And after her recent conversations with Melissandra, she realized it wouldn't bother her anymore. Or at least, she didn't think it would. No, I won't let it.

Her only consternation now was realizing she would somehow need to win their trust back, since she hadn't done a good job for the few months she'd been there.

As she was thinking about the situation, she heard someone stop outside her tent.

“Lady Gabriella, a letter has come for you!”

Gabriella squinted her eyes. From who? Surely La Hire or Marie would have used that ...spirit...Rhea, again, right? Actually, wait, that sounded like a Provental accent! She quickly opened the tent flap and exited, to see a courier with the light-olive skin and armor of Provent. Several guards were behind him, seemingly keeping an eye on him.

She saw the seal of Provent on the cover, and immediately grabbed the letter, noticing it seemed rather heavy for a letter. Is it word from Uncle? Maybe they've beaten back the Navarrans!

“Hold for a response,” she said to the courier, her adjutant days kicking in reflexively. She slipped back inside, and quickly unsealed the letter. Taking out the paper, her eyes started blinking. She re-read it multiple times to make sure she understood the short letter properly. It read:

I, King Ferdinand II of Provent hereby abdicate the throne and renounce any claims to such. I also on behalf of my son Callus and wife Isabella renounce any claims to such. As my last action as King, I hereby bequeath my throne to my niece, now Queen Gabriella I of Provent.

Underneath this was the royal stamp of Provent.

Wait, the envelope... she turned the still-weighted envelope over, and out rolled a stamper. The same one that had been used in the letter in her other hand.

Gabriella took a deep breath, trying to comprehend what was going on. He...why would he give the throne to me!? When I'm a hostage in Ositania! Even if he's giving up, my Father would not... Her train of thought hit a brick wall when she realized. Father must have... A tear came to her eye. Dammit Father! Why didn't you do something about me being here! I could have...

She shook her head to reset her thoughts. No, blaming Father is useless. Why did Uncle abdicate instead of just surrendering? He must...that must be it...

Her uncle had realized the same thing she, La Hire, and maybe King Mac had – Ositania's troops were needed if Provent had any hope of winning their part of the war.

Gabriella quickly wrote a letter, using her stamp on the bottom, before sealing the letter inside an envelope. She carefully put the seal in her personal chest, then headed back outside, the Provental courier still waiting as ordered.

“Give this to whoever is leading the defense of Marsae,” Gabriella explained, handing it to him.

“You mean...King Ferdinand?” the courier asked, confused.

Gabriella smirked, “If he's still leading it, then yes.”

Relief Preparations

- Nine days after the Navarran invasion -

The Ositanian War Council was convening in Lord Harald's study again for it's daily report. Today's was more eventful than the last few, as Rhea had returned.

“The dwarf army north of here is probably a day away at their current rate. There's a lot of humans with them too, although they're having trouble keeping up with the dwarves. They barely even rest,” Rhea recited. She had a small little piece of paper with notes written on it.

Lord Harald laughed. “Haha! I knew my brothers would make all haste to get here.”

Lord Cartegna pointed to the map. “It's actually a problem. If they attack before the rest of the armies get here, they'd be suicidal.”

Lord Harald nodded. “Aye. Enough dwarf blood has been spilled to last a lifetime.” He looked at Rhea, “Can you tell them to wait for others, little Miss Spirit?”

Rhea seemed unsure. “I could, but I don't know if it will go over well.”

Lord Harald's adjutant nodded. “I agree. I think I should try and sneak out later to coordinate with them.”

Lord Harald nodded.

Since no one said anything else, Rhea continued, “There's a whole bunch of people like Saphoa coming from the east. Like, a lot of them. Probably more than the dwarves.”

Saphoa smiled and nodded approvingly. She looked at Mac, “My love, I must go and lead the forces of Arkanta.”

Mac shook his head. “No, it's too dangerous. We can't let anything-”

He was cut off by Saphoa giving him a kiss.

Lord Cartegna and Lord Harald started laughing, while La Hire blushed.

“I am glad you are so concerned for me, but I do not intend on dying. My people do not know any of you, so I must be the one to talk with them.”

Lord Cartegna nodded. “She has a point, it might be an issue if we just send a random courier.”

Mac sighed, before nodding and looking at Rhea.

“The elves are also just a day away. They aren't going quite as fast as they do a lot of scouting ahead, but they're still making good progress.”

Sophia, who had been standing behind Lord Harald, nodded with a smile. “As they should. They won't barrel into a trap like a bunch of angry dwarves would,” she said, squeezing Lord Harald's shoulders.

“Haha, true. We should still send someone to coordinate with them, though.”

Sophia nodded. “I don't want to send Charlotte, so I guess it must be me.”

“We could just send another dwarf...”

Sophia gave Lord Harald wry smile. “Not all elves are like Charlotte and I, yet. There might be...complications...”

The noise of a fan closing came from the corner. “If you need an elf, I can go. Or is a half-elf not good enough?” Miss Amiry stepped out of the corner. Mac had been inviting her, despite her not having much to say (although she did get a bit of a fright from Rhea the first time they'd met), but he viewed her as an essential part of their defense strategy and wanted her aware of everything going on.

Sophia shook her head. “I...think that should be fine. If anyone says something to you about your heritage...let me know, and I will punish them,” Sophia said, averting her eyes.

Two weeks ago Mac would have been confused at this conversation, but over the last week he had gotten to know Miss Amiry a bit on their watches from the Ledge. Just a bit, as Miss Amiry was not eager to talk about herself much.

One thing he had learned, was that half-elves were generally not welcomed into elven society. Some did, of course, but many sent their half-elf children away. While half-elves could live for a few hundred years, it was much less than full-blooded elves, and many did not wish to see their children grow old and die before them.

Mac had never even considered the issue. He and Charlotte would have half-elf kids, who would far outlive the rest of his children, and she would far outlive them herself, but she had not shown any such concern.

Lord Harald nodded at Miss Amiry. “Alright then.”

Rhea took the closure as her cue to continue. “There are a bunch of mixed forces who are all smaller and farther away. The largest is a big force a couple days to the south-east. They're going slow since they're so big. They're also led by that one mean lady you don't get along with.”

Mac gave a small chuckle, “You can just call her Gabriella.”

La Hire motioned, “I'll go then, since the royal guards will be there.”

Lord Cartegna grabbed his shoulder and stepped forward. “I'm not letting you risk yourself like that when you have two kids on the way. I'll go to them. My forces are a part of them as well, and I'm the most expendable of all of us.”

La Hire blushed slightly and nodded. Mac shook his head. “Don't say that. Eleanor and I want you alive. And I'm sure Marie's mother would object...”

Lord Cartegna blushed slightly, brushing his mustache. “So you heard about that, eh? I guess you're right...but even so, I'm the most reasonable option.”

Lord Harald nodded. “We'll have our guides take you to the edge of the mountain pass emergency exit tonight. From there, Miss Spirit here should be able to guide you all.”

- At the same time, at the Arkantan army camp -

Lord Pegog walked out in front of his army, listening to a man with a funny mustache and gaudy outfit talk.

The Arkantan's did not have tents, so the camp behind him was just thousands of Arkantan's milling about, making beds of leaves or grass to sleep on later. His adjutant had just called for him, saying that some landfolk had showed up, wanting to speak with their leader.

“Ah, you seem to the be tallest. Are you the leader of this...'army'?” the messenger in the gaudy outfit asked.

Lord Pegog nodded.

“Errmm...do you understand what I am saying?”

Lord Pegog frowned, “Yes, I can understand. What do you want?”

“Ah, good, straight to business, just as I like. I am the envoy of King Lavon of Navar. He wishes to...ask you to let him have the western, inland area of Ositania. He presumes you would be happier with the coastal regions, given your...sea-based inclinations...” the messenger trailed off. “We would, of course, ask for one port to use for trading, but that is all. Would these terms be agreeable?”

What the spirits is he on about!? After thinking a bit, Lord Pegog ignored what he had been talking about, and asked, “Do you know Saphoa? Do you have her with you?” Finding her is our first priority, then defending our ally.

Lord Pegog was one of Queen Haliya's husbands, although not Saphoa's father.

The pompous messenger seemed confused. “Saphoa? I do not know a woman by that name. Is she one of the Ositanian King's myriad women? She's either in the capital, if you want to go there as suggested...” he paused for a moment to emphasize his point. “Or else she's trapped in Stromvurk by our army. If part of the terms is her being handed over to you, then I'm sure we can arrange handing over one woman. Can you describe her appearance?”

Lord Pegog gripped his spear. He's part of the besieging force!? “Like us.”

The messenger smirked. “Alright.”

Lord Pegog continued, “If a hair of our Princess's head has been touched, we will smash your entire country into bits of sand.”

The messenger smiled like Lord Pegog might be joking, but then realized he wasn't. “Bah. You're just a bunch of savages. Your 'Princess' is probably already dead...” he said coldly, before turning his horse around to leave.

Lord Pegog hefted his spear, throwing it directly at the messenger, flying straight through his heart and lodging halfway out.

The soldiers around Lord Pegog threw their spears as well, taking out the troops accompanying him.

Lord Pegog turned around. “We march through the night. Every one of these...'Navar'...will die by our spears, until Princess Saphoa is safe. If she is not safe, then we will make it so there is no more 'Navar'.”

The troops behind him started cheering, which soon spread amongst the whole army, until a thundering war cry echoed across the countryside.

Courier by Night

- Ten days after the Navarran invasion -

Rhea floated above the people walking below her, scanning the countryside around her. Since she could sense Children from a ways away, she made for an excellent lookout.

It looks like the others left. Some dwarves had led the group of four to the end of the a mountain pass that led down from one of the lifts. Since no one who didn't know about her was still there, she floated down towards them, alighting on Saphoa's head.

The four of them were walking, as horses might be too noticeable. They had also left behind their armor, bringing only their weapons.

“Miss Spirit, I do not mind, but should you not be flying above us?” Saphoa asked, looking up.

Rhea leaned over her forehead. “I can sense them if they get close. I'll fly up later to help guide us, but we should be on the right path.”

They were heading to the army coming from the north first. While a mix of races, it was largely comprised of dwarves that kept running ahead, unable to contain their anger and wanting to liberate Stromvurk as quickly as possible.

As they were traveling, Rhea's thoughts wandered. I wonder how mad the other spirits will be. I'm assuming they'll find out eventually. It's not like I killed anyone myself, but I definitely helped out. Or maybe no one will notice? It's not like I've seen anyone besides Celestina in ages. Even Rodran has been away forever. And none of them bothered to come help when I was stuck in that box.

Rhea, suddenly, had a realization. Wait a minute, why did none of them help me? Celestina was too far away, but the others should have at least realized... Rhea felt an emotion she had been feeling often lately...anger. I was so happy with Mac that I didn't even think about why no one else did. If they do come to try and do anything about it, I'll give them a piece of my mind!

“Miss Spirit, are you okay? You are tugging at my hair.”

Rhea blushed slightly, realizing in her anger she had accidentally grabbed some of the hair she was lying in. Trying to cover herself, “Sorry...it's just so soft!”

Saphoa was surprised, “Really? I have been told it is the same consistency as seaweed.”

Miss Amiry laughed, “My hair is extremely soft.”

Rhea, her prior thoughts gone, wafted over into Miss Amiry's bun. “Ooooh, this is soft!”

Lord Cartegna chuckled, “Sorry, I don't have anything for you to test,” he said, rubbing his balding head with a few gray hairs combed over it.

Lord Harald's adjutant, Drenven, chuckled. “Haha, if you want soft, try out my beard,” he stroked.

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Rhea flew over and settled inside. “Wow, this is the softest yet!”

After a few hours, they ran into a dwarf scout.

“Aye, you there!” Drenven called out to him (since he had a forewarning from Rhea).

“Lieutenant Drenven!? Is that you?”

“Haha, I'm Captain now, but it's me!”

The scout ran over, then clasped arms with Drenven. He briefly glanced at Amiry, then nodded at Lord Cartegna.

“Hmmm...I was hoping dwarves from other cities might look different,” Saphoa said.

The scout jumped up scared as Saphoa leaned down towards him.

Drenven seemed offended. “There are differences, my lady. As you can see, we Stromvurk dwarves have better beards.”

The scout was too scared to rebut. “Who...”

“Ah, this is Lady Saphoa, one of our King's many women,” Drenven chuckled.

“She's...blue...”

“Very astute of you,” Lord Cartegna laughed.

Drenven grabbed the scouts shoulders. “How far to camp?”

This seemed to bring the scout back to the present. “Ah...there is no camp right now. We're marching through the night.”

Drenven sighed. “Bring me to the leaders immediately. I have orders from King Mac himself to coordinate with the other armies.”

The scout nodded. “Of course, let's go.”

Drenven turned to the rest. “Stay safe,” then turned and followed after the scout.

They then headed towards the group of elves. This group was getting close too, if moving slightly slower and more methodically.

Despite his comments, Rhea was sitting cross-legged on top of Lord Cartegna's head now.

“To what do I deserve the honor, Miss Spirit?” he chuckled as they continued briskly walking through the dark.

“What do you mean? You married one of my sister's descendants, right? We're family.”

Lord Cartegna seemed to think for a bit, then grinned, “Haha, I guess you're right!”

After a while of traveling, Rhea sensed elves ahead. “They're getting close.”

A couple minutes later, they were walking through some trees, when an arrow landed in front of them.

“Why do they attack us?” Sapoha ashed, raising her spear. “I thought these were allies?”

Lord Cartegna nodded, “Don't worry, if they wanted to hit you, they would have. They probably just wanted us to stop.”

A few moments later, and a dozen elves came out of the forest. They all held bows, although they were pointed at the ground.

Most of them were staring at Saphoa, when one of them, who seemed to be wearing a captain insignia, saw Lord Cartegna and walked over, pulling off his hood, to shake his hand. “Lord Cartegna, I'm glad to see you in good health.”

Lord Cartegna nodded. “I thought I recognized you from the bandit subjugation. Glad to see you too, son. Ah...sorry, you're probably older than even me, haha.”

Miss Amiry walked forward. “I'm here with a message from Lady Sophia and King Mac. I am to help you coordinate with the other armies.”

The elves all looked at her, some with confusion, and others with contempt.

“She sent a half-elf?” one of them said with disgust.

The captain got angry and started walking towards him. “Are you really-”

However, the man who had spoken had already been grabbed by the cuffs and held up by Saphoa. The other elves didn't seem to know what to do, a couple pointing their bows half-heartedly, while the others were in awe of her speed.

“You apologize to Miss Amiry now, or I will force you,” she said coldly.

Miss Amiry, a bit taken aback, walked up. “It's okay, Saphoa, I appreciate it but you don't-”

“I'm-I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!” he said, starting to cry slightly.

Saphoa let him down, and he prostrated in front of her.

“I'm so sorry...”

Miss Amiry held up a hand. “It's...it's fine, I'm used to it...”

The captain grabbed the prostrating elf and pulled him up. “If you're sorry then run back to camp immediately and start having a tent set up for the Lady here.”

Miss Amiry shook her head, “I'm not a Lady, just Miss Amiry is fine.”

The captain smiled and nodded. “Regardless, we'll get you all to camp safely.”

Saphoa shook her head. “No, we have others to go to.”

After saying goodbye, the remaining three continued on.

Rhea was now sitting in Saphoa's hair again, although she had gotten a bit tangled up.

“You really need to comb your hair! It's all knotty.”

Saphoa said, “There is no-...” but then paused. “Do you believe Mac would be happy if I combed my hair?”

Rhea leaned over and nodded. “Of course! I bet he would love to run his hand's through it after you gave it a nice brushing. He does with mine...”

Saphoa nodded, rocking Rhea back and forth. “I may need to learn how, then.”

An hour later, and Saphoa asked. “Are we getting close to my people?”

Rhea nodded. “Yes, they don't seem to be sending others up ahead like the last two.”

Saphoa nodded. “We are not used to the ways of fighting on land. It is good I have seen some fighting and been at these War Councils, the Arktanans have much to learn of warfare.”

Eventually, they got close, and Saphoa called out. “By the grace of our ancestors, who approaches?”

“Saphoa!? Is that you Saphoa!?” a voice shouted back.

“That is not the proper response,” Saphoa said, but smiled and ran over.

Lord Pegog set down his spear, hugging Saphoa. “Saphoa, you are alright?”

Saphoa nodded and smiled. “I am.”

Lord Pegog walked over. “Is this your future husband?”

Lord Cartegna laughed, “Haha, no, I'm his father-in-law, actually.”

Lord Pegog nodded, then came over and clasped his hand. “Thank you for protecting my niece.”

Lord Cartegna chuckled, “I think she's done more protecting me then I have her.”

After appraising them of the situation, they parted ways, and Lord Cartegna and Rhea continued on.

They went for an hour, when Lord Cartegna seemed to be struggling, unable to walk as fast.

“Are you okay?” Rhea asked, sitting in his chest pocket.

Lord Cartegna wheezed a bit. “Just my age catching up with me...” he said, stopping and catching his breath. “Is there anyone nearby?”

Rhea nodded. “Yes, but they are still a ways away.”

“But no Navrarrans?”

Rhea shook her head.

Lord Cartegna nodded, then produced a small horn from his pocket. “Can you fly up a bit and blow through this? They should come running.”

Rhea was intrigued. “How does it work?”

Lord Cartegna took it, then blowed softly into the horn, making a funny sound.

“Haha, that seems fun. How will they hear me though?”

Lord Cartegna shook his head. “Blow as hard as you can into it.”

Rhea nodded, then flew up a few hundred meters into the air. Taking a deep breath, she blew into as hard as she could.

A majestic sound started echoing through the hills they were in. Since she was in the air, the sound bounced around everywhere. Anyone for miles around would hear. This is so cool! She sensed around, and several scouts were now barreling towards their location at top speed, so Rhea flew back down to Lord Cartegna.

“Wonderfully done!” he said as she handed the horn back. “That's the greatest sound that's ever come from the Marshal Horn.”

After a few minutes, they heard horses approaching. When they got close, the soldiers recognized him instantly. “Lord Cartegna! It's Lord Cartegna!”

The lead one got off his horse when he was near, running up. “Are you okay? Did something happen?”

Lord Cartegna shook his head. “Everything is as well as it could be. Better, actually, given the circumstances. I slipped out with some others to help coordinate the armies.”

The soldier nodded. “Let's go.”

Lord Cartegna got on the horse with the soldier, and they started galloping back to their camp.

Now that all the coordinators were safely with their armies, Rhea was now onto her second, secret mission given to her by Mac.

That was, namely, to check on Gabriella, and see what she was doing.

Rhea flew above Lord Cartegna as they came to the camp, and started looking for Gabriella. However, this was not necessary, as Gabriella came up to meet Lord Cartegna.

“Lord Cartegna!? How did you get here?” Gabriella asked, surprised to see him.

“Haha, I snuck out with some others on orders of King Mac. I had some help, of course,” he said, thinking of Rhea.

Gabriella nodded.

“What is the situation here, Lady Gabriella?”

“Just Gab-...nevermind. I've brought the royal guards as dictated by Captain La Hire. I...didn't intend on it, but the other armies mustering started following ours, and I became the de facto leader. I was planning on turning it over to La Hire when he arrived, but I can give to you instead.”

Lord Cartegna laughed, “Haha, I think you can continue. You've led soldiers before, have you not?”

Gabriella bit her lip. “I was adjutant...”

Lord Cartegna laughed, “Haha, half the time the adjutant's really the one running the army anyway! Actually, my son ordered me to be the coordinator, so I'll be more of your adjutant.”

Gabriella smiled a sigh of relief. “That's good to hear you'll be helping, at least.”

Lord Cartegna smiled back, “You should smile more, it suits you.”

Gabriella blushed slightly. “Anyway, your forces are over there, I'm sure they'll be happy to see you,” she explained, pointing to one side.

Lord Cartegna nodded, “I will. We can talk in the morning, but I'd like to get at least a couple hours sleep tonight,” he said.

It was probably only a few hours until dawn at that point, even in the long nights of the cold season.

They both nodded and went their separate ways.

Rhea kept following Gabriella, who walked for a bit, before going into a tent. Rhea recognized the guards she was around, since they were ones she saw outside the palace on patrols when she was hanging out with some of the trees.

Gabriella went into a large tent in the middle. Rhea snuck inside, hanging out near the top. Gabriella was looking over some maps by lantern light, then also looking over some papers and occasionally putting a pin in the map or moving them around.

This continued on for a while, until Rhea almost fell asleep. However, she was brought back to attention as Gabriella took off her armor, before laying on a rough bed.

She's really pretty. It's a shame she and Mac don't get along.

Rhea noticed that Gabriella seemed to be looking up at her.

“Um...is that you Rhea? Do you have something for me?”

Rhea blinked a few times, Oh yeah, I forgot I revealed myself to her! She could see me the whole time if she just looked up! Blushing, she floated down, trying to come up with an excuse. “Uh, sorry, I thought you seemed busy...”

Gabriella sat up on her bed. “No, it's okay. If you have something for me, I'm sure it's important.”

Rhea wasn't sure how to respond. Mac wanted me to see what she was doing...but I'm not sure he would want to reveal that to her. Actually, that's not that bad, right? As long as I word it properly. “Yeah, Mac just wanted to see how you were doing.”

Gabriella blushed a bit. “He did?”

Rhea smiled and nodded. “Yeah, he seemed really concerned.”

Gabriella blushed a bit more, looking away. “Well, I am...fine.”

Rhea nodded. “That's good.”

Gabriella bit her lip for a moment, then asked “Could...could you take a message to him? Are you returning to Stromvurk?”

Rhea nodded. “Yeah he wanted me to come back once everyone was safe.”

Gabriella nodded, then went back over her desk. Rhea was curious what she was writing, but Gabriella was going at it quickly, and she didn't want to distract her. After a few minutes, she stamped the letter, before handing it over. “Please give this to him directly if you can.”

Rhea saluted, then quickly flew out and back towards Stromvurk.

Gabriella sighed as she watched Rhea fly out the tent. Hopefully he understands.

The Battle

- Eleven days since the Navrran Invasion -

It was a couple hours after dusk on the eleventh day of the siege of Stromvurk. Somehow, Ositania had managed to muster and send it's troops in under two weeks. Such a feat was unheard of in warfare. Sure, some of the Ositanian soldiers would not have military experience, but many veterans of the last war were among them, and King Lavon knew this was adding up to him not having good chances in a fair fight.

So, he needed to knock out part of the equation. Namely, taking Stromvurk itself. However, the other armies were collapsing on him at an alarming rate. Some of them already could have, but had seemed to stop a bit a ways away, and their scouts were already skirmishing each other.

And so, he had decided it was time to attack. The large reinforced ram had been completed the day prior, and it was either use it now or lose everything.

The forces gathered under the cover of night. King Lavon, Lord Oran, and all their elite troops were in the reinforced ram. Oh course, there was no actual wooden ram inside the structure this time, as King Lavon was about to play his trump card, his magic.

They slowly started rolling as the soldiers pushed the giant structure forward. There was nothing at first, but after a few minutes, they started hearing the thud of giant boulders landing, and troops screaming as they were crushed.

However, King Lavon grinned despite this, Good, none of that King's lightning, and none of that accursed earth magic. Part of the reason they were attacking at night, besides just to cover their attack, was hoping that the magic-users were asleep and they could get to the gate with minimal issue. It seemed this had been a correct calculation.

Mac was awoken by the sound of banging on the door. “Sire, there is an attack! They're storming the gate.”

Mac, who had been in bed with Charlotte, quickly jumped out.

Charlotte was rubbing her eyes. “What's wrong?”

Mac leaned over and kissed her, “I'm just needed for something, you can stay sleeping.”

Charlotte sleepily nodded and put her head back down.

He quickly put his undergarments on, before dressing up in his chainmail and Prism Beast cape, along with the rest of his royal armor. Lord Harald had wanted to make a full set of armor for him, as was normal for a war-time king, but Mac had dissuaded him, citing that he would not be able to properly move, and it might affect his magic. Instead, they had made hardened leather greaves and an open helm with orichalum chainmail hanging down from it to protect his head and neck. While he felt like he looked weird, he also felt like he was less likely to die from a stray arrow or spear.

La Hire and the royal guards that had accompanied him were already waiting, and they quickly went down to the stables, taking horses down to the gate.

Lord Harald and Lady Sophia were already there at the makeshift headquarters they had set up in a forge near the main gate. Rhea was yawning, floating in behind him.

“This seems to be their main thrust. That giant ram they've been working on is coming, and it's almost at the gate. It's already too close to hit with the catapults, although we took out a good number of their men with them,” Lord Harald explained.

Sophia looked through the window, towards the gate. “I'm a bit confused...there doesn't seem to be a ram in this one. It's mostly wood reinforced with metal, with a few windows for archers or guiding ahead. How do they expect to ram down the gate?”

Lord Harald shook his head. “That bastard Lavon would not have attacked if he didn't have something up his sleeve. I'm sure he feels pressured by the other armies, but he could have run away and tried to link up with his army in Provent, or go back to Navar and raise more troops.”

Mac turned to Rhea, “Can you go tell everyone to attack immediately?”

The original plan had been to attack during the dawn the next day (which would be after the current night) but they would need to move the attack up a few hours.

Rhea flew away immediately.

“Even with Rhea informing them, we still need to hold on for a couple hours, if not more,” La Hire said soberingly.

Lord Harald nodded. “Aye. As much as I hate to admit, I think we need to operate as if the gate will fall, and plan accordingly.”

Mac was trying to think. “I can try to catch it on fire, but they've probably wet the logs again, and have water barrels to put out fires. If only we had Miss Amiry here...” She destroyed so many of these things she should get a 'Ram-slayer' title.

“What about your catapults, sire? Could we not use them down here?” Sophia asked.

Mac shook his head, “We could, but I'd be worried about friendly fire.”

Lord Harald laughed, “Haha, you underestimate our catapulters. They've gotten good enough at aiming, we could hurl a few rocks through a hole in the gate before the armies meet.”

Mac sighed but nodded. “Okay, have them moved down here, but make sure they know to stop if it gets dicey.”

After that, they started walking over to the gate. He couldn't see well enough to make much out, but he could hear the loud creaking of the large ram approaching. Guess I'll get to it.

King Lavon braced himself as he heard the all to familiar crackling of the Ostianian King's magic striking them. However, they seemed to be mostly okay, only a couple fires starting that were quickly put out by the men.

He then waited for the crunching of wood that would come from the earth magic user trying to break apart their ram, but...nothing came. King Lavon grinned, I don't know where that bastard is, but we must take advantage of their absence. “Move faster, men! We're almost there!”

Mac had to sit down, Magic Fatigue catching up with him. Luckily, seeing their King attacking the enemy had raised the morale of the troops at the gate, even if the actual impact of his magic had been negligible.

“Sire, I think you should save your magic for later,” La Hire said.

“I know, I won't Fatigue myself,” Mac said, repeating a common conversation with La Hire.

La Hire shook his head, however. “It's not just that, sire. I think you may be needed for later in the battle.”

Mac, realizing what he meant, nodded. I might need to be a last ditch delaying tactic.

After what felt like ages, but he wasn't sure how exactly long, King Lavon heard the sound of arrows hitting the front of the ram. “We're getting close, men! Keep going!”

A loud cheer erupted from everyone pushing the ram.

I'm a little concerned, though. The King hasn't used his magic in some time, and we still haven't seen that accursed earth magic. Are they hiding something?

Of course, it was too late to stop now.

Mac watched as the large structure neared the gate. It was large enough it took up most of the carved out entrance to Stromvurk. It didn't stop until it was just a meter from the gate. Mac tensed up, waiting for something to happen.

There was then an ear-wrenching sound of metal crunching. Mac held his ears looking around, before realizing it was coming from the gate. It seemed to be warping in several places. Cracks started to form, and it bent and split in multiple places.

What is this!? It has to be some sort of magic, right? Mac held up his hand, and started to just cast as much lightning as possible at the other side of the gate.

King Lavon clasped his hands together, using his magic again. Blast these...dwarves...the hardness of this....is...ridiculous...

King Lavon's magic was the ability to ply metal. In battle, he had used it many times to crumple the armor of opponents, or snap their swords, before they could even fight, and without them realizing what was going on. However, he realized in this situation the metal gate of the dwarves could also be affected, if with much difficulty.

Hoping he had done enough damage to weaken the integrity of the gate, he now tried to pull it apart. Moving his hands to help visualize, he started pulling apart the gate from the middle.

Mac watched in horror as the gate split down the middle, as if being pulled apart from the bottom center up towards each top corner. Eventually, it started breaking apart in several places, large chunks of the gate falling to the ground. The bottom two-thirds of the entrance were now completely open in a triangle from the middle to the ends.

Suddenly, several openings swung open in the structure, and men started streaming from them, running under the gate.

Arrows started raining at them, and several rocks flew through the air, some hitting the structure and others crashing into men. However, the stream didn't stop, and soon large shieldbearers were blocking the arrows, allowing the men to run in unimpeded.

Mac started casting his spread out emperor-lightning into groups of men, but he was already feeling the affects of Magie Fatigue. However, La Hire was down with his men, and not telling him to stop, so he kept going.

Soon the defenders were engaged in hand-to-hand combat. They had built up defenses since the siege had started, and the attackers had to fight for every meter in the bottleneck that had been created.

However, the attackers started throwing lit oil-bottles to spread fire, causing some of the defenses to burn and have to be abandoned, or structures near the gate to be undefendable due to smoke or heat.

The fighting raged on for several minutes, until Mac felt himself collapsing. As his vision started to waver, he finally stopped. Hopefully I did enough.

King Lavon sat panting, a ways behind the structure they had been in. His men were running past him, pushing through the gate. However, he could barely see them, as he barely hung onto consciousness after over-exerting his magic.

“That's some insane magic, I'd never want to defend against you,” Lord Oran said, watching over him as he recovered.

King Lavon cracked a grin, “I've never used it like that before. Most large gates are heavy wood.”

Lord Oran nodded. “Once we've taken Ositania, we could conscript some elven woodshapers for those scenarios...”

King Lavon nodded back.

Suddenly, a loud horn rang all around them.

“What in the blazes? Did one of the armies attack already? Where is that horn coming from?”

The horn blared again, seemingly louder this time.

The color was draining from Lord Oran's face as he replied. “It almost sounds like...above us.”

Rhea was gathering her breath again, before blowing a third time. He remembered Lord Cartegna's instructions.

“One call means come to me, two means hold your ground and defend, three means attack, and four means retreat. So make sure you only blow three times,” he had impressed on her.

Rhea blew the third time, then wrapped the sling around herself. She clasped her hands together, and started to glow brightly, illuminating the battlefield below, ridding it of the darkness of the night.

She watched as several large groups ran towards the one below her near the gate. From the north was a large group of dwarves and human races, from the northeast was a bunch of elves running out of the trees, to the east was the blue people like Saphoa, and from the south was the royal guards and a bunch of other human races. They all were charging in at top speed.

Suddenly, four quick blasts of a horn came from directly below her.

Wait, retreating!? Is that the bad Children?

Some of the ones below her started to run and gallop away, trying to go southwest along the mountain. However, there seemed to be some confusion, as others were running different directions, like east towards their camp, and some seemed to be not moving at all.

As they were retreating, the other groups started crashing into them.

Rhea knew what was happening. Her heart felt pain from all the Children dying below, even the 'bad' ones.

She also knew, however, that it would have hurt way more if one of those dead was Mac.

Mac, still lying on the ground, had heard the three horns from far away, before hearing four horns much closer after. The attack seemed to have faltered after that, with the Navarrans turning tail and running away.

There was a loud cheer, and the defenders started running at the retreating Navarrans, hacking down any they could catch before following them out the gate.

He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of the past couple weeks finally fading.

Continuation Plans

While Mac maintained consciousness after he collapsed, it was only barey, and he was unable to follow what exactly was happening around him, as if in a slight haze. After a bit, La Hire had gotten some of the men to get him on a horse, and they brought him out onto the battlefield outside.

Hundreds, probably thousands lay dead. While there was a few of their own, the vast majority seemed to be Navarrans.

At some point Miss Amiry came and greeted him, while Saphoa pulled him off the horse and down into a hug and kiss, despite the protests of La Hire.

At another point he had some wine pushed in hands, and he robotically drank in a few gulps.

They then went back to Stromvurk, where Charlotte and Daisy had put him in a hug. They then set him in a bed in Lord Harald's palace, where he drifted off into sleep.

He was suddenly jolted awake. He woke up, and realized his body was being held by Rhea, who was naked, and sleeping. Mac looked down, but he was still in his armor from the battle.

“Rhea, wake up...” Mac gently shook her.

“I want my reward...” Rhea muttered.

Mac kissed her, which caused her to wake up. “There you go.”

Rhea pulled him in for another. “I want more!”

Mac kissed her again, but then held her back. “Sorry, I really need to go figure out what's going on, though.”

Rhea nodded, turning into small form and going into his pocket.

Outside, Mazzy was waiting for him. “Sire? The others wanted you to come to the main council chamber as soon as you woke.”

Mac nodded, “Thanks Mazzy.” I guess there's more people now so we can't use Lord Harald's small one.

Mazzy smiled and bowed, before heading away.

Mac started walking towards the council chamber. He was surprised that there wasn't much going on, though he also wasn't sure what time of day it was.

Getting closer, he started to hear noises. The noises seemed to be people shouting. As he turned the corner to the door, he saw Saphoa and an Arkantan man standing outside.

Saphoa ran up and hugged him, while the man smirked. “My love, I am glad you are awake.”

Mac smiled, giving her a quick smooch.

“This is my Uncle, one of Mother's husbands, Pegog,” Saphoa introduced.

Pegog gave him a firm handshake. “Is this how all landfolk councils go?” he asked motioning to the shouting.

Saphoa answered for him. “Not at all. There was almost none of this during our defense meetings.”

Mac peaked inside. The shouting mainly came from the dwarves and humans nobles, who were shouting and pointing to different maps laid out on the auditorium rows. A few elves were also arguing, but in much lower voices. At the back of the council chamber, a small throne sat.

Lord Cartegna was standing next to it, and noticed Mac's head sticking in. He immediately jogged over. “Son, did you sleep well?”

Mac nodded, “I don't feel like I'm in a haze anymore.”

Lord Cartegna nodded.

“Is this normal?” Mac asked.

Lord Cartegna nodded, and gave a grin. “Of course. Everyone thinks they know the best way to continue, and want to convince everyone else.”

Mac sighed. “We just finished one battle...”

“Yes, I know we've already discussed before, but we need to figure out what to do next. Most of the dwarves want to take our entire force and chase after them into Navar immediately, where they retreated to.”

Mac shook his head. “If only this could just be over.”

Lord Cartegna nodded with a sigh. “Idealistic, but not realistic. Even if we allowed them to just be, they could build up more forces and attack again. We need to make it so they cannot.”

Mac nodded, trying to focus. “Okay, so one group wants to attack the Navarrans with all our forces. So what do the others want to do?”

“The others want to split our forces, and also invade Provent at the same time, in their moment of weakness, as retribution for the last war.”

Mac sighed, I guess I can't say I'm surprised. I might think the same if I had been there, even though I'd like to think I'd have a cooler head. “And what camp do you fall in?”

“Neither,” Lord Cartegna smirked. “I had a talk with Lady Gabriella,” he said, motioning to one side of the room. There was Gabriella, having a conversation with...Miss Amiry, of all people.

Mac nodded.

Lord Cartegna smiled. “Smart one, that lass. Much different attitude than when she came with us after the bandit subjugation.”

That's good to hear. I guess we'll see how this goes.

Luckily, Mac had already come up with a plan (with help from the others, of course). It seemed only Lord Cartegna knew of the last minute addition to the plan, though.

“You better get in there. The only way to stop arguing over what decision to make is to have someone make decisions.”

Mac nodded, taking a deep breath, and walking into the chamber.

The clamor slowly died down as he walked up the chamber, before sitting in the throne. Everyone took seats around the auditorium rows.

Mac wasn't sure how to start, so said, “Thanks everyone for coming.”

This earned a few chuckles, so Mac kept going.

“I know we need to talk about what happens next, but I want to say a few things first. First, I'm creating a new division of soldiers, called “Siege Engineers” that are responsible for the catapults and any other siege equipment we're using.”

Many of them seemed confused, although those that were aware of the catapults just nodded.

“Second, I am awarding an Honorary Captain title to Lady Amiry. Her help was invaluable during the siege, and will continue to be so.”

The now Lady Amiry stood up and bowed. Mac thought he saw a twinge of blush on her cheeks.

This he had gotten help from Lord Cartegna and Lady Sophia a few days prior with. He had wanted to give Amiry an actual position, but she obviously didn't know how to lead troops, so making her an Honorary Captain afforded her an important position without her needing to be in charge of anyone. It also had the side-affect of giving her nobility status.

Some people seemed confused, although everyone who had been aware of her help during the siege, especially those dwarves who had been on the Ledge, smiled and clapped. Several of the elves gave glares, although were set aright by Sophia, who glared at them in turn.

After the clapping subsided, Mac continued. “I have made a decision on our next steps, we will be splitting our forces, having half stay here, and sending the other half to Provent.”

Immediately the room erupted in shouting. First people yelling at Mac, then at each other. Lord Cartegna stood up to try and tell people off, while Lord Harald slammed his fist into the desk in front of him, cracking the wood. “Dammit you bastards! Let the King explain himself!”

The other dwarves stopped at this, respecting the words of Lord Harald. The human nobles seemed to calm down as well, though seemingly more out of fright.

Mac cleared his throat. “I want the people staying here to prepare for a Navarran invasion, while also defending in case they re-invade. I want all our forces here training together, and teaching any inexperienced mobilized until we return. I am naming Lord Cartegna as Marshal, and charging him with the preparations for the invasion in my absence.”

A dwarf stood up. He didn't say anything, so Mac assumed he needed to call on him. “Yes?”

“Sire, should you not name Lord Harald as Marshal? His was the city that was attacked. He should be given the honor.”

Mac nodded, and the dwarf sat back down. “Lord Harald needs to tend to his city. I'm sure he will join once we attack Navar, but he has other concerns for the moment.”

Lord Harald nodded, and none of the other dwarves made a comment. Of course, this had already been discussed with Lord Harald and Lord Cartegna a few days ago, when they had been making tentative plans of what would come next.

“I will be taking all the battle-experienced soldiers we can spare, and the existing catapults and their crews, and heading to Provent. We will-”

Mac stopped as a human noble stood up. “My lord, I am happy to hear we are invading Provent, but why are we discussing this in earshot of a Provental? Is this not the King's niece given to you as a peace offering? Why is she allowed to walk free and even lead our troops? What if she tries to sabotage us?”

While Mac started to correct him, a few other nobles made sounds of agreement. Captain La Hire then stood up, staring the noble in the eyes. “Lady Gabriella acquitted herself admirably leading the Royal Guards in the Battle before Stromvurk. Or would you like me to have all the Royal Guards come here have you repeat what you said in front of them?”

The noble blushed, and a few around the room even snickered, but the noble continued. “Be that as it may, how can we trust her?”

Mac motioned to Gabriella to come up.

Gabriella blushed slightly, but maintained her calm, and walked to the front. She unfolded a letter and turned it towards the crowd. “My uncle abdicated the throne to me. He is either dead or in exile.”

A hush fell over the crowd. The noble who was standing, eventually sputtered out, “But...does he not have a wife and son to claim it? And a brother?”

Gabriella, shook his head. “He renounced the claim of his own wife and son. As for his brother, my father....” she bit her lip. “I believe he is dead at the hands of the Navarrans.”

A muttering came over the crowd, but Mac stood up, unfolding his own letter, which Mac read aloud:

King Mac,

I hope you are well. I wish to discuss plans once we have relieved Stromvurk from its siege.

As you know, Provent has also been invaded by Navar. Marsae has been surrounded, and is currently under siege itself. My Uncle has abdicated the throne to me, and is either dead or has fled the capital.

My only wish is to help the Provental people. If you were to agree to relieve the siege of Marsae and help drive the Navarran's out of Provent, I would agree to marry you and hand over my claim to you upon our marriage.

Please send me your response at your earliest convenience, and this will be seen as an official marriage contract between us.

Queen Gabriella of Provent

Mac finished reading, and the room stayed quiet. “As you can see, there is no need to 'invade' Provent. If we help them drive out the Navarrans, then we can acquire Provent without fighting them.”

Some of the nobles seemed uneasy. One, an older man, stood up. “You want to help Provent out? We should put every one of them to the sword, and-”

The crowd erupted again, some agreeing with him, while others shouting him down.

Mac had had enough, slamming a lightning-laden fist into the throne handle, causing a small thunder clap.

While most everyone shut up, the old noble kept talking, “I don't care if you use your magic to strike me dead here, but I will speak my mind! Two of my sons and three grandsons died to Provent. I cannot merely forgive them just because you tell me too.”

Mac sighed, “I'm not asking you to forgive them, I'm telling you to set aside your hatred and work towards the greater good. Provent is no longer a threat, and eventually there won't even be a separate Provent, except as a region of Ositania.”

Lord Cartegna nodded approvingly, earning the ire of the old noble. “Even you, Cartegna? You lost your own sons, how can you go along with this?”

Lord Cartegna stood up. “Lord Gimbaugh, the King who invaded us is dead. Lady-, sorry, Queen Gabriella here wants to do what is best for her people. Do you want to do what is best for our people? Or do you merely seek revenge at all costs? Or do you plan to attack the King like Lord Oran did?”

Several of the nobles reached for their swords instinctively, but after some pause, Lord Gimbaugh merely sat down. “Very well. I will do my duty to my people.”

Mac waited, and no one else said anything. “Okay, everyone start preparations. Lord Cartegna will decide who goes where, and I expect everyone to follow his orders while I'm away.” He then stood up and went to leave.

Lord Cartegna gave him a pat on the shoulder, then went to the center of the room, where a large map of Ositania and the surrounding countries lay. “To start, the catapults will accompany Mac...”

As Mac left, Saphoa stopped him outside the door. “My love...”

“What's wrong?” Mac asked, concerned at the worried look on her face.

“I believe the Arkantan's and myself should stay here. We are not wise to the war of landfolk, and I think we will be of much greater use if we trained here with the others. No, I am certain of it. Your Father thinks we are great warriors, but a great warrior can fall to good planning and smart strategy.”

Mac nodded. “I understand. To be honest, I will miss you, but I will also feel relieved you're not in danger. Well, as much danger.”

Saphoa giggled. “It is nice to have a man worry over me so,” and hugged him. “Of course, I will join you once we invade with the others. It is-” she trailed off, looking over his shoulder.

Mac looked where she was looking. Behind him was Amiry and Gabriella.

Amiry shook her head. “Sorry, I didn't want to interrupt.”

Saphoa smiled and shook her head. “It is okay, I promised my sisters I would help them pack anyway.” She gave a kiss to Mac, and then walked away.

Amiry came up and bowed. “Thank you, sire. Your honor was very much appreciated.”

Mac nodded, “It was well deserved. Of course, I'm going to be counting on you in Provent as well.”

Amiry nodded, and gave a smirk. “Of course.” She bowed slightly again then walked away.

Gabriella, who had been waiting behind her, asked. “Can we talk?”

Mac, a bit surprised, nodded. “Where do you want to go?”

“Somewhere we won't be interrupted.”

Mac blinked a few times. Is she really...? Well, he had slightly expected it. He started walking towards his room, getting there after a few minutes of quiet walking. Rhea, sensing his thoughts, quietly slipped away before they entered the room.

Once inside, Mac went to grab a drink, since he hadn't actually had anything since waking up.

Gabriella stood near the door. Then, after a few moments, she bowed at almost ninety degrees. “I'm sorry.”

Mac hadn't been expecting this. “You're...sorry?” he asked, setting down the cup of water he had just drained.

Gabriella nodded, before looking sideways at the ground. “I...I don't even know where to begin.”

Mac motioned to the table, and poured a drink for her.

Gabriella chugged the water, then sat it back down, before looking at Mac. “I...I realize what an ass I was. I am hoping you will forgive me for how I-”

“Okay,” Mac said, nodding.

Gabriella was taken aback. “Wh-what? You're forgiving me, just like that?” she said, incredulous almost to the point of anger.

Mac nodded. “I realize I wasn't as accommodating as I could have been. And it's not your fault if you had heard bad rumors about me. Especially since they were at least partially true.”

Gabriella face changed to a smirk. “You spent half the trip banging your Magistrate, what was I supposed to think?”

Mac blushed a bit, thinking of how he and Marie had acted that trip.

Gabriella blushed, thinking about it too. Trying to change the subject back, she said, “Still, please let me finish what I wanted to say. I am hoping we can start with a clean slate, especially now that we are engaged. And I hope we can form a relationship similar to your other wives.”

“Did Mel help you write that?” Mac asked, drinking water.

Gabriella blushed, “No! She...she did give me some pointers, but it's my own words!”

“So you're Mel approved already? Wait...you didn't realize you were Queen until after you had left, though, right?”

Gabriella blushed, looking a bit sad. “I...none of my family was talking to me, which is when I realized I had been left here for good. Melissandra...Mel helped me come to terms with it, and I was hoping I might try and reset things with you once you had returned from Daisy's wedding. I...I didn't want to just sit in my room angry the rest of my life, and I...I...” she started to cry, words no longer coming to her.

Mac felt a twinge of guilt at the pain she was feeling. Instinctively, he got up and walked over to hug her.

She hugged him back, crying into his shoulder.

After a few minutes, she seemed to have cried herself out. She let go, blushing and seeming surprised they were hugging, and then tried wiping her face. “I'm sorry...”

Mac shook his head, sitting back down.

Gabriella started blushing harder, than looked at the bed. “Do...do you want to have sex now?”

Mac was surprised, despite that having been what he originally thought. “Right now?”

Gabriella nodded. “I thought you expected that of your wives. I don't know if I'm emotionally ready, but-”

Mac cut her off. “Not now. I'm...glad we can start anew with our relationship, but doing it right now doesn't feel right...”

Gabriella blushed more, but smiled and nodded, looking down. “I guess you aren't that woman crazy.” Gabriella got up and headed for the door. “I'll come to you when I feel ready,” she said. “Until then, I hope we can get to know each other better.”

“I'll be...looking forward to it?” Mac said, not sure entirely how to reply.

Gabriella blushed heavier, then smiled and nodded, before heading out the door.

That turned out better than I'd hoped.

Leaving for Provent

Two days after the Battle before Stromvurk, a giant military camp had been set over where the battlefield had been. In one area, newly mobilized soldiers were undergoing strict training under the eyes of Lord Cartegna, and in another supplies were being distributed (some brought, some taken from the Navarran camp after they fled).

On the road out, a teary goodbye was taking place. Charlotte and Daisy were both crying while hugging Mac.

“Don't worry, I'll make sure I get back soon,” Mac tried to reassure him.

Charlotte nodded, although her face was buried in his chest.

Daisy gave a tearful smile, and poked his cheek. “You better come back soon, you have kids about pop out!”

Mac nodded. He had been acutely aware of their impending birth. Rhea was actually to accompany them home, and then would be making a rotation between the palace, his army (the southern army) and the one at Stromvurk (the northern army), and let him know if one of them went into labor (presumably Melissandra first, unless one of the others was early).

He was also aware that he was probably putting a lot of tasks on Rhea, although she hadn't said anything, at least as of yet.

Fiona and Kelly were also leaving to go back to the palace, partially to help the maid staff and partially because they and La Hire were worried about putting extra stress on them (besides what having him in an active war zone already brought). Kylie would still be accompanying him, though.

Waving bye as they left in the royal carriage, he sighed, before heading over to a different group of wagons that was still preparing to leave.

The southern army was preparing to start marching south, loading wagons with supplies and handing our rations to the troops who would be accompanying. It was a mix of human races, elves, and dwarves, including most of the current catapult operators. Only a few were being left behind to instruct more people on using the catapults currently being built.

“Sire, your carriage is ready,” La Hire saluted him as he walked up. Despite them being on much closer terms the last few months, he was still acting extra-formal when in public.

Mac nodded, going ahead and going to get in. The carriage was actually Lord Harald's traveling carriage, loaning it to Mac on their campaign south. While it was meant for dwarves, it was still tall enough Mac would be fine, as long as he didn't jump.

As he was about to walk in, arms grabbed around him from behind. “Were you not going to say goodbye to me, my love?”

Mac turned around to see Saphoa, holding him. Blushing, he said, “I thought we said goodbye this morning...”

Saphoa blushed, kissing him. “We did, but I wanted to say it again.”

Mac chuckled, hugging her closely. “Stay safe,” he whispered in her ear.

“I should say that to you,” she replied, kissing him once more on the cheek, before letting go and turning away.

Going inside, Lord Harald's carriage had no bed, only benches and a table, with maps aplenty on the inside, along with letters and anything else he might need, and his chest in the corner. Very utilitarian, perfect for a war campaign, I guess. He would be traveling in it alone, since only Gabriella could theoretically join him, and she was riding on her horse. It would probably be awkward to spend a bunch of time alone together right now anyway.

Mac settled in, going over some reports before the carriage started moving.

The day passed rather monotonously. He got through everything he needed to quickly, as they hadn't gotten anything besides one report from Rhea, which was just that Marsae was still being besieged.

Afterwards, he dug his old practice stone out of his chest. He hadn't used it in a while, and he of course didn't need to practice anymore, but it brought him a sense of comfort to have something to focus on, to keep his mind from wandering to worse things while on the road.

Dusk came quickly, along with a light snowfall. They made camp in a field across from an inn, where Mac and the other commanders and staff would be staying in.

Instead of the tavern area being used for dinner, it had been turned into an impromptu war council room (although at Mac's request the inn staff was still serving food). While everyone was chomping on a piece of bread or pheasant wing, Mac watched.

He was nominally in charge of the army, and thus the meeting, but since he wasn't anywhere close to being ready to lead an army (even with the recent 'experience' he'd gotten), Gabriella would be acting as his adjutant. Since she was his fiance and had been an adjutant before, there was no room for arguments from the nobles, or at least no valid ones.

Gabriella pointed to the map she had pinned on the wall. “We should be able to get near the river separating Ositania and Provent by dusk tomorrow. However, the only stone bridge is another half day along the river, then it will take the rest of the day to get our wagons across. From there, it will be two more days to Marsae, as long as we keep good discipline in the ranks, so make sure we don't have anyone dragging or holding us up.”

Despite Gabriella being the one giving orders, none of the nobles had any objections. Mac had an internal sigh of relief that he and Lord Cartegna's plan worked.

During the war council meeting in Stromvurk, Lord Cartegna had looked to see the reactions of the those there when the grand reveal around Gabriella happened. Anyone with a visible negative reaction had been left with the northern army. Needless to say, Lord Gimbaugh was among those left behind.

Captain Drenven, whom Lord Harald had insisted on sending (not that Mac had any issue with another good military mind coming) walked up and pointed to where they would be near the river. “Why don't we cross here? We got enough men to build a bridge, an easy task for the fine dwarven craftsman we have here. Even if it took all day, we'd cross a half day closer to Marsae.”

Gabriella shook her head. “A wooden bridge won't work, the supply wagons will cause it to sink. Especially the one's carrying the dismantled catapults.”

Amiry, who as usual was in the back with her fan, snapped it shut and asked, “What about a dirt bridge? I could raise the riverbed.”

Gabriella thought for a moment. “An intriguing idea. How long would it take you to pull up a hundred meters?”

Amiry thought for a moment, then shook her head. “Unfortunately that would be too much for me.”

Mac added, “It would probably be muddy anyway, and the wagons would just get stuck.”

Gabriella nodded. “Our best bet is just to use the stone bridge.”

Drenven asked, “Do we have to worry about the Navarans sabotaging it?”

Gabriella shook her head. “Not as of yet. They most likely planned to use it themselves to attack Ositania from the south and link up with the force besieging Stromvurk.”

After some more discussion of minutiae, some sat down to eat more. Mac, however, just grabbed another loaf and went to his room.