Wyndy stood to her father’s right, as he began his speech. A speech that she had helped write.

“I’d like first to thank the mole-folk, from whom we have an accurate assessment of the enemy’s numbers and positions.”

There was a polite round of applause for the mole-folk. Two of them appeared from the ground and bowed before heading back to their tunnels.

As he said it, it occurred to Wyndy that, if they won, then Jend’s speech would be studied in schools for decades to come. Students would be forced to memorize and recite it. She wished she had written the speech so that it began with something other than thanking the moles.

It was well before dawn, on the 3rd day of the third month of the year, Hausa’s Month. They were giving the last talk to the commanders of Pelsan military before their attack was to begin. Their army had moved through the night, and were now less than a thousand yards from where the Vatharian army was camped. Pelsa’s forces were to strike just before sunrise.

“From the mole-folk and our other spies, we know that Vathary has brought thirty-three thousand men to our land, including mercenaries and support staff, but not counting their navy,” Jend said. “We’ve also identified forty-two magic users, including druids and wizards, and have seen five dragons: three of whom are known to be good fighters, two of whom are younger and, well, we don’t know much about them. On our side, we match or outnumber them, as you know. Over forty-three thousand creatures will take to the field today to defend Pelsa.”

Wyndy knew it sounded good when her father said it, but she also knew that numbers could be used to cover up the real story. The Vatharian army was almost entirely professional – the Royal Army, city guardsmen, retainers of the knights and nobles, and experienced mercenaries. Vathary had been in three wars over the last ten years, so many of those men had seen real combat.

On the Pelsan side, over a third of its army had not held a weapon before three weeks ago. Even for those in the kingdom’s standing military, only a few thousand had ever been in a real battle, and that was years ago. The equipment of the front-line troops was as good as what Vathary had, but the newer troops had little more than spears and a leather vest and helmet.

But they were fighting for their home.

“I’d also like to thank the bravery of the mole-folk and the great worms in placing the devices that Sionia and her musicians will need for their part of the attack, on the enemy’s right flank.”

There was a murmur of approval for the spy moles and worms.

“Now, we know that the enemy is counting on their navy to support their left flank. What they seem to have missed, though, is our own navy and our allied sea forces, probably because they cannot see most of it. They will see it soon. Some of it.”

Jend pointed to Sionia, who was wearing shiny, form-fitting elven armor and a feathered helm. Next to her stood Sir Hargest, Bedo, and the musicians of the temple band. They were all in armor, but had tried to make it look glamorous.

“Captain Sionia will spearhead the capture of the enemy’s right flank. I salute her bravery and the bravery of the musicians. We’ve done the measurements, and we should be able to take in about twenty percent of the enemy’s force, if the acoustics are right. For those on that flank, protect Sionia at all costs. And I mean all costs!”

Sionia saluted. Sionia had been through battles before, and not just in the fashion business.

Her group followed with a salute of mandolin, lute, flute, harp and drums. Hargest and a group of particularly large young orcs raised their shields.

Wyndy noticed that Sionia had supplemented her forces with an additional mandolin and drum. She felt a twinge of sympathy for those of the Vatharian army who were about to face the musical onslaught.

“If our plan works, the hardest combat will be in the center. It is there we will determine whether the enemy flees, or whether it is a bloodbath for both sides. For those in the center, you know your assignments, and I assure you that you will have aerial and wizard cover. ”

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Jend indicated Wyndy with his right hand. “Our Crown Princess can see through the Watch Points, so she will command the artillery for the initial strike. We expect that our artillery will be able to disable most or all of the enemy catapults, before you close. She will then move to where the reserves are massed, ready to lead them should the enemy threaten to break any of our formations.”

Jend looked to Rassler, standing among the leaders in his new Pelsan military uniform and armor. He was completely pale.

“Also, I should specially thank our new Lieutenant Rassler. He has agreed to lead a cavalry column, and will be with you in the initial charge. I understand the other humans that came with him have joined the fight also – his squire Greymil will be on the field, and his cook Vastien serves already with our cooks in the field mess.”

A giant wolf, Private Storm, ran out of the crowd and came to whisper something to Queen Aida.

Aida announced, “I’ve just been informed that the enemy generals Sir Landon and Sir Gwenod were abducted by The Wild Hunt last night. They are running with The Hunt as we speak. The generals should be back by dawn, but will be exhausted. If they survive.”

Private Storm trotted away, and Jend moved on to his final remarks.

“Remember, my loyal creatures, we are not trying to take territory, but to expel an invasion. If the battle goes our way, and the enemy retreats, we can pursue them into their territory. I understand from Lieutenant Rassler, that the enemy’s land may be almost undefended, as they’ve taken the Keley city guard and the Flai Drary territorial guards into the army we are about to face. Should we win the field, and they flee, I want you to pursue, although only until my signal, which will be three lightning strikes. I want to make sure the enemy cannot soon regroup, and if we have some territory to trade for peace, so much the better.”

Jend stood tall, and sparks began to flow along the rod he held in his right hand, as he raised it to the sky. Wyndy raised her rod, and sparks began to flow along her arm and the rod. Bolts of electricity flashed from one rod to the other.

“You know your assignments. This is your chance,” said Garaxas.

“Do not mess it up!” replied the assembled creatures, in unison.

Cheers broke out amongst the officers, which were quickly hushed with “We are supposed to be sneaky here. No cheering.”

The officers departed, and Aida transformed into a bear, gave her husband a kiss, and went to join the members of The Circle for their part of the assault. Her personal orc assassin bodyguards trailed just behind her.

Jend and Wyndy headed back towards the supply area, where the field hospital and the mess tent were.

She felt a sneeze coming on, a sign her father had said often meant a god was paying attention. She tried to reach out with her sorcerous senses, only to find Jend already in contact.

Will you help us, Jend asked. Wyndy could hear the words clearly, in her thoughts.

Two nations of my followers fight, it saddens me. I will not intervene, even if I had favorites, replied the Sky Father. You two together though, very strong. Jend, I’m glad to see you listened to my advice about daughters. Now you got this.

Are you sure? asked Wyndy to their god, surprised that she could form the words.

No.

Well, great.

Look Wyndy, we did what we could, long ago. The odds do favor you, three to two. My mana is on you. Thorsin also thinks you will win. He says “hi,” by the way.

Wyndy decided that was a good omen.

Now, just do not mess it up

That is the second time you've told me that, thought Jend

It is still good advice, don't you think?

The best any creature has received from any god, replied Wyndy.

They reached the mess tent, where Wyndy had prepared the great scarf and his riding gear.

Wyndy handed him the gear, and gave her father a hug. “After the artillery strikes, I could join you with the dragons? We may not even need the reserves.”

“No, Wyndy,” Jend said. “I need you here with the reserves. It’s safer.”

“I don’t think it is safe here either, father, if it goes badly, I’ll be leading the counter-attack right into where the enemy is hitting hardest,” said Wyndy.

“I know, I know. But safer than the front line and safer than the initial charge.”

They were interrupted by Vastien, who was in the cooking area of the tent, preparing food. He looked over to Jend and said “Your highnesses, I know you are about to go into battle, so I thought you might like this special breakfast I’m preparing.” He offered plates to Wyndy and Jend.

“It is okay, I grabbed some bread from the mess earlier. But what is this, anyway?” said Wyndy. She hadn’t actually eaten anything that day, but was too nervous to have any appetite.

“It’s a Full Vatharian Breakfast, sire. It’s traditional. For good luck against them today.”

Jend poked the oddly puffed eggs, uncertain.

“Try at least a bit of the eggs and the sausage,” said Vastien. “I had to specially negotiate with a captain in port to get the sausage.”

Jend cut off and ate some of the sausage, and had about half of the eggs. “Well, it is good to see you here. Maybe the egg style could catch on. We can call them ‘Victory Eggs’ if we win. But now I need to go and deal with Vathary’s soldiers, not just its food.”