Mor smiled, “I’m glad I could help! Now, to business. We need to plan our attack. I’ve never planned a battle, so someone tell me what to do.”
“Supply lines are key in any battle.” Tristan walked in. “Without steady supplies, an army is likely to lose. If you don’t have a well-fed army, two things will happen. One, no one will be strong enough to fully fight. Two, they’ll start refusing to fight for you.” Tristan began pacing the room, for all the world like a lecturing professor. “You also must make sure to have plenty of medical supplies, extra clothing, and so on.”
“Won’t they bring their own clothes?” Mor was confused.
“Well, of course they will. But if you have some available just in case, the army will feel as if you care for them and fight harder.”
“I do care for them.”
Tristan frowned, “That is, perhaps, not the best idea. People die in war, your majesty.”
“I’m well aware of that, Tristan. That doesn’t mean I don’t care for them. And will mourn when they do. I just want to make sure we have as few losses as possible. So, teach me about supply lines.”
The rest of the morning was spent learning about supplies and forming camps. How much food to plan for each soldier, how many support staff was needed, how many medical personnel to bring, how much of each medical supply, the most defensible camp set ups depending on terrain, and on and on and on. Mor was worn out and so grateful Tristan would be with them. She would need to study for years to effectively do this. At least now she had a general idea of what was needed and reasonable.
Trisha brought lunch in just as everyone came back for a working lunch. Her mates sat closest to her, with the Dragon Council and parents filling out the rest of the table. Amara came strolling in just as everyone started to eat. “Max, you started without me. Where should I sit?”
“Trisha is trying to show you, Amara.”
“Oh.” She frowned and looked down, her lip curling in disgust. “I didn’t realize it was capable of that.”
“Amara!” Max stood, anger in every line of his body. “You will not speak of Trisha or any of the other Fae that way.”
“She’s a lesser Fae. They don’t really count.” Trisha looked at the ground as Amara was talking.
Now Mor was mad. Trisha was part of her family. “Amara, you will not be joining us for lunch. Trisha is family. I am sending you to your room to eat, since you are acting like a spoiled little shit.” She leaned forward on to the table and stared her down. Mor relaxed her hold on her a little bit, letting the sparks dance across her skin. “Believe me when I tell you that you will sincerely regret it if I find out you’ve been speaking to anyone like this again.”
“Max! Are you going to let this bitch talk to me that way? I am your sister!” She stamped her foot. Mor would have laughed if she wasn’t so mad.
Max looked over at Amara, “My sister would never treat someone that way. And she certainly wouldn’t speak that way about my mate and our queen.”
Amara gaped at them all. “Really? I am a Lady of the Water Realm!”
“And I’m the fucking Queen of Fae. Get the fuck out of my sight now!” Mor snarled. Amara backed up and ran out of the room. “Trisha…”
“It’s alright, lass. I’ve dealt with that before. And you righted it. Now, I’m going to make her a nice peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Since she is acting as a child, she will eat as one.” Trisha grinned and winked before heading back to the kitchen.
When everyone was settled, Arthur spoke up. “How was your morning, my rose?”
Groaning, Mor rubbed a hand over her face. “Tristan was very thorough in his teaching. But I’m glad he’ll be here, because there is no way I’d remember all of that.”
“I’m sure you’d manage if you had to, beautiful. Thankfully, you don’t have to.”
“Is there a map of the realm I can see? We need to plan our path.”
“I can get you one after lunch, your majesty.” Cassandra smiled. She had been so quiet since Atreyu had disappeared.
“Thanks. The sooner we have a plan, the sooner we can end this.”
Arthur and Ben told tales of the training fails today, including quite a few stories of Fae or Dragon being caught unaware and being wiped out. Mor was hopeful that would let them see they both had weaknesses. By the time they had all finished, Mor was feeling guilty over how she had handled Amara. She was Max’s sister, after all, and had been stuck without a protector in that awful family for so long. Maybe she had been too hard on her.
“Max?” Her voice was soft, “About Amara…”
“You did what was right. She’s not the same sister I knew. I just hope we can find the old Amara in there.”
“Me too.” She leaned over and kissed him. Just as the kiss deepened, Cassandra came back carrying a small stone.
She cleared her throat, “Sorry for interrupting. I have the map you requested.” She set the stone down in the middle of the table, closed her eyes, and then a map spread out over the surface of the table.
“That’s so cool. I need to learn how to do that.”
“Map making is detailed magic and takes many years to learn.”
“Oh, I just meant turning them on.”
Cassandra laughed, “Each map is rigged with a small spell. I can teach you some of the common ones after things are settled.”
Smiling, Mor said, “Can you show me where we are and where the castle is?”
Cassandra pointed at a spot on the table. “That is our home.” She waved her hand and the map zoomed out. Mor couldn’t think of anything else to call it. In the center of the map, there was a detailed image of a castle. “That is your castle, your majesty.”
“Sebastian, would you tell us about what the land is like between here and there?”
“Of course, darling.” Sebastian looked at the map for a moment before speaking. “Immediately surrounding the manor are forests that go for miles. There are two rivers that flow through the forest. After that, the land is rocky foothills leading to mountains. On the other side of the mountains is another forest. The castle itself is in the middle of that forest, with the land cleared for about a half-mile in every direction around it.”
“So no real way to sneak up on them,” Mor said.
“Well, we can wait in the forest until we’re ready to attack.”
Tristan shook his head. “If we try to go by foot, it will take months to bring the army that far. What about the circles? We’ll have to go in small groups, so that’s a risk too.”
Mor was quiet as she thought for a few minutes. They couldn’t afford to waste months in travel. “What if we send a few dragons ahead with some magic users who can put up shields? That way we have some good defense in place right away.”
“That could work. How many can go through in a circle at once?”
Mor looked at Max and Sebastian who were staring at each other. Finally, Sebastian said, “Ten easily, fifteen uncomfortably. And that is only if they have minimal gear. Gear would need to be sent separately.”
Tristan looked up, thinking. “Right. First wave we send through five dragons and five Fae who can shield. How long will it take to set up shields?”
“Depends on the space we need to have shielded.”
“Big enough to cover both our armies.”
“Maybe start out with just shielding the area over the circle, then when we send supplies through and have them march to a staging area near the castle, the Fae going with them can add to the shielding. Build it in stages, basically.” Max said.
“Yes. That works well.” Tristan looked around at them all, a satisfied smile on his face.
“I think we should alternate groups of soldiers with supplies. We don’t want to be caught without protection,” Max said.
“Mmmm yes, everyone needs protection.” Sebastian waggled his eyebrows at Mor, making Mor and Max burst out laughing while Tristan stared at them with a scandalized look on his face.
“So, righ
t, yes, Mor, I mean your majesty, staggering soldiers and supplies is a better plan. The soldiers can start setting up camp so the shields can focus only on shielding.”
“Sebastian, can you find out which of our people are strongest in shields?”
“Of course, sweetie. I’ll get a list going and be back for dinner.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head and left.
“Tristan, how will you decide who will best serve to defend the shields?”
“I have a few thoughts on who would be best, but I’ll need to see how everyone is working together. Some of the dragons have been less than open to working with the Fae.”
“I’ve gathered that,” Mor’s voice was dry. “That shit will need to stop if we’re going to have any shot at winning. And it’ll definitely need to stop if our kingdoms are going to be joined.”
“The King is working on it, your majesty. I’m sure they’ve made great progress today.”
“Uh-huh. You’re sure.”
“Well, maybe hopeful is a better term.” Tristan smiled. “I have faith that it will work itself out. Or that you’ll go in and straighten them out. I saw how you handled our court. I’m sure a few recalcitrant soldiers will not stand a chance against you, my queen.”
Mor laughed, “Thank you for that, I think. I’m hoping it won’t come to that. Although, that was pretty fucking fun. Especially when Lord Thomas got so upset that I said ‘cock’! I don’t know how I kept a straight face.”
“To be honest, my queen, I’m not entirely certain how I kept a straight face either.”
Atreyu grinned, “I didn’t bother to keep a straight face. It was definitely hilarious.”
“Well, if Arthur and Ben don’t get that straightened out I’ll make sure to invite you both to the show.” She grinned. “Now let’s, start breaking down what will go with each run.” Mor grinned as she reached for the list of supplies Tristan had drawn up for her. It was the first time she’d felt like they could really do this. Mor promised herself that no matter what, she wouldn’t stop until they had either won - or she died trying.
Chapter 8
Arthur
Arthur groaned. He was lying on his back, staring at the sky. Ben had knocked him down again. They had sparred to show the Fae and the Dragons that they were both equal in the arena. Except Ben was good. Really good. Or maybe it had just been so long since Arthur had really been challenged. Their last real war had been centuries ago and apparently sparring didn’t really cut it. Or maybe his sparring partners had been holding back. He’d have to look into that.
“Need a hand?” Ben stood over him, hand held out.
“Thanks.” Arthur let Ben help pull him up. “I’m more out of shape than I thought I was,” he said ruefully.
“Maybe it’s just because I’ve had more recent battle experience than you. How’s your marksmanship?”
“With an arrow?”
“No, guns. I was thinking about asking Mor if we can bring some to Fae.”
Arthur drew back. “I don’t think bringing that particular human weapon is a good idea.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. I’m just looking for anything to help us.” Ben shrugged. “Want to go again?”
“I don’t know that I should. You’ve beaten me pretty soundly, my brother.”
“That’s exactly when you should keep pushing. When you’re so exhausted you aren’t totally sure you can lift your sword.”
Without warning, Ben swung at Arthur. Arthur grunted, barely getting his sword up in time to block the swing. Ben kept going, swinging so fast Arthur couldn’t do anything but block. The more Ben pushed, the madder Arthur got until he finally was able to start getting in his own attacks. Slowly, he pushed Ben back. He started grinning, finally feeling like he’d gotten his feet under him. And then his shirt caught on fire.
“What the fuck, Ben!” He looked up, expecting Ben to be laughing. Instead, Ben was watching him with a serious look on his face.
He turned to look at the Fae and Dragons surrounding them all. “You can expect the enemy to use all - all - weapons at their disposal. For Fae, that means their elements. Dragons, take inventory of what you can use without fully shifting. Can you tap into your strength? Can you use claws? Have you ever tried it?” He was turning as he was speaking, making sure he was talking to all sides. “Most of you here have battle experience, some of you more recent than others. Remember, don’t hold back - the enemy won’t. Now, Mor will tell you to save as many of her people as you can, to avoid the lethal hits. And while I back this order completely, I will tell you if it’s you are them - pick you.” He looked over at Arthur expectantly.
“He’s right. War is ugly, even when it’s necessary. Now, I want you each to pair up Fae-Dragon and get to sparring. See if you can call any of your powers. I’m assuming the Fae will have an advantage with that, and I would tell you to take it slow, but we don’t have time for that. So keep the maiming down. No permanent injuries, got it? Go to your units and get them going.”
The crowd broke up as they all started back to their units. “I’m glad we decided to do this for the unit leaders so we don’t have to do this over and over.”
“Me too, I’m pretty fucking tired after that.” Ben grabbed his water and chugged some down.
“You’re tired? Damn. And here I thought you were just breezing through.”
“I haven’t sparred like that in a long time with someone new.”
Arthur pulled off his helm and poured some water over his head. “That’s a little better, anyway. Fuck, it’s hotter here than I thought.”
“We’d better go check in on the units. Together or separate?”
He thought it over for a moment before responding to Ben. “I think it would be best to keep showing a united front. You know there are still bound to be some sore feelings.”
They started walking toward the camp of the first unit. When they got there, most things looked like they were going pretty smoothly. There were not any signs of fighting, everyone was working hard. “Well, maybe we’re worrying too much.” Arthur grinned as they started to the next unit, then frowned as the sounds of yelling got louder.
“Ah, fuck.” Ben took off at a run.
Arthur ran after him. There was a pile of Fae and Dragons pounding each other into the dirt. This was a good, old-fashioned brawl. Definitely not what they were supposed to be doing. Ben dove into the brawl, yanking Fae and Dragon apart. Arthur was a half step behind him and they managed to get everyone apart once they realized who was there. The brawlers tried to sneak away.
“Stop right there.” Arthur snarled at them. “What the fuck do you think you were doing?”
“You have no right to lecture me, dragon!” One of the Fae spat. Actually spat.
Before Arthur could do anything, Ben punched the offending Fae in the nose. The Fae fell to the ground and Ben leaned over him. “He has every right to ‘lecture you’ if for no other reason because he is one of the two generals of this army! More importantly, he is the mate to your queen! That, by itself, demands your respect and obedience!” Ben glared at the other brawlers. “Anyone else feel like they can disrespect Arthur? Because disrespecting is a direct insult to Queen Mor and will not be tolerated!”
When no one spoke, Arthur said, “What started this fight?’
Arthur and Ben glared around at the group until finally one of the Dragons stepped forward. “That Fae used his magic on me and blinded me!”
“And?”
“And what? He should be punished!”
“For what?’
“For breaking the rules of combat!” The Dragon was spluttering.
“Damn, we got a little too insular, huh?” Arthur looked over at Ben.
“Little stagnate. Stuck in the dark ages, hmm?”
“Literal dark ages.” Arthur sighed. “Do you remember what war is like? The sound of steel on steel? The feel of a horse beneath you as you raise your sword to defend the weak?” When the Dragon grinned and nodded,
Arthur continued, “How about the stench of death? The rot of wounds? The sound of the screams of the dying? The squish of the ground beneath your feet - because it’s covered in blood and guts?” The Dragon had paled at Arthur’s words. “That is what is coming. War is not glorious. It is not chivalrous. And the enemy will do exactly what the Fae did to you. You’d best learn how to defend against it if you don’t want to wind up gutted.”
The Dragon swallowed hard. “Yes, my king,” he bowed.
“Get back to sparring. And if we see this again, or hear of any disrespect, you will have to deal with us.” Ben glared at all of them.
As they walked toward the next unit, Ben said, “I really fucking hope that isn’t happening with most of the units.”
Sighing, Arthur said, “I think we should be prepared for that more often than not. “
“Surely they’ll all have…better…sense. Fuck.”
“Let’s go deal with it, shall we?”
* * *
By the end of the day, Arthur and Ben were exhausted. They had been to twelve units. Nine of those units had brawls happening. Nine. The unit commanders had tried, but only two of them had been successful. Arthur sighed heavily as he trudged into the dining room. They’d both taken a minute to shower, but it had been rushed because they were holding dinner for them.
When they walked into the dining room, Mor smiled at them both. “How was your day, guys?”
They both groaned as they sat down. “Let’s just say we spent the day putting out fires. Sometimes literally.” Arthur sank down in an empty chair near Mor. They’d started rotating who sat next to Mor without even talking about it. Of course, he expected the Fae to do that naturally since they’d grown up together, but for him to be so easily included - well, it was nice.
“That bad, huh?”
Ben rolled his eyes. “Yeah, you could say that.”
“Any progress?” Sebastian asked.
“I think so. Nine of the units had major fights and we had to stop seven of those fights. That was after Ben kicked my ass in front of all the unit commanders to prove a point.”
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