Beep bo, things are starting to heat up! :ahhpeu: This is last chapter for today, see you in two weeks! Next time, battle!

-August 1st of 1312

Lena sighs as she walks back to headquarters. She had taken to sitting down with the men to eat to familiarize myself better with them. It wouldn’t do if she acted like an aloof and distant leader to them. Especially considering she was the female noble in charge of them.

With joy Lena slumps into her chair as a rather worried Holly rushes in and thrusts a letter into her hands. Lena furrows her brows as she studies the letter that bears the King’s seal, before tearing it open to read.

“Captain Bartholomew,

Word has reached us of your successful and triumphant victory against the enemy. With the greatest of honor and gratitude you are to be awarded with the title of General.

Captain Bartholomew is to present herself immediately at the Capital for the awarding ceremony.”

Lena frowns with annoyance as her hands tightens around the message, almost crumbling the letter in half.

Holly quietly asks, “What does it say, my lady?”

Without a word, Lena hands Holly, the letter to read as Lena impatiently drums her fingers against the desk. She had been expecting this, but hoped that wouldn’t be the case. But now that the tides have changed she is being called back to be relieved.

Holly interrupts Lena’s thoughts as she worriedly says, “My lady, what are we to do? You can’t just abandon the men and the women of the fort, they are counting on you!”

Lena rather wearily replies, “I know that Holly, but orders are orders-.” Lena suddenly pause as a clause appears in her mind.

“Holly, whom is issuing the order asking to present myself at court?” Lena firmly asked.

Holly rather confused replies, “His majesty, my Lady?”

Lena warmly says, “Very good, but this letter only carries his majesties seal. How can I be certain this isn’t a trap? Why didn’t his majesty write me a personal letter of invitation and sign it himself as usual?”

Holly frowns and replies, “Well, because-,” she pauses mid-sentence as understanding dawns in her eyes. “I see, my Lady. You can’t be certain this isn’t a trap, but if it isn’t what is my Lady to do?” Holly curiously said with a slight impish sparkle in her eyes.

“According to military article 131 (a), if a military officer is suspicious of a received command and is unable to verify the veracity of said message, the officer in question may send a replacement in their place to confirm the veracity of the matter.

Per military article 131 (b), if an officer is under attack or under siege at receiving such an unconfirmed message, an officer is to remain at their post at all times regardless of the matter at hand,” Lena smoothly said as a look of slight awe enters Holly’s eyes.

“Holly, I have an important mission for you. At dawn, you are to depart to the capital and accept the title confirmed by his majesty on my behalf, mentioning the above reasons for my lack of my attendance at the award ceremony.

And when you do depart Holly, do so with the utmost haste and care. Choose some women soldiers to accompany you, I believe you will be much safer in their company,” Lena tiredly said as she rose to feet to get some sleep. Staying up late to observe the spies was finally starting to get to her.

Holly nods in understanding as Lena hands her the message as Holly protectively hides the message on her person, before priming departing out of the room.

Too tired to make it to bed, Lena collapses onto the couch with her shoes still on and promptly falls fast asleep. Hours later, Holly softly enters the room to awaken Lena before her departure.

The cold morning air hits Lena in the face as the sky is still dark. Tears creep out of the corner of her eyes as she hides her yawn with her hand. The woman upon spotting Lena salute her per Private Ace’s training.

Lena acknowledges their salute and says, “Soldiers, I am counting on you to protect and safeguard Holly, is that understood?”

The women nod their heads furiously as Lena smiles faintly at their firm affirmation. Lena helps Holly into the carriage, while the rest of the women easily climb into the carriage themselves. Lena firmly closes the door behind them with not a moment to spar as the driver immediately sets off in a fury.

Lena turns on her heels and heads to the dungeons as the sleepy guards let her pass through. As usual the four men are already waiting for Lena with Chief Officer Gauthier looking more pale and gaunt than typical.

Lena seats herself in her traditional seat as she groggily accepts their salutes. Lieutenant Darrell steps forth and says, “Captain, sir, the metal pipe began to vibrate again this morning.”

Instantly wide awake Lena silently curses the opposing general. That guy was turning out to be a clever little bugger. “Have they received reinforcements yet?” Lena apprehensively said.

“No, Sir, reinforcements have yet to arrive, but we have received word from our own spies that a large army is a week away,” Lieutenant Darrell firmly said.

Lena sighs as it would be difficult to fight two armies on two different fronts.

Chief Officer Gauthier steps forward and confidently says, “Captain, we have received and accepted the supplies donated to us. And I am pleased to inform the Captain, that we also received the blunt objects and pyrotechnics, but we have to yet receive the lumber and stone requested.”

The men eyes are filled with curiosity Lena says, “Make sure the supplies are delivered within a weeks’ time.”

Chief Officer Gauthier nods happily and steps back next to the men. The men expectantly wait for the captain to speak of their meetings purpose.

Lena solemnly states, “It’s about time we deal with the diggers. We aren’t going to stop them, instead we will use their own tunnels against them. Because without a doubt, the army will attack the fort from the outside, while the diggers attack from the inside.

I want Sergeant Robertson to take control of the earth mages and lead them to create a parallel tunnel from our end to their end. And before you ask why, that is because through the valiant effort of Chief Officer Gauthier, we managed to acquire some magical cannons,” Lena fluidly said as the men all gape at Chief Officer Gauthier.

Chief Officer Gauthier shyly ducks his head down not use to the attention being given. Staff Sergeant Jones excitedly says, “That’s great now we can mount the cannons on the walls and defend against the enemy!”

“No, that isn’t what they will be used for, but good try, Staff Sergeant Jones,” Lena calmly said as Sergeant Robertson sympathetically pats Staff Sergeant Jones on the back as his face droops slightly in disappointment.

“Instead, we will push the cannons through our tunnel and set them up behind the attacking army. We will set up infantry to protect the earth mages and cannons as they attack the enemy from behind, trapping the invading army between the fort and us,” Lena confidently said.

“But what of the possibility of the tunnel being discovered by other mages?” Lieutenant Darrell worriedly asked.

Lena steadily responds, “Excellent point, Lieutenant but, we won’t be discovered for the very same reason. They won’t allow their mages near their tunnel for fear of being discovered by the enemy as well. Of course, there is still risk of being discovered, but that is a risk I am more than willing to take.

Now, listen carefully to my following instruction. Staff Sergeant Jones will oversee the supervision of digging the foundation to lay the stones for the building of the woman’s barracks. While Lieutenant Darrell will be in charge of recruiting the lightest weighing men into using the black cloth we received and making flags according to my instructions.”

Staff Sergeant Jones looks confused for a moment as light slowly dawns into his eyes and a blood thirsty twinkle enter his eyes. “In that case, I am to lay the work deep and carefully prepare the earth for the various buildings, am I right, sir?” Staff Sergeant Jones evilly said.

“Yes, that is exactly what is to be done Staff Sergeant Jones. Make sure to inform Corporal Vernal of the project, but do not allow him to watch the excavation beside the first day. And don’t forget we want more than one building, multiple layers Staff Sergeant,” Lena smoothly said.

Lieutenant Darrell after a moment asks, “What exactly am I to do with the flags, sir?”

“Lieutenant Darrell, Chief Officer Gauthier will be taking care of that. Just focus on fulfilling the request of gathering the men and leave the rest to Chief Officer Gauthier,” Lena persuasively said.

Lieutenant Darrell sighs in relief at not having to do anything strange.

Lena dismisses as Chief Officer Gauthier follows her out. Dawn begins to peek over the horizon as the guards remain sound asleep. Lena smiles faintly at the sight and commends Sergeant Robertson for having such a high level of skill. Of course, that also meant he could kill with a simple touch as well.

In the office, Lena softly explain to Chief Officer Gauthier the purpose of the flags. Chief Officer Gauthier gapes for a moment before responding, “Then I am to acquire wind mages in our efforts of creating flags?”

Feeling rather pleased at his response, Lena grins with approval as Chief Officer Gauthier scurries out of the room and heads to his next destination. Lena pulls up her subordinate interface and tap her fingers methodically against the desk.

Now, the question remains who will make the first move, them or us?

~ POV of Alexander Sorrell (Crown Prince, chosen love candidate) ~

-August 3rd of 1312

Alexander stands dumbly in the palace court next the lovely, Delilah. However, the usual melodious sound of her voice is not enough to suspend his stupor.

When the announcement of war came, Alexander was just as surprised as anyone, but became enraged upon the actions of that idiot woman. Was she so desperate to gain his favor?

Alexander tried to persuade his father to forcefully call her back. To his surprise, his father stubbornly refused and flatly stated that to do so was go against a king’s honor. Would Alexander have him dishonor himself?

Alexander paled and could only pray that the that woman gave up her insane endeavor. She had always been haughty when she gazed at him. It was though she was merely seeing a foolish child. Well, he had shown her, Alexander thought as he remembered her shocked face.

The capital had practically exploded overnight upon receiving word that Captain Bartholomew had destroyed an army of 3,000 men without losing a single man in the exchange. Suddenly, the Bartholomew house and his majesty were showered with praises from the crowds.

With mixed feelings Alexander received the news. Pride in his countrymen and anger that that women was gaining the credit. Why was she still holding that honorary position?

The generals advised his majesty to appoint Lena as an honorary general assigning her to be a figurehead to calm the masses. As for the nobles to appoint an experienced general to the vital post of Fort Terra. His majesty assented and thusly so, would that woman’s short career tragically come to an end.

Alexander was filled with peace as the tide of the court changed in his favor. But most importantly that woman would return to her rightful position, out of sight.

The doors opening interrupted Alexander’s thoughts as he eagerly scans the far side of the court for the familiar red hair. However, instead a familiar strawberry blond head bobs up down. Alexander and the crowd gape to see a pretty, petite maid in uniform coming to a halt in front of his majesty and curtsying before him.

The crowd is filled with whispers as Alexander frowns with displeasure. What was Holly doing here? And more importantly where was that foolish woman! Lena!

Alexander turns to gaze at his father, who holds a slight hint of mirth in his eyes as he solemnly gazes at Holly. His majesty raises his hand and the court is filled with utter and complete silence.

“Young Lady, where is Captain Bartholomew? Was the Captain of Fort Terra not ordered to present herself immediately before me?” His majesty firmly said as his voice echoes loudly in the great hall.

Holly raises her head and holds out a carefully folded letter to his majesty. The prime minster reaches for the letter and hands it to his majesty. His majesty reads the letter and frowns. “What is the meaning of this young lady, is this not the precise note that was sent to Captain Bartholomew bearing my seal?” His majesty coldly demanded to know.

Holly coolly says, “That is correct your majesty, but that is precisely the problem. Though the letter bears your seal, your majesty, a command nor proclamation has not been issued by his majesty himself, but merely a message requesting an abrupt appearance, that certainly is not proper protocol.

Captain Bartholomew unsure of the veracity of the message, since the enemies have been known to forge seals responded according to military article 131 (a), if a military officer is suspicious of a received command and is unable to verify the veracity of said message, the officer in question may send a replacement in their place to confirm the veracity of the matter.

However, even then Captain Bartholomew was reluctant to burden me with such a serious matter until Chief Officer Gauthier reminded the Captain of military article 131 (b), if an officer is under attack or under siege at receiving such an unconfirmed message, an officer is to remain at their post at all times regardless of the matter at hand.

Left with no other choice Captain Bartholomew remained behind at the fort, but still wishing to fulfill, comply and confirm with the proclamation, I was sent by Captain Bartholomew to act and receive said promotion on her behalf.”

The Duchess of Bartholomew pales at those words and begins to treacherously slump over. His cousins from the Medici side instantly sit her down and begin to fan her.

Alexander simply cannot understand how such a folly was committed. That woman wasn’t so foolish as to trick the court, but she was a treacherous snake after all! His majesty surely wouldn’t allow the travesty, could he?

The generals and council sputter indignantly at Holly’s words, but before they can protest his majesty warningly glares at them as they close their mouths with a loud snap. His majesty rises to his feet and climbs down the steps to Holly as he says, “I am proud to have such an intelligent and brave officer in my army.”

His majesty pauses as he removes his beautiful sword from his side. The crowd holds their breath as his majesty places his blade on Holly’s small shoulder. “Captain Bartholomew, do you swear to uphold and obey the laws of the kingdom, to protect the weak and the defenseless, to fight for truth and justice, and to never betray your country and King?” His majesty solemnly asked Holly.

Holly firmly says, “Yes, your majesty I do.”

His majesty holds a slight twinkle in his eyes as solemnly says, “By the power invested in me, Captain Bartholomew you are hereby knighted as Lady Knight Lena Bartholomew and given the position and title of General of the Northern frontier. Rise General Bartholomew as the noble knight you are to defend your country,” His majesty said as he extends his hand to a rather surprised Holly to help her rise to her feet.

Holly only hesitates for a moment before emotionlessly taking his majesties outstretched hand and rising to her feet. At the sight of the King’s benevolent actions the hallway is filled with shouts, cheers and whispers.

Alexander frowns at the proud gaze of his father. His majesty had blocked the obvious route of removing Lena by knighting her as well. But now having been knighted by the King and being a noble as well, the council could not possibly remove Lena from her position unless she were to fail miserably or perish.

Alexander clenches his fists as he stomps out of the hallway. Trying to gain fresh air, he tries to relax as he sees his lovely, Delilah in the gardens. Everything would be well, soon Deliliah would be his. Hiding his hunger, Alexander sat down to bask in her smoothing smile and voice.