From King Jerome and Queen Forowena of Erisdale to King Martin and Queen Ginger, and your friends and allies.

If you are seeing this, I’m afraid we have perished for the sake of final victory over the Demon King.

To some extent, we were anticipating that our lives might be needed to finish this war. As the battles intensified, and the needs of our subjects grew, we began to sense that we would have to sacrifice ourselves. Maybe it’s a premonition, but we are rather loath to let the promise of our future die just to maintain our lives. Moreover, we’ve realised that we might need more than just an army to affix that bastard Thorgoth’s attention on Kairon-Aoun and blind him to the wider strategic scale.

I’m afraid we lied about our plan to most of our closest confidantes and allies. We needed to threaten Thorgoth and yet promise him a decisive victory.

So first, our spies spread false information about two “Cursed Swords” to Thorgoth’s contacts. The swords themselves are quite good, but other than being somewhat of an inconvenience to mages up close, are only moderately threatening. However, it gave Thorgoth the idea that we were taking such efforts to develop a weapon in secret that whatever we had might actually hurt him, which lured him to attack our army.

The carrot was our deaths. We didn’t want to resort to it unnecessarily, but the report of General Helias’s suspicions indicated to us that while Thorgoth and Berengaria remained oblivious, his subordinates suspected something was afoot. We decided that warranted or not, we had to put our lives on the line. If we managed to kill Thorgoth, then all the better, but if we failed, it would ensure final victory.

This is because while you were aware that we planned for Queen Titania to reinforce the human armies at Kairon-Aoun in the last stages of the battle, we obfuscated one rather significant detail. How large and in what fashion should the reinforcements arrive.

Queen Titania has been assembling troops and supplies in secret even before Thorgoth moved to Kairon-Aoun. She managed this due to her forces reopening the Thornspear tunnel shortly after the Alavaria Academy for Magic was liberated from his grip. Originally this was intended to provide a secondary route to Minairen, but after news of the dragons and with promising news on the siege of Erisdale, we came up with a scheme with her and General Antigones.

Through using the Thornspear tunnel, Titania’s been amassing a massive army ready to move in and ambush King Thorgoth the moment he and his army are too weak to escape. They’ve included her best cavalry and the elite troops that hadn’t scattered when the dragons took flight to scour her lands. More troops were then funnelled and secreted to the tunnel. We expect her army to reach fifteen thousand soldiers.

Of course, the problem is that our intelligence estimates Thorgoth’s remaining soldiers to be about thirty to forty-thousand and he can draw upon reinforcements from Minairen and his kingdom’s garrisons if he strips them. We can match his numbers, even exceed them if we bring Janize’s forces to our cause. If Thorgoth knew that, though, he wouldn’t take that battle. No, we needed to bait him into a battle he cannot escape from and destroy his last army and with it, what support the Kingdom of Alavaria is likely to afford him.

That meant our only option was to use our available forces to exhaust his army at Kairon-Aoun and to make him think he was preventing a threat to his life with the “Cursed Swords.” Then, after we make him think he’s on the verge of victory, we collapse on him not just with Erisdale, Lapanteria and Erlenberg’s last remaining troops, but with Alavaria’s.

Assuming we’ve managed to bleed Thorgoth’s army at Kairon-Aoun, even if the Demon King is as strong as he seems, he probably is going to find it difficult to hold off not just the Lightning Battalion, but the rest of Queen Titania’s troops.

Could he escape? Could he run away? Indeed he may, but you can’t teleport an army away. At the very least, we believe that this battle at Kairon-Aoun will have decimated Thorgoth’s last army and dealt him such a crushing defeat that his own populace would no longer defend him.

In any case, we are certain the Demon King is finished. He may escape, but if he is to preserve his support, he must fight us and it will be a matter of time before his followers will realize that even if Thorgoth cannot be killed, they can.

Thank you, everybody for believing in all that is good and righteous in this world. We pass this last hope to you all.

For Erisdale. For Lapanteria. For Erlenberg. For Alavaria. For Durannon, and for our friends.

***

When the allies called Titania, it was only the queen’s tired face appeared in the mirror. She was in full armour and in some kind of command tent. As she noted those calling her, she dipped her head.

“King—”

“The coronation hasn’t happened, though we will get to it quickly,” said Martin. Sitting down, he laced his fingers together. “How many troops did you bring?”

Titania flashed the humans a savage grin. “Sixteen thousand, with a strong core of veterans. We’re setting up defenses as we speak to prevent Thorgoth from escaping. When will your forces be ready to attack him?”

Ginger sat down beside her husband. “We just arrived and haven’t made our own assessment. Then again—” she pursed her lips and faced King Sebastian and Alexander “—Sebastian, Alexander, can you start or assign someone to coordinate with my deputy Helen to find places for our newly arrived cannon? We need to set up for an opening barrage at the very least.”

“With pleasure,” said Alexander, briefly exchanging a smile with Ayax.

“That works,” said Sebastian.

Martin drummed his fingers on the table. “I’m surprised that you kept King Jerome and Queen Forowena’s plans so secret for so long.”

“They had a fantastic plan.” Titania’s smile lessened, her lips curling inward. “My condolences for the loss of your monarchs, but they have essentially won us the war.”

Martin nodded, suppressing his sigh. “I understand, we appreciate the assistance and will call you to confirm the details of our attack.”

“I’ll look forward to it and brother?” Timur grimaced meeting Titania’s eye. “I’m sorry I had to leave you in the dark. The surprise had to be absolute. We needed to make sure that my armies and forces vanished from Thorgoth’s attention.”

The princes nodded. “I understand I…I’m just not happy about it. I am glad to see you, though.”

Titania smiled and waved. “I have to go, Thorgoth will be, or is already launching probing attacks. I need to attend to them.” With that the Queen of Alavaria ended her call and left the humans and their allies in silence.

Frances, who’d been holding onto Timur’s hand during the call, finally let go. “Martin, Ginger, with your permission—”

“Frances, go and take Timur with you,” said Ginger.

She hesitated, but Ginger flashed a smile, as did Martin. “We’ll talk later,” said the knight.

“Thank you.” Letting her feet carry her from the meeting, Frances strode on through the halls. She could hear Timur following her with his far longer strides and found herself glad of that fact.

“Thanks for coming with me,” said Frances. She came to a stop and turned around to smile at her fiance.

Timur let out a bit of a sigh as a grin returned to his face. Lifting his arms, he gestured with his hands. “Need a hug?”

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Frances, shaking her head, walked to her fiance and buried herself in his embrace. “I don’t deserve you.”

“It’s not about deserve, as you’ve reminded me,” said Timur.

Frances giggled. “You’ve also reminded me of that too. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Timur loosened his embrace, allowing Frances to meet his eyes. “So, tell me, what’s bothering you?”

“I…I miss them, Timur. Forowena, Ulric and Jerome. I wish they didn’t have to do this.” She wiped her eyes. “I must admit I’m a little angry at them as well for keeping me unaware.”

“You did sense they were up to something, didn’t you?” Timur asked.

“I did, but I wasn’t sure. Or maybe I didn’t want to realise it.” Frances winced. No, she knew it was the latter. She had known that Jerome and Forowena were planning to put their lives in the line of fire. She had dreaded it but she just hadn’t the words to confront them properly. “I guess I’m a little scared, not because of what’s to come. I’m just scared that they and so many others could do that for me, and for us all.”

The bubbling roil that were Frances’s emotions wanted nothing to do but spill out. Only her prince’s soft touch against her cheek kept it in check. For that, she could never be more grateful.

“You know we wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice ourselves for our friends. Does that scare you?” Timur whispered.

Frances winced. “Kind of? Much less than thinking of what you would do to keep me safe.”

“I’m flattered.”

“Timur!” Frances exclaimed, unable to help but match the trogre’s teasing smile.

“Sorry.” Her prince brushed his lips against her forehead. “I know what you mean dear. You showed me what you would do for me when you went into Minairen. Yes I know that was partly Morgan and Hattie’s fault, but you followed them.”

“You’re right,” said Frances, nodding.

“So what are you worried about?” Timur asked.

“Aside from that?” Frances’s voice trailed off. What was she worrying about? She let out a small exhale. Her muscles were tensed, and she felt like her nerves had been twirled and bundled up by a fork. Yet, the anxiety and the weight on the shoulders was passing.

“Nothing. Just the battle in general I think,” she murmured. Her heart still ached for Ulric and her friends, but it was a steady, constant ache. She wasn’t bothered by it. She wasn’t sure why she felt alright, but she knew who was partially responsible.

Raising herself up on the tip of her toes, she kissed her fiance on the lips. “Thank you, Timur.”

Timur, slightly flushed, chuckled. “Glad I could help.”

***

“Has anybody ever done a battlefield coronation?” Martin muttered to himself as he thumbed through a book on Erisdalian court etiquette. Across from him, Ginger and Nicole were going back on outfits. Other staff officers as well as nobles were racing around, trying to be helpful and delivering reports of all kinds.

Mara, Martin’s older sister, nudged him, almost making him drop the book.

“Mara!”

The taller Erisdalian smirked at the former knight, before gently squeezing his shoulder. “Brother, you don’t need to start your reign trying to mimic tradition. Just do what feels right.”

Martin shook his head, but it did nothing to clear his thoughts. “I know, but I feel like I should set an example.”

“Martin, you’re the Hero of Erisdale. You have already set an example for the normal, the common people who don’t have the advantages of the Otherworlders or mages. Listen to your gut and your friends.” She glanced up, and Martin followed his sister’s gaze to see Elizabeth and Ayax arriving. “I’ll inspect the troops and get them ready for the plan. Checkerboard formation right?”

Martin opened his mouth, only for him to immediately press a finger to his lips. “Salvo pike.”

Mara blinked. “Sorry?”

“See if we have any lighter cannon pieces. We aren’t going to have much room to maneuvre and neither will they. We’ll still use our typical checkerboard formation with pikemen flanked by musketeers, but this time we’re adding cannons to our front ranks.”

“I think I see what you mean. I’ll see what I can do.” Mara patted her brother on the shoulder and took off. Martin watched her leave, and smiled as Frances entered the meeting room, a smile also on her face.

“Martin!” Almost leaping to his feet, Martin ran to meet Frances’s sprint. The pair ran into each other, arm’s almost tangled together.

“It’s been too long,” said the knight.

“I know, brother. I’m sorry this hasn’t been in a better time,” said Frances. Martin flushed a little, and patted Frances’s head, making her pout for a second before she giggled.

“Didn’t we just see each other not too long ago?” Ginger asked, sauntering over. However, when Frances let go and reached out she was quickly embraced by the crimson haired woman. “Then again, work before wasting time eh?”

“Talking and just spending time with you will never be a waste of time,” said Frances, patting her friend’s back. “How has it been? I heard the siege was brutal.”

“Not as hard as you’ve been having it here. Being nominated heir, though…” One edge of Martin’s lips twisted up. “You should have told us.”

Frances chuckled, scratching the back of her head. “I’m sorry. I just…I think you would do good.”

Ginger rolled her eyes and ruffled her shorter friend’s hair. “We know and for what it’s worth, I think we’ve agree with you now.”

“I’m glad,” said Frances. She glanced between the couple. “You’re going to do great.”

“Assuming we win this,” Martin muttered.

“Frances!”

Frances turned around and bolted, dodging staff and other officers to run toward her best friend. Elizabeth, eyes moist, practically swept her friend off the ground as they embraced, giggling.

“I missed so much! You got engaged!”

“I know! I can’t believe I proposed!”

“I knew you would! I’m so happy for you!”

“Thank you, Liz. Thank you so much. Will you be my bridesmaid?”

“Like anybody would dare to stop me!”

Still trying to stifle giggles and ignoring the glances of the others in the room, Frances let go of her friend and drew her troll cousin into a hug.

“Hey Ayax.”

A wan smile gracing her lips, Ayax squeezed Frances tight. “Hey cuz. It’s done.”

Frances nodded. “I heard Elizabeth did him in.”

Ayax nodded, her tail curved up behind her, held quite still. “Yes. Is it weird that I’m just glad it’s over and we can start really living?”

Studying the troll’s bemused expression, Frances shook her head. “No. I think it’s more than natural. You hated the idea that your parents killer was still out there, but you wanted him out of your thoughts.”

“Exactly.” Ayax pulled Frances close in again, giving her one last squeeze. “Thank you, Frances. I’m really lucky to have you for family.”

“Me too.” Letting go the cousins turned back to their little group of five best friends. All a little older, all a bit changed, and yet, alive and well.

That very fact brought tears to Frances’s eyes. She wiped them away, but she couldn’t banish her smile.

“Where’s your fiance?” Ginger asked.

Frances chuckled. “He’s hanging out with Aloudin, Olgakaren and Epomonia. I’m not sure what they’re doing exactly. I suspect he will be out late.”

“We should take this opportunity to catch up,” said Elizabeth.

Martin winced. “I’d love to, but we’re a bit busy—”

Ayax tapped Martin’s shoulder with her tail, making him blink. “No buts, Martin. You need help with your coronation right?”

The knight nodded. “Yes, but—Pardon, oh. Oh wait, you can help with it. Are you sure, though?”

Frances arched an eyebrow. “I mean, why wouldn’t we help you?”

“That is a good point. Besides, we have some ideas we’d like to throw around,” said Ginger. She patted her buff leather coat, typical of a cavalry officer and grimaced. “I want to wear something a little more you know, regal, or feminine but something appropriately military. This doesn’t cut it. I was wondering what were your ideas, Frances.”

“I have a few. I might need some help from you Ayax with the needlework, though,” said Frances.

Ayax shrugged. “Sure thing, but let’s get going to somewhere more quiet. Reconvene somewhere else with everything we need.”

“I got the drinks!” Ginger exclaimed.

Frances raised her hand. “I got the food!”

Ayax grinned. “I’ll grab the material we need to plan things along with clothing samples.”

“I pick the top of that small round tower at the corner of the courtyard, which I’ll ensure is clear,” said Martin, raising his hand.

Elizabeth put her hand in the centre of the circle. “And I pick the time of in an hour. I’ll clear your schedules Martin, Ginger.”

“Oh thank Amura and Rathon for that,” Martin muttered, smiling with relief. As one, the other four placed their hands on top of Elizabeth’s. With a cheer, they raised their arms as one and split off.

***

Frances didn’t have time to make something too fancy. Instead she opted for comfort food. Roast chicken with lemon seasoning, a vegetable stir fry, fried rice with sausage, and dale-brick fries with gravy and cheese curds to mimic a poutine.

She knew she was running late as she carried two baskets of food in her arms, but she was sure her friends would forgive her once she showed up with this feast.

With the smells of her labours wafting behind her, Frances strolled down through the courtyard gallery to the tower they planned to meet. She could see two women in the distance walking together, talking quietly as they did so.

One was in Lightning Battalion blue velvet and the other was also in a matching uniform, but it was far more ill fitting. Frances could tell by how she scratched and kept adjusting it with bandaged hands.

Before she knew why, Frances found herself slowing down. She wasn’t sure why, but it felt necessary.

Then it clicked as she saw the pair turn from their conversation to face her. Her breath stopped as she saw the scar across the blonde woman’s face and recognized the now haggard features of her darker-skinned companion.

“Oh, hello Frances,” said Jessica, waving a hand.

Frances managed a smile. “Hello, Jessica.” She had not talked to her former bully much aside from during war missions. She preferred to let Martin and Ginger talk to Jessica, and they apparently got along quite well with the blonde. Even so, she had heard of Jessica’s heroics and her continued good service as part of the Lightning Battalion. She had been even told that her former bully had befriended a now married pair of battalion soldiers.

No, Frances’s stillness was caused precisely by one woman, who stood beside Jessica, trying her best to keep her eyes up. Leila’s gaze however, continued to fall to the ground as she hid her bandaged hands behind her back.

“Hi, Frances.”