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33.33% Alliah's Fight For Her Kingdom, and Her Heart / Chapter 24: Meeting Seria

Chapter 24: Meeting Seria

After the long discussion with Nicklos, we found ourselves down at the training grounds. General Bregus was busy over watching the new recruits training and didn't want to step away. We sat quietly, watching the new recruits as they practiced with wooden sticks. Swinging them diligently through the air as they swung at their partners. Feet scuffled the ground as they countered each attack or dodged out of the way to avoid each encounter. It made me feel reminiscent, reminding me of the days when I was just a kid with an ambitious dream. Every one of them was here for a reason, may it be for the throne, for themselves, or for their families. They wanted to prove to themselves that they were capable of defending their home.

A particular soldier caught my eye. The female soldier that the General had mentioned. Short chopped brown hair, with hazelnut eyes to match. Sharp and short nose gave her a fierce look. Her eyes where narrowed in concentration as she swung the wooden stick in the air and towards her male partner. She moved with grace, the stick never once faltering as she made contact multiple times with her counterparts stick. Loud smacks and thuds filled the air, along with the instructors shouts and commands. She seemed to take what the instructor said to heart, always shifting her feet as she was told to. A few times she would move back and forth, trying to throw her partner off as she looked for an opening.

It was like watching a cat stalk it's pray, dancing back and forth right before striking with its big claws. The bewildered look on her partners face told me enough that he was intimidated by her. He couldn't land a single blow on her. Every swing he would meet with air. She was to fast for him, and he was doing nothing more than chasing her around. It was amusing to watch as he grew more and more frustrated with her. The more angry he got, the more mistakes he was making and eventually she caught him off guard. As he swung, she launched forward, driving the stick into his chest. He stumbled backwards onto his back. Grunting, he glared up at her, but she remained unfazed as she offered her hand to him. Like any other typical man, he refused her offer by swatting away her hand.

The group grew quiet, watching intently as they interacted with each other. The instructor made no comments as the man stood, towering over her, and practically spitting in her face as he shouted at her.

"What makes you think a female like you can join the ranks? You are nothing more than a small nuisance. You should be helping out mommy than sparring with the big boys. Go home already, you are such an eye sore." He shoved an aggressive hand into her shoulder, pushing her to the ground in the process. The crowd snickered and I grew angry. I could feel my blood boil as I watched, not even the instructor said anything. I constant reminder that woman where undermined and not appreciated.

Disgusted, I sighed and stepped off the staircase that led into the castle.

The field grew quiet as I passed through each pair up team of trainees, General Bregus and Nicklos silently walking behind me. Their eyes went wide, fear becoming evident as they recognized my face. Even a trainee had started to poke at the angry man, telling him to shut up. But he ignored him, continuing to crouch and get in her face as I approached. He hadn't seen me coming, to caught up in his emotions.

"I don't know why you women think you can just come and go as you please. Your intended purpose was decided the day you where born. We don't need weak minded women amongst us, you will only drag us down. You don't belong here Seria, so I suggest you leave." Unfazed, she watched him. There was no defiance in her eyes, no anger. If anything, she looked like she pitied him. Her will to be a soldier out ranked that of her anger from getting berated. I was starting to like her. With her set if skills and mindset, she would be a good Knight.

"Instructor, do you always let out trainees take out their anger on other students? I thought you where better than that." I said bitterly as I stood behind the angry man. Whipping around, the rays of sun bounced of his short military cut brown hair. His dark blue eyes widening in surprise as he took me in. The fear that spread across his face was enough to make me smile. He stood at full attention, saluting me in the process. I could see him tremble slightly as I looked him up and down. Him, like the others, was wearing leather worn shirts and pants. Brown scuffed boots told me that he was an active man.

"Your Majesty-" General Bregus cut off the instructor with one of his famous earth-shattering glares. I never once received one of his glares, but watching others receive them was enough for me to not ever want to make him angry.

"You, state your name and whose family you belong to." I demanded. I watched as the man shuddered. I watched as his eyes passed from Nicklos over to the General, and then on me. He licked his lips hesitantly before speaking.

"My name is Chester Hale; my father is a Palace Guard your Majesty." I've never heard of a Hale before. But then again, there where so many guards that I couldn't keep track of all of them. I mostly just dealt with field soldiers any way, so this was of course no to surprise to me. So, I just nodded slowly, glancing at the girl to make sure she was ok. She was passively watching, waiting to see what was going to happen.

"Such a shame your ignorance got the better of you because you almost seemed promising. But I don't tolerate ignorance Mr. Hale. If you want to remain on this team, then you will show respect to all of your comrades. That goes for everyone." I said loudly, my voice ringing across the field. A low rumble of murmurs rose from the crowd, but no one protested out loud. I snickered as I watched Chester's hand tremble more. He wouldn't last a day as a Knight; it was almost laughable that he was even training to be a guard. Pushing past him, I offered my hand to the woman he pushed down.

Without any hesitation, she reached up and firmly grasped my hand. I pulled her to her feet and let her go. Casually she brushed herself off and smiled as she bowed her head in respect. She had quite a small and petite frame looking at her up close. She was very skinny, almost bones. You could tell she was malnourished. There was no way she could have a member of a family in the Palace.

"Seria, was it?" She nodded her head, again not saying a word. I smiled down at her, reassuring her it was ok. "What family are you from? Where did you learn to fight like that?" She was quite, calculating. Her hesitation told me that she wasn't sure she wanted to tell me everything, at least not with everyone around. I watched as she glanced around, watching as everyone stared at her.

"I don't have a family your Majesty. I learned how to fight from traveling Mercenaries that would pass by every once in awhile looking for work. They would often take me out on missions and give me a small portion of their shares." Mercenaries? I hope not the rogue ones. It would be a shame to have to execute her because she was in the wrong hands. She would have to be watched at all times.

"I am very sorry to hear that. But we are your family now, and we will have your back as long as you have ours. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to come find me. I see a lot of promise in you, and I don't mean that because you are a woman. As for the rest of you, if I find you bullying anyone again, you will all be dismissed back to your families. We are supposed to be working together, not against each other. We can not work on the field or even in the palace if we are divided. Right now, we are in a time of peace, but who knows how long that will even last. So, get over your prejudice ways and start acting like a team." In unison, they saluted and a 'Yes, your Majesty' passed around the group.

With a nod, I waved for Captain Bregus and Nicklos to follow me as we made our way back through the group. They stared at us as we left, their eyes boring into my back. When out feet hit the marble staircase, the instructor started calling out commands and redirecting their attention to their practice. A hand clapped me on the shoulder, surprising me. General Bregus was smiling ear to ear, clearly pleased with how I handled the situation. Nicklos was even chuckling as we ascended the staircase.

"By the gods I thought he was going to wet himself. I don't think you could have handled that any better your Majesty." The General stopped at the top of the staircase and resumed his earlier spot. I stood next to him, watching with him as I too started to laugh. I will admit it felt good being able to chew him out like that. If I had been just another soldier, that wouldn't have gone over well for me.

"As good as it felt being able to chew him out, I mean what I said. If we can't get along in training, it will lead to further problems down the road. I need a reliable army, not one divided by hate." Nicklos nodded in agreement. I sighed loudly, knowing that I obviously couldn't weed out all the resentment. I still needed reliable soldiers, and even I knew that they would continue to talk behind my back. You had to pick and choose your battles, and even the mouthiest of men, could still be good on the field.

"They are still young. They where raised with the old way of thinking, so not everyone will be as accepting as we are. Eventually though, as time goes on, they will be more accepting." Nicklos said with a grin on his face. I hoped he was right, I really did. I wouldn't be around forever, and I couldn't always step in either. Seria would have to fight her own battles like I did as well, I just hope that she would stick it out till the end. It really was better on the other side, and they will grow to respect her. But her being trained by mercenaries bothered me quite a bit. I didn't want to label her, because in truth their was a time Mercenaries where highly respected.

With everything going on right now, I just hope she wasn't being used. With her continued growing skill, I think she would be a great Knight. Her determination and calm attitude was exactly what I was looking for.

"I want eyes on her all the time. She is highly skilled and being trained by mercenaries with no family could mean she is an enemy. I won't drop my guard because she is female. We are still in the middle of a battle, and anyone could be trying to weasel their way into the Palace." We where silently watching them once again. We didn't say any words, but the same worry still hung in the air between us. The difficult decisions I had to make became more clear to me. Nothing would change unless I made the choices I had to. We might not get answers unless we let Emmanuel loose, and things wouldn't change around here, unless my father was no longer on the throne.

"Your Majesty, I know you didn't request for my presence to watch trainees with me. You also wouldn't ask for me if it wasn't important. Would you like to go somewhere quieter and discuss things?" General spoke quietly. I eyed him warily and nodded. It would be unwise to speak about these things openly. If a spy where to over here us, our plan would go out the window. He waved us to follow him. Quietly we left the training hall, an air of unease surround us.


Chapter 25: The Final Decision

Now secured in the office of Mr. Siege, we sat around the table. Grim silence filled the air after explaining my plan to General Bregus. He sat still; his hands clasped together as he stared at the table. He had begun to protest, but immediately shut his mouth. He did this a few more times before returning to silence. I had him pinned unfortunately. He has firsthand seen how uncompliant Emmanuel has been. With only ten days left now until the banquet, time was of the essence. I am sure it would at least take a few days to track Emmanuel, especially in his state, so the more time we had to track the better.

"I hate when you pin me like this Alliah. You know his Majesty won't agree to this." General Bregus muttered under his breath as he passed a stressed hand through his hair. I swore over the last few days, his hair grew more gray. The black and white peppered hair was slowly starting to fade. I sensed that he would want to retire soon.

"I have another plan for that." I muttered uneasily. Unfortunately, General Bregus was right. I would have to have permission from father about releasing the prisoner. Emmanuel was of priority and rich with information. He wouldn't try his luck with such a plan unless there was a huge guarantee that we wouldn't lose him. That was unless I try my luck and tell him I found a suitor, I might be able to persuade him. He wanted that more than anything. To pull me off the field work and keep me inside the castle walls. I wouldn't lose my privilege of commanding my officers, but I would no longer be allowed to fight in battles.

"Go on, don't leave me in suspense now." General Bregus teased, his eyes practically glowing. I gave a small sigh and before looking at Nicklos. I know I asked him once, and he has every right to turn it down again, especially because it would mean the end to everything I worked hard for.

"What is the one thing that my father wants most?" It came out almost like a whisper. Like a silk sheet sliding off the bed before falling into a small pile on the floor. The air was quiet once again, an ongoing pattern with these discussions. I knew it was because General Bregus understood what I was getting at, I could tell by the long lengthy and angry breath that escaped his mouth. I would play to my father's desires just so I could save the Kingdom. I would put away my selfish pride just to put an end to this on-going battle.

"Would you really throw everything you worked so hard for away? Just like that?" He asked quietly, bitterness saturating his voice. It dripped out like a thick syrup, heavy and thick. If I just glanced over, I bet I would receive one of his famous glares. But I just kept my eyes on Nicklos, watching his golden eyes squint with nervous curiosity. He had no idea that my father was desperate for me to get married.

"With the help of you and Nicklos here, I think I have made a pretty fine mark. I have achieved so much in my lifetime, and honestly the paper work is starting to become a headache. I have been neglecting my duties as a crown Princess to often as well. It is my job to keep the Palace in order and treat my guest with respect. But I have been to wrapped up in all this to properly maintain my title as Princess and as a Knight. Although I have had a lot of fun and I have learned a lot as a Knight, this wasn't something I could do forever. You already knew that General. Although I won't be able to fight on the fields, I can still use my knowledge to make the right calls in the future. So yes, I am willing to throw away everything I have done so far, to save my people. I want to end this quickly, and if it means that I have to get married to do so then I will." I met the General's eyes with the smallest of tears in mine.

His fingers thrummed on the table as we stared each other down, an intense battle of wills. I could see the sadness slowly creeping across his face, but a knowing smile appeared upon his lips. A sad chuckle escaped him, signaling his defeat in trying to talk me out of my decision.

"So that's why you asked me earlier. You had this all figured out already." I reached over and grabbed Nicklos's hand and squeezed.

"Yes. I had already made the decision in my head, but I just didn't know how you would react if I told you it. It seems like it's the perfect opportunity now to use this over his head. I am going to try and barter with him over the crown as well. If I can secure my place on the throne, then I can have control over what the future looks like as well. It has been something I have thought a lot about. I can make my father happy, and the people happy as well." Kill two birds with one stone. Although I don't know how well he will take to me trying to dethrone him. That might be the one thing I will have to fight over.

"If anyone can do it, I know it is you Your Majesty. You have come this far by motivation and sheer will. I don't for see you leaving that office without the throne under your ass." General Bregus chuckled. Slowly he stopped, a tear leaving his face and falling on to the table. "I can't tell you how nice it would be to have a change of leadership. I have been under your father for many years, and even though he has changed since we were younger, he still has committed many sins. I have too for obvious reasons. Things that I have tried to keep from you under his command. I think that after your mother died, he saw how the world viewed him and knew it was already too late for him to change. He put down his sword, and focused so much on you, in hopes that you would be the better leader. Which is why he has always pushed you so hard." He spoke softly, almost choking. The pain in his voice, the tired look that over took him, reminded me that there was a dark closet locked away chalk full of secrets.

Things that they didn't want to tell me. Both my father and the General didn't want me to see them in a negative light. But after what happened to my mother, I couldn't look my father in the same face with the same respect that I had for him once before. He was still my father, I would always see him as such, but the benevolent ruler aspect was long gone out the window.

"General, I will always respect you for who you are. You have done me a great service despite what may have been done in the past. The way I see it, you were following orders and had no other choice. Although what was done, is against the Knight Code, there is no one else to blame but my father. I can't respect him like I once did, but I will never be what he once was. I will sit down with my father tonight and we will discuss what happens next." I let Nicklos's hand go before rising to my feet. I would need to stop wearing my Knight garbs and put on something more dignifying if I were going to be serious with him tonight.

I felt a twang of pain in my heart, realizing that today may be the last day that I would wield a sword. The last day I would stand on the fields of war and defend my honor, my people, and my troops. For the last six years this was all I knew, all I was doing. I have learned so much over the years, made so unexpected friends. I also earned the respect I always yearned for by people other than my own father, but those were the ones I found I cared about the most. Now I was giving it all up, in hopes that this would help resolve all our problems before the clock stopped ticking.

We still weren't sure the extent of how far our enemy wanted to go, but all I did know was that they wanted the Kingdom over turned, and Illia's life taken from us. I wouldn't allow either of those things to happen. I would be no better than my father if I continued to give in to my selfish wants.


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