CONQUEST

Alexander and Valerian were seated at the Balcony of the West end of Sattinborough.

It was early in the morning and they watched the sunrise as Valerian reclined breathing in the cool morning breeze.

"It is astoundingly beautiful." Alexander said.

"I know." Valerian replied.

All of a sudden, the doors to the balcony were opened and in rushed Helren and Gerald.

"What now?" Alexander asked the very Instant that he turned around.

"Urgent news once again." Valerian said.

"Yes your Majesty." Helren replied.

"The Prime Minister reports and he is unable to come here in time.

He sends word that the whole of the South East has been cut off." Helren added.

"Cut off?" Alexander asked.

"What do you mean by that?" Valerian added.

"Apparently as we speak at this very moment, the entire South is under attack of the enemy." Gerald replied.

"They are already on conquest of the land." Alexander said.

"Yes." Helren replied.

"And the army?" Alexander asked.

"We're outnumbered and taken by surprise in addition to that.

There is no simple possible way that we can foil them at this rate, they have got numbers." Helren said.

Alexander stood up.

"Impossible." He said.

"I can't allow it." He added.

"If they continue advancing we shall lose the entire Southern part of the Kingdom.

And that very way, they would progress non the less until...." Gerald was interrupted.

"They have captured the capital." Valerian concluded.

"Exactly your Majesty." Helren said.

"And the rebels?" Alexander asked.

"Apparently they also made their escape before they were completely rounded off.

It all comes to one thing." Helren replied.

"What does the Prime Minister advise us to do at this very moment?" Alexander said.

"He insists that the best and safest way is to fall back and reorganize our troops.

We need to reinforce the troops between the South and the central part of the country.

We are at no risk of a Northern invasion so it will buy us enough time." Helren said.

"But if we retreat now we are giving them an opportunity to settle down as we reorganize.

It is easier to take them on now because once they settle, they are going to fortify their own defences.

Even if we attack in the near future the chances of acquiring a victory will be slim.

If we lose then that means they will move forward in their own conquest." Valerian said.

"But I can't endanger the lives of the soldiers at this rate.

If we don't fall back now then we are risking everything." Alexander said.

"It is still possible to defeat them at this rate." Valerian said.

"If we lose then I am in no position to protect you or this country nor am I ready to give up my throne." Alexander said.

"Then we must do something as fast as possible." Helren said.

"You told me yourself that these men are looking for war is then give it to them." Valerian said.

"I am in no position to argue over this and I have no intentions of keeping an argument on going." Alexander said.

"There must be a way that we can ambush them.

There must be a way that we can face them head on." Valerian said.

"Can't we aquire any form of military assistance from any other Kingdoms?" Alexander asked.

"The Prime Minister reliably informed us that there are barely any countries willing to give us assistance.

Your father was a ruthless King and the pride of the Scoln crown they say is excessive.

On top of that, no King throughout the land is willing to sacrifice the blood of their troops at the expense of the Scoln Crown.

Others prefer to prepare for their own defence in case they are the next." Helren said.

"Sian honestly doesn't like you and he will not be willing to help you at this moment." Valerian said.

Alexander tightened his fist as Valerian watched and he moved and leaned on the balcony for support.

"I have to do whatever it takes to safeguard my crown and protect my family." Alexander whispered.

"Your Majesty, we are short of..." Helren was halted.

"It doesn't matter." Alexander said.

"What then should I do?" Helren asked.

"Fall back from the South until our troops have been reorganized." Alexander said.

"Al." Valerian called.

"Not now, I am afraid that it is the only way, it is better to take a big chance at defending than a very small one at attacking." Alexander said.

"Yes your Majesty." Helren said and the two withdrew from the balcony.

The doors were locked behind and Valerian was left alone with Alexander.

"What was that?" Valerian asked.

"I just saved your life, you should be more grateful." Alexander replied.

"At the expense of Innocents, people that have entrusted you with their safety." Valerian said.

"They are commons." Alexander said.

"It doesn't matter." Valerian said.

"When it comes to hierarchy in any society there are those who are more important than others." Alexander said.

"There are people that don't deserve to be slaughtered as well Alexander.

You tell me this yourself, you are a King that is supposed to protect his people and not abandon them in a time of danger.

They look up to the crown and if you give up on them especially right now,

How do you expect those who will survive to be confident in the Crown?" Valerian said.

"Others will not be protected if the Crown doesn't survive." Alexander yelled.

Valerian withdrew from him slowly.

"I hope that you can at least try and understand me." He added.

"I am not just going to stand by you and watch as you abandon your people." Valerian said.

"I am saving them." Alexander said.

"Even one Scoln life is important because on that other side there are also some and children.

They have paid taxes and they have fed the land, they haven't embezzled any money or public funds.

There are families who have served in the army, families whose ancestors have protected this soil.

There are people who have told and reported criminals, men and folks who have made vast vineyards that have sustained the Royal cellars.

If you wake up one morning and turn your back on them in the name of the crown.

What Kind of King are you, what sort of King did I marry." Valerian said.

Alexander kept quiet but it was visible that there was a burning rage that was trying to break free from inside.

"Think about it Alexander." Valerian said as he turned around and walked away from Alexander's presence.

Valerian was dismayed as he walked through the hallways and he couldn't help but keep thinking about the words that Alexander had mentioned.

He had walked for a while travelling in the direction of his Chambers when Gerald caught up to him.

"Your Majesty." Gerald said and Valerian turned and noticed him.

"Gerald." He said and then he bowed his head.

"You don't look alright." Gerald said.

"How can I be after everything that is happening?" Valerian asked.

"You possibly can't." Gerald replied.

"I was hoping that Alexander might face this head on immediately." Valerian said.

"He is trying to protect the people." Gerald said.

"By abandoning some." Valerian said.

"It is a war, not every one walks from the battlefield alive." Gerald said.

"It is cowardice, no one gets challenged and they back out easily especially when they have the trust of the people." Valerian said.

"The Skartians are savages, warriors who only care about wealth and pride your Majesty." Gerald said.

"Then we are no different if we can't die for those we care about.

In fact, I would rather lose the Crown fighting for my people knowing that I will regain it one day.

It is far better than wearing the Crown as a prisoner of foreigners knowing that I will lose it another day." Valerian replied.

"Don't get angry your Majesty." Gerald said.

"I have seen what war can do before, in Olsen, Alfrenso.

At times like this, people look up to their leaders for protection, they look up to them for defence.

They are more than willing to give up everything in order to ensure that their families, their wives, children, lands and businesses survive to see another day.

The people can never be confident if their leaders aren't confident either." Valerian said.

"I propose that you rest your Majesty, this stress is not necessary especially for your condition.

It is dangerous for your health and the health of your baby." Gerald said.

"It is more difficult for me to rest because I am in the constant fear that I might lose my home." Valerian said.

"You won't your Majesty." Gerald said.

"With the gods on your side, it is very much evident that even in this situation, triumph shall be ours." Gerald said.

"I certainly pray and hope so." Valerian replied as he slowly approached the door of his bedroom that was opened for him and he locked himself inside.