A Family Decision

Morgan and her team rode up over a ridge with their reports firmly stashed in saddle bags. Morgan had wrapped her extra report in two layers of clothes just in case misfortune befell anyone of their troop while they were traveling. Looking up and watching a trio of buzzards circle, Morgan nearly ran into the horse in front of her as the group suddenly halted.

There was a large field under the ridge they were on; a large field that was usually empty. Now, hundreds of tents were scattered across the field with many people milling about. Morgan caught her gasp and clicked her tongue to signal her group to move on. This was an important find but not why they were here.

Morgan arrived home just in time to wash and then eat dinner with her family. After a rushed two days, it was nice to sit down and eat with her sisters. Daphne's innocent giggles over something Teresa had said reminded Morgan why she was dedicated to her kingdom and her family. She wanted to protect them in any way she could.

Later, after she had read Daphne to a book and helped Teresa tuck Daphne into bed, Morgan met with Astraea in Astraea's sitting room. She handed over the report with the included expansion to include the camp they had seen when coming back home.

Morgan could tell when Astraea got to the part about the camp because her eyes widened.

"Do you know who's camp that was?"

Morgan shook her head. "No, but since we were about on the border…" she trailed off.

Astraea nodded in understanding, "We can made an educated guess that they are from Vallsia."

Morgan tipped her head in agreement. "Yes. The question now is what do we do next?"

Crossing her arms, Astraea leaned back in her chair. "I don't know. I don't want to drag out people into an unnecessary war but if Vallsia is gathering on our borders we can't back down."

"It's a tough situation."

"I know. The advisors are helpful but I wish Father and Mother were here."

Morgan pursed her lips, "The next best thing would be to talk to King Donovan. He's not Father but they were very close."

"You know very well I cannot go near their kingdom and we cannot invite them here. The only option I can see now is to prepare for many sleepless nights." Astraea pushed herself to standing and took a wide power stance. "Call Colin to prepare my office please. We need to start making battle plans and preparing to move troops."

*****

On the way to the dining hall the next morning, Morgan stopped to check in on the implantation of the new training regime for troops. She and Astraea had stayed up last night to draft troop movements but nothing could be executed until they recruited more troops. Part of the new regime was to run through the town as a patrol but also to inspire more people to sign up. So far it seemed as though things were going well, but only time would tell if the recruitment strategy and extra exercise were worth it.

Most of the soldiers she saw on her walk through grounds looked tired but proud as they came running through the gates of the training courtyard. There were great differences in skill and speed that would need to be fixed before they were battle ready but it was a step in the right direction for the men and women who hadn't been regularly exercising or training.

Breakfast was a solemn affair. Astraea was quiet and Daphne did not come down on account of feeling poorly. Morgan and Teresa tried to make quiet conversation but both could feel the rising tension in the room.

When Astraea broke the silence, Morgan and Teresa's heads snapped up, "We need to split up."

They spoke in unison, "What?!"

"It is the only way to keep us all safe. Morgan can take Daphne and go visit the country house and Teresa and I will go help set up camp and check in with the generals."

"Have you lost your mind?" Morgan dropped her fork to point at her sister. "How is that the best plan?"

Teresa gently placed her fork down before throwing her napkin on her plate, "How on Earth did you decide that Morgan should go with Daphne and that I should go with you?"

Astraea laced her fingers together, "I have not lost my mind and I realize this may seem random but I assure you it is not. Morgan can protect Daphne while taking her far away from any attacks. Teresa coming with me will send a signal that we are not running away while preparing for this war."

Morgan stood to start pacing the room. "I disagree. With all four of us gone, what stops someone from diverting around everything and claiming our castle as their stronghold?"

"If I stay behind-"

"Absolutely now." Astraea cut Teresa off. "You need to come help set up a medical center. Of the four of us, you have the most medical training and need to be there to make sure that the field infirmary is up to the standards needed to treat critical stage patients."

Morgan turned to Teresa, "We can't argue with her there. But, Astraea, what about the empty castle problem?"

"We will frame it as a family vacation. We will all depart together tomorrow for our country castle and Teresa and I will split off as urgent business arises in a village hospital. Colin will cover any problems that come up in the castle and I will be back as soon as Teresa sets up the hospital. All our bases will be covered and any eyes watching us will have no reason to be suspicious."

Morgan and Teresa pondered this before tentatively nodding.

Astraea nodded and clapped her hands, "Alright. Let's pack and get ready to go. We need to leave tomorrow."