Chapter 17

The scene of the mass execution spread throughout the land of stars. Many understood the message and the coming change of Isabella. The empire though did not like how Mia stood her ground against them.

Now there even more intend on destroying her kingdom. But because of the surrounding countries on their south borders, they can never cross the strait.

The war is coming soon, and the people non-humans and humans together have been forting the city day in and day out. Blacksmiths produced armor and weapons for the war. Women began to set up a section for treating the wounded.

I did my part as well. Me and the beast-men because of our strength we placed abatis in the ground while we dug ditches. Its type of defense for cavalry attacks and to make it hard for anybody to even cross it.

We had dug three rows of ditches and placed a dozen sharped edged logs. We were going to slowly fight them. Attack and run to slowly cut down on their numbers instead of sending our entire military to fight them.

Before I had gone out to help with the abatis. Princess Mia had called for meeting on how were going to handle the war.

"This war could end with in a month. My scouts reported they are passing through the Ersa bridge. They are expected to be here with the end of the weel which is only a few days away now. Seven thousand all together."

Seven thousand. How are we supposed to fight that I asked myself. "I don't plan to let them get to our city without a fight. So, we make three front stands. Right now, we only 2500 together with the addition of the slova. General Hen."

"Right. The first line of defense is in the valley between." One of the knight captain's interrupts. "The valley. They could easily just walk through the trees surrounding the valley."

"The dense forest is not ideal. A knight with armor will be looking for the easiest route to get through and moving a large force is time consuming. And I believe their king would welcome a battle if he saw it."

"He's right. though he is a coward he is also war mongrel. Continue general."

"My force will be the first line of defense. We will build abatis with the valley. I don't plan have front assault. Instead, we will rain down arrows and fire." 

"Fire?" "Lady Alie has taught a way to use oil for fighting. There are some old trebuchet catapults at the valley from the last war that was happed. I'm sure you all remember that. Anyway, me and my men could fix them up if there broken."

"And if they do start a charge." "Then we run. They can't catch us with all that armor they have on, and the abatis and dense forest will prevent their cavalry to give chase."

"It's the perfect defense place in the southern lands." Terra looks more excited out of us all. She must really want to get at it with the Lazare force. "Teh second line of defense will be our first head on attack. Its spring meaning monsoons. As you all know there is always a monsoon every few days here in the southern lands. Meaning mud."

Terra steps forward. "I will be leading the attack. I plan to hold them off a more then week. We will attack during the monsoon. Picking them off one by one. It will also be humid as well. They will be exhausted by the time they get the city."

"Which brings me to our last stand. Right now, I'm having every knight, citizen and refugee fortify our city. We can only slow them down, but the main war will be near our city. Our job is to survive and use our heads to survive this war."

Mia looks at the map on the table. "We must prepare for anything that goes wrong. We must win for own sakes."

Thinking back on she was more scared out of every one that was there. She tried to hide but her entire mana was shaking. "I wonder what Alie is doing now." She decided to stay in the city. She and the princess are probably finding ways to win this war. 

Laney and Tise should be within the castle. In case the imperial dogs try to attack the castle. Still i worry about her. "Thinking about her I suppose." 

"Hen."

"We need to focus on the fight Ivalyo. I understand why you're worried." "I know. It's just feels weird being away from her this long."

"Were only a day from the city. You'll see her soon. Just focus on the fight tomorrow." "We should be done soon. Glad we have beast-men here to do all this. Though it feels like were slaves again. Heh. Kind of funny.:

"No, this time you're not doing this against your will and you're doing it of your choice." "Honestly it's hard to say if were actual free. We're being hunted and many countries refuse to help us. Its hard to say were free."

"Your free now. This land is nothing but free and there many unknown opportunities in it. We just have to make those opportunities."

"..."

"And don't believe you don't have a future or your people. Cause I believe you do...maybe lady Alie could show that future. Think on it. It will help you grow."

"Grow?" "As a person. Not a beast-men or human. Just a person." A lot to think about. I honestly can't be sure if I grew at all during this journey. "What as a warrior." 

"The war will do that. But it won't be pretty Ivalyo. Be prepared for the horrors of war. Tomorrow will be your first growth."

Back in the city. Alie had written out plans to increase their defense. Laney had walked in bringing her tea. "Sometimes I can't understand how you and the princess have so much energy to keep writing and planning."

"Thank you for the tea."

"You miss him?" ".... I do. Its feels weird being far from him. But I understand why he wanted to go. I just wish I could be there."

"It brings him easy when you're safe. So being here is the right choice." "I can't argue that. I'm not a fighter but maybe I could have helped with being organized...but I'm sure general Hen would have that down."

"True. But I think you would be needed here. The princess is glad to have someone who can share her workload and help organize the city while she talks with her new cabinets."

"She already has new council."

"Yup, it was time after all. Though I question their loyalty, but they have the education to be part of the royal council."

"I've learned a lot being here. It's very tiring but also very fun." "How so?" "The process of learning is fun. To learn new things and understand how governing works. It has given me ideas for my country in the future."

"You're really going to try it. To build your own country. Don't you feel scared? Of failing." "Even if I do fail, I would still keep trying. I do have people to lead."

"..."

"I know there not be a good beginning to it, but the hardships and growth is what makes a country. And I am willing to take on those very hardships if it means giving people a home."

"...Your very strange. I've never come across someone like you in my life. You speak wise words. But I think their one important factor that builds a country."

"What is that?"

"War. Many people will not like the idea of having a country just showing up out of nowhere and claiming land. And I assume you're going to let non-humans into your country...Many nations will not like that. Remember the moment non-humans start to have ideas other than being property they are a threat to human society of today. And I believe your nation if you succeed will be a threat to that very rule."

"...I.."

"Just to think about for the future. Miss Alie." Laney leaves the room with me a lot to think about. War...I know I can't avoid when trying to build a country...I must be prepared for it. If it is to survive.

"I guess I'm not so smart. I need to gather more knowledge and get me more of my own knowledge within my mana pool."

I'm a spirit of the past. I can't remember my own life, but the knowledge is coming back to me. I hope it all comes back before I set out my own plan for my country or it won't survive in this world of war and famine.

Suddenly a maid comes in. "Lady Alie. Her highness would like to speak to you. She is waiting for you in her royal chambers."

"Of course. I well be there." She nods and leaves. "What now?" I make my way to her large door. It was made of red wood and iron. everything in this city is hard to break. The royal family is cautious. The maids open the door for me.

"Hello Alie." I bow respectfully to her. "What is it you need from me. Your highness." "I'm glad your here. I have someone I would like you to meet."

Behind a curtain stood a beast-men. He looked like wolf of sorts. He had dark grey hair and hazel eyes. And wore robes of a travelers.

"Hellos miss Alie. My name Cairo. I am the chancellor of Isabella and first cabinet of the council. It's a pleasure to meet you." 

"And also, my ummm well."

"Right...umm...and Mia's lover."