Mastermind

As everyone was getting acquainted, one question was burning in the minds of all the kings and queens.

"So tell us, king Rufus Fairfax. You are the master and king of this city. Whom of us is most fit to lead?" Bertrand asked.

"We are here because of king Ritter of the Aurelian. He has helped to unite us. Bring us all together. I see him as the most qualified person to lead us," Rufus said.

At that moment, Ritter looked confused and said," Actually, I am a statesman and a capable diplomat, buuuuuut when it comes to military leadership, strategy, and command, I am...."

"He sucks....." Maxim finished.

Rufus looked confused as the knights, kings, and queen stared at him with eyes that waited for an answer.

"How about queen Satifa to lead us. She is the most powerful person here," Rufus said.

"Oh, I am no good with such things either....." she said and took a sip of wine.

"HUH...."Rufus said.

"I have never led a military expedition, so I recommend you not elect me to lead this war. Hah, I cannot ride a horse or use a sword, and I once even led a small contingent in the opposite direction for three days. It was because I had confused the pointy things on the compass," she explained casually and laughed at her own blunder.

"I WILL THEN LEAD THIS MIGHTY FORCE!" Athelred yelled out.

"A dumb animal can not lead us. I am by far the most reliable and experienced leader," Raymond said.

"We will not fight for a person, who has a questionable resolve," Jacques stated.

"I at least have an army. You need me more than a knight who failed in his duty, that can be seen in his armor!" Raymond insulted.

~~

The first day had ended in complete disaster for the alliance. King Raymond Guiscard and high king Athelred Haraldrar had almost started to fight each other. Bertrand took out his massive sword, queen Alexia bickering with other lesser independent dukes and princes.

"Kinda makes us seem like good rulers of a kingdom," Haley said to Rufus.

"Yeah. And I thought the Haraldrar and Guiscard were cousins or somehow similar," Rufus pondered.

"We are siblings, but we also bicker almost all the time," Haley pointed out.

Rufus summoned his wings and flew up. Haley created a crystal that floated and lifted her also in the air.

They flew above the city of Jacobstadt. Thousands of torches were lit outside the city's walls as many armies had camped there.

"So, you think the queen has any plan to lead the army? She still could be persuaded to lead and be the face of the leadership." Haley asked him.

"Well, no...."

"What brought you to a conclusion?" Haley asked.

"Well, during the meeting, after everyone started to fight, she grabbed a wine glass and was as much help as the furniture in the room," Rufus explained.

"Yeah, I saw that as well. Just wanted you to say that with your dumb, frustrated expression," Haley laughed and then asked, "How about Ritter Aurelian? After they started fighting and queen Satifa started to chug done the wine, I saw him leave with you running after him."

"Yeah, I ran after him to try and persuade him again, but he calmly said, My knowledge of warfare is that I know what end of the spear is the pointy one."

".....yeah I heard that too. Just wanted you to say that again as well."

"Why don't you lead? You certainly are powerful and respected?" Haley asked.

"I was compared to a kid by one of the kings...."

"No one doubts you are not worthy. You just have to lead by example and tell the other kings, warlords, and queens what to do."

"Hah, what makes you think I can come up with it. I will have to hope Doreen comes up with a good plan once more and whispers it to my ear."

"ooooooor?"

"Or what?"

"Or you come up with it."

"How can I come up with a plan? I am no leader of men with a mind for war and strategy. I know how to fight, but always, others have guided my actions," Rufus asked in a confused tone.

"What have you done for the last few years? You had led this kingdom to prosperity. You have seen and won many wars. You have succeeded and failed, but when you have failed, you have learned from your mistakes. Honestly, I am getting tired of these pep talks, and I feel like a drunken Bard singing the same song on repeat."

Rufus and Haley dropped down a hill, looking at the royal capital from a distance.

"How would you search for a viable strategy?" Rufus asked Haley.

"I would try to irritate the emperor as much as possible like a mosquito buzzing in the ear. You remember his children and big egos, and who do you think they go it from...."

~~

Rufus pondered, and they flew back to the palace after a while. He had every king and queen wake up and tell them to meet in the throne room.

"What is this commotion in the middle of the night," Raymond bickered.

"SILENCE!" Haley yelled and took command of the room," The king of the Farifax kingdom is about to talk!"

Rufus sat on his throne, and with a tremendous divine aura coming from him, he said, "I have come to the conclusion that I am to lead this alliance. I am by far the most qualified and capable person here."

"I accept and will gladly follow any command you tell me, king Rufus," Jacques of the nation of Elva said and slammed his fist on his chest.

"I am of the same mind as my fellow outcast knight," Bertrand followed.

At first, Raymond and Athelred were at odds, but without uttering a word, they capitulated.

"This is all great, but Rufus Fairfax has only fought in three wars. Are we to believe he has a strategy and a way to defeat such an overwhelming enemy with the forces we have here," Raymond still questioned.

Rufus then stared at king Ritter.

"Do we still have the gravity ships we used to move the Saracens in use?"