Chapter 44: Leadership

“The resistance wants to hear from you,” Gunnar said, following Emilia down the underground passageway that passed as a hallway.

“What do they want to hear?” she asked, creasing her brow.

“They want to know the plan. They want to hear you speak and inspire them to your greatness,” he explained.

“Oh,” Emilia said, casting her eyes down to her feet. She wore them bare everywhere she went now. Heels had always been for the look but now she felt things with her feet, energy, sensations, things that kept her connected to the planet and those she was near.

“Queen Emilia, you can do this,” Gunnar assured.

“Amun was the leader. He inspired the people. I was never allowed to take an authoritative role,” she reminded the general.

“I know that.” Gunnar stopped walking.

Emilia turned to face him, discovering his normally shimmering eyes were hidden by shadow. She placed a hand on his shoulder.

“What plagues you?” she asked.