Chapter 9: Battlefield Part 1

An hour prior to Serenah's arrival

Amanah stood next to her father surveying the Plains of Tenroc. She frowned. The area was an open area plain. No places to hide, everything visible to the troops. It was the worst possible situation for a battle. At least for their enemies, that is. She smirked. In such unfavorable conditions the Cornibus, Figura Muta, and Succo would be open prey for their troops. Her blood heated at the thought of the slaughter she would help bring to the battlefield.

Hearing footsteps behind her, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled at her father. "Your Majesty," she replied, taking a moment to curtsy to him once he reached her.

"Daughter. Are we ready?"

"Yes. First General Perdere is doing the final checks of our troops."

"Good. How do you feel we will fare today?"

"Our god promised us victory, did he not? I'd say I'm feeling in high spirits."

King Bayrel laughed at his daughter's enthusiasm. This was why he favored her. She took after him in all the best ways. She was nothing like her weakling sister.

He broke from his thoughts at the sound of his guard's voice.

"Your Majesty!"

He turned to the young man and snapped, "What?"

"Sir, the vanguard has reported that Crown Prince Fidelis and King Mikel have arrived."

Bayrel's expression changed to one of calculation. Had his enemy decided to come fight after hearing that he and Amanah would be involved? Not that it mattered. They and their people would die this day. Autem had promised him victory. He could almost taste it.

"So, the brash prince and his father have come to die," cooed Amanah.

Bayrel smirked at his daughter's words. He truly loved this side of her that was so much like himself.

"It would appear so, my daughter."

"Then let's not disappoint them."

He laughed and gestured for her to follow him. Ten minutes later they arrived at the strategy tent and were greeted by First General Perdere.

The older man bowed and murmured, "Your Majesty. Your Highness."

Bayrel looked down at the map of the Plains of Tenroc. "What is our strategy?"

"We are using the hawks to do reconnaissance above our enemies. So far, they've not moved much. They seem to be assessing the situation just like we are."

"Hmm. That's not a bad thing. A little caution never hurt anyone. However, let's use their caution to strike first. Do you agree, First General?"

"I do, Your Majesty. I'm sure they think we will wait before moving. Action is best."

"Yes, it is." Bayrel turned to Amanah. "Take a contingent of 1,000 soldiers and head for Mikel's and Fidelis's left flank."

"Yes, Father."

"Pedare, take a contingent and take the right." Bayrel glanced over at the other gentlemen in the tent with them. "General Mansu, you will take the center with a contingent. The remaining troops will stay with me. Make sure that your troops have fifth-circle level mages to help combat the Succo."

"We understand, Your Majesty."

The two generals and Amanah left the tent to carry out his orders. Pleased with his strategy, he sat back and waited for more news to come.

~***~

King Mikel studied his gathered generals. To his left stood his son and heir, Fidelis. Next to his son were General Robur, First General Mayfon, and First General Laysi.

Mayfon, a Figura Muta, stood tall at 6'6, with bulging muscles and a mocking grin that he used to disarm his friends and enemies alike. No one ever truly knew what the man was thinking. That was just the way he liked it. Compared to him, Laysi was dainty at 5'11 and her pale skin and blonde hair were the first things people noticed about her. If you were unlucky enough to be her enemy, they would be the last things you saw before she used her fangs to drain you of your life.

"Your Majesty, according to our scouts the enemy has made a move. We are ready, able, and strong. Shall we proceed to destroy them?"

Mikel glanced at the map before him. He still had misgivings about this battle. Why would Autem tell them to battle here? His gut was screaming that this battle was a trap but why would a god do that? It made no sense. He shrugged off his uncertainty.

"Yes, let's proceed with Laysi's plan."

Laysi bowed and flashed her fangs. She always relished a good fight. It was one of the reasons she was a First General.

The generals filed out leaving Mikel and Fidelis. "Son, are you ready?"

"As ready as anyone can be when constantly fighting battles."

He frowned at his son's words. He could hear the weariness in his voice. He truly wanted everything to be over so they could finally have peace. As long as King Bayrel and Princess Amanah lived and breathed, that thought was a vain wish in the night.

He clapped his son on the back. "If our luck holds and the priests' words are true, today will be it."

Fidelis grunted, bowed, and left the tent to join the troops he was leading into battle.

Please, Lord Autem, our glorious creator above, let this be the battle to end all this suffering and pain, prayed Mikel.