Alliance (closed)

The battle had gone badly for the Caarians. The Essenian cavalry had smashed through their lines with the first charge and despite having double the men, the Caarian spirit and morale had broken and they were driven back. The Essenians cavalry had harassed the fleeing Caarian soldiers, killing many until they managed to escape into the mountains bordering Caaria and Taren. The pursuit had stopped and the victorious army had returned to their war camp.

With over a hundred thousand soldiers and half as many camp followers, the camp was situated around a small village known as the Three Crossroads. The borders of Caaria, Taren and Avarone met the Three Crossroads but instead of a thriving mercantile town, the village was run-down and dilapidated. There were always tensions between the three nations and as a result little trade flowed between the three.

King Tomas of Essenia rode from the battlefield and headed through the camp to his tents near the centre of the camp. His soldiers greeted and cheered him on, buoyed by the great victory they had claimed today. He acknowledged the cheers with no small sense of pride; he had expected a bloody battle today but his soldiers had acquitted themselves well on the battlefield.

The royal tents were large but sparsely furnished; the tent was divided into two parts. The larger exterior part served as a war room; a large table with a map surrounded by chairs. The smaller part had his bed, a writing desk and racks for his armour and weapons.

Coming into the tent, King Tomas with the help of his valet stripped off his armour. He had collected a few wounds in the day’s fighting, mostly just small cuts but a large wound on his shoulder bled freely. An enemy knight had managed to get close enough to swing at Tomas with his broadsword. Tomas had managed to get his shield up and it only deflected the blow. The knight’s sword had caught in the shield and Tomas had quickly dispatched the man.

“The wound needs stitching, my lord.” Marius, his valet, said as he removed the hastily wrapped bandaged around Tomas’s shoulder and bicep.

Tomas grunted. He never liked needles. “Do what you have to.”

As Marius went to fetch his needles and wire for binding the wounds, Tomas settled on one of the chairs using a rag to wipe most of the blood and dirt from his face and chest. By the time Marius returned Tomas had managed to clean himself up except for the wound on his shoulder.

As Marius started to work on the wound, a guard entered the tent. “King Tomas, there is an envoy from Queen Sophia of Avarone waiting outside. A knight.”

“Well, send him in then.”

“Her, King Tomas. The knight is a woman.”

"King Tomas has agreed to grant you an audience with him."

The woman smiled, something that was seen more in her eyes than on her lips-her helmet obscured much of her face, leaving just the bridge of her nose and two warm, sparkling eyes the color of the forest-dark green with bits of brown interspersed throughout the irises.

"I thank you." Her velvet, confident voice issued from within the confines of her helmet, the knight slipping from her horse gracefully. Surrendering her sword and bow to the guard without protest-much to the discomfort of the two knights she had arrived with, a man and a woman-she entered the tent once the flap was lifted for her. Her two comrades shifted and cast worried glances to each other, but did not move otherwise, remaining seated in their saddles and watching the other men warily.

The woman moved comfortably and deftly in the heavy mail and armor, as if she had much practice in wearing it. Her breastplate bore intricate filigree along the collar and sides that shone brightly against the duller metal behind it. Her right pauldron was imprinted with a roaring lion reared up on its hindlegs, a rose clasped in each of it's paws against a sun motif, a bow at its feet. Queen Sophia's emblem, the emblem all of her soldiers bore on their shields and carried standards. Avarone's symbol.

She bowed, paying little mind to his state of dress as she curled her right hand into a fist and thumped it softly against her chest, leaving it pressed over her heart in Avarone's salute.

"Honorable King Tomas, I ask your forgiveness in the lack of gifts or fanfare-while it pains Avarone to send so humble an envoy, we know better, more important things currently hold your attention, and thought it prudent to send fast messengers."

She rose then, a brief study of the man. "It seems Caaria misjudged the strength of your army, King Tomas. I and my comrades rode in to find your men in the midst of celebrating victory. Congratulations are in order." A moment ticked by, then two. As if she were considering how to phrase her next few words.

"It is no secret there have been...tensions between Avarone, Taren, and Caaria for some time. It is all our country can do to repel invaders...but these tensions have finally reached their breaking point. Without Caaria to distract and split Taren's armies, it is feared Taren will look to Avarone. Many times before their King has sent proposals to Queen Sophia...proposals that were returned unanswered. What has not been given, we fear might be taken-and with your countrymen now also at our borders..."

She splayed her empty hands, a gesture of explanation without words. Avarone could not fight a war on two fronts-they could hardly fight a war at all. It was all the country could do to repel invaders, using the heavy woodlands that bordered their lands to ambush and waylay enemy soldiers. Should Taren and Essenia clash there, surely Avarone would lay razed and ruined.

So far, none of the skirmishes had ever managed to reach Avarone's interior. But Essenia had the means to burn the forests and march on them regardless-just as Caaria had had, should they have turned the full force of their armies upon it instead of Essenia. Only careful political maneuverings by Queen Sophia had prevented Avarone's ruination so far...and those of her father before her.

And now she had sent her envoy to King Tomas, the newest of lieges in these wars.

The lady knight cut to the chase. "You have soldiers. Avarone has the infrastructure and the farms to feed them in this war of yours. Allow us to align ourselves with you, so that we may focus on on our mutual enemies rather than on each other. What military support we can spare, we shall. What supplies you require, we can provide. Avarone would be pleased to serve as your vassal, rather than be crushed beneath your heel."

Her eyes were intelligent, weighing the man before her. "What say you, King Tomas?"

Tomas knew a little about Avarone. Caaria was located between Essenia and Avarone and years of tensions between Essenia and Caaria had meant that little trade from Essenia flowed through to Avarone. Some Avaronese merchants reached Essenia by sea but they were few and far between. There was no diplomatic contact between the two nations. As far as Tomas knew Avarone did not have much of a military but had wealth and resources. Avarone used what military strength they had with guile and cunning to keep both Caaria and Taren at bay for years.

His guards led the knight in to the tent. Despite being a messenger, it was obvious that the knight was one of high standing. Her armour was well-made with elaborate ornamentation and the sigils of Avarone and she wore it with ease of someone who was used to it.

“Apologies for greeting you in this state, Ser.” Tomas said as the green-eyed knight approached him with a bow and salute. “I am afraid this morning’s fighting was intense and none of us has really had the time to prepare properly. I am afraid this may take a little more time.” He motioned to a small jug of wine and goblets on the table. “Please take a seat and help yourself to some wine if you wish. And tell me what the message you carry from Queen Sophia is.”

Tomas gritted his teeth as Marius worked. Tomas could feel the needle pierce his skin and the wire thread dragging through his flesh as Marius pulled the wound closed. Thankfully the knight made no comment but carried out her duty. Tomas listened as she spoke, it helped to focus his thoughts away from the work Marius was doing.

Tomas considered the knight’s words. He could understand the situation the Avarone were facing. One nation that had been threatening them for years had only been replaced by the invading forces of another. “My thanks to Queen Sophia and Avarone. Rest assured Essenia has no plans or desire to invade Avarone. As you know this war started because Caaria invaded us. We only took the fight to them to ensure that it never happens again.”

Finally Marius snipped the thread and tied it off. He brought Tomas a tunic and a goblet of wine. Tomas took a seat opposite to the knight as she spoke of the proposal from Queen Sophia about an alliance between their two nations.

Tomas smiled and nodded. “I say that is good and welcome news, Ser. This news could not have come at a better time.” He gestured at the map in front of them. “I have no intention of attacking Taren but ever since we beat back the Caarians, King Bocchus of Caaria and High Lord Valesian of Taren, have been talking of forming a temporary alliance to deal with me. And now with the defeat of the Caarian army, most of the Caarian nobles and royalty have fled to Taren. Some of their army escaped into the mountains too and no doubt they will be rallying them in Taren. In a few weeks they might attack again. This time backed by the Tarians too.”

Tomas leaned back in his chair. “I have a message to Queen Sophia. Tell her that I accept her offer.”

The tales about King Tomas did him a great disservice-first impressions told her he was no warmonger, despite what rumors circulated around Caaria. No, this warrior king seemed less bloodthirsty and more reasonable than most. Of course, the lies told by one’s enemies were rarely favorable.

The knight paid close attention as he spoke, her eyes sweeping over the map as she thought on what he said. The lady knight sat straight backed with her gloved hands resting in her lap, dark green eyes lifting to his face as he continued.

It was the Tarian king that had most offended her. She would not have him in Avarone. Not one step within its interior. And she had little doubt Valesian would aid Caaria. Whether they thought they could win a war with Essenia she was unsure-but she what she WAS sure about was that they would settle for Caaria’s countryside, joining the lands to their own before turning towards Avarone, should the war end in anything less than their decimation.

It was part of the reason she was here. To beat Valesian to negotiations, offer Avarone’s aid while the insult of Caaria’s attack was still fresh to King Tomas and all of Essenia, Taren’s harboring of Caarian nobles on top of that.

Even should King Tomas prove treacherous, better to risk things with him rather than ancient enemies.

Perhaps that explained her surprise when he accepted the offer exactly as it was presented to him. No attempt to gain more than promised, no exploiting what was, admittedly, the power imbalance between the two nations. Not one demand. They were offering what she felt was a fair deal, and he accepted it without trying to take advantage.

The knight’s hands lifted, unbuckling the helm with a few quick, deft movements of her fingers before she lifted it off of her head-a curtain of fiery dark red hair spilling out, soft tresses tumbling over her armored shoulders and back as she considered him a moment, setting the helm on one armor encased thigh.

She was a rather beautiful woman, her skin sunkissed rather than the pale white so many other royals strived for-defined cheekbones, a straight, pert nose and full, mauvish lips. Her eyes topped all, however-fringed in long lashes and almond shaped, they had been striking enough within the confines of her helmet, but framed in that contrasting red hair…

Well. It was no wonder Valesian was rumored to have sought her hand, and it hadn’t been just for Avarone’s wealth.

“Then I am pleased to call us allies.” Her lips curved into a smile, the graceful woman rising to stand. “For I am Queen Sophia of Avarone. I...apologize for the deception.” She extended a hand in greeting, her helmet under her opposite arm, that smile charming, even dazzling. She had not intended to reveal herself, but his quick acceptance with no attempt to throw his weight around had impressed her. Impressed her enough to dispense with trickery, in the least-though it was a large, perhaps imprudent risk.

But King Tomas seemed to be a smart man, and he would be better served with her at the helm in Avarone to ensure the offered aid than her murder.

Well, one hoped. Sophie had never found cause to fear a man before, and she would not do so now.

As Tomas finished speaking, the lady knight reached up to and pulled off her helmet. Dark red curls fell out, outlining her tanned face and mesmerizing green eyes. Something tickled at Tomas’s memory. He had heard that the women of Avarone was famous for their beauty and the knight in front of him proved the rumours were true. His train of thoughts came to a halt when the knight spoke again.

“For I am Queen Sophia of Avarone. I...apologize for the deception.”

It took a moment for Tomas to recover. He stood up and took the hand she offered and bowed, kissing the back of her hand gently.

“A pleasure to meet you, Queen Sophia.” He said as he straightened, he held her hand just a bit longer than was customary. “This is a surprise but not to worry. I understand the need for the deception; with the war the number of bandits and deserter groups roaming the countryside increases and it is dangerous to travel even with an escort. Even a Queen and her guards would be a tempting target for bandits.”

Tomas led her back to her seat and took seat on a chair next to her. “Of course, we have made some attempts to hunt down the bandits and deserters but I have been to assign many men for the task. We took care some of the larger encampments near the border Caaria has with Avarone but many more are still active. This alliance would give us the means and men to deal with them.”

He indicated the map. “However I am afraid that such an action will have to wait until we deal with Taren and the remains of Caaria. What sort of aid can Avarone provide, my lady?”

The armored queen retook her seat and nodded as he spoke. There had been reports of Essenia’s swift justice for the encampments on the journey here-months of harassment and occasional skirmishes on Avarone’s borders finally ended, at least by the ones in question.

He seemed genuinely pleased with the idea of joining their two countries together as allies, and that, in turn, pleased Sophie.

“Aside from the border guard and the men and women tasked with protecting Avarone’s interior, I have just under 13,000 soldiers to join the war. Some of which I will need in order to properly protect the supply lines from my country to your army.” Sophie was prepared with figures, having counted on further negotiations. That, and she was sharp and attentive to matters of state. Queen Sophia needed few advisers-she had a head for numbers and logistics and had an excellent memory.

“We are not the largest of countries and our army reflects this-but you cannot find better archers anywhere.” Indeed, they were famous for them. She inclined her head slightly. “Avarone also has the coin to hire mercenaries to bulk up our combined forces, should you require it. As well as the capability to purchase more horses and supplies, depending on your army’s needs. My coffers are open to you, King Tomas.”

There had been no palace expansions, no overly extravagant tournaments or affairs in her rule thus far. Like her father before her, Queen Sophia was a shrewd, fiscally responsible monarch, parlaying her country’s wealth without bankrupting it-or herself.

But now that the time for war had come, the gold could be of use.

“Most of all-our farms can feed a good portion of your men. Once I return to Avarone with a better idea of your needs, I can set everything in motion promptly. Perhaps even before Valesian realizes I have joined your cause.”

She was too ladylike, too regal to speak badly of the Teran leader-but there was something about her eyes, a brief failing of her otherwise warm companionability that, while subtle, spoke of her distaste for the man.

No, Queen Sophia was no friend of his.

Just as quickly as it had come, however, it was gone, a warm, sharing smile lighting on her lips once more.

Tomas nodded and smiled. “That is good news, Queen Sophia. Your 13,000 soldiers would be valuable. According to my scouts, Valesian has mustered the Tarian army; some 80,000 men and they are bolstered by remnants of the Caarian army, close 20,000 men. We took only a few casualties in the battles with Caaria; I have a little over 28,000 soldiers fit for action. They need some time to rest and recuperate.”

Tomas bent over the map, pointing out the locations of his and their enemies armies to Sophia. Tomas grimaced as his freshly stitched shoulder panged with pain as he moved his arm.

The mountain range between Caaria and Taren was nearly impassable except for one pass. “The Tarians hold the pass here. It would be impossible to attack directly, and they are too well dug in and fortified. I planned to build fortifications and wait for the Tarians to attack. Making a defensive stand on this side of the border is a risky strategy but with my numbers that was the only option.”

He pointed to a small area marked on the map. “But now with your soldiers, especially your archers, we have another option. That marked area is a small ravine, only a goat track but it is wide enough for men and horses to traverse through. On the other side is a cliff that looks over the Tarian camp. Your archers on the slopes here can provide cover for our infantry and cavalry to charge their camp.”

“The generals from whom I learned my craft would always say that the best enemy to fight against is one who is stupid. If he isn’t stupid, the next best thing is pride.” Tomas smiled dryly. “Valesian is both an imprudent and prideful man; he does not expect us to break through the pass and has neglected to build any fortifications for his camps. And I doubt he thinks we would take the battle to him and attack. With surprise on our side and a little luck we can end the war here.”

Tomas was surprised by her offer to open up Avarone’s coffers for him. It was not known for kings and queens to be that generous, but even with only briefly knowing Queen Sophia, he could tell that she was an exceptional woman.

“That is a generous offer, Queen Sophia,” Tomas said with a smile and a slight bow towards her. “Thank you but I rather not risk a battle on someone who’s loyalty can be bought for coin. It is better if you kept the gold for later. After the war is over mercenaries can be useful in clearing out the bandits and keeping the trade routes between our nations open. Opening trade routes between our countries would be beneficial; both right now and in the long term. When the Caarian’s invaded Essenia, they managed to take control of a large portion of the countryside, and when we drove them back, they burned the fields. That combined with rationing and the requisitioning of materials for the war is having a bad effect on both the Essenian people and economy. My people would be grateful to Avarone. And you have my gratitude, Queen Sophia.”

“And as for supplies for the army, we do not lack much for any provisions other than food. When the Caarian’s abandoned their camp, we found many stores; weapons, armour, arrows, and we captured a large number of their horses but not much in the way of food.”

Tomas noticed a shadow passing over Queen Sophia’s face as she spoke of High Lord Valesian before it was replaced by her soft smile.

“Is everything alright, my lady?” Tomas asked, a bit concerned.

His men weren't the only ones that needed time to rest-Sophie pretended not to notice his grimace, but she felt a measure of sympathy for him when he did so.

Sophie's serene face was open and listening as he spoke, those intelligent green eyes studying the map, nodding to the truth in his words. He would make good use of Avarone's help, she could already tell. Sharp as she was, it was good to have his expertise. She continued to be pleasantly surprised by him, his desire for trade between their peoples. Overall, everything he said vindicated her decision to extend the offer of an alliance.

“Is everything alright, my lady?”

He was also very perceptive. The queen's smile became a little fixed. No less beautiful, but not quite genuine, either.

"You are correct about Valesian." Her melodious voice responded as she rose to stand, her smile fading, that shadow again. Her eyes glittered with determination, perhaps even danger as they flicked back to the map, back to Teran's lands.

"He is indeed a man of imprudence and pride." For just a moment, one might almost pity Valesian. Even if one knew nothing at all about Queen Sophia, that glitter alone, her tone made her seem a formidable enemy.

And then it was gone as her eyes returned to him, another smile as she again raised her fist and placed it over her heart-this time she only inclined her head rather than a full bow, now that her identity as a queen had been revealed.

A formidable enemy-and perhaps a loyal friend.

"I am pleased we can work together to end the threat on both of our countries, King Tomas." She said warmly. "Look for Avarone's standard in the coming days-bearing soldiers, food, and friendship for the Essenian peoples."

Tomas did not press Queen Sophia about Valesian any more. For some reason the man disconcerted her and Tomas had to wonder what kind of man Valesian was to be so unsettling for someone of Queen Sophia’s character and bearing.

Tomas returned her salute with his own bow. “I am pleased too, Queen Sophia. Essenia looks forward for the aid and friendship from Avarone. I will send word to my ministers in Essenia, so that they can send a delegation to negotiate a formal trade and diplomatic treaty between our nations. I am afraid with the war, I cannot spare the time for the fine points of diplomacy.”

Tomas settled back in his chair and sipped from the goblet. “Once your men arrive here, it would
take a week or so to organise them along side my armies; to go over tactics and strategies. However I should tell you, Queen Sophia, that I have sent envoys to Valesian offering peace but so far he has rejected all of my terms. But even now if he were to accept those terms, I will abide by them. I have no wish to waste the lives of my men or the lives of the Tarians if it can be avoided.” He paused. “But I doubt that he would accept. I will not attack first, I will wait until he makes the first move. Then we will finish this one way or the other.”

Once again, King Tomas’ honor shone through. She was not surprised to learn of the envoys-nor was she particularly worried Taren would accept any offer. Valesian was arrogant. He believed his numbers would win the war easily. Perhaps he was correct.

She smiled that warm, sharing smile, her earlier displeasure not extending to the man before her in the slightest. No, he was no warmonger. “Monarchs must do what is best for their countries and their subjects. Should Valesian accept peace with you before we mobilise against him...then by all means, do what you must.”

She paused, gathering up those vivid red locks at the nape of her neck with one hand as she weighed her thoughts- thinking on what should be said...and left unsaid to the King of Essenia. “Peace between your peoples I am happy to accept. But...an alliance of arms…”

With or without such an alliance, Taren would no doubt look to Avarone without the Caarians to balance the struggling triumvirate. Valesian wanted an empire. Caaria’s imprudence in attacking Essenia, their defeat-it would probably be seen as providence. And...once he grew tired of her refusals and stalling tactics, he would come calling at her borders. She would do all in her power to repel him with what men she had. If nothing else, the coming war would cost him dearly.

But would Essenia march on them as well? Disastrous. Without an alliance, she could not be sure, but were he to sign an arms alliance with Teran...

Monarchs had to do what was best for their people. Sophie reflected on this another moment. Would she be forced to become bowed, enslaved to avoid Avarone being burned to the ground, razed and the earth salted? She and her forebears had managed to keep Avarone free and the few conflicts outside their borders for centuries.

Queen Sophia donned her helm, concealing all but those green, brown flecked eyes that so resembled her forested home. Her heavy thoughts reflected in them before they lifted to his face once more.

Would Avarone’s glory end with her…?

“...pray we do not find ourselves at odds, honorable King Tomas.” It seemed as if the thought saddened her-but she did not stay long enough for him to comment on it-she turned and left the tent.

So, she would be returning with conditional good news-good only if Valesian continued to be stubborn and foolish. Otherwise, she was looking at facing the Teran army alone-or worse, facing both the Essenian AND the Teran armies and either being destroyed-or forced to give Valesian exactly what he wanted.

She could not have an army of mostly mercenaries-they would be promised further plunder for turning on Avarone, of this she had no doubt. She was in harsher straights than she had let on.

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It was Avarone they struck for first. A small contingent of Taren soldiers attempted a foray into the thick woods along the wealthy country’s borders, and it was a massacre. 1500 of the initial 2300 men were forced into a retreat-setting fires behind them, fires that swept through an expanse of the forest there, claiming many Avarone lives as escape routes were blocked off.

But, the invaders were repelled once reinforcements in the form of men and horses arrived, and the wood remained thick and strong if thinned. Replacement archers were sent in to prepare for further attacks. When yet another envoy arrived with terms, Queen Sophie had him imprisoned in the Eastern tower. No harm would come to him, nor had she lost her composure-but once she was alone, she had written a letter so fierce and biting she would have been ashamed to have it read by anyone, let alone an enemy-and then burned it.

If nothing else, it allowed her to sleep that night.

////////////////////////////////////////////

As promised, the Avaronian Army arrived in full splendor, most of which set up camp within distance-and a small contingent arriving in Essenia’s. They marched in unison in rows and rows of chainmail, armor, and the dark green cloaks that allowed for camouflage in their lands. Knights and cavalry led the procession, bearing their queen’s standard and Avarone’s symbol-archers following, and then the promised food stores in large carts drawn by horses bred for that purpose.

Behind the supplies were yet more horsemen, with riding archers following up the rear.

Most surprising of all was the knight with the shining silver filigree detailing her armor, riding astride a war horse armored in similar plate with matching silver decorations. This time she bore a spear with a her own banner flying in the wind as she rode, the sword and bow on her back.

The Queen of Avarone had arrived alongside her soldiers, here to lead as her father would have done before her.

Tomas spent a little time contemplating after Queen Sophia left. He could understand the situation she was facing. During his rule, Tomas had faced a similar scenario in dealing with Caaria and King Bocchus. All he had done to resolve the disputes with Caaria peacefully had been for naught, and it had ended in Caaria invading Essenia. And now they were in this situation.

Tomas still hoped that Valesian would accept his terms, but it was seemed very unlikely; as the days passed Valesian gathered more and more men at the Tarian staging grounds; Valesian could count, and he knew his forces outnumbered the Essenians greatly. But the Essenian victory against the Caarian despite being outnumbered gave him pause from attacking with numbers he had right now. Tomas knew that he would not attack until he was sure of securing victory.

Tomas pondered over the maps. Valesian could see that he was dug in on this side of the mountains and despite the greater numbers, Valesian would face great losses in attacking the fortifications Tomas had built opposite the pass held by the Tarians. If the Tarians attacked, he estimated that they could hold at most for three days at the walls and then fall back to a secondary defensive position at the camp. If that fell, they would retreat back towards Essenia if there were anyone left alive. As he had told Queen Sophia, the war would end here.

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The news came a few days later; his scouts on patrol had spotted a large squadron of Taren soldiers heading south from their camp. The Essenian scouts had shadowed the group to Taren border with Avarone before losing sight of them. But a few hours later, the sounds of fighting and sight of the smoke from the Avarone forests made certain where the squadron had gone. Valesian had attacked Avarone.

Just after Tomas received the scouts report about the assault on Avarone; the warning horns from the fortifications outside the Essenian camp sounded. Within moments Tomas was in his armour and riding out with his men to the walls. The fortification on the front lines just consisted of hastily constructed wooden palisades; giving cover to archers and crossbowmen. The walls were wide enough for infantry to stand on top and repel any attackers. Traps dotted he fields between the walls and the pass.

It turned out to be just a probing attack; some 2000 lightly armed men; mostly mercenaries and raw Taren recruits, charged out of the pass without much organization or strategy. Between the ranged weapons of the defenders and various traps; pits and sharpened stakes, less than 1400 men reached the walls. There they were met by the elite forces of the Essenian army. The fighting was short and brutal; the amateur attackers were no match for the experienced and well-trained defenders. Within minutes the attackers were driven back with only a few casualties on the Essenian side. Most of the attacking force was killed with some taken prisoner, only a few of the attackers managed to escape, fleeing back to the pass.

The next few days Tomas and his men stood at the ready; repairing and further strengthening the defensive walls, but they faced no attacks from the Tarians. No envoy from Valesian came, but a man rode out from the pass. After prancing about out of the range of the Essenian bows, he dropped a bag on the ground and rode back. The Essenians retrieved the bag and brought it to Tomas. It contained the head of the envoy sent by Tomas to Valesian. Tomas had his answer.

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The warning horns from the wall sounded again. But this time instead of calling out an attack it was in greeting to the oncoming allies. Tomas stepped out of his tent and watched as the Avaronese army approached the Essenian camp. Cavalry and knights led the way, followed by archers and wagons full of supplies with a contingent of horse archers at the rear. But what caught his eye was the silver knight leading the column.

Tomas and a retinue of his knights left their camp upon the horses and rode to meet the Avaronese Queen. With him rode a standard bearer carrying the heraldry of Essenia; a white oak on a field of dark blue. Affixed below it was the personal sigil of King Tomas; a black boar on a red and blue background. They wore their armour and had weapons strapped to the saddles, Tomas had his sword and a battered and dented shield; the paint has been chipped and scraped away by many so that now only the bottom half of the boar remained visible.

Stopping at a few yards from the Avaronese contingent, Tomas dismounted and walked over to Queen Sophia. “A welcome sight, Queen Sophia. Thank you” He said with a bow. “I heard about the attack by Taren on your lands. I hope they did cause much damage? We have had an attack here too, and I have received an answer from Valesian. He will not accept my terms.”

Sophie dismounted as well, removing her helmet and handing it to the grizzled older knight who had ridden on her left. He, along with the female knight riding on the queen’s right, had been her only escorts on her previous visit.

As before, she curled her hand into a fist and placed it over her heart, returning his bow-dark red hair spilling forward to briefly curtain her face before she straightened again, a somber nod. “They left a parting gift of arson in our beautiful forest, but at least they were driven out of it.” She studied him a moment. Part of her almost wished to offer condolences that his terms were rejected. While fortuitous to her and her people, he had hoped to avoid war. It brought her no pleasure that Essenia was now dragged into this centuries long conflict. War between Avarone and Taren had been inevitable, given the defeat of Caaria-but Essenia was an outside and relatively neutral party. It would have served Valesian well to placate King Tomas. But his baneful, foolish pride was her boon. She was preemptively joining the war before one could be declared on her.

King Tomas was no pawn and she hoped the alliance benefited them both as Valesian forced them to war-but she was immensely relieved his army would be on her side, helping to defeat the threat and not burning through Avarone’s borders.

“I too hope your losses were few, King Tomas.” She was aware, as she always had to be, of the eyes on them both. “While it is unfortunate Valesian will not see reason, it is fortunate he has so easily shown himself to be our common enemy.” As she spoke the two knights that had been riding on either side of her dismounted, approaching but keeping two steps behind their liege. She heard rather than saw them, her dark green, brown flecked eyes still on her counterpart. She should like to speak with him again. But for now, there was business to conduct.

“My Master of Arms, Sir Frederick of Lions.” She introduced the grizzled knight, the man offering the same salute but a deeper bow. “And Sir Henriette, Captain of the Guard.” The smaller but just as armored woman on her left also bowed, her fist over her heart in salute-though her dark eyes remained watchful, possibly even suspicious. Clearly she served as the queen's bodyguard, perhaps more so than the grizzled knight. Given her youth and smaller size, it was difficult to imagine her as such-but no doubt she was a fierce soldier to have earned such a position.

“It was just to test our defences. Valesian used only the weakest of his troops and we came out of the encounter relatively unscathed.” Tomas replied standing up from his bow as the Queen’s knights approached them.

Tomas acknowledged the Queen Sophie’s knights with a nod of his head when she introduced the two. “Welcome Sirs, your aid is much appreciated.” He turned to his own retinue; introducing them to Queen Sophie. “My knights and advisors, Queen Sophie. Sir Jonathas Ryam, Sir Osmund of Morne and Sir Taras the Tall.”

The knights bowed low as Tomas made the introductions. Sir Jonathas of the same age as Tomas with a similar build. Red-gold hair peeked from under his helmet. He wore wool and leather, with his dark blue tunic displaying a white eagle in flight. Calm grey eyes looked over the Avaronese ensemble.

Osmund of Morne was the oldest of the three with white hair and beard, his face wrinkled with time and browned by the sun. In spite of his advanced age, he looked strong and had a certain deadly grace in his movements. His armour, cloak, and shield are all in white except for the black outline of a horse enamelled on his chest and shield. And despite being heavily armoured and armed his light blue eyes gave him the genial look of a grandfather.

Sir Taras fit his moniker, a tall gaunt man with black hair and dark eyes. He wore plate armour with a greatsword strapped to his back. He carried no shield and his sigil on his chest was that of a blue and gold kingfisher.

After finishing the introductions, Tomas approached Queen Sophie. “My knights can help your quartermasters in getting everything settled. I think it would take a little time for our troops to become properly accustomed to one another. I believe we have a few days before Valesian tries another attack.”

Sophie noted King Tomas slipped into using her informal nickname. She was sure Henrietta internally bristled over it, but the knight knew better than to speak out of turn. For herself, Sophie was pleasantly surprised and content to hear him say it.

The two Avaronese knights offered another bowed salute to the introduced men, while their Queen smiled that warm, sharing smile. "Always a pleasure to meet capable new allies." She inclined her head to each man, her intelligent eyes weighing each in turn. "Sir Jonathas, Sir Osmund, Sir Taras."

She had immense faith in the the Essenian tacticians and the battle tested warrior king. Full on war was not Avarone's way, though her father and grandfather had been forced to occasionally suppress attacks in the past, a few skirmishes here and there outside their borders. There had also been a short civil war during her grandfather's reign.

Frederick, among many others, was a veteran of several such skirmishes. He had personally fought alongside her father, and had trained her in swordsmanship almost as soon as she was able to lift a sword. The grizzled knight was displeased with her having ridden out alongside her army. Just as he had been displeased when she had traveled to meet King Tomas herself, rather than send an envoy. She was sure she had not heard the last of either.

Perhaps his discontent was well placed, as Queen Sophia was yet untested on the battlefield. It was her political finesse and cunning defense of her borders that had kept the wolves at bay, but that was not to say she wasn't trained in the art of war, at least in the theory of it. She was also far from defenseless; she had learned to bear the weight of and move gracefully in armor, and her skill with the bow was unparalleled-Avarone was a country of archers, after all. Every man, woman and child trained in it. And the short sword and the spear flying her standard were not just for show. Her lack of shield was also no accident. Queen Sophia freely alternated between the two weapons, fighting with both simultaneously.

Those deep green, brown flecked eyes returned to their King, nodding in agreement.