Sharp Flowers

Part 19

Late in the night, our camp buzzes with excitement, having raided one of Tennoford's camps. The council sits at the forefront with Sebastian at the Center. Henry on his left, and Felicity as a noble council member on the right. That leaves the rest of his personal team, followed by the rest of the Knights and Shields attending.

"We should take to the water, sweep around the army and take them out from behind their backs," Sebastian suggests.

"Our naval forces aren't strong enough," Sebastian disagrees, "We should cut through the valley," he proposes.

"If they detect us, we'll be downhill of enemy fire," Henry points out, "Hiding in the shadows and ambushes won't work forever," Henry argues. I glance back at Peter, sitting behind Sebastian. Though the trained retainer remains focused, he wears a strained expression. After all, those that know Sebastian's secret know that Sebastian would be vulnerable out at sea. If something happened, he could be exposed so quickly, whereas, in the valley forests, there's enough shade even in the day to let him fight. Why is Henry so adamant about going to water? "How long are we going to fight like it's the Knight Wars?" he complains, earning disgruntled grumbling around the meeting tent.

"This is never going to be resolved, not since we've lost the whole council board," one of the Shield's complains among the chattering and whispering, poke at wounds and grief. However, he's right. When the noble families were all still alive, they had a board of council members to make these decisions and debate on this. Now, there's a lack of stability, no guiding sense of direction. It's one thing when someone steps up to the task, but it's another thing when multiple heads start vying for the same seat.

"I agree with taking to the valley," I open my mouth and heads turn to listen, "We're familiar with the land and should stick where we have the advantage. Using the natural landscape and vegetation, we can take enemy squadrons by surprise and break formation," I add. That same Shield pushes my head down so that I'm staring parallel to the floor.

"Watch it. It's not your place to be making decisions," he warns me, and several others nod in agreement.

"Let the generals decide," a knight on my left adds in, keeping her head low among others off to the side and behind us. Meanwhile, the generals are arguing, making jabs at each other's ideas based on previous battles. Ultimately, they're getting nowhere, and Sebastian's face drops. His eyes are dull and half-closed with the dry bickering. He gives Peter a look, trying to keep his features straight, but it comes off as a strange twitch.

"What can we hope to use from the Haybert land?" Henry inquires.

"We can supply the horses and grain, but there's not much more. A greater portion of our land was burned to ashes. We'd be marching through open terrain," Felicity admits. The generals shake their heads in dismay. Even the knights and shields are looking at one another, muttering and whispering amongst themselves. "But of course, we can always use the land's ample space to set up camp," Felicity reminds them.

"So, we should bring the Wrenwood spirits from the valley forests. We'll send them running," I speak up again. Heads turn again, this time looking more irritated at my stepping out of line again. I glance at Peter again. Now he's looking at me, his brows raised in question. I give him a subtle nod. "Put me on the front lines," I state.

"Raven," Henry begins in warning, eyeing me closely.

"Let's use everything we've got. Let the Wrenwood's show them the price of their actions," I suggest. The older Knight props his head upon his fist and leans in.

"Who are you now to claim the name of Wrenwood? That is Liam Wrenwood's seat," the general reminds me, and I suck in a deep breath. "Liam and Tanya would not have left the Wrenwood seat open so long. Now Sir Peter, there, has been a loyal civil man," he points out, gesturing to my brother, who holds a quiet peace. "And now here you are, coming out of presumed death to say not only are you she, but also in good favor with guardian spirits?" he scoffs at me, and my face burns hot.

"It is true that I held my tongue for far too long. But there are two truths here. One is that I can not die hiding who I am before you all. Two that I can not take back the truth of who I am, nor would I ever want to. So be that as it is, I owe it to everyone to give everything that I can," I explain, straining not to fold under the pressure of their scrutinizing eyes. Everything about their glares is nonetheless questioning and judgemental. The Shield's general flashes a look at the Knight's general, the two considering me. With a mischievous smirk, the Shield's general shrugs.

"Why not. Put the Wrenwood princess on the front lines. Either the Wrenwood will own up, or they'll run her through," he suggests. They nod to Henry, who promptly rolls out our map plan for them to lay down our agenda to follow.

"Since we're putting your family on the spot, what has Sir Wrenwoods to say? He hasn't said a peep or rejected your claim," the Knight's general inquires. Now heads are looking at Peter, and if I know my brother, he was probably avoiding any words tonight. Goodness, they couldn't leave the poor fellow alone. I flash an apologetic smile and he makes a face for a slight second.

"It is a shame parts of our land were set ablaze, however, most of the land is still intact. Wild really, and we owe a lot to the kitsune that resides over the land," Peter begins explaining. "Though near dormant, it is possible that we might tap into some of the energy still residing there. In fact, Raven's talents and the fox's abilities shows a remarkable potential to harmonize. Who knows what we might accomplish if she continues to practice," Peter suggests.

"Hmn. If she has our king and his right hand's approval. Then so be it. But do not expect us to put all our faith, in one woman alone," the general warns. "Wilkson, there's preparations to finish," he snubs me to talk to the advisor and the other general. My stomach sinks with nausea and stress. Though I am one person, I do pray it's enough toward stability. One bright side is, decisions have been made, and it makes discussion lighter. Then, finished, they pour the drinks that'll settle the night down. I head out to fetch water while they drink and banter with each other. The grass and twigs crunch, making his presence purposefully known.

"Thank you for not sneaking up on-," I start and turn to see Sebastian. Just as I turn, he's wrapping his arms around me and pulling me in. Naturally, I hold him back. Sebastian sighs, and I feel his hand stroke the back of my hair. "Oh, Sebastian," I murmur.

"Thank you," Sebastian murmurs.

"For what?" I wonder.

"Just you," Sebastian breathes.

"That doesn't make any sense," I snicker with a smile.

"Does it have to make sense?" Sebastian chuckles in my hair. "Tell me, have you given it any thought?" Sebastian questions with a faint smile.

"I think I have," I suggest with a gentle peck on his cheek. I lean my head against his chest, enjoying the moment with him holding me, letting the time go by without worry for once.