Traveler's Blessing

Chapter 22: The Blood Unit

Costia hurries in the war tent with Indra. Lexa is in a middle of a discussion with Podakru's leaders, Anya, Tristan, and Han.

This morning, pigeons have arrived with reports of Delfi and Azgeda, the Ice Nation, marching towards Troit. Troit is a key village of the Podakru. It is situated north of Veland across a large lake. The messages indicate that the invading force will arrive in Troit in less than six days. Roan, the Ice Nation prince, leads the Azegeda from the East, and Ansley, the war chief of Delfikru, leads her clan from the West. Homing pigeons can fly hundreds of miles a day. These messages came from watch posts stationed throughout the borders of the Coalition to send early warnings for signs of war.

For Lexa to send reinforcement, they will have to march west for six days, then another three or four days north along the bank before reaching Troit, depending on the weather.

"How about cutting directly across the lake? It will only take six days for my army to march across." Lexa points to the map laid out in the middle of the discussion.

"Impossible," answers Ugar, the leader of Troit. He has traveled to Veland to join the council meeting. "The lake is not frozen solid at this time of the year. If we attempt to cross with an army, the lake will swallow us before we reach the other side."

Indra and Costia make their way to the war table. Indra has briefed Costia about the situation on their way here. It is not good news. In her previous life, Lexa's army attacked Delfi first, and something has changed this timeline. "Do we know how large are Azgeda and Delfi's forces?" Lexa asks.

"The message says Azgeda has 1000, and Delfi 500," answers Han. He was the first to receive the reports. Most villages have 400 to 600 warriors. Lexa has brought 1,000 of her warriors with her since she is expecting a war. Indra's force, including Veland's warriors, adds another 1,200 for a total of 2,200.

"And how many warriors in Troit?"

Ugar hits the desk with his fist in frustration. "500, but even if every elder and children fight, they will not be able to hold off 1,500 invaders until reinforcement arrives!" Ugar is right. Even though Lexa's force outnumbers the invading strength, it doesn't help if they cannot get there in time.

"If Troit is lost, as soon as the lake freezes over, the invading army will march south and attack Veland. The line at Troit must hold," another Podakru leader adds.

Lexa looks at Costia; her strategic advisor has been quiet since she came into the tent. Costia is good at strategizing, and Lexa trusts her. No one would have guessed that it is because Clarke has been through many battles and is an experienced war veteran. The Commander can tell by the way Costia is scanning the map that she may have some ideas. "My advisor has honored us with her presence. I would like to hear what she thinks."

Costia's lips tip slightly upward. This familiar snide comment is as close of a reprimand she is going to get from Lexa. It is the same thing she has once said to Clarke.

"I'm sorry I'm late, Commander." Costia points to the map. "This part of the lake that is shallower and narrower has it been frozen longer than other parts of the lake?"

"Yes, that part of the lake freezes first every season," answers Ugar.

"An army can't cross, but how many people do you think can cross safely from here?" Costia asks.

"A few dozen." Ugar retorts.

"Can you and your men navigate some of our men across the lake?"

"We can, but what good does that do?" Ugar asks, shaking his head.