Son of Fire

Chapter One Hundred and Twenty One

A few months later....

Mal wasn't sure when the last time she had gotten a good nights sleep. The feeling of fatigue had become a constant for her. Her body ached, yearning for a good rest. But it wasn't possible.

"We have taken Tilia" Uma rushes into the room, bringing Mals eyes to her pirate friend. She could see the look of hope in Uma's eyes.

"How far from Arcadia's capital is that?" Mal questions.

"About a day. The Empires soldiers have retreated to the capital. I think this may become a siege." Uma responds as she approaches the war table, quickly snatching the red tower and replacing it with a blue. The map was pretty much covered in blue towers now, with only the city by the northern shore left in red.

"Okay." Mal sighs as she runs her hands across her face, trying to rub away the tiredness she felt, it didn't work but it was worth a try, she thought. "Is our fleet prepared for a bombardment?"

"Carlos is just finishing the final touches, then we will load up and we can set sail." Uma replies. "I think we have a real shot here, Mal."

"I'm glad you do." Mal smiles, but it doesn't quite reach. The last few months have been heavy on Mal. She had to constantly plan attacks and counter attacks against the Empires Army's. She had been successful, it seemed the Empires men were more accustomed to using numbers, that planning was of very little use to them. But, as part of her duties as Ben's Queen-to-be was to learn tactics. At the time, it was to assist Ben if any way came to Auradon, but she was extremely thankful for them now.

Although with what she has had to do, she felt she could write her own book.

"Any word from Josh?" Mal asks quietly. Uma doesn't respond for a few moments. It was a sore subject to say the least. Since Josh lost his sister, he had become laser focused on the campaign in Arcadia. He hadn't been back to base since the funeral, always fighting on the front lines. He had created a small team he always travelled with, including Skylar, Harry, Beca, Lonnie and a number of Auradon soldiers that Josh had took an interest in.

It had been strange for Josh not to enlist the help of Sarah and Jenna at first. But the look on his face when he had come to see Mal and they happened to be there, had told Mal why he hadn't. He felt guilt.

"Josh and his little team were the reason we took Tila. Caught their watchman out, allowed us to carry out the pincer attack." Uma responds. "He said he'll wait for your word for when they'll attack the capital. They set up in the forests west of the capital."

"Okay." Mal nods. She was glad that Josh was alive, but that's all she knew about him recently. She hadn't seen him for a month now, and she felt it was another reason she was so tired. She didn't have Josh by her side.

"I think Jenna was looking for you by the way." Uma mentions as she looks over the war table.

"Okay. You got it from here? I could use a break from looking at this thing all day." Mal questions and Uma simply nods, a small smile on her face. Mal flashes an appreciative smile before heading out of the room, and headed through the fort into the courtyard.

Mal was surprised how nice it was here. It was like a small part of Arcadia not touched by the war. It was slightly overgrown, with there not being much time for house keeping. The grass had grown too long, and moss had started to grow along the wall. But it was still peaceful.

Mal clocked Jenna sat on a bench near the small fountain, which had a deer as its centerpiece, with the water flowing from its small horns. She seemed rather relaxed, Mal noted. Almost at peace.

"Uma said you were looking for me?" Mal questions, bringing Jenna's attention to Mal who stands up, almost presenting herself to Mal.

"Yes, thank you for meeting with me. I know you're busy." Jenna responds politely.