Eclipse of Hearts ✔

Chapter 79. [Alyssae]

Alyssae watched the ship until it went out of sight. Raphael stood beside her, but he didn't say a word. She wondered if he had said goodbye to his brother. Did he know what was going on? 
She didn't look forward to the tasks that were waiting for her. She had never went into the control of a people. Only after the announcement of the engagement she had thought about it, but after her abduction there had been other things on her mind. When she returned she had assumed Raphael and Melline would take the lead, but Raphael was still a suspect and Alyssae seemed to be one of the few who believed in his innocence. 
"We have to gather everyone."
She hoped everyone would accept her leadership and that they didn't think this was all about a personal fight. Thranduil had murdered their king, and that must mean something to every citizen. 
"So we will go into battle?" Raphael asked softly. 
"Yes."
He said nothing, but from the expression of his face she could conclude it wouldn't be easy. Chyndall lived in peace for centuries and even though all elves could fight, half of the population had never been in a war, and for the ones who did, it was a long, long time ago. 
"Toll the gong." Alyssae went to the square, where everyone gathered.

Slowly more people came. Curious looks were given to her, although there were also suspicious frowns drawn on the faces of some. Alyssae knew some distrusted her, for she had brought dwarfs and "elvish scum" into the city - not to speak about the child she had given birth to, who had murdered three children. 
"I know not everyone is font of me," she started, and some stared ashamed to the floor, "but I am the successor of my father, since my mother is not able to rule this land. I know I have been away for a long time, but I dare to state I have seen much of the world. I faced the threat of orcs and the guile of our own kind. I have seen how friends died and how families were torn apart. With certainty I can say that the power of Thranduil, king of Mirkwood, made him insane. He insulted us and my father had to leave this world because we did not answer his threats."

Alyssae spoke for a long time. She talked about Thranduil's curse - which had caused the dead of three of their children. It hurt to speak about Niamh as if she was a monster, but the result was there. The others became angry and around midday most of the elves were convinced. The ones who had their doubts stayed in Chyndall to protect the kingdom during their absence. Alyssae knew the risks she took. When Philae had received false information, their army would march to the north, while Chyndall stayed behind, vulnerable. She however did not have a choice. She had promised Thorin her help and she could only hope it was not a trick.

Alyssae needed two full days to mobilize the garrison and to provide everyone with weaponry. At a young age she had learned to fight with mallets around her body, but she still needed to find her balance. There were several elves who had taken the lead before and she didn't hesitate to invoke their help. She didn't have the experience other warriors had, and she could barely speak of a strategic insight.
Just before their planned departure, Alyssae visited her sister. She would stay behind in Chyndall and keep an eye on their mother. Raphael had decided to join the battle and Alyssae hoped they had solved their issues. When Raphael died while they were still in a fight, she probably could never look into the mirror again.
"You are brave while doing this," Melline said softly, after they had embraced. "I wished I could have avenged father myself, but I believe it will satisfy you even more."
Alyssae nodded and immediately pulled away the fear that flamed up. Thranduil was much older than she. He had fought in several wars and she probably wouldn't stand a chance. Still she owed her father this. If she hadn't end up in Mirkwood, this never would have happened.
She believed they could silence the man forever, with her father in her thoughts and Thranduin's heart that pounded in her chest. They would never leave her. Righteousness would prevail, that she clung to.