The General and the Princess

Chapter 29 || Kiva

"I'm grateful that all of you have been able to take the time out of your busy training regimes to consult with me about the future of our Resistance." Inver's strong voice resonated through the stone circle.

Kiva shared a rock with Trysti, trying to avoid eye contact with nearly everyone on the council. She had not spoken to either Riyel or Inver in the past few days and was doing her best to hide. Justyn was noticeably absent; Kiva had seen very little of her brother since he spent his days with the wild, barbaric Wyn. For once, Kiva was happy to evade her brother's full attention. By throwing herself into her training and teaching, she had managed to quiet the nagging questions.

Inver provided a status update on their progress in preparing for the attack from Vinrys that they expected. "We are doing well. While we certainly are not perfect, we are much more prepared and are improving steadily. Nearly all of our warrior-aged members now possess at least mediocre skills with most weapons. I am grateful for all of your training and for each of your efforts in gaining proficiency in all weaponry. As we move forward, there is one last step I would suggest for us to take.

"As many of you know, in the past, I have conducted routine checks on the borders of Lavri. Mostly, this involves checking on our soldiers on the line, ensuring that we are well protected by competent and loyal soldiers. However, in light of the anticipated oncoming assault, I do not feel it prudent to leave Lavri with such a battle imminent. I was hoping that some of you may be willing to undertake this journey in my stead."

For a moment, the circle fell quiet as they glanced between each other. Many had families that they did not wish to be parted from or were unfamiliar with the borders of Lavri. Others simply wished to avoid the responsibility and the toils the journey might entail. Without giving it a second thought, Kiva stood to her feet.

"I'll go."

Memories of her last trip to the borders washed over the council, and they began to grumble, but she spoke over them, "I know many of you are thinking of what happened the last time I was left in command of reviewing the lines, but I am far more prepared now than I was then, and I am confident that with a competent team I could efficiently ensure the safety of our borders. I do not have any reason to stay in Mevyl in lieu of an attack, and I know the borders perhaps as well as anyone. I can travel in the woods quickly and quietly."
Inver and the rest of the council stared at her, as if sizing up her and her words. Trysti spoke up next. "Let me go with her. Not just for propriety, but because I can speak to the warriors. Update them on the state of Lavri, encourage them in their stations. This will also support the growing prominence of women in leadership and in battle in the Resistance."

Trysti's words issued a narrowly masked challenge to the council, and the raised curve of her dark eyebrow brought a smile to Kiva's face. They could hardly refuse them now. If they expected their women to fight, they could not deny them a voice.

Inver smiled and nodded his acquiescence as Raul, quiet, strong, and dark, spoke up in his low, sonorous voice. "It is a wise proposal. I will accompany them, both for protection and for the sake of solidarity. The men can not disrespect either of them if I am in their company."

Kiva's smile widened a bit; Raul's quiet but ruthless strength was renowned, and his presence would be a stalwart asset. He had no family to protect and no ties to Lavri beyond his undying loyalty. Her spontaneous decision to lead the border party was gaining momentum.

In one moment, fear crashed back into her.

Riyel, who sat with Tal, stood up. "Tal and I, as new captains in the resistance, would also proffer our services on this trip. Neither of us have seen much of Lavri outside of Mevyl, and we wish to know more of its people and lands so we may better serve the Resistance. You will need more warriors beyond these three; we could provide objective feedback on the condition of the borders as well as gain a better sense of the rest of Lavri."