Arrangements

Chapter 3

Konsi Capital City of Ariox

Princess Serina's POV

            Zahar accompanies me to the training grounds. I have lost my armor in favor of a white full-length, long-sleeved gown, fleece cloak and boots. The stars gaze upon the frozen land of my country as I cross the roads no one dares to stop the princess. A splash of color stops me in my tracks, a frozen violet gleams in the night air the only flower to withstand the harsh environment of Ariox, a token of good lock. I tuck the purple flower into the white locks behind my ear.

            The training grounds are about a mile from the castle an open tower of ice and snow filled with obstacle courses and other equipment. Waiting for me at the entrance of the building are Zargot and Kion. Zargot slips his arm around mine guiding me in, "Everyone is here per your request."

            Everyone is resting on the mats Kion and Zargot go to sit with them while I stand in the front with Zahar, "I owe all of you an explanation. Most of you won't realize what I'm referring to, but I left some details out of my report today. There were extreme casualties, over 50,000, more than half of More and Konsi's advanced forces. And there was more than one chance for surrender there were four they accepted on the final one and there was someone of importance, their prince. I had the chance to kill him, but I didn't." everyone who wasn't there is in shocked silence, "I didn't tell my father because he doesn't believe in mercy and did not wish to strike his ire by mentioning a high ranking young man was left alive because I just...couldn't..."

The empathy link established by Ver's head general Maziora made me feel better as I felt everyone understanding, acceptance, and...pride. Safar's general Orvion breaks the quiet, "There is nothing wrong with seeing worth in the lives of others, don't be disheartened by compassion, it is your father who should be ashamed of the ease with which he orders someone's demise."

Faroz's general Quarzac agrees with passion, "Indeed, in the twenty-three years of his rule your father has never stepped foot on the battlefield he couldn't possibly understand the struggle that comes from such an act."

X-Ron's general Neri addition is quite insightful, "Forgive me for saying, but you will find many are discontent with the current leadership and are rather looking toward the time that one of you take over."

So, I'm not the only one against my father's methods, "Something has always bothered me about this war, I don't think its legal." The collective "what?!" startles me, "I remember something my grandfather told me about an ancient treaty his father told him about, there is a line in it...I forget what, I'd need to find it, but it'd be in the ancient archives I never have time to look through."

"I'll look for it." Zar has moved to stand beside me taking my hand in his, "You're leaving in the morning and if what you say is true it deserves further investigation. I will keep you up to date, I promise you."

"You realize the possible consequences of such a choice, don't you?"

"Certainly, but if our father is who we believe him to be then he needs to be taken down. Besides it's what we've been raised for. We already have more public support than our parents ever did. Whatever happens, we'll be alright." I hug him, my little brother, so grown up, what a shame being grown is a terrible burden, "I love you, brother dear."

"And I you." Kion speaks up for the first time all night, "Does that conclude the meeting, shall I take you both home?"

"Nearly Kion, I have an alliance to make a reality and my brother has his own quest, I ask you now, will you help us in our endeavors?"

"Aye your majesties, we will follow you for the rest of your days!" they kneel, bowing low while we incline our heads.

Just as we are leaving I hear someone call out to me. The young lady is fresh from her captain years having just been promoted to general not a month ago, "Yes, Liannzi?"

"Could I speak to you for a moment...in private?" something heavy settles over me at the look in her eyes, "Of course." The threatening air that surrounds me following our conversation prevents anyone from inquiring about what she told me.