Chronicles of the Soveriegn

Chapter 9: Are We There Yet?

The next week went on rather uneventfully. Rory and I avoided each other and Cedric, while he remained cordial and continued giving me lessons on potion making and swordsmanship, didn't make any attempts at personal conversation. I suspected Rory had him deep under her charm, and was keeping him busy so he wouldn't have time for me. Etana kept growing, and I rode her a few more times. Each time was easier on her and I was getting used to keeping my balance. I still didn't have a saddle, but since we were only flying low to the ground I didn't really need it.

When the next council meeting came around that week, I had arranged my thoughts and was ready to face Tulus and get my point across. I cleaned and dressed myself and made my way to the inner chambers where the meeting was held. I got there early and although there were only a few of us in the room, no one attempted to make conversation with me. Not even knowing anyone's name, I wasn't given much of an option to converse either. Finally the last of the councilmen arrived and the meeting begun.

Tulus called it to order and went over the basics such as the economic state and the position of Filkras's forces. From what the scouts had told us, they were beginning to mass in southern Angor, probably preparing for an attack in the early spring.

“We need to act on them before they act against us,” I spoke up.

Tulus rubbed his brow with his thumb and forefinger. “You said that last week and my response is the same; We don't have the troops yet.”

“Do you expect them to fall from the sky?” I asked sarcastically.

A younger man spoke up across the table from me, “I agree with you Ari, and I have thought about your proposition of a volunteer army, however I am afraid that they would not be as well trained as our paid soldiers.”

“A just argument,” I concurred. “But none of you at this table understand the life of a working class person. I do.” There were a few murmurs and I felt my cheeks warm a bit, but I continued anyway. “I grew up as a hard-working peasant under Filkras's rule. My parents, brothers and I worked everyday of our lives. We were taxed until we had not grain of our own and denied the rights that you all take for granted. I know what it is to work until your fingers bleed, to wear the same clothes until they are so threadbare you can see straight through them, and I know what it is to have your only family ripped away from you while you are helpless to do anything about it. And the worst part is that compared to other family's I have known we had life easy. I have known people to starve during harvest time and make it through the winter only to freeze in early spring. As fair as your country is, gentlemen, also know that there are those who suffer like I have. These men and women are stronger physically and mentally than you give them credit. They understand that as hard as life may be, it can and will become harder if the land falls to Filkras. They want nothing more than to protect their families and their livelihood. If you give them that chance, they will do it without payment and they will fight longer and harder than any paid soldier ever would. The same goes for women. I know that as a gender overall we aren't as fast or strong as men, but we are equally driven and if given the chance I think you will be surprised at what we can contribute. I know this goes against not only religious but cultural standards for many of you, and letting women fight on the same front as men is unheard of. I understand; put them in the back, send them in second, do whatever helps you feel better about it, but don't dismiss the idea completely.”

I took a deep breath as I finally finished. “I know that the word of an uneducated farm girl doesn't go far here, but please think about what I have to say. Unless you can think of any better options, which based on your knowledge of war isn't likely, you either group together volunteer women and men or you die sitting in your mansions doing nothing while Filkras burns your country to the ground and ravages your women.”