A Crown and A Curse

Chapter 28: Late in the Night

Kian

"If we're going to have an army, we'll need leadership, and training, and funds. Have you thought about any of this Kian?" Mace asked from across the table. The sun had just begun to rise, but here I was holding  a meeting with those I had trusted enough to admit into my new council. Later in the evening, I would be dismissing Kendry and the others. It was terrifying and freeing all at once. Around me sat Zora, Areis, Tyri, Cayra, Stailon, Mace, Vick Hallows, and a few other members of my guard. 

"Obviously this is our leadership," I answered, gesturing to those around me. "And as for training, I've decided who I'd like to take charge. Stailon will head up physical combat, Cayra will train our healers, Areis and Tyri will help the magic wielders adapt their abilities to suit the battlefield." Nods of agreement followed my statement.

"And funds?" Mace asked solemnly.

"We've made it this long by trusting our connections in Stonevale to get us supplies, if we play our cards right we should be able to get what we need," Stailon said. 

I tilted my head in thought, "If we begin to show we can be victorious, our former allies may back us. Venarden is a good bet. If we can win a few battles, I'll send an Emissary."

Zora looked at the map spread out in the center of the table. "If we took Penrith first, we would have plenty of supplies at our command. It's ill defended and if we use the element of surprise we should be able to win without many casualties. It'll be our army against their small force of patrolmen." It was odd adjusting to seeing her here, a magic wielder among my strategists. It was a miracle, enough to make a small smile tug at my lips. 

"I agree that Penrith is our best move. The people might even rise up and help us," Areis pointed out. 

"A decisive victory would be the perfect way to rally support for Kian." Added Mace. 

Zora quirked an eyebrow, "You don't think people will throw themselves at his feet the moment he reveals all his princelyness.?" She mused, sarcastically.

I smirked, "Though my princelyness is quite impressive, I have to give them something to hold onto other than a story about a lost royal and talk of change." I glanced at the small symbol marking Penrith on the map, "They need to see action, positive action." 

"So we're in accordance?" Mace asked.

Zora and I looked to each other, nodding.

"To Penrith." 

***

The rest of the day passed by in a blur. The plan was spreading through the caverns. We would march on Penrith, take it and operate out of it. Hopefully, the people would rally. If not, everything we'd done wouldn't matter. 

Training would begin immediately, supplies were being requested. We could leave in as soon as two weeks. 

It was a miracle and a curse. The revolution I'd waited thirteen years for was beginning, but with it would come bloodshed and lots of it. 

Though the day had been good, I'd been looking forward to today more than anything. Tonight would likely be the first snow of the winter in the mountains. My favorite day of the year.