The Lioness of Newsham

Chapter 1

"Our strongest archers should remain on the battlements, behind our weaker archers." Karina Pemberly brushed a strand of dark, wavy hair from her forehead as she ran her finger along a detailed map of Fort Newsham.

Her second-in-command—Lieutenant Rill—nodded, his brow furrowed in concentration. He leaned close, his maroon cape brushing her shoulder.

"I agree on your first sentiment, but why have the stronger archers behind the weaker ones?" he inquired.

Karina's lips quirked up as she said, "The weaker archers will need to be closer to the enemy to aim true."

Rill mirrored her smile and straightened up. "I will inform Garrus of the changes," he said. "Hopefully, this will mean the foot soldiers will have less engagement in battle."

"And less death," Karina added.

She stepped back and stretched, suppressing a groan as she felt the crack of joints and bones that have been dormant for over an hour.

"Perhaps you should see Mage Rendley," Rill suggested. "You sound... stiff."

Karina chuckled, but shook her head. "I still have paperwork to finish up tonight," she replied. "If I had known how much paperwork would come with the title of 'captain', I might have reconsidered accepting."

"I highly doubt that," Rill retorted with a knowing smile. "Besides, I can't imagine any other woman gaining the accolades of first female captain in the history of Ashana."

"Thanks, Rill." Karina's smile was bright, but a yawn slipped past her lips. She sighed and tugged absentmindedly at the dark braid that swung between her shoulder blades.

Rill frowned and clasped her shoulder. "You really should get some rest, captain. Tomorrow we start battle drills and the men need their captain to be bright-eyed and limber."

Karina's emerald eyes glowed with amusement as she gave her second-in-command an affectionate smile. "I get the message, Rill. You don't want a grouchy captain tomorrow."

"Your words, captain," Rill replied with a grin.

She shook her head as another yawn crept out. "Right as usual. I'll see you tomorrow, Rill."

"Have a good sleep, captain."

Karina slipped into her chambers—shutting the door firmly—and began to undress. It had only been a few months since Commander Carspen had informed her of the commanders' decision to make her captain. The commanders had been... split. Some believed she was capable based on her abilities and proven worth in both battle and decision-making. Others believed she was capable based on her lineage. And still others believe her incapable due to inexperience and age.

And the fact that she was a woman.

Old codgers, she thought to herself with a slight frown as she pulled on an old tunic and leggings. That prejudice had been thrown in her face for as long as she could remember. You can't play with us, you're a girl. You can't train with weapons, you're a girl. You can't join the army, you're a girl. You can't be captain, you're a woman.

She crawled into her bed, pulling the covers up to her chin. It was ridiculous that men still bothered with that line of reasoning. Women had been in positions of power for far too long to have to justify themselves in that way. Her own grandmother—Piper Pemberly—had led a life of adventure: chasing after old artifacts, defying society's rules for her life, marrying a former thief, and having a family in her own time.