The Silver Isles Kingdom

Chapter 28

Chapter Twenty-Eight

The morning of battle seemed to arrive faster than most other mornings. Or they were awake earlier than ever, Alexis groggily got up and prepared herself for the battle that was to come. Jacque had already been up for an hour getting himself ready, a light gambeson and mail armor covered the clothing he wore on his torso. He also sported a pair of gauntlets with matching greaves. Surprisingly, aside from his breeches and greaves, nothing else was armoring his legs. Alexis barely got her own armor on, mail covering her torso and legs, with her own gauntlets and greaves. It took a minute for her to realize they didn't have this armor before, but it was evident that Jacque had gone ahead to get this armor for the two of them while she slept. Jacque entered the room and helped her tighten the armor around her so nothing would come loose as she fought.

Even with this armor, Alexis worried she would get hurt. Many times when Jacque let her fight she nearly got severely injured, had it not been for her quick thinking to dodge or any protection from Jacque she would have been killed each of those times. Despite the gambeson she wore took most of the damage, it needed repairs almost constantly. Mail was supposed to give the added protection she had lacked before, yet she still feared a sword would pierce through and injure if not kill her. Alexis could feel Jacque's feelings as he tightened her armor. He too was worried about the enemy potentially having weapons that could pierce through mail. But the mail was still light enough for them to maneuver swiftly in the heat of battle, and would provide more than enough protection. Alexis also felt Jacque's love for her, the love she always wanted to feel. It was the same love he had for her, but it felt stronger than ever before. They would fight side by side protecting one another to reclaim her kingdom. After they were both ready Jacque held her in a quick embrace and a lip-locked kiss, confirming her feelings that they would go through this together no matter what would happen.

Jacque finished getting ready by placing several knives and daggers on his person followed by his father's sword on his side. A new quiver and bow followed, being placed on his back. If she didn't know better, Alexis would have thought he was just an ordinary warrior... or some kind of assassin. Setting aside all that had happened, she still knew he was the same man and mage she had fallen for. From the beginning, Alexis never really thought she would fall for him, it was, perhaps, his lack of mentioning love that made her want to love him. The feeling gradually grew and he had finally confessed his love for her. Though it nearly cost him his life, she was grateful he had finally said the words. She also hoped that the upcoming battle would confirm to them both why they were in love.

Leaving Jacque's home, they made their way to the docks where the army awaited them and the other soldiers who would help in the fight. Jake stood with his army along with the most of the archers from the island. A handful of men volunteered to be swordsmen, but they were far and few in between since most qualified as better archers with swords as side arms. Despite the small army for this island being only one thousand strong, they all had confidence that both Jacque and Jake would lead them to victory. Gold Tooth and other admirals had their fleets on the other isles, but there was a unified feeling amongst all who were to fight, and all awaited Jacque's word to move on Main Island to reclaim it for the princess.

The people needed a commander of the army and chose Jacque. Though he didn't feel that he qualified as one, he still felt it was his duty and will put in all effort to be the one they all look up to. Jacque looked over the soldiers and knew that this was his chance to show confidence in himself and in all of them. He began, "Gentlemen!" Jacque looked and saw a few women decided to join. Not all were soldiers, but some were joining as nurse maids to help the wounded. "And ladies. Soldiers of freedom! This is what we all are right now! We all will fight, we will show the enemy who we all are, and we will be victorious!" Many shouts of praise rang out from all who were there, the excitement of bringing their kingdom back to peace filled each one of their hearts. Jacque didn't want to remind them of a probable and unavoidable death, but what kind of leader would he be if he did not tell them?