The Witches of Weston

Decisions

In less than three hours the leaders and generals of Evergreen were assembled in the castle walls . After Louis demanded an audience things progressed quickly and we were escorted into the castle. Everyone presented looked like they were dress for a ball not woken up during the middle of the night.

Lord Thomas of Evergreen was  a middle age man  with graying brown hair. The man had a troubled face sitting at the table. On the right of  him Louis sat with  Laura beside him. The rest of us sat around them waiting for the meeting to begin.

 One general with gray hair spoke first. "My king its nice to see you but I wish it was at a better time. After I heard your message I got word from a small settlement up west. A large army is coming in our direction."

The other occupants became stunned and I wasn't looking forward to telling them of my vision. Louis cleared his throat making all eyes turn to him. "I know Lord Thomas our seer had a vision of them. She says they are planning to attack in sixteen days. "Louis announce as the room filled with gasps of uproar but quickly quiet down when Lord Thomas spoke.

"Scouts say the numbers are large. We don't  have the soldiers for that type of battle."

"That isn't the only thing we need to discuss Lord Thomas. The enemy acquired a weapon that destroyed Weston and my forces completely." Louis explained getting a laugh from a confident general. 

He was younger than most at the table probably in his thirties. "We can defend against any weapon my king with our great wall" said the man.

"The weapon shot out fireballs with the power to crumble buildings in one shot. Your wall might hold for a second, but it will fall." At Louis's announcement  the general became paled losing his bravado.

"My king what can we do to gain more soldiers" asked Douglass Lord Thomas oldest son. Instead of answering Louis sighed but another person spoke up.

"If we require troops my sister tribe the Nayos are near here. I can ask for their assistance in this battle" Laura volunteered getting  everyone's attention. If they thought my friend was going  to remain silent they were seriously mistaken.

"The Nayos are fierce archers and their horse riding skills are legendary." Douglass said excited. "With them as our reinforcement we have a chance." The young man glance at his father for his opinion.

"Yes, their skills can aid the city well "  Lord Thomas agreeing with his son. "If you can get them  to help my lady it would be appreciated."

"Then I will go to them and ask for their support" Laura answered as the generals and Lord nodded in agreement but Louis frowned at the suggestion.

"Laura you cannot go. Let me send messengers to the tribe instead."

"Louis my uncle is the chief of the tribe and beside strangers might not convince them to help "argued Laura as Louis continued to scowl at the proposal.

"Laura it is too dangerous for you to go to the tribe alone."

"King Louis can I say that the future queen is right." Laura coughed at being called the future queen but Thomas continued. "We need the Nayos aid and they will probably come if she asks them herself."

"Thank you, Thomas." Laura said in a thankful voice as the man nodded to her.

"Thomas your opinion is welcome, but my fiancée has been held hostage before. And I prefer not to let that happen again "said Louis his voice firm.

" I can bring soldiers with me if that eases your mind "negotiated Laura.

"No Laura" Louis refused looking at her his voice tight.

"Louis where are you going to get skilled warriors on short notice "said Laura reminding Louis of the need of men.

"The Tekla and Tola are coming."

"Yes, they are but those two tribes haven't been in no real conflict in decades. The Nayos are experience and legendary "Laura argued bringing up valid points. "The Nayos know battle and formation I must go." Laura rose from her seat, but Louis took her hand.

"Laura this is ridiculous don't go "Louis desperately holding on to her and I almost cried seeing the love the king had for my friend.

Laura slowly removed his hand." I promise to be careful and you can pick the men that will be my escorts, but I am leaving. "Laura declared bowing to everyone and left the room.

In two hours, she had all her supplies ready. And Lord Thomas picked two well train men to escort her to the Nayos village. Laura and her guards' horses were saddled outside of the castle as the smaller girl said her goodbyes to everyone.

Sarah cried practically choking Laura with her tight hug telling the girl to be safe. Mark said the same as he tugs his bride away.

Rachel embraced her saying good luck as she patted the small girl's hand. Malcolm hugged the smaller girl wishing her well for the trip. They moved away  letting Jacob and myself say our goodbyes.

I had tears in my eyes as Laura hugged me. "Don't worry Andy I' m coming back "her voice sounded confident making me smile.

"I know but try to be careful."  

"Andy I'm always am" giggled Laura as her laugh put me at ease letting go of the girl. Jacob said his peace standing beside us. Finally, with all the goodbyes done Laura reached out for her horse to get on but Louis lifted her instead.

"Laura when we get married. You are forbidden to do anything reckless like this ever again." He grunted holding on to the reins of the horse.

"Louis just kiss me goodbye and I promise everything will be fine "said Laura leaning down so Louis could kiss her. As they kissed the citizens of Evergreen watched the king kiss the young Native woman.

When they parted Louis made sure Laura was secure with care that everyone could tell he loved her. Once he double checked everything Louis moved aside letting Laura's guards lined their horses next to her.

Moving her horse to the gates Laura shot off into a full galloped with the guards behind her. People threw flowers at her as she rode by them yelling. "Long live the Native Queen Laura Blackbird," until her figure was no longer visible for them to see.

Going into their houses they all went inside until only Louis and I was left outside watching the path Laura left. "I am going to marry her as soon as we get to Helena "said Louis softly with a smile.