Love and Other Crimes

The Southerner Friends

Henry had just left the army headquarters. His generals had briefed him about the latest news. Sigmund's army was marching to Malgravia.

The conditions of Brigitte's death seemed suspicious to everyone. So, Maxwell advised Henry to do what he felt right: tell the truth. He openly informed the public and his father-in-law that the murderers would be punished for their actions; no matter if addressing this word to his siblings broke his heart. But this wasn't enough for Sigmund.

Like Maxwell had put it, even his daughter's death was a great opportunity for Sigmund to achieve his goals. So, he wrote to Henry that his daughter's death was cancelling any peace treaty between the two countries. And he was now personally leading his army to Malgravia.

The rage of the people of Malgravia against Edward and Edith was growing bigger day after day. Their once beloved prince and princess had murdered their dear, kind-hearted queen; their king's great love. And they now were on the brink of war because of them.

Edith and Edward had been taken to the cells until their trial. They were guilty for murder and jeopardizing the prosperity of their country. According to their law, this meant death penalty. But Henry kept postponing their trial "until we're done with Sigmund".

The Redlandian army soon reached Malgravia's boarders. Henry was already there, leading his army. He made one last effort to avoid war; but in vain. Henry feared this war was going to bring havoc to his beloved country, his people. It would ruin his good work. Shortly before Sigmund's attack however, some good news reached his camp.

His recent allies were already honoring their newly-created bond. Numerous troops of Calsabwe would join Henry's army within any day. Imari, the king of Calsabwe, was sending his condolences for the queen's death. Henry chose to conceal from him the fact that his precious gift had been used as a murder weapon. Why bring sorrow to this honest and generous man's heart?

From the first moment Sigmund attacked the Malgravian borders, it became clear that his campaign was hopeless. It would be hard to tell which of the two skilled armies was stronger: the Redlandian or the Malgravian? Since Brigitte had concealed from her father the terms of Henry's alliance with king Imari though, Sigmund had not taken Calsabwe into consideration.

The dark-skinned men's of the South bravery was pivotal to this fight. There were casualties on both sides. But the troops of Malgravia and Calsabwe soon restrained the Redlandian threat and forced Sigmund to retreat.

Under the threat of greater damage, Sigmund was forced to sign a new peace treaty with Henry. The agreement took place close to the Malgravian borders. The two men barely looked or talked to each other. But the new, binding treaty was signed. So, everyone set off for home. Before bidding his new friends farewell, Henry handed them a letter to king Imari. In there, he swore that he would stand by Imari and the people of Calsabwe in any misfortune or threat. And he honestly thanked them all.

Malgravia celebrated this victory. The people welcomed their army as heroes and prayed to their god to look after their brave and honest friends from the South.

Henry had to attend the beginning of the celebrations. He stayed until they all clinked glasses and then left. No one took him wrong. It had all happened so fast. But their beloved king was still mourning his wife.