The Troll War

Chapter Six - Potts' Castle

King Potts was sitting at a large oblong table, surrounded by his advisors, top Generals, and Tea. Leaf and Korb were also invited to attend so that they could alert King Gauldarn.

There was a great deal of discussion about who should strike first and when, but King Potts, "I am certain that the fool Charred will wait until after the cold season has greatly passed. Trying to mount an attack sooner would be a total disaster."

Now while the Generals and Advisors nodded their heads in agreement, Tea wasn't that confident, "Father, Charred can be devious and cunning, he knows that you would think the war will wait until the cold season passes; I suspect he will strike much sooner, perhaps even in a sun or two."

The King looked at his Senior General, "How did Charred do in his tactics lessons?"

"Unfortunately, Sire, he was a superior student and tactician." Replied the General, "Princess Tea makes an excellent point, we should prepare for an attack very soon."

"As soon as next sun?"

"Yes your Highness, I am afraid it is entirely possible, if not likely."

Potts didn't like the idea that an attack could happen at any time, he was worried about the people in the villages throughout the kingdom. "Will he come straight here and attempt to breach the castle, or will he tear a path through the villages on his way here?"

Everyone was afraid to speak until again Tea stood, "Father, Charred only cares about one thing – your crown. He doesn't care about our citizens; it is all about power with him. He will go through village after village recruiting men to his effort and taking whatever he wants along the way. I suggest we send ridders to every village, let them know what is happening, and encourage the entire village to come within the protective walls of the castle. They should bring whatever weapons and provisions they can. We must protect our citizens as much as possible. If Charred decides to torch the villages on his way here the people can rebuild once the war is over." Then she sat down, waiting for comments.

The Senior Advisor rose, "Your Majesty, Princess Tea has had little training in tactics and never fought in battle, yet her concern for our people is extremely great, and every time she has addressed you and this council, she has spoken with the conviction of a leader. I speak only for myself, but I genuinely believe that her counsel is right, and I would follow her into battle if she would have me." With that glowing testimonial he sat down.

Then, to the amazement of King Potts and Tea, both Korb and Leaf rose and saluted Tea with their right fist over their heart; followed by every General and every Advisor. Then King Potts rose and faced his Princess, "Sweet Tea, you have changed so much since King Gauldarn's castle, not just on the outside but on the inside and clearly your mind has also grown and developed well beyond your years." Then he to put his right hand over his heart, "I salute you as well, you will make an excellent leader when I am gone." Tears filled Tea's eyes, she was too choked up to speak, so she gave her father the biggest hug he had ever received.

With Tea still attached to her father like an appendage, the King faced his Generals, "Noble warriors, follow Tea's instructions; consider her directions as if they came from me. We need to prepare as quickly as possible; we cannot let Charred catch us unprepared."

Then to Leaf, "Leaf, I want you and Korb to take a dragon to King Gauldarn and tell him what is happening. Any support he can provide, be it arms, guards, or supplies, would be deeply appreciated."

With that Leaf and Korb left for the dragon sleeping outside, and his Generals left to make preparations.