Sons of Ironstorm: Book 5 - Griffon's War

Queen of War

A figure stirred in the shadows as KeLarion stepped into the entryway of the building atop Palace Hill that was set aside for important visitors to Elvenfast. Not seeing it at first, he quickly brushed the heavy sleet still clinging to his clothes off and stomped the ice from his boots. Only when he turned to pull off his weather-laden cloak and hang it on a handy peg by the door did he see the figure standing there.

"Word is you are planning to lead an elven expeditionary force south," a human woman's voice reached out from the shadowy figure to quietly note. Looking at her, KeLarion nodded.

"It behooves the Elven people to gather their armies and march in support of the Lord Wielders, your Majesty," he said without hesitation. "We have prepared for the Return for thousands of cycles. We should be standing side by side with the Wielders to usher the enemy to their destruction!" He paused to turn and slap the ice from his cloak before sighing. "Unfortunately the long cycles of waiting have turned some of us from warriors into politicians who would rather sit and debate the merits of everything and nothing than ride into battle!"

Jeorgina Ironstorm nodded in understanding as she stepped into the light.

"This I know all too well, Lord KeLarion," she said ruefully.

Now fully revealed, KeLarion could see that the worn and battered woman that Shawn had rescued and given shelter in his home was long gone. In her place was the tall and regal woman that now stood before him, a queen in every sense of the word. And in that, he could see where Shawn had garnered a good deal of his nobility and strength.

"Unfortunately my own kingdom has been swallowed up by the Return," Jeorgina went on to say. "Her armies have been scattered and her citizens driven from their homes. If I could offer even a single company of soldiers to join your force ..."

KeLarion smiled as he held up a forestalling hand.

"No need to trouble yourself thusly, your Majesty," he said. "You have already given all that you and your kingdom had left. I know that, as do those that are important to this war."

Jeorgina took a half step forward, her expression troubled.

"And yet it concerns me, my lord," she indicated. "My sons and my daughter fight in this war by the grace of the Maker. Yet here I stand, a daughter of Keva and Talemon, unable to even lift a finger to assist them beyond allowing the handful of officers and soldiers that survived the coup to march with them." She folded her arms beneath her breasts. "Seeing you preparing to march has stirred a singular desire in me: to accompany you into battle!"

Despite his usual reserve, KeLarion could feel a brow climb in surprise at the human queen's bold declaration. With her grace and poise, he had her firmly ensconced in the pomp and opulence of court, dressed in fine gowns and jewels. Not armored and swinging a sword or axe on the battlefield!

Seeing that brow lift, a hint of a smile touched Jeorgina's lips.

"Do not be so surprised, sir," she said somewhat dryly. "You should expect a queen to be willing to go to war. After all, do not your own monarchs habitually ride into battle?"

"Ah, that they do, your Majesty," KeLarion began to reply. "But you are ..."

"What, my lord? A soft human woman?" Jeorgina quickly countered in challenge.

"I meant no disrespect, Majesty ..." KeLarion stammered, caught off guard by the tart words. Of all the people he didn't want to offend, his adopted son's birth mother was one of the last!

Seeing the veteran warrior actually blush in his embarrassment, Jeorgina quickly held up a forestalling hand before he could continue.

"No need to apologize, my lord," she said, her smile growing slightly. "Out of all of the elven people, you best understand that humans are far from soft!" Her hand dropped. "That being said, as a daughter of Keva, I held a sword in my hand while other girls held dolls. I can take care of myself in battle."

KeLarion carefully nodded in acknowledgment, his composure restored.

"Of that, I've little doubt, your Majesty," he added.

It was Jeorgina's turn to nod.

"Then it's settled. I will accompany you through the Redeemed gates south along with my company of Master Kordin's bodyguards, leaving my daughter Maria here in the care of her own guards. When do you march?"

"Within the turn of the large glass, your Majesty," KeLarion replied with a resigned smile. "Please prepare for cold weather. The Return has transformed this winter into a truly fearsome beast!"

This time there was no mistaking the mirth in Jeorgina's eyes as she returned his gaze.

"Trust me when I say this, my lord, that I am already very well prepared. The only thing we Kevans know better than fighting is Winter!"

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