Chapter 10 The War Begins
Maria stood in her tent, equipping herself with the new armor that the Lost had made for her. Maria thought that she would never have to wear war armor again. Though, war with the Agmarians had always been in her mind, she held hope that it would never come to be, at least, during her reign.
The armor was very nice and of high quality. She was glad that it wasn't ceremonial so that she did not feel as though she were above the other Lost followers. In fact, for the first time in all of her life, she felt as though she were one of them. Ever since Arawn had appointed her to rule, she never felt as though she were like her people until now. She thought that this would be a great time to get acquainted with her people, but the only person she really wanted to get acquainted with was Shadow who was, at the moment, having a meeting with Gothmog and the Hesbeorn to discuss their plans for the war. Shadow had constantly been telling Maria that he thought Gothmog should lead the campaign since he had much more experience with being a king than he did and had even led a war against the Lost. Shadow did not appreciate how he had been chosen to lead the campaign just because he had a force that was five times that of Gothmog's.
However, Maria was very grateful for Gothmog's aid. She knew how highly he valued his people, and Maria also knew that if she were in his position, the last thing she would want to do after rebuilding her kingdom would be march to war. She felt that Gothmog's presence her showed how people could really change. Most of the Hesbeorn that were with his army were the Hesbeorn who became disciples of Northank and had fought against the Lost alongside their king, but now they were fighting alongside some of the same Lost followers that they had raised their swords against so many centuries ago.
Maria put on her gauntlets and strapped Dyrnwyn to her belt, but, as shameful as it was for her, Maria hoped that she wouldn't have to do much fighting. For she had grown a sanctity for life after having children. She walked out of her tent to find that the Lost followers were already forming their regiments and preparing to march. Maria quickly ran over to where Shadow, Gothmog, Avari, and Mavok were standing, discussing their plans for the war. They were all wearing their armor, and she couldn't get over how kingly Shadow looked. She kissed him and turned to face the others.
"Hello everyone! So, what's our plan?" Maria asked excitedly.
"We are going to take our old fortress on the coast to the east. After that, we won't have to worry about the Agmarians attacking Belearian while we are away. Once the fortress is taken, we will have to march farther east into Agmarian territory. I'm not sure what we will encounter there, but the land is dry and contains little life. We will have to bring many provisions with us." Gothmog explained.
"I understand. Belearian's security is very important for all of us." Maria said in agreement.
"Where is Arawn?" Maria whispered to Shadow.
"He's with his regiment, getting to know the men and women of it before they march." Shadow said smiling.
"Oh, that's wonderful! I'll go see him soon!" Maria said excitedly.
Avari looked at Maria and smiled. Maria could tell that Avari was wishing that she could go and see how her son was.
"Avari, may I speak with you?" Maria asked with sadness as she could feel her sorrow.
"Of course!" Avari said happily.
They walked off together and Avari immediately began to speak.
"Oh, Maria, what should I do? I never wanted this war! All I want is my son back!" Avari cried which attracted the attention of several Lost followers and Hesbeorn.
"Why don't we go to my tent and talk about this, Avari?" Maria said as she put her arm around her.
Maria took Avari to her tent and they sat down in the grass together.
"I'm sorry, Maria, but I just don't know what I'm going to do! I'm sure that you have your own fears about Shadow, but I don't care what's possessed him! I just want to hold my son again, Maria!" Avari cried into her shoulder.
Maria tried to console her, but she also began to cry.
"I'm so sorry, Avari! This is all my fault! I wish that I could do something to help you, but I'm afraid that the only person who can save Shadow now is himself!" Maria sobbed.
"Oh, it's not your fault, Maria..." Avari said, trying to comfort her.
"Then whose fault is it, Sarah's? I'm her mother! I'm supposed to raise her to not do these things!"
"Maria, if you're putting it into the perspective of being a parent then we are all equally responsible for what happened."
"Yes, I suppose that you are right, Avari..." Maria sighed.
Avari held her hand and smiled.
"That's a nice set of armor the Lost made for you, Maria. It looks a lot like mine!" Avari said, trying to cheer her up.
Maria's armor did resemble Avari's. It was a green, steel plated dress much like hers.
"It feels strange to be wearing war armor again... Do you know what I mean, Avari?" Maria laughed.
"Really, Maria? I thought that you would be eager to get back into it! I certainly was! There are so many memories in this. It was what I was wearing when I married my sweetheart! I really do love it, and Zambrog made it with such care! I'm very grateful for him." Avari said happily.
"Where is Zambrog? I haven't seen him since we were on your ship." Maria asked confused.
"He's with Shadow, making sure that he doesn't get into any trouble." Avari sighed.
Maria stared at the ground and did not speak.
"Is something wrong, Maria? Is it your daughter?" Avari asked concerned.
"I guess it could be my daughter, but it could be my son as well. I'm not sure." Maria said as she began to blush.
Avari looked at Maria in shock.
"You're not serious are you, Maria? Are you really... pregnant?" Avari asked as she looked around making sure that no one was around to hear her.
"Look, just don't tell Shadow, Avari. It's not a big deal." Maria laughed.
"Are you crazy, Maria? Come with me, I'll take you back to Belerian." Avari said as she helped her up.
"I'll be fine, Avari! I'm not looking for any fighting in this war." Maria said annoyed.
"But the fighting is definitely looking for you! The Agmarians will want to kill you in order to cause disunity among the Lost so that they can get some of the Lost followers to side with them and start a civil war amongst your people!" Avari yelled urgently.
"Please, Avari, the Agmarians are savages who want to kill everything. No life is any different from the next, in their eyes." Maria laughed.
"Maria, I don't understand. I thought that you didn't want to fight in this war! Now this gives you a reason to not! Your people will understand. I'm sure that they would not want you on the battlefield like this. I certainly don't!" Avari yelled angrily.
"I know that my people would rather me not fight whether if I was pregnant or not, but I can't leave Shadow. He already has enough stress as it is with Sarah and now he has to lead an entire army! He's not like Gothmog, Avari. Shadow doesn't have the same leadership experience that he does." Maria sighed.
"I understand that nothing could ever get in the way of your love for Shadow, but this is his child too! He deserves a voice in this, Maria! Shadow doesn't even want you out here risking your life, let alone the life of his child!" Avari scolded her.
"I suppose you're right, Avari. I'll tell him when the situation arises." Maria said grudgingly.
"And when will that be?" Avari asked concerned.
"When the war is over." Maria said happily.
"Maria, I've lived through three four wars and this makes my fifth. These things can go one for years like my brother's war with the Chao."
"Or they can just last a couple of weeks like his war on Earth with the humans." Maria said happily.
"All right, Maria. You won't be able to keep this a secret for very long, but do whatever you think is right. Keep in mind that you are risking the life of your child. What would it say right now if it could comprehend the situation?" Avari sighed with disappointment.
"You know, Avari, sometimes I forget that you're over a thousand years old." Maria said smiling.
"Well, you don't exactly age the same way when you're locked up in a tower for that millennia. To be honest I often felt as though I was aging backwards; especially with all of that wine I was drinking!" Avari laughed.
Maria laughed with her and stood up.
"I believe that I will go see Arawn, now. I'm worried about him. He's not going to be the same after this war. I hope that he doesn't grow up too fast." Maria sighed.
"I guess that's one thing I don't have to worry about with my son..." Avari said quietly.
Maria hugged her and smiled.
"Talk to him, Avari. Let him know that you still love him." Maria said smiling.
"I will, and tell my son-in-law to stay safe and to keep you safe as well." Avari laughed.
Maria smiled and hugged her again before she left to find Arawn. When she found her son she was surprised to see that he looked very comfortable in rank and file with the rest of his regiment. They were drilling in marching orders, something Maria knew Arawn did every day back in Nathelien. When Arawn saw his mother he actually got out of step and caused the others to falter. The captain of his regiment was a woman which Maria did not approve of in the slightest. She stomped over to Arawn a began to yell at him, but Maria stopped her.
"I'm terribly sorry! That was my fault." Maria said embarrassed as she ran up to her.
"Seriously, mom..." Arawn murmured to himself.
The woman turned to face Maria and hastily bowed.
"My Lady, I did not see you approach. I must apologize for my brash behavior." She said as sweat formed on her brow.
Maria looked to make sure that the captain was wearing a wedding ring. When she found that she was, she smiled and motioned for her to rise.
"No offense taken, miss..."
"Cynthia, my Lady." She said nervously.
"Cynthia... What a lovely name." Maria said smiling.
Maria observed the rest of her son's regiment, making sure that all of the other women in it were also wearing wedding rings. Most of them were though there were three younger women who weren't. Maria hoped that their fear of her would keep them away from her son as she knew that the younger Lost followers, such as herself, were always the least able to control their emotions.
After Maria was finished with her observations, she walked over to her son and put her arm around him.
"How is everything, dear?" Maria asked happily as she kissed him.
This embarrassed Arawn, but not even the women in his regiment dared to laugh at him.
"It's fine, mom... There's no need for concern." Arawn said uncomfortably.
"Oh, there's every need for concern, Arawn! I want everything to be perfect for my baby boy!" Maria laughed as she hugged him.
"Mom, please, can't this wait?" Arawn whispered to her.
"Oh, am I embarrassing you in front of your new friends! Is it fine if I take him away for a little while... Cynthia?" Maria asked as she frowned at her.
"Yes, of course, my Lady!" She said nervously.
Maria smiled and walked away with Arawn.
"Mom, was that really necessary?" Arawn sighed.
"Of course it was necessary! Who appointed that woman to be your captain? I'll make sure that they regret it!" Maria asked as she clenched her fists.
"Um... Dad. Who else would have?" Arawn laughed.
"What? And he didn't even ask me?" Maria asked in shock.
"Mom, I don't see the big deal. I just stepped out of line. Any one would have yelled at me. I mean, what did you want her to do, help me up? You'd just complain about that too. I would have done the same thing if I was commanding a regiment." Arawn said as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh... We'll I suppose that it's fine then... How is everyone else in your regiment?" Maria asked concerned.
"The men are pretty cool. They're all veterans and they've already been giving me all kinds of advice. We've really learned to trust in each other and they said that that is what any good regiment needs. It's nice to know that I can rely on them." Arawn said happily.
"Well, that's nice Arawn, but what about the girls? What are they like?" Maria asked inquisitively.
"The women... They're kind of annoying..." Arawn said as he rolled his eyes.
"How so? Is it a good kind of annoying or a bad kind of annoying?" Maria asked as she placed her hands on his shoulders.
"How is there a good way to be annoyed?" Arawn asked confused.
"You know, son, like the way your father annoys me sometimes." Maria said hastily.
"Are you asking if those girls are flirting with me?" Arawn laughed.
"Yes, of course that's what I'm asking!" Maria said impatiently.
"Well, they talked about how cute I was and they call me 'sweetie' a lot, but most of them are hundreds of years old and have several children. They're just treating me like I'm one of their children I guess. Even our captain said that I looked cute in my armor. Everyone seemed to be amused by it." Arawn explained.
"But you're my child, not theirs! Oh, that infuriates me!" Maria yelled as she pulled on her hair.
"It's not a bad thing, mom! They just want to make sure that I'm comfortable and happy. Besides, not all of them act like that any way." Arawn sighed.
"Which ones of them don't act like that? How do they act around you?" Maria asked as she raised an eyebrow.
"Well, there are these three sisters that are closer to my age. They seem to keep to themselves. They're pretty..."
"What? They're pretty! Arawn, you have a fiancée! I mean, girlfriend!" Maria yelled at him.
"Calm down, mom! I was going to say that they're pretty shy!" Arawn said annoyed.
"Oh... Sorry. Those must have been the three girls that didn't have wedding rings." Maria said embarrassed.
"Wait. You checked to make sure that all of the women had wedding rings?" Arawn asked confused.
"Well, you know, I should probably get going, son! I have much to do! Tell your captain that I want a routine report of how you and the rest of your regiment is every week and after every battle! I love you, dear!" Maria said hastily.
She kissed him and ran off.
"I love you too, mom!" Arawn yelled after her.
Maria ran over to where Shadow was preparing to mount his steed.
"You're riding a horse?" Maria asked, trying to control her laughter.
"Yes, it is regulation that all commanding officers and the king must ride together." Shadow said sternly.
"Oh, so is this girl that is commanding Arawn's regiment going to ride with you?" Maria asked as she crossed her arms.
"Cynthia? No, captains do not qualify as commanding officers. They are my generals." Shadow said confused.
"Oh, so you know this Cynthia do you? Well, why don't you just make her on general so that she can ride with you? In fact, why don't you just let share a horse and I'll lead Arawn's regiment instead?" Maria chided.
"Um..." Shadow murmured. He wasn't sure how to respond to that. He was just thankful that his helmet hid his blushing face.
"Yeah, Arawn told me that you appointed her to lead his regiment! It's full of girls too who call him sweetie, and three of them aren't married!" Maria said angrily.
"I just thought that Arawn should get to know different kinds of people since he will one day be their king. I just didn't want him to rule like me..." Shadow said as he stared down at himself.
Maria suddenly felt that she had hurt Shadow, not physically but emotionally. She ran up to Shadow and hugged him.
"Oh, Shadow, dear, I'm so sorry. I didn't realize how much thought you had put into this. I don't know why I yelled at you like that. I love you so much, Shadow!" Maria cried.
Shadow looked up at Maria and smiled though she couldn't tell.
"Do you have to wear that helmet, Shadow? I can't even see your face, and it even covers your quills. It just looks silly!" Maria laughed.
"It's regulation, Maria. All men must wear some form of protective headwear prior to engagement." Shadow explained.
Gothmog then rode up to them on his steed. Avari was riding with him, her arms around his waist. She looked down at Maria and smiled.
"Since when does a king follow his own regulations?" Gothmog laughed.
Shadow looked at Gothmog and frowned.
"You know, Maria, Gothmog was actually the one who recommended Cynthia to me." Shadow said happily.
"Really?" Maria asked as she winked at him.
"Cynthia? Who is this Cynthia, sweetheart?" Avari asked, staring at Gothmog angrily.
"Oh, she is a brilliant tactician! Without her Nathelien would have fallen to us centuries ago. Cynthia would sneak out of Nathelien during the night and bring back supplies. I had never seen anything natural move as fast as she did! Though, I'm sure that you could beat her Maria and maybe even you could too Shadow, if you tried hard enough." Gothmog laughed.
"No, Shadow's very fast, Gothmog. I doubt that he would have to try too hard. After all, how do you think he caught me?" Maria laughed.
"Aw... That was so cute, Maria!" Avari said happily.
"Well, I knew that she would be able to get your son out of any trouble. That's why I recommended her." Gothmog said embarrassed.
"You see, Maria, our son is in good hands." Shadow said smiling.
"I know, but I would rather him be in my arms. I guess I shouldn't be complaining after what all Avari must be going through with her son..." Maria sighed.
Shadow nodded and hugged her. Maria smiled and hugged him back. She lifted the helmet off of his head and kissed him.
"I love you, Shadow. Is it alright if I ride with you?" Maria whispered to him.
"Of course, Maria! I was actually hoping that you would." Shadow laughed as he secured his helmet.
He helped Maria onto the steed before mounting it himself. Shadow then rode around checking with each regiment captain to inform them that they were preparing to march. Maria made sure to give Cynthia a big smile when they rode by her.
Gothmog did not form his troops into regiments. He had separated his force into five companies of a hundred each that would follow him separately from Shadow's five brigades of five hundred each that were commanded by his five generals and were further broken down into ten small regiments of fifty for each brigade. Shadow hoped that this would make it easier for each of his five generals to command their brigades as he was depending on them to win the war more than anyone. He had chosen them very carefully as they were also generals for Arawn in each of his wars. He knew that they had the knowledge and the experience to achieve victory in this war. Not once did Shadow trust himself with leading his own brigade. He felt a sense of peace knowing that his army was in the hands of five of the most brilliant Lost followers he knew.
Gothmog rode back to him with a look of great excitement.
"I'm off for now, Shadow! I must lead my people, for we must right this wrong that my laws and the laws of my fathers' have caused. Those Agmarians will wish that they had accepted your peace while it was offered with open arms, and this lunatic who covets your throne will understand why Arawn chose the two of you instead of him to rule the Lost! Let us fight now for the security of our children and their children after them!" Gothmog shouted as he and Avari rode out of the valley toward Belearian.
Avari looked back at Maria and frowned. It was obvious that she was wanting her to tell Shadow about her pregnancy. Maria sighed and put her arms around Shadow.
Suddenly, there was a great flash of light and Mavok appeared before them.
"Whoa! Shadow, that is a nice look for you! I'm sure that it will strike fear into our enemies." Mavok laughed.
"Thank you, Mavok, but I'm sure that Maria will be one who inspires fear to the Agmarians." Shadow said as he looked at Maria
She laughed and smiled at him.
"Are you going to accompany us, Mavok?" Maria asked happily.
"Well, Zammy said that he would march with Gothmog in order to watch over his son. I will march with you, though I doubt you will be needing my help." Mavok laughed.
"Please, Mavok, just look at us. We will always need your help. Why don't you ride with us?" Maria asked happily.
"Ride? As in ride a horse? No, I do not go astride any animal. To be honest, I was very confused that you two were riding a horse into battle. I just thought that you both could go much faster on foot." Mavok laughed.
"I'm sure that we could, but apparently we have to follow our regulations." Maria said as she rolled her eyes.
"But they are your regulations. Can't you change them to fit the situation?" Mavok laughed.
"Actually, they aren't our regulations. They were Arawn's. I simply thought that the Lost would want to keep with his rules and guidelines." Shadow sighed.
"Shadow, I'm certain that the Lost would be happy to follow any changes you and Maria have to offer after living under the repression of Arawn for so many centuries. Why don't you set that beautiful steed free and walk alongside your people so that they will feel equal to you." Mavok suggested.
"See, Shadow? Even Mavok agrees with me! And why don't you take that helmet off while you're at it!" Maria said happily.
"Oh, no, Shadow, keep the helmet! It looks great on you!" Mavok said hastily.
"No, he's taking it off so I can see his wonderful face and kiss his lips!" Maria yelled angrily.
"I'm sorry, Mavok, but I fear her more than I do you." Shadow laughed as he removed his helmet and threw it on the ground.
"This is great, Shadow! We're taking our first steps to creating a new Lost!" Maria said happily as she threw her arms around him and kissed him.
"Now, slow down, Maria! I still have to inform my generals about this. They are all stalwart patriots of the Lost and I'm not sure if they will take it." Shadow sighed.
"Oh, they'll take it, Shadow. The only question is how they will take it. I think that it's time we stopped being pushovers and take charge! We are at war now, and the lives of our people rest upon our shoulders! Now, those lives are being threatened for the first time in our rule, and we must do everything in our power to stop this threat! Arawn isn't the Lost king! It's you, Shadow! You are their king! You... You're my king..." Maria yelled as tears formed in her eyes.
"Maria... Arawn chose you, not me... You are their leader. I'm sorry, Maria, but I just don't have the same passion for the Lost that you have. I feel so separate from the Lost. My passion belongs to you and our family." Shadow whispered as he wiped the tears from her eyes.
Maria sobbed and looked up at him.
"Well, if you feel so separate from us and if I'm supposed to take the position of Arawn, how about I just kill you and then bring you back to life with necromancy? Would you feel like one of us then?" Maria yelled in anger.
"Maria, dear, you know that didn't mean that. I love you and I love the Lost, but I feel so distant from them. I just can't connect with them like I do you because they weren't there for me like you were all those years ago when I faced Agumar and his horde of the dead. They weren't there for me like you were when I was the one lost and unable to find myself, and they certainly weren't there for me like you were, just recently when Sarah... Well, you know... There is no way that I would have been able to make it through that without you, Maria. I know that it's hard for you to understand it, Maria, and it's hard for me too. I'm not meant to be here either, and if it weren't for Mavok I wouldn't be here! Mavok was there for you when my death occurred, and that's why you have a connection with him. Right, Mavok?" Shadow whispered to her.
They looked around to find that Mavok was gone.
"I guess we scared him away, dear." Maria laughed.
Shadow smiled and kissed her.
"I'm sorry, dear. I understand how you consider yourself distant from the Lost. I don't know what's wrong with me... I'm serious Shadow, why don't you just smack me when I yell at you like that? It would save me so much grief." Maria sighed as she sat down in the grass.
"You should save that aggression for the battle, Maria." Shadow said smiling as he put his arm around her.
"Thanks for trying to cheer me up, Shadow, but I'll be fine. I just don't see the point in this any more. The Lost may have needed us when we were first crowned but they don't need us now. It's just like how it is with our kids. They may have needed us when they were first born, but now... they're ready to be on their own." Maria said as she leaned her head on his shoulder.
"Maria, it's all right. You don't have to try and control your emotions." Shadow sighed.
Maria burst out in tears and sobbed into his shoulder. Shadow picked her up and sat her down in his lap.
"Shadow, I... I'm so sorry! I never meant to do this to you! I didn't want to drag you along and force you into this position! I'm such a terrible person! I always tell you how grateful I am for your love and then I force you to rule the Lost because I don't want to accept the responsibility for myself! I try to act all nice around you, Shadow, because I know that I'm really just using you because I'm too afraid to rule the Lost on my own! I'm sure that you won't believe me since I act so innocent, but that's just because I'm too ashamed to tell you the truth! I'm sorry, Shadow, but I was so afraid! I wasn't ready to lead an entire kingdom! Then, you changed everything and you stayed with me all the way through it! I couldn't believe that you still loved me even after I had ruined your life, and then we had two beautiful children, but in a way, I just put this responsibility on them as well! I can't believe what I've done, Shadow! I understand if you're tired of this life and want to go back to Earth after the war! You can even take Sarah with you if you want! She always loved you more and I know that she means everything to you know! I'm sorry, Shadow, but I couldn't let you go, and now I've trapped you here where you may never get to see your home again! I know how much you miss the Ark, dear! Please, Shadow, I can't take it any more! I don't deserve your love, and I never did! I should have known that this wasn't meant to be! I'm sorry for what I did, but I never thought that you would actually stay with me once I told you that I was inheriting Arawn's throne! I mean, Shadow I still can't get over how you stayed with me even after I tried to kill you! That takes more than love. That takes courage, Shadow, but I'm so sorry! You've done so much for me, and what have I done for you except cause you pain and sorrow? You should just leave me after the war, Shadow... Just know that I'm so sorry. I simply couldn't let you go, but I'll find a way somehow, I promise." Maria cried, unable to control her sobs.
"Oh no, You're not fooling me, Maria! I know what you're trying to do! You just want me to leave so you can be with Mavok and not feel guilty about it! Oh, you're very sly, Maria! Arawn should have made you a fox!" Shadow laughed as he wiped away her tears.
"Okay Shadow, seriously, enough with the Mavok jokes. They're not funny and I was being sincere." Maria said annoyed.
"What do you mean they're not funny? If Mavok told jokes about me you'd think that they were hilarious!" Shadow said confused.
"That's because Mavok just has a different sense of humor. He's all fresh and energetic." Maria said as she rolled her eyes.
"And you don't think that I'm fresh and energetic? I can't believe this!" Shadow laughed.
"Shadow, I'll think that you're the most hilarious person in the world if you'll just take what I said seriously!" Maria yelled as she grabbed him by the shoulders.
"Now, Maria, you better calm down or I'll hit you. I have your permission." Shadow warned her.
"I'm about to hit you if you don't get serious about this, Shadow!" Maria yelled as she clenched her fists, digging the ends of her gauntlets into his shoulder pauldrons.
"I'm sorry, Maria, but it's hard for me to be serious when what you said was so crazy! I mean, you're acting like we're still dating! We've been married for almost sixteen years! I'd say that it's quite obvious that I'm not going to leave you. I don't care what you do to me! Do you honestly think that I believe any of that? I don't feel used! I feel loved, Maria. I always have, and I know that I always will. I hope that you feel loved, too, Maria because I love you more than anything and you certainly deserve it. Don't lie to yourself, Maria, we were meant to be together. I'll forgive you, dear, but you've done nothing wrong." Shadow laughed as he threw his arms around her.
Maria looked down at herself in shame. Shadow smiled and turned her head back up to face him, but she did not return his smile.
"Oh, Shadow, why do you have to be so perfect?" Maria cried as she kissed Shadow.
He fell back into the grass with Maria in his arms.
"Only because you're perfect, Maria." Shadow whispered in her ear.
Maria sighed and kissed him again.
"Thank you, Shadow. I love you so much." Maria whispered as she stroked his face.
Suddenly, Maria heard the thumping of several horse hooves approaching them. They were indeed their generals, and they did not look pleased. Though, she was not embarrassed by Shadow and nor was he by her.
"My Lord, we have already been delayed a great deal! We must begin the march now or risk even further delay!" One of his generals said angrily.
Shadow picked Maria up in his arms and smiled at them.
"What's your hurry, Saeros? Now, all of you, dismount those animals and release them! We're going on foot!" Shadow ordered.
They all gave him queer looks, but did as he commanded.
"Now, I'm sure that you all know Maria! Maria, meet Saeros, my first general. He served with Arawn in every war since the Chao! He is a brilliant man and a hardened veteran of the Lost!" Shadow said happily as he patter Saeros on the shoulder.
"My Lady." He said as he bowed.
"It is wonderful to meet you, Saeros! I see that Shadow chose all of his generals very wisely! Tell me, are you over my son's regiment?" Maria asked concerned.
"Um... No, my Lady. Your son is in the 33rd regiment." Saeros said nervously.
Maria sighed and nodded.
"Over here, Maria, is Ragnor! He has also served with Arawn since his war with the Chao! He is renowned for his talent in boosting the morale of his soldiers! I know that he will be a great boon for us during this war!" Shadow said excitedly.
Ragnor walked up to Maria and shook her hand.
"Well met, Maria! It is a pleasure to meet you!" Ragnor exclaimed happily.
Saeros drew his sword and walked toward them.
"Oh, I love him already, Shadow!" Maria laughed.
Saeros grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him away from her.
"What is wrong with you? She is your queen not your friend! Now, apologize!" Saeros yelled in his face.
"No, stop, please! I am his friend just as with all of you! Don't hurt this wonderful man." Maria said frantically as she stepped between them.
Saeros stared at her intently.
"Arawn would have never allowed something like that." He said quietly.
"Well, good for him, but I'm not Arawn. I'm not trying to be like Arawn. I want to be myself. You may refer to me as you wish, but know that I am just like the rest of you. The Lost was hated during Arawn's reign. We hope to change that." Maria said smiling.
Saeros remained silent and stepped back into place, but he did not lift his gaze from her.
"I suppose we will move on then. This next man is Hathol. He is a master with defenses and oversaw the construction of the Kalcazra. He also commanded the siege of Ost Cyrn during Arawn's war with the Chao." Shadow said nervously as he led her down the line.
"You are even more formidable in person than I imagined, my Lady. You seem to have an aura of authority that I have never felt in anyone before." Hathol said admirably.
"Thank you, Hathol! You must have quite a reputation yourself within the Lost!" Maria laughed.
"A reputation? I have no reputation compared to yours, my Lady! My family and I are blessed that I was chosen by my Lord for this position. It has been many centuries since I have led an army of this size, but I will not fail you lest I perish." Hathol exclaimed gratefully.
He bowed to her and stepped back into his place.
"The last two of my generals are actually twin sisters! Their names are Lisa and Meredith. I think that you will-"
"Hey, Maria!" They said in unison as they hugged her.
Maria laughed and hugged them both.
"Oh, I can already tell that we are going to be great friends! Please, tell me about yourselves!" Maria said happily.
"Well, I'm sure that you know my husband, Keldor! I'm also overseeing your son's brigade! Don't worry, Maria! I'll make sure that he is safe!" Lisa said happily.
"Really, you're Keldor's wife! I can't believe it! You couldn't be any less like him! I'm so sorry that you have to be away from him for so long..." Maria said sadly.
"Oh, it's fine, Maria. We don't really talk any more..." Lisa sighed.
"Really? I'm sorry to hear that, Lisa. You should spend some time with him after the war. He is a great man and you are fortunate to have him as your husband." Maria said, trying to cheer her up.
"He puts his duties before his family, Maria, but I suppose that he will be able to find time to spend with me. Any way, I wanted to tell you that Cynthia, the woman commanding your son's regiment, is my oldest daughter! I'll make sure that she takes care of your son." Lisa assured her.
"Oh, that's wonderful! I can't believe that Keldor's daughter is watching over my son just as he always did! Something tells me that you planned this all out, Shadow!" Maria laughed.
"Well, I had a hand in it." Shadow said smiling.
"Now, tell me about yourself, Meredith! I need to find a way to distinguish the two of you!" Maria said excitedly.
"Well, I'm not married. That's probably our most noticeable difference..." Meredith said embarrassed.
"Wait! You have to be close to nine hundred years old and you're not married? How is that possible?" Maria asked confused.
"I just never really found a man that I liked, Maria. I've seen what these wars do to families. I was just too afraid that my family would end up like one of those." Meredith sighed.
"Well, I'm going to fix that! Trust me, Meredith, I'm going to find the perfect guy for you!" Maria said happily.
"That's really not necessary, Maria. I've been alright without a husband for these last few centuries. I'm sure that I'll be alright for many more to come." Meredith laughed.
Maria smiled and pulled Lisa away from the other generals.
"We have to talk about your sister after the battle, Lisa." Maria whispered to her.
"Of course, Maria. I think that I know a few single guys that she would like." Lisa said happily.
Maria walked back over to Shadow and leaned her head on his shoulder.
"All right, now that we are all acquainted I believe that it is time we began our march. Our first battle will be to take a fortress east of Belearian that the Agmarians have been using to spy on the Hesbeorn.
"Let's be at them then! My men and women are eager to slay these half breed swine!" Ragnor said excitedly.
Each of the generals ran off to assemble their warriors, leaving Shadow and Maria alone.
"Isn't it odd how the men of the Lost have such queer names while the names of the women are so normal?" Shadow laughed.
"Avari told me that it was a tradition that began with her and Arawn. Since Arawn's name was so unusual the men began to follow after him, and because Avari's name was normal, the women followed after her." Maria explained.
"Really? That does make sense, actually. I never had thought of that." Shadow said smiling.
"Shadow, why did you choose Lisa and Meredith to be your generals?" Maria asked happily.
"They are both renowned commanders and I thought that you could use some friends to accompany you that were your people. You were always saying how you wished that you could better understand the Lost, and I thought that this would be a good way for you to do that." Shadow said smiling.
"That was very kind of you, Shadow. Well, I guess we should get moving, dear. Our enemy awaits and Gothmog will need our help." Maria sighed.
"Yes, let's get this over with so I can go back and be with Sarah." Shadow said impatiently.
Maria laughed and grabbed his hand. They looked back as their forces began to march out of the valley. Their generals returned to them and signaled that they were ready. Shadow nodded and began to lead them out of the valley with Maria by his side.
It took them around two hours to reach the fortress, but when they arrived they were shocked to see that Gothmog and his men had already taken it without them.
Gothmog and Avari rode up to them.
"Well, look who it is! And to think that I had bragged about how fast the two of you were!" Gothmog laughed as he dismounted his steed.
Avari jumped off and ran to Maria.
"Oh, you should have seen us, Maria! The Agmarians had no idea that we were coming! We defeated them easily! It was actually quite fun to be honest." Avari said excitedly.
"Where are the Agmarians now?" Shadow asked annoyed.
"They fled into the tunnels beneath the fortress. We would have pursued them, but Mavok warned me that the Agmarians would know those passages well and could trap us. We caved in the tunnels so that they would not be able to return. However, I am not sure where the tunnels lead. Avari said that there were rumors that there were hidden catacombs within the mountains around Nathelien that led into Hesbeor. If this is true, then we should head east and see if we can find any sign of these secret passages. It is possible that the Agmarians have set up a secret headquarters there." Gothmog explained.
"Did you find any identity of this man who wishes to take our throne?" Maria asked concerned.
"No, there was no sign of him here. I doubt he would be brave enough to come this close to Belearian. I shall reassemble my men and we shall prepare to march with you. Are you going to stay with Maria, Avari?" Gothmog said happily.
"No, I'm coming with you, sweetheart! Farewell, Maria! Stay safe!" Avari laughed as she mounted the steed with Gothmog.
They rode off, leaving Shadow and Maria. They looked out over the Amroth Sea together.
"I can't believe this, Maria! This is so embarrassing!" Shadow yelled as he covered his face with his hands.
"You haven't done anything wrong, Shadow! It's my fault any way. I was the one keeping you from your army, but I don't see the problem. I think it's great that Gothmog and the Hesbeorn were able to win this battle without us! It gives me hope that maybe this war will be over soon!" Maria said, trying to cheer him up.
"I know, Maria, but this was our first battle and it would have been our first victory!" Shadow sighed.
"Don't worry, Shadow! I'm sure that we'll win many battles after this!" Maria said smiling.
"I hope you're right..." Shadow murmured as he walked away.
SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG IS COPYRIGHT BY SEGA
I actually did enjoy this chapter quite a lot! I introduced a few new characters and I can't wait to right more about them! I know that I wasn't looking forward to the war, but maybe with these new characters it will make it more enjoyable for all of us.