Battle Plans

Hues of a pink and gold sunset were beginning to wash across the blue sky as Snow, Charming, and Lancelot finally made their way into the camp. Men were scattered about, working at various tasks. Some were cleaning and sharpening their weapons in preparation of what was to come. Others were feeding and watering the animals. They had only a few tents, and even fewer bedrolls, so many were piling together leaves and moss in hopes of creating a more comfortable place to sleep. Their effort did little in the way of actual comfort, but it kept the men busy. A small number sat near campfires passing around flasks filled with spirits meant to free their thoughts from comrades lost, and the likelihood that they might soon join them.

Charming straightened his posture. He placed one hand on the hilt of his sword, and clasped her hand in the other.

"We must not look defeated, Snow. We must give them hope."

Snow made eye contact, and gave nods of encouragement to as many as she could as they passed through the camp on their way to the marquee tent where the war council met. As they approached the tent, two men who were stationed as guards pulled back the flap and announced their arrival.

Red and Granny sat on makeshift benches in the corner. Grumpy and Doc were in a group conversing with 2 knights from George's Kingdom. One of them, Claude, had been a member of the group on the quest to kill the dragon for King Midas. He was one of the few that knew David was not really Prince James. David had pulled him from the dragon, saving his life. He learned that day that this man was a hero, worthy of the title of Prince, and the crown that went with it. He had pledged his loyalty to David and had encouraged several of his friends, including his companion here, Bryant, to leave the service of King George and join with Snow White and Prince James in their bid for the kingdom.

Everyone came to attention as they entered the tent, eyeing the three of them with uncertainty. Grumpy looked even grumpier than normal. Snow knew that they were suspicious of Lancelot and his motives. She quickly made introductions, along with an abbreviated account of Lancelot's actions in saving her and his willingness to help.

Granny stood and approached Snow. "You must be tired and hungry." She pointed to a table laid out with food. "We have prepared a small meal. Why don't you take rest and eat, our business can wait."

Prince James spoke up, "Thank you, but I am sure that everyone here is tired as well. The sooner we begin, the sooner we can all break for the evening. We will take sustenance while we talk, if that's okay with Snow."

Snow nodded her approval and the group gathered around the table where a crude map of the area had been drawn out. Prince James took charge of the meeting. Pointing to a spot on the map, he addressed Red.

"Is this where you said that the army had retreated to?"

"I guess you didn't yet hear the terrible news," Grumpy piped up. "The scouts we left behind to keep an eye on the movements of the guard were discovered. They were unarmed and defrocked and then sent back here with a message. We have three days in which to surrender or face the whole of their army."

"To make matters worse the battalion has moved, " Red added. "We are no longer aware of their position."

"Surely we can track them?"

"Yes," Red agreed, "but in three days time? We need a plan before then."

"This was but a small fraction of George's army," the knight known as Claude interrupted. "Tracking them will not tell us where the rest of their forces are located."

Lancelot leaned in to the map. "I can help with that. I am sure that this group has gone to rejoin the others in keeping with their original battle plan. The only purpose of this minor squabble was to try and separate the Prince and Princess so the King's forces could capture Snow White."

"That minor squabble as you call it cost us almost two hundred lives," Grumpy felt compelled to point out. "Now you say it wasn't even part of the larger battle plan. It seems we are doomed."

"We have an advantage this time. I know the plan." Lancelot pointed out spots on the map. "He has split his army into three groups. The archers and a small number of foot soldiers are settled in here to the left of us, at the top of this Hill. The largest portion of his guard, including his most adept knights, are stationed at the southernmost end of the valley. The cavalry is stationed along the outer rim of the valley. The plan is for the battalion on the hill to attack first and push you across the valley towards the awaiting knights. Once the second battalion has engaged you, the cavalry will gallop in quickly to surround and trap you. With your numbers, the battle at this point would be over in mere minutes, the lot of you dead."

"Thanks for the assurance of your words there, Leviathan," Grumpy stated, unable to hide his sarcasm.

"Grumpy," Snow admonished with a look of warning.

"The name is Lancelot, dwarf, and I'm just being truthful about your situation."

Prince James saw Grumpy reach for his axe and stepped in to direct them back to the matter at hand.

"We won't sit here and wait to be attacked. What do you see as our options, Lancelot?"

"It is right to take the offensive. We should split our forces send them out to attack the front two battalions."

The knight known as Bryant spoke out for the first time. "I don't think splitting our forces is a good idea, there are not enough of us as is. No way can such a small number take on archers and men on horseback, not to mention that they have the high ground on us."

Prince James placed his hand on his chin. "That may be, but if we don't take them out together we leave one free to come to the other's aide. We would be fighting the same number either way."

"I agree," said Lancelot. "We need to maintain the element of surprise. Splitting up for a joint attack is the only way."

"We need more than just surprise. We need something that would force them from the high ground, level the battle field so to speak.

"Bryant is right," Claude stated. "Surprise will only last a moment, and they not only out-man us, but their weapons are superior. My suggestion is to use oil soaked rags to make firebombs. We could build a simple catapult to launch them into their midst. It will create chaos and confusion, especially with the horses."

"Yes, and if we are lucky the explosion of flames will take out a good many of their forces, making the battle over in mere minutes, the lot of them dead." Grumpy added smugly.

"No." Snow cried out in protest.

Charming looked at her in confusion. "Snow, the plan is a good one."

"Surely there is a better plan. One that would not cause so much loss of life."

Claude scoffed at her. "I'm sorry Milady, but this is war. Loss of life is unpleasant, but necessary. If you don't have the stomach for it, Princess, maybe you shouldn't be here."

Snow placed her hands on the table and leaned forward into Claude's space. She deepened her voice, speaking with queenly authority as she answered, leaving no doubt who was in charge.

"It's true I do not have the stomach for it as you say. Taking lives makes me sick. It is never the decision I want to make. Yet I have done so, and I have ordered others to do so. Be assured, I will not hesitate to do so again, if it is absolutely necessary. I am simply asking, is it necessary, or is there another way?"

Charming placed his hand over hers to calm her. "Snow is right. Let's at least discuss other possible options before making a decision. Could we use smoke instead of fire?

Claude held tight to his original opinion. "That might work to create confusion and force them to leave the safety of the high ground, but the effects would be short-lived. We are still outnumbered. We would still be vulnerable to their retaliation."

Red joined the discussion for the first time. "I am in agreement with Claude. Sorry Snow, but I think attacking with fire gives us a much better chance."

"In Camelot we have a substance similar to smoke the smell of which can knock a person out for a short time. It might be possible to release such a thing over the battalions."

Claude scoffed at the idea. "And if we even had access to such a substance, what would we do after we knocked them out? We don't have dungeons in which to hold prisoners, nor the extra men to act as guards."

"What if they weren't prisoners?" Snow inquired. "What if we proposed to them the option of joining with us? Give them a choice in where their loyalty's lie."

"And what makes you think they would choose you?"

"You did for one. King George and Queen Regina are both rulers who are only interested in their own power and prosperity. They rule with cruelty. I can promise them a kingdom that seeks the good of all. Prince James and I will give our people a voice. "

Claude laughed out loud. Grumpy brought his axe up as if he might take a swing at the knight. How dare you laugh at the Princess. Claude held his hand up in a show of surrender, but the humor did not leave his face.

"Down dwarf. I meant no malice towards the lady." He turned to Snow White and took up her hand. "I've heard it said that you were the fairest of them all, and I always thought it was simply a reference to your physical beauty. While it is certainly true that you are a vision of loveliness, I see now that it is the fairness of mind that is your true beauty." Claude bowed, and kissed the hand he held. "I can only hope it does not one day become your downfall."

Charming threw a threatening glance Claude's way and put his hand protectively on Snow's back He wasn't sure whether Claude's words made him defensive or jealous, but he had to bite his tongue at the desire to let him, and everyone there, know that Snow was his wife. His hand gripped the hilt of his sword.

"It will not be her downfall. I will not let it. I will always protect her."

Charming might have actually unsheathed his weapon had Snow not placed her hand gently on his arm. She raised her eyebrows at him in warning, but underneath her expression was a mixture of pride and amusement. He calmed as she addressed the group.

"Let us get back to the matter at hand. Has anyone besides Lancelot heard of such material?"

"There is a rare poppy that can be crushed to make a sleeping powder," Granny said from her spot in the corner, where she sat knitting. "But you would need an awful lot of poppies to put a whole army to sleep, and as far as I know, they only grow deep in the forest of Snow's Kingdom."

Smiling and excited, Happy stepped forward to say something, but Grumpy pushed him back, shaking his head no. Snow watched the exchange with interest.

"Grumpy, what do you know?"

"Nothing."

"You wouldn't lie to me, would you, Grumpy?"

Grumpy frowned, "The dwarves of old told tales of vivid yellow rocks that glow with a strange magic. When crushed, they release their magic and render the victims unconscious."

"Where can we find these rocks?" asked Prince James

"Nowhere you want to go, trust me. They are said to be buried deep in the lost tunnels of the dwarf mines. So deep that no creature can live there, no creature except one."

Snow rolled her eyes at Grumpy. "And which creature is that pray tell?"

"Those who claim to have seen it, say it is like no known animal. It is rumored to be a dwarf who got lost in the deep of the mines. Afraid of what dangers may lurk in the depths of the earth his dwarf brothers never went in search of him. In order to stay alive was forced to eat the remains of dead bats that had ingested the yellow poison in the rocks. After a time the dwarf began to morph into the creatures he had been consuming, changed by the very magic that had killed them. He sprouted wings like a bat, and his hands and feet grew long claws strong enough to rip a man to shreds. His eyes glow yellow with magic, giving him the ability to see even in the pitch black of the caverns. He stays hidden during daylight hours, but ventures out at night seeking his revenge on his brothers for leaving him there."

Snow crossed her arms, unimpressed with Grumpy's story. "Can you and Doc lead us to these rocks?"

"Do you really want to take a chance of running into such a thing?"

"You said yourself no one has even seen this creature. I doubt it even exists."

"I can lead you to the entrance of the caverns, but no living dwarf goes that deep into the ground."

"Fine, You lead us there, Charming and I will take care of the rest. We have only two days to get the rocks and return. We shall leave at first light." Snow turned to Lancelot and the other two knights. "I am leaving Red in charge here. You three tell her what preparations need to be made so we are ready when we return."

Charming rolled up the map. "You are all dismissed. Let's get some rest. Spread the word among the men to be ready to move in three days time."

Everyone left the tent, but Snow, Charming, Red, and Lancelot.

Red clasped her cape firmly around her neck before addressing her friend. "Come Snow, let's get you settled. Granny and I have already set you up a spot in the tent with us." She then turned to Lancelot, "I am afraid sleeping quarters for our men are limited. You will have to share this tent with Prince James."

Lancelot bowed and bid goodnight to the ladies. Snow remained quiet, giving Charming a look of apology. He could only watch as his wife was pulled away by Red. David sighed as he sat down on a nearby stool.

"Is everything okay? Lancelot questioned.

"No offense, but you are not who I imagined I'd be sharing a tent with on my wedding night."

"No I suppose not." Lancelot reached down into his boot and pulled out a silver flask. Popping the lid off he handed it to the Prince. "Do you not plan on announcing your marriage?"

James took the flask and took a rather large swig. "I'm not sure what the plan is really. I only know, Snow does not wish to tell people right away. We haven't gotten a chance to converse about it." James took another drink from the flask before handing it back to Lancelot. "Thank you, for the drink. I don't think I will be able to sleep just yet. I'm going to take a walk around the camp."

Lancelot raised his eyes knowingly. "May I suggest you be careful. I fear the wolf will be quite protective of her princess if she were to find you sneaking around."

"Indeed," Charming laughed as he exited the tent.

The camp was mostly quiet as the men settled in for the night. There were four men stationed along the perimeter keeping watch, and a few seated around the campfire, talking quietly. Everyone else appeared to be sleeping, or at least trying to. He stopped briefly outside Snow's tent, but he could hear no sound from within. Thinking she must be asleep he continued on. He had not gone far when a small bird flew right past his ear, and then circled around the other side flying circles around his head before landing on the ground in front of him.

"What is it little guy? Do you have a message for me?"

The bird took a few steps in the opposite direction, then stopped and looked back with an expression that seemed to say, are you coming? David marveled at the small creature's efforts to communicate.

"Would you like me to follow you? Is that it?"

He took a few tentative steps toward the bird. The bird, apparently satisfied that he had managed to get his message across, took to the air again, flying just in front of David, and at eye level. David followed quickly hopeful this little guy would lead him to his beloved.

David followed the bird the best he could through the forest, thankful that there was a full moon giving off enough light for him to keep the bird in his sights. Before long, he found himself at the bank of a small lake. The bird landed on the lowest branch of a nearby tree and gave a small tweet, before flying upwards and disappearing among the thick and twisted branches of the treetops.

David stood there for a moment in confusion debating whether he should begin the trek back to camp when he heard movement from the middle of the lake. Turning in the direction of the sound he saw Snow slowly rising from the water as circled ripples radiated out. The moonlight reflected like glitter off the droplets of water that danced on her skin. He forced himself to avert his eyes, when he realized that she was wearing only her undergarments. The thin white material, which was wet and clinging to her body, left little to the imagination.

"Hello, Charming."

Shocked by her boldness, David remained frozen in place as Snow moved closer to him. She reached out and placed her hand on his chest and stepped in to kiss him.

David pulled back from her kiss and grabbed the wrist of the hand that was touching his chest. "Snow, we need to talk."

She knew exactly what he wanted to talk about, but she wasn't quite ready to have that conversation yet. David wouldn't understand why she wanted to keep their nuptials a secret. It was bad enough that they were engaged, but if Regina found out that they were already married, that Snow had found the happiness that Regina had lost, she would never let David live. Regina had made that mistake once, and Snow was awakened from her sleeping curse because of it. Snow was even considering the idea of spreading a rumor that they had split up to keep the queen from going after him.

Snow shook those thoughts from her head and tried to concentrate on tonight's plan, assuring her husband of her love. She gave him her most alluring smile. "So Let's talk then. Why don't you tell me again about the Siren you encountered at Lake Nostos?" She took his hands in hers and began to lead him deeper into the water. "Tell me how she lured you into the water?"

"Snow, I know you are merely trying to distract me and it's not going to work."

"Do you not want this Charming?"

"You cannot even begin to know how desperately I want this," Charming practically growled at her, as he pulled just a little bit closer to her.

"Well we are husband and wife now."

"Except for the fact that you insist on not telling anyone. It doesn't make sense Snow, unless maybe you're having second thoughts. I would understand. My mother was dying and you were just trying make her-"

Charming's words were lost in Snow's mouth as she curled her hand around his neck and pulled him forcefully to her.

"Don't . Ever. Think. That."

Snow pleaded, kissing him between each word. She touched her forehead to his, locking onto his eyes. Her fingers pressed into his neck, her body pulsed with rapid breaths, as she held him there.

"Snow."

She gave him no opportunity to talk, instead pressing in to kiss him again. She allowed her body to relax as the kiss became slower, deeper, more insistent.

"Does that feel like I regret being married to you?"

"I think you're a more of a siren than the actual siren. My princess, bandit, siren. My wife."

She smiled at David, her eyes alight with the truth of her love for him. The moonbeams reflecting off the water created patterns on her pale skin. He traced the patterns across her collarbone and down her shoulder. When he heard her whispered hum at his movements, he was done resisting. His lips moved to connect with the silky skin of her neck, but just before they found their mark he heard the distinctive sound of a branch cracking.

"Snow. Snow White where are you?" Red's voice called out in an insistent whisper from just inside the tree-line near the shore.

Instead of the sweet taste of Snow's skin, David found himself choking on lake water as a panicked Snow pushed him under. David flailed for a moment and tried to surface before coming to the realization that Snow was in fact holding him under the water. He grasped onto her legs and tried to remain as still as possible, hoping that she would get rid of Red quickly.

Red came through the trees, as Snow made a spectacle of splashing around trying to cover for David. "Snow, what in the world are you doing out here?"

"I'm bathing, what does it look like I'm doing?"

"Alone and in the middle of the night?"

"Yes."

"Well you shouldn't be. It's not safe. You should have asked me or Granny to go with you."

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. You forget how long I spent by myself in these woods."

About the time that Snow said those words, she felt David release her leg and felt a whoosh of water around her as he swam away from her underwater. She knew he must be running out of air. She had to do something. Snow began jumping around and splashing as she moved in the opposite direction that Charming had been swimming hoping to keep Red's attention focused on her and give him time to get out of the water and hide.

"Snow, stop it. What in the world are you doing? You know the Queen's soldiers are always out patrolling."

Snow continued splashing and making noise. "Let them come. I'm tired of always having to be quiet and on alert. It's been a long several days. I'm worn out and I'm filthy. I should be able to take a bath if I want."

"Snow you're going to wake up the whole camp. Do you want them all coming out here to see what the ruckus is about? To see their princess wearing only her underclothes?"

"I don't care."

"Well, I'm sure your charming prince would care. Please Snow, stop acting foolish and get out of the water."

Snow was certain Charming must have gotten away by now. "Fine, I was done anyway."

Red placed Snow's cape over her shoulders after she had exited from the water. She then gathered up her friend's clothing while Snow put on her boots. Just before the two of them crossed into the forest, Red stopped and turned around back toward the Lake.

"You know I can smell you out there, Charming. We are leaving, so you can come out from hiding, that is if you didn't drown. And just so you know, fiance or not, if I catch you being untoward with my princess again, I will be forced to drown you myself."

David twinged from his spot on the opposite shore where he had surfaced. Snow tried to look guilty as she bit her lip to keep from laughing. Reluctantly she followed Red back to camp. Having a best friend who was a wolf was going to require her and Charming to be more shrewd if they were ever going to consummate their vows.