Chapter One- The Mission

Although the entire feel of court was dramatically less formal, we were still generally expected to wear our fancy court gowns to the Petitioners' Court. Fashion was still fashion, although I think that sooner or later during my time, fashion will become more casual. For now, not everybody is willing to give up their expensive court gowns.

I quickly changed into my pale rose satin court gown and hurried down to the Petitioners' Court. As I breezed to the front of the room and knelt down beside Vidanric, I noticed that there were several petitioners today. The room slowly settled down, quieting, as the first petitioner came forward. It was the usual business in different counties with low funds and a need for new construction. Vidanric quickly dealt with the petitioner. The second petitioner caused quite a stir, as he spoke with a heavy accent while jokingly bowing in a foreign fashion.

Soon, the last petitioner came up. Unlike the others, he was dressed in dirty rags and looked as if he hadn't eaten or slept for several days.

"Your Majesties, I.... bring.... news...from...Tlanth!" He gasped out. "Count Branaric...sent me...to ask for...help!"

I glanced up carefully, studying the dirty face, and suddenly recognized the messenger.

"Devan? What's wrong? Has something happened to Bran or Nee?"

Devan slowly looked up. "My lady, several ridings of bandits from Denlieff arrived from the northern border last week. They've been plundering and burning all the villages there. Count Branaric's small militia of villagers can't hold fort anymore. He sent me as soon as he realized that. I've ridden 2 days and 2 nights without stopping to come here."

The momentarily stunned courtroom broke out in murmurs about the evils of Denlieff. I was completely horrified at the idea of Tlanth under attack. Luckily, Vidanric kept his wits and handled the situation.

"Do you have any idea why the bandits attacked?"

"We assumed it was because some of the Denlieff soldiers from the late Marquise of Merindar's army had not been dealt with in Denlieff, therefore they formed groups of bandits. We also assumed that they were after the colorwoods of Remalna."

After considering for a moment, Vidanric said, "Take this man to the kitchens to get something to eat, and then find a room for him to rest in."

Pausing for a moment while Devan was lead out of the room, Vidanric asked the court about what to do.

"I suppose we'll send our army out there to help Tlanth." he said, questioningly.

"Yes, but who'll command? It's been a while since we've used the army, and last time it was used, you were the commander." Asked a duke.

"I guess I'll lead." said Vidanric.

Before I could protest, Russav stood up saying, "Not a good idea Danric. We both know exactly how disastrous it is for a king to leave court within the first month of his reign. Besides, if something were to happen to the new king right after things have settled, imagine the national turmoil it would cause."

The rest of the court mumbled in agreement. New kings would never establish their authority if they left court so soon after being crowned. Vidanric frowned, and broke out in his trademark court drawl like he did whenever he was upset.

"I suppose you have a better suggestion?"

Nobody in court wanted to leave the security of Remalna-city. In the Galdran's time, not many of the courtiers were trained in warfare. The ones who had controlled the army had been the Galdran's cronies, and therefore had been banished from Remalna.

Desperate, I sat there thinking that at the moment, many of my beloved friends in Tlanth were being killed, yet we sat there in the comfort of court, unable to send an army out there because of a lack of a commander. Suddenly, I had an idea. It would be rather dangerous on my behalf, but it was a good idea.

"I'll go command the army." I spoke up.

Vidanric looked at me in horror. "Absolutely not! You've just been crowned as queen too. Besides, it's far too dangerous."

"I don't see why not. The king can fully take care of all the court issues by himself. I know it's dangerous, but I know the terrain there better than anyone else and I could use that information to my advantage. I'm not that oblivious in warfare. Didn't I keep Debegri on the hop for days with just a rag-a-tag band of villagers?" I said, becoming more and more enthusiastic about my plan by the moment. A weak round of laughter passed through the room as the courtiers recalled the tales of my adventures.

"She's right, you know. It really isn't such a bad idea." Stated Russav. The room murmured in agreement.

Although I know Danric was pretty upset, but he saw the reasoning behind the plan and reluctantly agreed to it. We planned out the rest of the mission. I would be taking Nessaren's three ridings and several other wing commanders' ridings. We would leave tomorrow at dawn and ride to Tlanth. Hopefully, we'd get there in 3 days at most.

As the bells for fifth gold rang, the court dissembled to go change out of everybody's court dresses. Danric and I walked together to our quarters. When we reached our rooms, Danric suddenly turned and grasped me by my shoulders, turning me to face him. In a pain-filled voice he said, "You really are going to be the death of me."

Puzzled, I asked, "Why?"

"You'll worry me to death. Really, I'm going to ask Nessaren to report to me every other day on your actions. Promise me you won't do anything stupid, dangerous, or silly, or I'll come out to take you home, whether I lose authority or not!"

"Alright, alright. I promise I won't do anything stupid or dangerous. I'll stay in my commander's tent directing everyone without going out myself." I smiled at his protective tone. Slowly, he leaned down to kiss me on the lips. I locked my fingers around his neck to kiss him deeply. Suddenly, the door to our rooms creaked open as one of the servants came in reminding us that we still had other businesses to attend to. Groaning, we slowly pulled apart to change back into our regular clothes.

The next morning, after a hurried breakfast, I met all the ridings I would be taking outside in the courtyard. Danric slowly walked out with me, as a stable hand handed me my horse. Nessaren greeted us cheerfully as she went to inspect her ridings.

Turning to face me, Danric said in a husky voice, "Are you sure you have to go?"

"Yes, it's my friends out in Tlanth who need my help. Didn't we go over this a million times last night?" I said, exasperated.

"Please don't do anything dangerous. I swear I will kill you if you get yourself killed in this." He grumbled.

I giggled at his illogical statement, as I kissed him lightly on the lips. Turning, I mounted my horse and rode to the head of all the ridings. In my best commander's voice, I yelled, "Ride out!" The gates of Remalna-city slowly opened and we rode out into the light morning drizzle towards Tlanth.



Ok, thank you all for reading this. I'm really hyper right now because I got my first review!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that you all know how happy reviews make me, please review!!!!! Sorry for any typos or past tense/present tense mistakes. I hate grammar.