The plan, in simplest terms, is this: Terrasen and Adarlan will merge to fight against Duke Perrington's army. There is so much more to it, but that's the basics of it. We need to go over it with Aedion, Rowan, and everyone. Also, the biggest point of discussion, is how long the alliance should last. People from Terrasen are - reasonably and without fault - reluctant to join forces with the people from Adarlan.
"We could go separate ways when the war is over? Then the soldiers from both countries will be more likely to agree to the terms of an alliance. Right?" I'm speaking my thoughts out loud. We have only a few more hours - if my estimate is correct - until we reach the safehouse in Terrasen. We've covered every detail and point we could think of, except for the major one.
"Mhmm," Dorian mutters in response. I can tell he's lost in his thoughts, always trying to come up with the best plans for his country. He really will be a fantastic king. Adarlan will continue to prosper under his rule, I'm sure, but I also know it'll get shaped up and remade into a clean kingdom rather than the shithole it is now.
I come up next to him and hold his hand, swinging our arms between us as we walk. "What do you think, King?"
He stops for a moment and sighs deeply. "I think a long-lasting alliance would be healthy for both Terrasen and Adarlan. We've had problems with one another for too long, and this war could be a good way to begin to come back from all the shit my father did to your people. They would have to understand that I'm not him, and I would never treat them the way he did. Allying during the war could prove that to them."
We continue on, still holding hands, and I consider his motives. It all sounds kosher, but...would Rowan or Aedion agree? Or my people of Terrasen? I shake my head to myself as I think of what their response would be...but Dorian's right. An alliance between us would be good, and he can prove to them that he's a fair and just ruler.
We'll have to discuss it with the group when we get to the safehouse, I suppose.
By the time we reach the house, the sun has set and stars have decorated themselves across the darkness. I find the constellation of the stag, always leading North to Terrasen, to home. The safehouse is hidden mostly by trees and brush, but I remember how to get here, of course. I squeeze Dorian's hand one last time before letting it go.
"I need to talk to Rowan," I explain.
Dorian nods understandingly, and we approach the front door. Elide opens the door before we're even an arm's' length from it and immediately slams into me, hugging me tightly.
"Aelin! Thank Gods you're back! We have great news!" She pulls Dorian and me inside after giving Dorian a small "hello". She leads us to the common room where Rowan, Aedion, Nesryn, Chaol, and the others are. Chaol rushes to Dorian to embrace him as they share greetings and smiles, and Rowan looks like he wants to do the same but doesn't.
"Sit," Elide says as she gestures to the chairs surrounding a large table. We sit next to Chaol and Nesryn.
"Nice to see you, Your Majesty," Aedion says, smirking at Dorian who shoots him a grin in return. Aedion is the only one standing, and Rowan is the only one seated away from the table. Everyone still must be upset with him. "We have some great news to share with you, my queenly cousin! Though there was an unfortunate...altercation with the previous mission, our very own Elide Lochan has fixed it all!"
"Oh my Gods, Elide! That's fantastic!" I exclaim. She smiles, crinkling her freckles. "How?"
"Manon, the new Matron of the Blackbeak clan, and I have had a history together. She found out about my heritage and included me in her clan to save me from my abusive uncle...we became very close. I reached out to her after the mission got compromised, and she agreed to come here. Her and her Thirteen," Elide concludes, grinning widely and proudly.
When Elide first arrived in Terrasen a few weeks ago, she gave me a Wyrdkey that Manon told her to give to me. I knew that she had come from the witches' camp, but I didn't know that they had been friends. Knowing this now makes me wish we had included her more in the original plans.
"They should be arriving in a couple of days," Chaol adds, looking directly at me. "And they'll be coming with their wyverns."
"Wonderful. While King Dorian and I were on our way here, we worked on another advantage point to be taken for the war," I say as queenly as I can. I'm surprisingly nervous and I wish Dorian will just cut in and take over. He clears his throat and continues on, as if he can sense my discomfort. I smile at the thought.
"An alliance between Terrasen and Adarlan." Dorian's voice is strong and steady; he's made for being a king. It seems to come so naturally to him. Nobody says anything after this, but a few people share nervous glances. My stomach twists.
Aedion sits down and runs his fingers through his hair. "I have to admit, I've considered that option. It makes sense, really it does, but the response of the people could go either way."
"With my father out of the picture, and the position of King being mine to fill, I will tirelessly strive to prove to the people of Terrasen that in an alliance they will be treated fairly and equally," Dorian states firmly.
Aedion nods at him. "I trust you to lead your people, Dorian. I have no question when it comes to that. But the past encounters Terrasen has had with Adarlan haven't been pleasant ones, as we all know. How long would this alliance last? Would it liquidate after the war is over?"
"Aelin and I discussed that and decided it was best for all of us to have a say in how long the alliance would be active. Personally, I believe that for the best interests of Terrasen and Adarlan alike, the alliance should exceed the war."
"Alright," Aedion says, nodding again, "I trust in the decision of my Queen. Whatever she deems best for Terrasen I will back up until the day I die. Aelin, what do you think?"
My heart is racing. I hadn't thought this would all be up to me. I had expected Aedion and Chaol and maybe Rowan to all input their opinions and ideas, but Aedion is willing to blindly follow my every word. "Well," I start nervously, "from the thought I've given it, I agree with the King. I think Terrasen needs help getting back on its feet, and will especially need that help after the war has ended. All of the countries in Erilea could benefit from help from Adarlan, so I think this opportunity is one we need to take."
"Does anyone have another suggestion?" Aedion's voice booms through the room as he stands up again.
A few people state that they too will follow me no matter what, and a couple others say they agree with the idea of an alliance.
"Good," I say. "Now I suggest we prepare for our witch visitors."
