Chapter 4
Navarre and his army rode into the gates of the monolithic fortress of grayish white stone, each door massive in size and opened by a horse team with men to guide them. The army separated from their commander and headed for their barracks while Navarre rode straight up to an awaiting Alya, who for the first time in as many days was smiling.
"About time." She moved back inside, followed by her advisor and friend.
"It's a long ride from the Breach."
"Is that an excuse, my friend?" Alya turned, surprised at his comment. He'd been straight forward with her from the beginning, even showing his loyalty by telling her of the other caretakers wish to control her. He'd stuck by her when others questioned her decisions and was happy to see her orders carried out with victorious results.
"Never an excuse, just a reason." He bowed smiling, it was something she said to him on several occasions and he delighted in using her words in his own favor. His long black hair swayed at each movement, showing his slightly pointed ears as they did so; his skin a stark contrast to the dark color.
Alya nodded, "We have more trouble…"
"Yes, I'd heard on the way in about the towns and their losses." His demeanor changed again, "Will you want to join the force as they go out."
"You know I will." She turned to him; certain he would attempt to talk her out of it.
"Then I will be going to ensure your safety."
"It won't be nec…" His look alone stopped her comment. "I can take care of myself."
"But you cannot control everything. At the very least I can stop what you cannot."
Alya shook her head, but before she could comment Aron moved into the room, followed by Haldir. They'd looked like they'd just rode in and since the door guard hadn't had a chance to announce them, she figured they had.
"At your service, M'Lady." He was out of breath.
"You do a disservice to our guest, Aron." Her eyebrow was raised.
"I did not. I offered him the chance to go to the room you'd made ready, but he refused.
"Truly." Alya walked over, "I wish I had time for polite banter, but my people are in need, Master Elf."
"Haldir. Lady of Aquetiri." He bowed slightly out of respect.
"Did your Lady send you?" She smiled as he bowed once more. "Good, then take time to rest, I have a duty which will require all my attention."
"And I will join you, as My Lady requested."
Alya smiled, she knew if he was anything like Navarre he would be nothing but stubborn. "Very well." She turned to Navarre, "See, I have someone to keep an eye on me, which means you won't have to." She turned back to Haldir, "Your name, friend?"
"Haldir, Marchwarden of Lothlorien."
Alya bowed to him upon hearing his title, "We will discuss things on the way then."
Navarre smirked and shook his head. "You believe I would actually ignore my duty because of this. No offense to you, Master Haldir."
"None taken…"
"This is Navarre, my most trusted friend and advisor. Please excuse any banter we undertake, for us it is normal. He believes I am unable to care for myself and I believe he is annoying." She smirked at her friend. "Come closer, and see what you think of our plans."
Haldir nodded and moved in, flanked by Aron.
"There are about 200, M'Lady." Jora moved in, bowing to the others and sticking her tongue out at Aron, who simply raised a brow to her gesture.
"Enough. You are certain?"
Jora nodded and moved to the map table, hopping onto her knees at the bench in front of it, moving a flag to another area. "They have a great many caves with various entrances. They keep the children to…" she swallowed hard, "to eat later. The men they rip apart to frighten the townspeople. The women are either killed, if they fight or are…" her mouth went dry.
"I know where you are leading." It was Alya's way to allow Jora not to say the words. Alya returned to telling them of the plans she received from the General's messengers and of her own plan. "I want to use an old method that most are unaware of here. We will encircle the area and move in, as each group encounters a brother they will fall in behind. Everyone they come across that is not one of their own or is not a townsperson will be slaughtered." Alya licked her lips, "When we've killed them all, then we will search for survivors, gather the dead." She gazed momentarily at Haldir and then returned to the map. "No enemy combatants must remain alive. I want heads on pike and bodies burned." Hearing her own words made her sick, she couldn't believe she'd ever give an order of this type, but she knew to ensure her people's safety, to ensure the Evil would not have his allies she had to.
"Very well. I will make certain the orders are carried out to the syllable." Navarre bowed slightly and moved out of the room.
"I will create a spell to seal the tunnels after the campaign M'Lady." Aron bowed and exited. He moved out, nodding to Haldir before leaving and stopped a moment. He'd never been involved in this type of campaign and to here his Queen say those words were disturbing at best.
Jora hopped down, "It is good to have you, Master Haldir." She bowed slightly and exited.
"She's right and I'll understand if you don't want to join us." Alya turned her attention to him.
"I gave my word to my Lady and I will follow through."
"True, but then she didn't know we'd wage a genocidal campaign against our enemy."
"If you believe it necessary, I am not one to speak against it."
"But you are exactly the one to voice your opinion. An outside, unbiased voice."
"I am not unbiased. You saved my Lady and I owe you all for that. I am far more biased that your advisor, because of that."
Alya nodded and did not offer argument. "We will be leaving tonight. We'll reach the enemy's home by morning; I hope and start from there." She hesitated. "Would you're people do any less if several townspeople were wiped out by them?" She looked at him a moment.
"I would not, no." He bowed and moved over to the table again. "Will base camp be set up nearby?"
"Yes, here is the location I was considering." She pointed to a place about 2 miles from the army's starting point.
Haldir nodded, you should leave a small brigade there, just to ensure none of the enemy attempts to come up on you from behind.
Alya smiled, I already considered that. My reserve guard. They do not often get used on away campaigns so this may give them some experience. Though, neither of us wishes them to." Haldir bowed. "Do you always act so formal?"
"I had not realized…"
"I believe you realize it completely." She smiled. "I for one prefer a more relaxed environment, but you will see that in your time here." She moved away, "Should I be sending an emissary to your Kingdom?"
"That would be at your discretion, Lady." Haldir was uncertain of her comments, "I will make attempts to be more…relaxed." He smiled slightly.
"Very good. Just don't harm yourself, Master Marchwarden." She smirked out of his eyesight. "Is there a war brewing in your world?"
"I believe so."
"Then why send me one of her most trusted?" Alya turned to him again.
"I do not attempt to question my Lady's decisions, nor do I argue them. I simply follow orders."
"Then you will do differently here. I may give orders, Haldir, but if you have questions, ask them."
Haldir nodded, "Except for in battle."
"Exactly. Because I don't order in battle, I lead." Alya walked out of the room, "Follow the gentleman at the door, he'll show you to your room. You can prepare yourself for the journey. We will be leaving within the hour." She moved away from her guest and through a small door on the other side of the library, leaving Haldir to leave with the man at the main entry.
"She's a bit of a contradiction, Sir." The man whispered.
"How is that?"
"She doesn't act like a Queen is supposed to; she goes against everything many of us are used to in regards to the leaders here."
"In good ways though."
"Yes, Sir. We would follow her father into Hellworld itself. Her too."
Haldir stared into nothing for a moment, nodding slightly. "Then you and your people are fortunate."
The man nodded and then stopped at a doorway on the second floor. "This is the room she had set up for you." He left Haldir to enter on his own.
The Generals
"She should not go, Navarre." A verbal man in fully military regalia spoke passionately. His short shorn hair close to his head seemed a bit choppy. His face was squared and rugged and as he spoke his hands moved in differing manners.
"And you've said this to her and she has shot down the idea. The subject is closed, she will be going and you will follow her orders. You forget she and her entire family has given all for us. If she chooses to go, then she will go." Navarre spoke pointedly.
The Generals bowed to Navarre, "I just don't want…" He was defeated and he'd known it before he spoke at the start.
"None do, but she is stubborn as she has been from the start. She will stay back as much as I can have her remain, but she has always believed in leading over ordering; same as her father did."
"She will be taking her Guard then?" Another man interjected. Her Guard consisted of what she considered the best and was 500 strong; they went with her everywhere outside the fortress of Avalon.
"Yes, it's the only way I would keep from arguing with her."
The men bowed and moved away to ready their legions; each legion of 5000 men, who followed their Queen and their Generals loyally. Every man knew what they were marching into and what the cost may entail.
Leading an Army into Genocide
The queen rode up, wearing manly attire, consisting of loose leather pants, a long tunic shirt, a long jacket and heavy boots. On her back, a sword was strapped, similar to a Dao in appearance, and a quiver of arrows; a long bow was in a side holder on the horse she rode. Behind her rode her Guard, along with a man of Asian decent; they were geared to the teeth for battle and almost had the look of enjoyment on their faces.
They rode to the lead of the legions of men who would be joining them, Navarre and Haldir already at the forefront of them. "Where is Aron?"
"Here, M'Lady. Will you need me before the end?" He appeared nervous and under any other circumstances Alya would make him sweat, but this was not the time for it.
"No, you will remain back with the reserves, join at the end and do what is necessary."
"Thank you, M'Lady." He moved back behind his Queen and followed.
The sun was setting as they made their way into the west, 2 legions riding in a standard relaxed formation toward the Valley of the Sun; a desolate place, cursed by the Evil with cannibals and monsters. Many of whom were dispatched, expertly, by Alya's army.
"We should reach the location of our base camp before sunrise." She commented to Haldir who was on her right, Navarre on her left. "I want the camp set up by the reserve so that the legions can move on to the start point for our campaign." She turned to Navarre.
"It's already been passed along, M'Lady." Navarre gave her an audacious look. "While you are needed, you are not always needed at the location you wish to be."
She shot him a look which told him to quiet down about his comment. "While I am Queen I will do as I feel I need, Advisor Elf." She was met with a bowed head, leaving Haldir to question their altercation. "Do not worry, it is how we are. How we've been since my father died."
Haldir nodded, "Do you wish me to stay with the base camp?"
"That I will leave to your discretion, Haldir. You may stay or join us, but I will be moving out with my army. I want to see our enemy fall, for what they've done."
Survivors Escape
Along the route, some of the scout rode back swiftly, "M'Lady! We have survivors; they are on their way here."
"How many? Who?"
"A young man named Amir." The name was familiar to Alya, "Also several children, including one of the enemies spawn. What shall be done with her?" The man had disgust on his face.
"Nothing for the moment. Is she a captive?" She wondered if her Godson had captured the child. "I will ride forward and meet them." She directed the comment to Navarre.
"No need M'Lady, they are coming this way, a small group of men will be leading them in."
"Very good, thank you and go back to your scouting. You are to be commended for your attentions." The man bowed his head and rode off, back to his duties.
On the horizon, torches were visible in the distance, they were moving closer and getting brighter with every moment, but Alya could not wait, she wanted to see her Godson, make certain he was well, given what he'd been through. She made her way toward them, 10 men following her along with Haldir. "Amir?" She hopped off her horse.
"Alya" Amir got off the wagon and rushed to his Godmother, hugging her tightly. "They killed my father."
"Shhhh. I know." She hugged him, lifting him, even at 12 off the ground. "I heard about it. He will receive the honors he deserves, I promise."
Amir nodded. "She helped us." He turned to a young girl in the wagon, who was hiding her face; fearful of reprisals for what her people had done.
"I'm surprised a cannibal would assist my people." She moved toward the girl, her men at the ready, waiting for any attack. She waved them off. "Why, girl?"
"I'm not like them. I never fed that way." The girl whispered weakly.
"Why?"
"My mother wouldn't allow it" She winced as Alya approached.
"You know who I am?"
"Yes, my Queen."
Alya was surprised, "You claim me as your queen?" She stopped moving forward, uncertain.
"My mother told me of you. They killed her last year."
"Why?"
"Because she wouldn't feed me like they wanted. She wasn't like them."
"So you aren't either?" She was met with silence.
"I am, but my real mother died at my birth. This woman raised me."
"She was a captive? She made you stray from your people?" The girl nodded, looking more squarely at Alya. She was deformed only mildly, "Then you don't wish to side with them."
"She saved us, Alya, please let her come back with us." Amir requested, the children surrounding the girl begged also, surprising the men who surrounded them.
"What's your name child?"
"Lelia. It's what my mother called me." She had a lazy eye and a slightly fallen face. The rest appeared normal, including her reddish brown hair.
"Well, then, head toward Avalon and we will do what we can to give you a home." She turned toward her men, "Have some of the reserve take the girl back, have them treat her well and take her directly to Maeve."
"Yes, M'Lady." Some of the men ushered Amir back to the wagon and then directed them toward the army. The girl still showing hesitation around Alya's people.
Alya mounted her horse, "We will wait for the army to catch up and continue on as planned. One change though, child of those monsters will be spared, barring whether they've been fed in a cannibalistic manner." She sighed heavily, questioning her original orders, waiting for the army to rejoin them. Haldir watched her intently, surprised at her, knowing the little amounts he did of women from his world and remembering what the man had said earlier about her.
"Your strategy is still good, Lady Alya." Haldir spoke leaning toward her.
"Thank you. I hope we are both right." She feigned a smile.
"Be certain or send the men home. Just remember what they've done to those in the towns." Haldir whispered.
She nodded and sat up more straightly in the saddle, "You are right, and we will continue on." She moved to her Asian friend, "Jin, I need a new order given. All men going into battle must do so for the safety of those alive, not in revenge for those who've died." Jin bowed his head and rode toward the oncoming army.
Base Camp
"Make certain everything is set up!" Alya ordered before heading to her tent. A large ornate fabric structure she felt stood out to all. Entering she saw the Generals standing around, they all bowed as she moved toward them. "Have the men rest, we will head out soon. Do they have an understanding of what is required now?"
"Yes M'Lady." The men answered in unison.
"Good, then we will head in as planned with a new objective, but do not allow these beasts to use their young against us. If they are a threat they must be removed, for the sake of those alive." The Generals bowed and exited swiftly.
"Aron, make certain the magic you've created is ready when we need it." Navarre ordered, sending Aron out of the tent as well. When everyone but Haldir was gone he turned back to Alya. "Will you consider…"
"No, I've explained." She was visibly frustrated.
"Yes M'Lady." He looked to Haldir before leaving himself.
"He cares for you."
"As he did my father." She turned to her new ally. "He made a promise before my father's death. He told him he'd watch over me like I was his own." She laughed softly. "It's funny he doesn't appear old, and I feel ancient."
Haldir smiled. "Elves take their word seriously, M'Lady."
"Since you are a guest I will expect Alya. Most try, but revert back to the noble terms. I prefer my name though."
Haldir bowed fully, "Yes, Alya."
"You will have to tell me of your Lady's world, your people, your world. Once we have a chance to sit."
"I will be happy to. My Lady, Galadriel, said in the short time you were together you affected her." The comment made Alya smile. "I doubt she will ever forget what you did for her."
"I did it more for myself. I could not have killed her, but I will explain that later. Now we must keep our minds on the task at hand." She moved back out of her tent, followed by Haldir.
War in the Valley of the Sun
They rode stealthily towards the Valley, each man knowing what had to be done; unsheathing their weapons to face the enemy. Every third man was a master archer and had bow and arrow at the ready as well. The General's gave a wave which sent the men forward with only the mission in mind and their safety a second. Their formation was impressive, as if the horses were connected to a marionettes cables marching toward the target. As the first of the enemy moved out of their hiding places they were cut down mercilessly, their seemingly decaying bodies showing far worse than the swords or arrows could do. Men following in behind them took their heads as ordered, making certain they would not return to do more harm.
Alya looked upon the bodies before their heads were removed, she kept reminding herself that this was necessary for survival and it was. The Evil used these things to gain power and to take out those who fought against the Evil and his minion; they would take vile steps to ensure fear in those Alya promised to protect. She had to have them pay, to show that there was a price to be paid for taking the lives of the innocent.
The battle went on into the day, the sun was now over them, the heat was rising, but Jora and Aron made certain it did not affect the men with chants and spells. They cut down one after the other, loosing few if any of their own army to wounds at worse; several men from the reserves were there to gather wounded and move them back to base camp.
Alya moved forward into one of the canyons with a battalion of men, her bow and arrow at the ready. As she expected two of the monsters came rushing at her, but it was not her arrows that struck them, it was Haldir's who's speed was unmatched to any she'd seen before, but she was able to take out a third who'd attacked, while Haldir moved his arrow to a fourth to his right. The battalion swiftly dispatched 40 more that attacked, taking their heads after they fell dead before the Queen.
"You will have to show me how to fire off arrows that quickly." Alya smiled at Haldir, who's demeanor changed as they both found her being pulled into a sinkhole by bodiless hands; a scream all that escaped her lips before Haldir grabbed her arms, pulling her against the strength of those below. The pain on her face was apparent, but it didn't deter him from trying to save her.
"Fire on them." Haldir ordered seamlessly. The battalion doing just that, removing the threat within seconds as Haldir pulled her to safety, her boot the only thing missing. He scooped her up and took her to her horse. "This is why they wish you to stay behind."
"Not time for a lecture." Alya pointed to 5 more that were charging, pulling her sword from its sheath and swinging at one that neared, slashing up across his face. Haldir doing the same with his sword, taking out 2 more. "Must you outdo every human you meet?" She spoke sarcastically.
Haldir smirked back at her and continued his onslaught of the enemy as they advanced, the battalion dealing with their own attackers who were advancing in vast numbers. As they continued an advancing group from another battalion joined the skirmish, they'd fallen in behind as they'd finished their area and moved in to assist their brethren.
As the battle for them subsided they realized several battalions that had finished driving the enemy from their areas or killing them had advanced on the final position, which the Queen was in the middle of. The battle waged at that point was very one-sided leaving the legions that were there as the victors and the heads removed from the cannibals.
When she was able to compose herself she turned to the men, "Advance underground, in groups of no less than 5, make certain there are no more."
"We've counted 392 dead, M'Lady." A man spoke breathlessly, his face splattered with blood.
"Then find the other 7."
"7? M'Lady, I thought there were 400?" Another man spoke out.
"M'Lady!" A man rushed to her area, we found 5 of their children, dead. They must have killed them."
"You are certain?" The man nodded, "Find the last 2." The men bowed and rushed off, Alya attempted to hop down from her horse when Haldir stopped her, holding a boot in his hand. "Thank you."
"Stay on the horse."
"You are not my commander."
"Someone should be."
Her face showed signs of shock, and the fact that she didn't have a retort made the men close by chuckle, she blushed slightly. "Were you under my command that comment would see some form of punishment."
"I doubt that, M'Lady." Haldir bowed his head and moved off, leaving her with her Guard.
Over the next several hours the men searched, finally finding one of the two monsters and killing him quickly.
Another man, from the reserves, came over the rise behind them rushed in on horseback, "M'Lady, we caught one. He tried to enter the camp."
Alya turned, "You're certain?" That was met with a nod. "I'll go, make certain there are none left, then seek out survivors or the dead. They must have an honorable burial." Several men bowed and rushed off, while Alya rode, following by several of her Guard and Haldir towards the camp; her boot hanging over the horn of her saddle.
She rode up, dismounting and moving toward the enemy who was being held by each wrist and around the throat by a collar attached to a pole. "You're friends are dead and you will join them."
The creature hissed, it looked human, but his muscular frame showed his less humanlike qualities. "Death is not the end."
"You'll find it is." She spoke. "The man you crucified was my friend. While I won't kill you for him, I will for his son and for my people." Before she could draw her blade a long froglike tongue came out and licked her chin, sending her back in shock; almost off her feet. "KILL IT!" She wiped her face ferociously, standing back up. The reservists moved in and decapitated the creature. "Burn the body. Bury the heads deep in the desert." She turned disgusted still wiping.
"It is no longer there." Haldir stepped in.
"It feels like it is. I can't explain."
"Bring the Queen some hot water and a cloth." Navarre understanding her feelings dismounted after riding up, sending some of the wait staff to get the items quickly; following Alya into her tent. Putting up a hand to Haldir, not to follow. "I understand he saved you."
"Oh stop." Alya turned to him, using the clothe after soaking it in the hot steaming water. "He was quick."
"He's an Elf."
"Yes I could see that. And don't start. I got rid of the other advisors for attempting the very same. Remember?" She glared at him.
"I'm not saying anything, M'Lady."
"I will request that you go to his home as an emissary."
"Alya?" Navarre stepped forward.
"You won't go?"
"No. I am needed here." Before she could respond, "I need to be here." Alya nodded making Navarre relax.
"See to it that there is a guard on today, make certain it is none that have seen battle. Then have everyone, after they are finished with the burnings and the funerary rites get some rest." Navarre nodded, but was unable to leave while Alya finished, "Before we go, I want another group to search the area, just as a precaution. Then take Aron in, under heavy guard so he may perform whatever it is he has to." She wiped herself clean once more, "Then we stay another night before heading home."
"Yes M'Lady." Navarre smiled and bowed, "Should I allow your protector in?" He smirked and left quickly, evading a pillow being thrown at him.
Final Day
Several battalions went out early while Aron readied his supplies, Haldir walking up. "Queen Alya asked if I would take you into the location."
Aron smiled, "Thank you, Haldir. I would feel safer after what I heard of your abilities." Haldir bowed to his new friend. "I also must thank you for saving her. I owe you for that."
"No you do not."
"I feel I do. She has treated me like family and I would be lost if she had met her end." He refused to say the word 'dead or died'. He mounted a horse, a thing that was odd for him and started out; Haldir by his side.
"What is this magic the others speak of?"
"Oh, it will seal the tunnels, it's hard to explain, but it will almost grow rock." Aron smiled, proud of his creation.
"And this will work?"
"It should." Aron hesitated.