Disclaimer: I own nothing.
They were late of course but one look at their kiss swollen lips, bite marks on Clarke's neck and Lexa's determined glare and they didn't dare say anything.
Lexa wore her Heda gear with a few added layers Clarke insisted on to keep her wife warm. Clarke herself was wearing her familiar skaikru jacket over several layers of clothes to keep warm. She had also pulled on her new winter grounder boots which were comfortable as she would be on her feet all day.
Everyone was dressed in their warrior clothes. Jayde, Luna, Flynn and the others. The skaikru had their traditional gear on too. They headed outside where carriages waited for most. Lexa and Clarke were to ride their horses though, leading the procession.
Word must have spread quickly in the city as most bowed to Heda and Jayde as they passed. Faces solemn. The city was eerily deserted as were the markets. Stall were gone. When she reached the gates of Polis and looked out at the open land between the two walls she was horrified and humbled all in one.
Horrified by the injuries she could see on some of the people as she slid hurriedly of her horse with Lexa. She stepped aside as Jayde hurried past, her mother hot on her heels as they went to Jaydes people.
She was humbled by the people that turned out. The market stalls had been set up out here. The food vendors handing out food to the hungry refugees. Water too. Furs were offered as well as clothes for all those who had lost everything. Clarke caught the attention of a guard.
"Sha SkaiKwin?" He asked
"Take note of all these vendors. Ensure they are compensated for their generosity" she ordered and he bowed before hurrying off to do as asked. Clarke turned to Lexa whose eyes were full of respect
"You will bring great balance to our leadership houmon. I lead with my head, you will lead with your heart" Lexa turned and looked out over her people anger blazing at the devastation the Azgeda caused. Proud of the people of Polis.
"I see the rich aren't here"
"I'm not surprised" Lexa sighed and pointed to a station that had been set up with medical supplies. Abby was already there stuffing her pockets with what she could find with other medical personnel. "Your skills are required houmon. I will see you at the great Hall at 6sharp"
"Sha love" Clarke nodded and headed over to where her mother was. "What do you need mum?"
"You're asking me?" Abby asked "I have no idea. We need to triage the patients"
"Ok" Clarke nodded.
"Dr Griffin" a voice called and Abby, Clarke and all the medical staff turned and Abby recognised the Registrar from the hospital she visited. He hurried up to her with several more healers. "Dr Griffin, may I suggest as the one with the most medical knowledge you lead this team"
"I think that would be better suited for one of your healers. I am not yet familiar with all your ways."
"Possibly. I heard you speaking of triage. Order of most injured yes?"
Abby sighed. "Fine. Who are your surgeons here"
"We all do surgery as required. Skill and survival are variable." The registrar stated he ushered two of his healers forward "my two skilled surgeons, they take the most difficult of patients"
"Fine, take Clarke and one other. Determine those who need surgery." She pointed at the old army carry stretchers "find a handful of guards to carry those. Put them in our carriages and take them to the hospitals. Keep them on pain relief until I get there"
Clarke nodded and waved at six guards who hurried over. She quickly gave them instructions and they followed her and three others into the depths of the refugees.
Abby turned to the others. "Sprains strains and minor cuts are of little importance. Head trauma is urgent as is wounds to upper torso and chest pains. Any cuts can be sutured unless you think cauterisation is required. Please use a sterile blade. Be mindful of infection too. No one is beyond saving. Call me if you don't think you have the skills. Go"
Supplies were taken and the healers hurried off. Abby was left with the registrar.
"You sure you don't want a job at the hospital?" He asked
"Something tells me in a few months I will be in the medical tent on the battlefield" she informed him "before then I will be swapping as much knowledge as I can with Nyko"
"After the war maybe you can swap that knowledge with us"
"After the war" Abby nodded as she looked for Jayde in the crowd and found her proud warrior lover standing surrounded by her people while talking to them. "Excuse me" she murmured and hurried off.
Lexa watched as the skaikru and other clan leaders wandered among the refugees, offering assistance to the healers where they could. Or assistance to hand out food and furs. Taking moments to squat and talk. She too walked amongst the people offering silent strength to her people as she headed for the outer gate. She could see warriors there, some from Polis, other from the Lake clan. It appeared they had at least one prisoner with them.
She passed Clarke on the way, touching her wife's shoulder briefly, aware Clarke knew it was her even though she didn't look up. Too busy putting an arm in a sling, an injured arm or shoulder. Blood also seeped through a bandage on the young mans head.
She met up with Jayde just before they reached the warriors who bowed then kicked the back of the knees of two Azgeda warriors. One male, one female. They sneered up at her and Jayde. The male spat at their feet. Lexa could see Jayde shaking in fury.
"Why did you attack the Lake crew?" She asked in trigedasleng. She wasn't surprised when they didn't answer. "They are a part of my alliance and attacking them is treason"
She looked at Jayde whose fists were clenched tight.
"Jayde of the Lake people. It was your people slaughtered, you can choose their punishment" she advised and Jayde looked at her quickly and gave a nod.
"Fifty lashes each. Fifty burns. Fifty cuts. If you survive that Then hung on a cross until you die a slow agonising death" she snarled at them.
"It shall be started at dawn tomorrow" Lexa nodded "put them in gallows in the town square tonight" she informed the Warriors who jerked the traitors to their feet. The woman smirked
"Enjoy your rule why you can Lexa, my Kwin will soon rule all and have your wife's head to join Costia's Bones as a trophy" she laughed
"Cut their tongues out" Lexa called "I do not want to hear their cries of mercy tomorrow" she shouted for all to hear, which caused cheers among some of the refugees. The Azgeda Warriors merely grinned. Lexa waited until they were out of ear shot. "They show no fear and taunt me about Clarke and Costia. They have been trained and selected" she told Jayde "they are Nias closest guards. Why did they get captured"
"Heda if I may" a Lake Warrior stepped closer and she nodded "when we returned off the water they and eight others were still there. We killed the others and captured these two. They have not spoken as to why they remained. They have not spoken at all"
"Mochof" Lexa nodded before turning to Jayde "they were left behind to slaughter anyone returning from the lakes. Probably not expecting Warriors there to protect them."
"As Nia's guards they know and are trained not to talk" Jayde added
"We will see if they can hold out" she turned and called out to the Warriors who were still dragging the prisoners through the far gates. "Guards, belay my last order. Take them to the dungeons. I will be there later tonght"
"You intend to torture them yourself?"
"Do you wish to join me?" Lexa asked and Jayde grinned evilly.
Raven was horrified at the injuries she saw to these sweet innocent people. Then she was damn furious.
"Wick you know what I am thinking?" She asked
"We make the ice queen go boom?" He growled as he took in those around them.
"Exactly" she nodded "we need to come up with some toys to assist Lexa"
"I'm sure she will be most grateful" he grinned wickedly.
Echo was beyond distressed. Many had recognised her as Azgeda and wouldn't let her touch them. She wasn't surprised. Even Bellamy insisting she had denounced her clan and was Skaikru hadn't helped. So she found herself on the outer, pouring water for the People of polis to take to the refugees.
"Something ails you Echo?" Heda startled her
"Heda" Echo nodded "they recognise me as Azgeda still" she admitted as she poured more drinks quietly
"When we return to Camp Jaha we will initiate you as Trikru"
"Heda" Echos mouth hung in surprise and Lexa fought a smile
"Your help in the war will be your first battle as one of my Warriors. I trust you will fight well for me"
"Sha Heda. It will be an honour"
"Good. Now tell me, do you know those two prisoners?" Lexa asked and Echo shrugged
"I know of them Heda. They are first legion soldiers. Where the queen goes they do. They are hand picked. The best Warriors from the ice pits and extremely loyal. You will not get any information from them"
"We will see" Lexa nodded "do what you can Echo. Any last bit helps"
"Sha Heda" echo nodded and filled the next lot of empty cups.
It was only a few minutes to six when Clarke hurried into the Great Hall that night. Lexa sat on a throne on the dais, a smaller throne empty beside her. The leaders of the clans were there, even Flynn. Echo stood off to the side. The people of the council sat in chairs behind the clan leaders. Warriors behind them, guards and then some people of Police.
Lexa noticed her entry and then tipped her head to the empty throne beside hers. Great just what she needed when she was covered in blood. She had been working hard at the hospital helping her mother with surgery when her mum pointed out the time to her. She had sprinted out of the theatre, barely giving time to wash her hands before running here.
She hastened her steps, jogging up the stairs to sit in her chair.
"Sorry, helping with surgery" she whispered to Lexa who nodded regally. Ok, Heda was in full flight, time to put her SkaiKwin hat on.
"Now the skaiprisa is here we shall begin" Lexa stated loud enough for all to hear and when Clarke rose a curious brow added silently "you said you preferred it"
"Sha" Clarke nodded before Lexa turned back to the others
"As you are aware the Azgeda attacked the Lake Clan recently. The attack is an act of war and treason to the coalition. The Ice Kwin states she will bring war after the winter thaw. We must be ready for them. Their numbers are vast, we will need all members of the coalition to stand against them" she sat back and looked to her left "Echo, what can you tell us about the Ice Queens strategy"
Echo swallowed hard, nervous about talking to so many.
"The army is vast and made of of many legions. The first legion is several hundred strong in itself, hand selected by the queen herself. Champions of ice pits, survivors of other battles and incredibly loyal. They guard her in battle and also guard the castle. Highly skilled and ruthless. You will need to get through them to get to the queen. Other legions are ranked by their fighting and other skills.
The second legion, of which I was part of are the master of the blade. Third legion of the arrows and fourth of the spears. Fifth legion are the seconds and any crippled Warriors that she can spare.
There is a sixth legion, these are slaves and prisoners who she orders to fight for their freedom. She uses these as the first wave of attack in any war. They are so fearful of her they fight, they want freedom. You could possibly get a few of these to turn and offer sanctuary.
After the first wave is sent in she calls up her archers. She does not care who she hits as long as she takes out some of her enemy. She well send regiments to flank the battlefield prior to battle to attack from the sides. Archers first and then some of the fourth legion in.
Only when the enemy is weakened will she send the first Legion in and go for some glory herself, usually taking out the leader. Everyone is slaughtered."
"You missed the second legion. What of them?"
"They are sent out in advance, get behind enemy lines, stay hidden in small groups. We specialise in survival in the harshest conditions. We wait until the war begins and converge as one unit. We then strike from the rear, destroy the camp and kill anyone within. Once done we join the main fight"
Everyone could only stare in horror at the very thought. Echo merely ducked her head in shame to have been a part of the Queens mad ways.
"Your information is most valuable Echo kom trikru" Lexa stated causing a stir amongst the people as Lexa claimed her as her own. Echo merely flushed further. She bowed to Heda "your thought when it comes to planning will be appreciated. Especially on locating and destroying the second legion prior to war"
"Sha Heda, an honour"
"You will lead that contingent with Bellamy" Heda ordered and Echo could only blink in shock before standing proud and Lexa turned to Flynn "Flynn you and your people will assist in this matter."
"Sha heda" Flynn nodded
"Tomorrow you will return home and advise your father. If he is still too weak to ride you will lead" she ordered. "You have two weeks to make it to the Trikru camp. You are aware of its location?"
"Sha Heda" he bowed and Lexa turned to the other leaders, Rio,Garret even Luna. She had few Warriors as they were fishermen but some were there for protection. Azgeda would have to get through several other clans first to reach her territory. She and Raquel would return to camp with them.
"The Warriors that are here will remain here. The guards too. For safety of the people and farmers they are to be invited inside the walls at night. No Azgeda representatives are allowed inside the walls"
"But we are a neutral city" the chancellor called out and Lexa stared
"You wish to defy me further? You want to end up on a cross with the prisoners tomorrow?"
"Nah Heda. Apologies" he blanched
"You are either with the coalition or with the Ice Queen. Choose wisely, I will not be lenient with Azgeda sympathisers. They along with any Azgeda seeking asylum are to be held in the dungeons" she growled her stare taking in all the people in the room. All bowed their heads in deference.
"Messengers have been sent to the other clans, hopefully they will all join us in camp soon so we can train and strategise. It is time we freed the Ice Nation of Nias tyranny. Echo, if I killed the queen would the people follow me. Not the Warriors but the people themselves?"
"Sha, most would. They fear the queen, even some Warriors fight simply because their families are threatened. Only the first legion are loyal. They are treated well as are their families. Some in the second legion too, maybe a few more scattered ones"
Lexa took note of this and shared a look with Clarke. An idea forming in her head. She will discuss with Clarke first. Then bring it before Luna and Jayde then other loyal leaders she trusted.
"Are there any questions?" She asked
"Heda, say this is a trick or a trap. What if they march on another clan or Polis itself. How will we inform you?" A councillor asked. "We can't risk sending messagers"
Lexa frowned, unsure before Clarke laid a gentle hand on her arm.
"Maybe Raven can help with that?" Clarke suggested and Lexa raised a brow in question "radios maybe if you are willing to use The technology"
"If it will save lives sha" Lexa asked and spent the next half an hour assuring councillors that Polis would be protected as long as they didn't join forces or sympathise with the ice nation. The councillors might be silly but they weren't completely stupid. Heda ruled fair if you followed her loose guideline. Nia was a tyrant and killed for fun. The people of Polis would not be safe.
Finally Lexa held up a hand to stop any questions as they were going around in circles. She rose and in a strong voice announced "the two Azgeda Warriors will be put to death tomorrow. It will start at dawn in the square outside. Fifty burns, lashes and cuts. If they survive that they will be put on crosses" she glared when there were murmurs in the crowd "it is Jayde of the Lake Clans request. She has lost nearly all her clan to the Azgeda, it will be done. I expect you all to be there, let the people know so they can witness or avoid. Leave us. Go seek out accomodation for the refugees, they need your help. " she ordered and with hasty bows the councillors, Polis Warriors and guards left. Only the clan leaders remained. She looked around her loyal followers and friends.
"Mochof for staying true to the coalition and someone I hope I can call friend. I wish I could spend time with you tonight but I have an interrogation to attend. I would like a united front at the execution tomorrow but understand if you need to start your travels early." She informed.
She shook each leaders hand and they all left bar Jayde and Clarke, Luna promising to see them tomorrow.
"Clarke take Jayde back to the Homestead"
"Lexa" Jayde went to protest but Lexa shot her the best Heda look she could muster and the older woman went quiet.
"You have had an emotional day Jayde. Interrogation requires a cool calm head so that they will remain alive tomorrow. I promise to keep the torso free from injury for your punishment"
"Wait what?" Clarke asked "you're going to torture them"
"Do not ask questions you do not want answers of houmon." Lexa sighed and cupped her cheek "I must be strong as Heda and do what's necessary to keep my people safe"
"You're going to torture them" Clarke croaked
"Jayde go now with Clarke, be with Abby tonight, let her look after you"
"I should be with my people" Jayde protested
"You're people are resting in hospitals and others safe in camps. Besides if You have your way Abby may be your people soon" Lexa teased her friend. Clarke gaped at Lexa then at Jayde. No way, that was way too soon. "Go houmon. Hopefully they are not total Branwada and I will be home soon"
"Just for the record I don't approve of this" Clarke muttered
"That where you lead with your heart. In this instance a head is needed. Azgeda know no other way" Lexa stated and drew her wife in close for a hug. "I will see you soon" Lexa promised, kissing her brow and leaving the hall in a purposeful walk, guards falling in around her as she made her way to the dungeons. The only two prisoners were chained to the wall next to each other, stripped of their clothes so only underclothes remained. They were wet and shivering in the cold air. Both sneered as she entered.
"Here to torture us? We will tell you nothing" the woman spat and Lexa smiled.
"We will see. But I already have an informant. I don't need you to tell me anything. I know all the Kwins secrets, her battle strategies and that her army fight because they fear her. I'm positive I can turn at least half her army against her" she informed them and although the woman's face remained neutral the male showed a glimpse of concern. She turned to him "worried about your queen? You should be or do you worry about your family? I wonder if the Kwin has even let them live knowing you were captured. Silly that." She saw another flicker of emotion and turned to him like a viper smelling dinner. She had found her weak link.
Meanwhile Clarke went with Jayde to check all were settled in their camp on the training ground. Only half were there, others were in the hospital or visiting. Jayde informed them of the execution and where. She spoke to her Warriors and informed them to rest. Soon they would ride with Heda to her base with the skaikru to prepare for war.
Finally after stopping at a take away kebab shop they made it to the Homestead to find the others sitting around in the bar having drinks and discussing what they wanted to do to the Azgeda.
"I suggest you all get rest while you can" Clarke informed as she watched Jayde slip quietly over to her mother. "We return to camp soon and we will be busy with training and war plans. The executions are held tomorrow. They will be brutal, it's your decision whether to attend." She looked at her mother knowing she wouldn't approve. Her mother nodded though. She would be there for Jayde. "I'm heading to bed. Lexa is interrogating the prisoners. I will see you tomorrow"
She left her wide eyed friends as she headed upstairs to shower and slip alone into bed.
"Did she say interrogating?" Maya asked and everyone nodded "why do I get the feeling she means torture"
"Because she does" Echo informed
"But that makes her no better than the Ice Queen" Monty frowned while others nodded and echo was quick to snap
"No. Nia tortures for pleasure, she enjoys others pain. She does it out of contempt for all but herself. She is deranged. Heda does it out of necessity and to obtain information to save as many lives as possible. She does it for the love of her people. She is the greatest Heda to ever be." she glared at them all "you should all be ashamed for thinking such thing." She stood then and stormed from the room.
"I think I should go after her" Bellamy stood hastily and left.
Abby ushered Jayde out, her lover looking emotionally and physically exhausted which was little surprise. Others soon dribbled out of the room only leaving Rio and Garret discussing how many Warriors they could contribute to the war.