Chapter 28: Lost in History

The Egyptians were marching under Pharaoh Hohemreb. There were four separate general's flags flying, one of them I noticed was Ramses'.

I guess that was to be expected, but it gave me a deep sense of dread. It was true that I was not very fond of Ramses, but I did respect him. I surely didn't want him dead. He was a marvelous general and I could not deny the many times he has saved me. The last time I had saved his life from Queen Nefertiti had evened our debt, and I had no desire to touch that balance. I was hoping that I would never have to face User Ramses on the battlefield. If anything, I will see him again on the senate floor when he becomes pharaoh.

Seeing Ramses' flag also had me marking several of my plans unusable. Ramses was a clever man. I would not be able to catch him off guard with petty tricks. I had to pull out all the stops if I was facing off against him.

"Are you nervous, Yuki? This is our first real battle." Yuri whispered to me. She was shifting her weight nervously. I guess this is our first real battle as the Gal Meshedi, isn't it? In Arzawa, we avoided a war and had come to an agreement with the Queen. In Mittani, we did not play the role of a soldier. We were the hostages in that situation.

I should be nervous, shouldn't I? I do hate war. I hate battle. I know that there will surely be deaths in this battle. It's inevitable. All those lives are in my hands.

I closed my eyes and took a steadying breath. When I close my eyes, I see the people I love. I see the people I am fighting to protect. When I open my eyes, all sense of hesitancy had left me. I am fighting for a purpose. I am fighting for the people I love. For a safe home.

"I am not nervous. You should be excited. If we win this, then you will be the next queen." I smile at her.

"Queen…Yuki…that is so much responsibility. I want to marry Kail…but I don't know if I can do this." She said almost under her breath. She must have been holding this uncertainty in her heart for a long time.

"Yuri. You will be a good Queen. You will bring peace into this land." I say matter a factly.

"How can you know? Our knowledge of history here ended at Prince Zannanza's death, doesn't it?" She laughed humorlessly. It's true. After Zannanza's death, all of my knowledge of history is scrapped as worthless. I don't know how this war will end. Even if I knew the winner of this war, I don't know who would be lost. Rusafa, Kash,Mittanamwa, Hadi, Dassu…they weren't written in history. They weren't "important" or "notable" enough. But they are. They are not just blank faces lost in the pages of a book. They were all important. Rusafa had protected Yuri and I in Egypt. Kash had lost his love to the queen. Mittanamwa was so incredibly loyal and had that hearty laugh that could be heard across the room. Hadi had fretted over me and taken care of me all of this time. Dassu had helped us while we were in Mittani. All of these people…they were important. They all play a part in history. If one of them was lost, there would be many devastated. Counting me.

Yuri…She could put an end to wars in our lifetime here. She could stop the bloodshed, even if it was just for one generation, she would save so many important lives. Yuri could do it because I know her. I know who she is. Yuri would bring peace.

"I know this because I know you." I kiss her cheek and laughed. I truly believed it. I believed it with all my heart. She still looked uncertain. I sigh; she will have to prove it to herself, then.

She was about to respond before Kash burst in. It seems the battle was going to start faster than we had anticipated. Ah, this waiting was getting tiresome anyway. I sling my bow over my shoulder. I was going to the front as a general and shouldn't have use for it, but I didn't like going into battle without it.

I ran out and hopped on to Huwant.

"You ready, girl? We have a long day ahead." I whispered into her ear. She neighed and rose up on her hind legs. I laughed, Huwant was as spirited as ever. Nenatti was on the ground, whimpering.

"You stay Nenatti. This battle is too dangerous for you." I commanded. She sat back and seemed to pout at me from the ground.

I pushed Huwant into a run and headed toward the war ground.

By the time I got to the battlefield, tensions were high and the war was beginning. Arzawa's troops were already taking on General Antik. General Ramses was cutting down the center while Hohemreb stood by in the back.

"I will charge in, Yuki, Yuri. You two stay here…Hey!" His Majesty protested as Yuri and I rode ahead and began to command our troops.

"No Gal Meshedi would cower behind their monarch." Yuri laughed as we both rode out to take on the approaching Egyptians.

"Your Majesty please leave the North to me, I will not fail you." I salute before I got lost in the crowd.

As I rode into the fray, I could tell this battle would not end soon. Or cleanly. Usually, close combat disorders the ranks, but in this case, the ranks stayed perfectly organized. Both sides had good Generals. I have no doubt that Ramses is behind this platoon. This was going to be a long, bloody battle, and I best steel myself for it now.

Even when I tell myself that, looking at all the carnage surrounding me was making my stomach queasy. Every time I looked into the blank face of another lost soldier, I find myself praying I will not look down and see Yuri's face. Or his Majesty's. Or any of my friends putting their lives on the line today.

Ramses was a smart man. It was infuriating. Every time I saw an opening, a thinning of his ranks, he closed it. I had no time, no chance to push through. I wanted this battle over. Already, the blood and death around me was too much. But I couldn't find an opening. None. His ranks were perfect. They were spread evenly and held strong. Just like ours.

Suddenly, I noticed a change. The ranks were not closing as quickly. The ranks not as organized. It was getting sloppy on Egypt's side…how odd. Ramses would never stand for such lazy work.

"A change in command." I whispered. Of course, I bet Pharaoh Hohemreb could not allow Ramses to steal the glory of victory. This pride will cost him the war.

I snickered quietly to myself. Now is my chance.

"Retreat to the northeast!" I commanded. I have no doubt that Ramses would see through my plan. But I also have no doubt that Pharaoh Hohemreb will let his pride cloud his mind. This battle is mine now.

Closer, Closer! I can see the Orontes river right there! The Egyptians had to follow me just a bit closer!

My plan finally came through when Mittani's charioteers came to our rescue, plowing through the Egyptian foot soldiers. The battle on this side was set. Pharaoh Hohemreb will lose too many to the charioteers at this rate. Time for a quick report to His Majesty.

"Your Grace! The battle is progressing smoothly. I foresee an end soon." I reported quickly. "Actually, I was wondering, what you plan to do once this war settles?" I was curious. At the end of this war, Hattusa could lay claim to a lot of Egyptian soil. Though I believe this to be a bad idea, I also know it is not my decision to make. It is the King's.

"I plan to offer a peace treaty. Then I plan to marry your sister." His Majesty grinned. I couldn't help but glance up in surprise. A peace Treaty? No other repercussion?

As I rode back into the field, I had to smile. Yes, with those two, the Orient will truly have a time of great peace.

I began to make the move to surround Egypt. All of His Majesty's men will take to the south; Prince Piyasili would take the east while Mittani holds the ground here.

"Yuri." I called, meeting with her near the center. "Be careful. Taharqa is in the Egyptian troops. I saw your little scuffle with him earlier. It would be wise not to underestimate him."

She nodded briskly and rode to the east to meet Prince Piyasili and his troops.

I turn back around and see Kash.

"Kash! Where is His Majesty?" I called out over the roar of battle.

"He went off with Kikkuri. I saw him going after Ramses." Kash replied.

I groaned inwardly. Never get in between a man and his pride. Fine, if His Majesty wants to settle this little vendetta in the middle of a war then fine. He is the king. He does as he wants. Even if it makes the Gal Meshedi's job a bit harder now.

"Don't tell Yuri he's missing." I called behind me, going to find the other generals. Even as I said it, I realize it might not be a good idea. Yuri was also the Gal Meshedi. She had the right to know too. I guess I was hoping His Majesty would take care of his grudge against Ramses quickly and head back into battle soon.

As I rode through, I noticed the troops were tiring. It has been a long day under this dry heat. And the smell of death permeated the air. Even I was getting tired. The sights and smells of war were churning my stomach.

"Don't lose hope. I know you are all tired. But it is your will to win that is pushing us forward!" I shout. The moral has to be kept up. No matter how good the general is, it is the soldier that truly wins a battle. A general is nothing without his men. I cannot show any weakness here. They were counting on me to know what I am doing. To remain calm.

"Yuki! Yuki! His Majesty is missing!" Yuri suddenly shouted, riding up to me. Ah, I guess she would find out sooner or later.

"He is fine. He had to take care of something personal." I sighed at her.

"Something personal? Now?" She demanded.

"Yes, now. No use fretting over it now. What's done is done. So now we need a plan."

"Yes we do. And that's right down your alley, isn't it, sister?" Yuri sighed and then grinned at me. I closed my eyes and thought for a moment.

"Yes…call Prince Piyasili and King Mattiwaza here." I commanded. Hadi and Kash nodded and were off.

"You have a plan already?" Yuri asked.

"More or less. With Pharaoh Hohemreb commanding Egypt, we don't really need an overly complicated plan. I had multiple plans pre drawn out that I was originally going to use on Ramses. I'm sure we should be able to corner Hohemreb with any of them." I shrugged. And began to explain my plan to her.

"His Majesty is missing?"Prince Piyasili and King Mattiwaza exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes. As Gal Meshedi, I understand I am at fault. I take full responsibility and will accept punishment for this at a later time. But for now, I would like to establish a commander in his absence." Yuri and I kneeled to the two Generals.

"I was going to ask if one of you would take comm-"

"I would like to suggest Yuri command the troops." I interrupted Yuri before she could ask. She looked at me in utter shock and opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted.

"I agree. As King of Mittani, it is not my place to take King Mursili's troops." King Mattiwaza readily agreed.

"As do I. If I were to take command, it would unnerve the men more than they already are." Prince Piyasili joined in.

"What about you, Yuki? You are the smart one; you are the one who has the plan. You should do it." Yuri protested.

"I am a tactician. It's my job to have the plan. It is the General's job to carry it out. Yuri, I am just the Gal Meshedi. But you are more. You are the only concubine of King Mursili II. You are the future Queen. It can only be you." I look directly at her. She opened her mouth to say something.

"The Egyptians are approaching the Orontes River! They are planning to cross!" Kash shouted and cut Yuri off. I looked at her in expectance. If the Egyptians cross the Orontes, they will be in our territory.

"Prince Piyasili, please mobilize your troops so we can build a defensive line between the Egyptians and the river." Yuri suddenly stood up and commanded intensely. She pulled herself onto Aslan and rode off to help Prince Piyasili.

"Yuki! We are still carrying on with your plan! I'll explain it to Prince Piyasili!" She shouted over her shoulder.

I watched her ride and disappear into the crowd. It took every fiber of my being not to go after her and make sure she was safe. I can't do that anymore. She is a commander. And I have my own job to do.

"King Mattiwaza. We are planning to surround the Egyptians and sue for peace. The only way to surround them is if all of the troops move simultaneously." I explain.

"Understood. And Yuri and you will decide when the moment is right to close in, how will you relay it to all the troops, a signal fire, or a messenger?" King Mattiwaza nodded and seemed to be picturing the plan in his head.

"Yuri and I have lowered the Gal Meshedi flags. When we raise it that is when we all close in." I point at the flag sitting on Huwant.

"Understood. Oh, and by the way, Ereshkigal. For the record, I think you would have made a remarkable general as well." King Mattiwaza smiled and headed off before I could protest.

I shook my head and mounted Huwant. I may have the plan, but I was no commander. Yuri was the one who held the respect and love of the soldiers. I know it is she that they would listen to. Not the goddess of Death.

"Yuki, they are playing right into our hands! When should we give the signal?" Yuri asked, trotting up beside me.

"You are commander. You will know when the time is right." I smile at her. I was watching the Pharaoh advance further and further into our circle. He had no clue of our plan.

I had to be a bit disappointed. Ramses would have seen our motives immediately. Though, I am grateful this war would end quickly. I saw the pharaoh almost in the middle of our troops.

"NOW!" Yuri shouted. We both lifted our flags, our entire brigade began to lift their flags and we charged in.

I held my reigns and stood up on Huwant, raising my flag proudly. Yuri had picked the perfect moment. Hohemreb had no chance of escape. From my high perch, I glanced near the river to see two fools fighting in the water. I shook my head and sighed. Really. They continue to fight even as the battle draws closer to them.

I focused back on the battle. Our trap has sprung, and Egypt was in our grasp.

"Your Majesty, Hohomreb, I must take you into custody. Please do not resist." Yuri said calmly. A cheer arose all around us.

"Raise the flag! The flag of the Tawananna!"

"Our Tawananna's flag!"

Cheers broke out, calling the Red Lion flag as the Tawananna's flag.

"Well I'll count that as a firm vote of confidence." I laughed. The Tawananna. Yuri is the next Tawananna. This battle has decided it! Even the senate cannot overrule this support!

"You know it's technically your flag too." Yuri nudged me playfully.

"Technicalities. This was your win, Yuri." I patted her on the head.

"Oh no." I heard Rusafa whisper suddenly, jumping off his horse and toward Yuri. I noticed a man in the back with an arrow aimed at Yuri. He hadn't shot yet, I still have time! I remembered the bow slung on my shoulder and grabbed it.

I readied my bow and hoped to god my aim was as good as I thought it was. I saw the man let his arrow fly. I took aim and shot.

I saw things happen in slow motion. I saw Rusafa tackle Yuri to the ground. I saw the Egyptian arrow fly true at them. And I saw my arrow.

There was a snap.

I sighed in relief as I saw the Egyptian arrow and my arrow fall flatly to the ground. My arrow had intercepted at the perfect time.

"Impeccable aim, Princess." King Mattiwaza clapped my back merrily.

"Princess Yuki…you…" Prince Piyasili was in shock. Ah, that's right. Prince Piyasili only ever saw me doing paperwork with Ilbani and thinking up plans. Never really fighting aside from the mediocre swordsmanship in today's battle.

"I know my way with a bow." I jump off of Huwant. Kash was already arresting that man. Taharqa.

I recognized him immediately. I knew karma would come pay a visit. I should really straighten it out before it gets out of hand.

A slap was suddenly heard.

I turn to see it was Yuri who slapped Rusafa hard in the face.

"Don't you dare put my life above yours! Stop putting so little value on your life! Please!" Yuri was crying.

"Please…I don't want to see any more blood. I beg you, Rusafa, value yourself more." I added in a whisper. Hadi came beside me and held my hand. I don't want to lose anyone else. These people…I love them too dearly. I don't want to lose them.

"Heed them, Rusafa. She speaks wisely." A voice came from behind us.

"Kail!" Yuri shouted and ran up to him. "Where were you? Oh, you're bleeding!"

I couldn't help but stare at him oddly. He was a mess. I think he knew that I knew where he went missing to. Because he would not meet my gaze as he walked past.

The war was over.

I yawned and stretched as I left at the end of the meeting. We had come to an agreement, and signed a peace treaty. It has been a pretty good day.

I looked over to see His Majesty and Ramses glaring at each other with Yuri in the middle trying to make peace.

"Didn't you two beat each other up enough during the battle? I mean, you were fighting an awful long time." I called lazily. I wasn't bitter about it at all. Nope. Maybe a bit.

"Yuri and You handled the war beautifully, so I have no regrets." His Majesty waved me off. I pouted at him. He was still glaring at Ramses.

"Well, to the banquet hall for a celebration!" King Mattiwaza interjected. He was trying to separate them before they killed each other.

His Majesty went into the banquet hall to entertain the guests. I noticed Ramses wasn't going.

"Not going to the celebration?" Yuri asked him.

"No. I don't like staying around after a battle." He responded.

"It will be a long time before we meet again." I smiled sadly at him.

"Perhaps never again." He agreed.

"My blessings be upon you. And may you have a future as bright as the sun, User Ramses." I kneeled and kissed his hand. "Though I think we will meet again. Perhaps on less hostile terms."

"Farewell, Goddess of darkness." He smiled as he walked out of the palace.

Yuri had gone into the celebration with His Majesty. I didn't really feel like going either. Perhaps it was merely that Ilbani wasn't here. I was also tired. So very tired. And for some reason, my stomach hadn't calmed since the war. I kept thinking of the bodies and they made me feel incredibly sick.

Just thinking back on it, I suddenly ran over to a nearby urn and threw up. Hadi was suddenly next to me.

"Princess…you don't look so well." She whispered. I stood up and wiped my mouth. At least my stomach felt better now.

"I'm fine, Hadi. Just a bit…" I didn't finish my sentence as I swayed dangerously. My vision was blurring.

Hadi caught me and supported me.

"You are tired. Please, I will take you to your room and you should rest." She had already started walking me into my room.

How odd. I usually don't tire that easily. Perhaps it was just the heat. Or the relief of the war finally being settled. Either way, I was asleep before I hit the pillow of the bed.

I ran ahead and pushed through the doors of Ugarit.

"Welcome ba-ACK!" Ilbani grunted in surprise as I very nearly tackled him to the ground.

"We're back!" I sang.

"I can see that. And congratulations on your victory, your majesty." Ilbani bowed to the King. He turned back to me and seemed like he was looking for injuries. I proudly proclaimed that I had no major injury this time.

"Congratulate your little tactician. She played a major role." His Majesty smiled at me.

"I have a surprise souvenir. You must take a look at it." Ilbani said slyly. "It's a gift for you too, love." I looked up at him suspiciously.

I watched the doors behind him open to reveal…

I gasped as I saw Urhi. Tied up.

"Ilbani! He was here! Why wasn't I told! He's dangerous, are you Ok? Did he hurt you at all?" I suddenly ran my hands over him in worry.

"I'm fine, Yuki. It actually wasn't just us who captured him." Ilbani captured my wrists and kissed my forehead.

"Hello, brother. It's good to see you" A tentative voice came from the doorway.

"Prince Juda!" Yuri cried in shock. Yes it was indeed Juda. Except now, his eyes were clear, not hazed with dark water.

"Oh, big sister Ereshkigal, you should have seen it! Ilbani knew exactly what to do! He is so amazing, you are so lucky sister!" Princess Alexandria gushed.

Ilbani's POV (What happened while the war was going on)

I looked over the city. People were scurrying about looking for the one eyed priest.

"We will never find him this way. To catch a fox, we need a rabbit." I muttered to myself.

"Ilbani, we have news that Juda has just arrived at the gate." Shala reported. Princess Alexandria and Ryui following closely behind her.

I suddenly smirked. That was it! That was just the rabbit we needed.

"Ryui, Shala, Princess Alexandria. Shall we go greet the prince?" I say as I walked out the door. They followed along on my heels.

"Ilbani, I thought Prince Juda was under Queen Nakia's spell? Shouldn't we be more cautious around him? His mother might have sent him to get the tablet. We already know Urhi is here." Shala asked.

"Yes. His mother probably did send him. Which is absolutely perfect." I respond vaguely before pushing the grand doors open. "Prince Juda! It is an honor to see you again after so long!"

Prince Juda stared at me blankly. I inwardly shook my head. Seeing such a gentle soul like Juda reduced to this state saddened me. The way his eyes stared into space. The way they glazed over as if he was dead. It was one thing to push this on to a stranger, but to her own son? This woman had put her pride over even her own son. It was painful to watch.

"Ilbani! Why is it only the two of us were allowed into this room?" General Hubasha demanded. I took a deep breath. This was a huge risk I was about to take.

"It was necessary, General." I motioned behind me at Dassu. "These guards are private they will only listen to me." I say as the guards grabbed the prince and general.

When I had first begun this plan, I had to be sure that the guards were on my side. Not the Queen's. Asking a soldier to act in treason. It was no mere favor.

When I had approached Dassu, he got this look on his face. He looked confused.

"You. You're the one that holds Princess Yuki's heart, yes?" He looked up and asked.

I merely nodded.

"You…Princess Yuki trusts you. Is this plan to protect her?" He prodded.

"Yes. But if you disagree, I will understand. This is a very serious act of treason if it does not succeed." I looked at him gravely. I can't have him backing out.

"…If it is for Princess Yuki, I would gladly lay my life down for her." He looked up at me with determination. Yuki. She had a talent of making friends in just the right places.

Now he looked at me while holding back the general. He was taking a big risk for Yuki. I will not waste it. I grabbed Prince Juda and struck him in the stomach. To my dismay, he did not throw up the black water. The General was shouting, but Dassu was doing his job beautifully.

"Bring the water. Hold him down." I commanded some of the soldiers. I grabbed jugs of water and forced the prince to drink. One jug, two. I would force as much as necessary.

"Ilbani! This is too much, stop!" Princess Alexandria jumped out from behind the pillar. The sisters and Sakuwai followed close behind. Princess Alexandria made a grab for me.

"I am acting outside of His Majesty's orders! I am acting on my own authority in order to protect Yuki!" I shouted back, forcing another jug into the prince's mouth.

At my words, Sakuwai grabbed Alexandria and looked at me seriously.

"Do whatever it takes, Ilbani." She said seriously. I nodded to show I heard. Two. There were two people here that would commit outright treason. All for that girl. For our Princess.

"Uhg. Ack…stop!" Prince Juda gasped. Suddenly he was on the floor, throwing up black water.

I breathed a sigh of relief. I think I heard a collective sigh echo through the room.

"Prince Juda. Do you remember the situation you are in?" I asked him gently.

"I…yes. I have been under my mother's spell for a long time…" The poor prince seemed heartbroken. Of course he would. His mother had kept him drugged for almost a year.

"You were contacted by Urhi Shalma recently, haven't you?" I prodded.

"Yes…yes! He showed up in my room yesterday!"

"Well, how would you like to cooperate in capturing him?" I laid my plan into action. With the prince's cooperation, it was child's play to get to Urhi.

"You…that was so dangerous." Yuki whispered when Princess Alexandria finished her story.

"Yes. There were some risks involved." I responded. Of course I knew that. We all did. We all chose to take that chance.

"Thank you so much. But don't you ever do something like that again!" She looked up at me. Worry lined over her tired face.

" I hope I won't have to any time soon." I kissed her gently. I won't make any promises. I would do whatever it takes to keep her safe.

"Dassu. Sakuwai, you too. Please be careful from now on. I want you to be safe." She glanced sternly at the two.

Sakuwai gave her a smile but didn't respond.

"Princess, I am captain of the guard. I must do whatever it takes to protect you." He lowered his head in a bow.

"But you-Urp…" All of the sudden she clamped her hand over her mouth and rushed out of the room. Hadi rushed after her.

"What's wrong? Is Yuki sick?" I demanded. Yuri was looking at her worriedly.

"I don't know. She has been under the weather for a while…" She trailed off.

"Sorry, sorry. I think I've caught the flu." Yuki suddenly came back into the room with a wet cloth over her mouth.

"Princess…you've been sick like this for a while…" Hadi said worriedly.

"I think I am almost over it. I don't really feel sick. My stomach is just feeling upset. And I've just been tired. I'm sure it's just the toll of travel." She waved off.

"Yuki…I think you're pregnant." Yuri said. There was a moment of utter silence. Yuki got a shocked look on her face.

"I…I'm going to go to my room for a moment…" She almost whispered as she turned and left.

She's pregnant! At probably the worse time possible with Urhi and Nakia to deal with.

I kind of left out Kail and Ramses' fight. I hope that didn't bother anyone.

Anyhow, thanks for reading!

~EternallySnowy