Disclaimer: I own nothing except for my OC Ianthe and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.

The Heroic Legend Of Ianthe Chapter 10

Here at the Fields of Atropatene the Lusitanian and Pars army's will clash.

Most of the banners have been summoned to meet the threat head on. But a certain number have been ordered to maintain their positions in other areas of this vast kingdom in order to remain strong in the slim chance this campaign should somehow flounder and protect it from potential threats from other neighboring kingdoms.

Despite not wanting to consider the option that they might be defeated King Andragoras doesn't want to take any chances about that.

In this Ianthe does admire him greatly with that decision. Hard not to given the circumstances.

Ianthe is at the front with one of their many regiments and battalions at the main Pars encampment wearing full armor, excluding her helmet, gleaming in the sunlight, and a matching blue cape swaying in the gentle breeze.

A number of Marzbn have been assigned to stick to her side.

One of which is Marzbn and Calvary Captain Kharlan who chooses to address her now where he is sitting astride his stallion charger.

Noticing the stiffness and nervous anxiety radiating from her posture breaking through her efforts to conceal it, Kharlan said "Are you terribly nervous about the coming battle, Your Highness?"

Humming under her breath in question, Ianthe said "Nervous?"

"This is your maiden battle, after all," mentioned Kharlan, pointing that out.

Nodding, Ianthe sighed "Right."

Smiling in reassurance, Kharlan said "Take heart. We're sure to triumph. The king has taken to the field himself and everyone knows his martial prowess. Supreme General Vahirz is here, as well. And consider the other captains, Shapur, Kubard, Mankchurh, Khayr, Khurp, Khshaeta, and Daryun. We 8 Marzbn each command ten thousand horse, add to that of the king's personal guard, and our army totals 85 thousand cavalrymen, and 138 thousand infantry. We also have the advantage of terrain, knowing the Fields of Atropatene as we do. By the day's end the Lusitanian's will find they have marched all this way only to dig their own graves."

"Yes, quite," agreed Ianthe. "Still it is a shame that such brave and loyal men to their own country will have to die for their own leaders misguidance. They should be back home with their own family's. And yet they are here fighting us all for a lost cause. Also, Kharlan, perhaps you can answer something that's been bothering me since this march began."

"Yes, Your Highness, what is it," said Kharlan.

Skeptical, Ianthe said "Do you not find it strange that they took Maryam and so easily when 3 years ago they failed so utterly in disaster?"

Sighing, Kharlan said "As for that I have no answer. Take my word for it, Your Highness, the mystery behind that has left most of us bewildered."

"I know I can always count on your own word, Kharlan. It's never been in doubt," said Ianthe, trustingly.

A screeching caw draws their attention upwards. Here a familiar winged ally flies towards them.

"Azrael," said Ianthe, releasing a pleased and welcoming smile to her dear feathered friend. Azrael lands on her waiting arm and Ianthe strokes his breast in greeting. "Welcome back. Did you have a good flight?" Ianthe then notices something alarming, odd, and out of place about Azrael. Something that completely contradicts what everyone around her can or cannot see with their own eyes. "Kharlan, Azrael's feathers are damp."

"What did you say," said Kharlan, inching his charger closer to her.

Scrutinizing the spans of air in front of them, narrowing her eyes imperceptivity, Ianthe said "The skies are mostly clear ahead. Does it not seem odd to you?"

Humming underneath his breath in contemplation and unspoken agreement, Kharlan said "Perhaps I should scout the area once more."

Nodding, Ianthe said "Yes, please do."

Kharlan then leaves to do his duty.

Behind Ianthe some of the soldiers were a bit disgruntled with the delay playing off her desire to double check the perimeter as first battle jitters.

Ianthe pays them no mind. She has her eye on something else.

Kharlan's behavior is perplexing.

Last year after Ianthe reached her 15th birthday King Andragoras decided that it was time to round up and have potential suitors brought to Court for consideration. Kharlan's son Xandes was one of them. At the beginning Kharlan seemed very open to the idea that one day his son might be married to the Crown Princess. It would ultimately improve his families noble standing, honor, and influence in the kingdom.

Then suddenly out of nowhere Kharlan declined the offer. He removes his son from Court and sends him back to their family holding while Kharlan himself is kept at a distance by his own choosing. It's only recently after the notification about the invasion came that he makes an appearance again. Instead of exhibiting a cool and indifferent exterior towards her Kharlan is actually very obliging assisting the Crown Princess in however way he can.

Ianthe is grateful for his experience, guidance, and protection, but something seems off.

This nagging feeling refuses to leave her alone.

Just what is it?

Authors Note:

Glad you all had a big Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D

I've been meaning to get back to this one for a while and only now I've managed to find time and inspiration for it. I'm very satisfied and happy about it.

You think already Ianthe might already suspect what Kharlan's up to?

I recently put up some other works I've put out at titled Secret Of Bristol Cove, Predators Redemption, A Revolutionary Romance, Fantine Tezla: Hot Wheels Acceleracers, Magic And the Brave Little Toaster 1, Lavinia: Princess Of Edelweiss, Rorschach's Legend, Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender, The 8th Loser, Naomi Poldark: Mistress Of Nampara, Serenity: End Guardian To The Moors, Dido Cruger: Power Rangers SPD, and Nuala: The White Lioness. I highly recommend them. ;D

By the way Rorschach's Legend and Watchmen Meets Avengers: The Newest Defender are the newest additions to my profile. If you're a fan of Watchmen and the new series on HBO coming up soon then I recommend that you check it out. Since it was just recently uploaded I really would enjoy hearing other peoples thoughts on the subject matter so far. So feel free to do so if you have the time.

I have other grand news! I was a patron at New York Comic Con! Ah! I'd been dying to go for years and now I had the opportunity. The Jokers from Impractical Jokers have been here along with Tom Hiddleston and so many others. Over those few days I actually got my picture taken with a couple of other actors/actresses and some really great panels. It really is so exciting there. This is an opportunity of a lifetime so there's no way in hell that I was going to waste a single second of it. No one ever should with something like this. Ever! ;D

For future preferences I highly recommend that you all keep an eye out for when tickets for New York Comic Con are available for purchase again for next year. This is a huge event and you should jump on it whenever you have the chance.