An alternative.

Arerto discussed with Julieanna what her plan was and as expected Julieanna was against the idea and ordered Arerto not to implement her plan. She left Arerto's tent and headed back to the hospital tent while Arerto sat at her field desk and wrote three letters the first to her mother, the second to Juileanna and lastly one to Helena.

Queen Alcippe.

~Dear mother I know I must be a deep disappointment and embarrassment for you right now. I had to disobey your orders in order to save my warriors from **** and enslavement. This does not excuse my actions but I would do the same again in a heartbeat. My last action will be to save what's left of my army and will probably mean my ****. If this is so then I wish you a long reign and do not let my sisters run you ragged. I would request two last personal favours. Promote Julieanna to command my former army and Kriss as her second. My last request is that you treat Helena as your daughter as she means a lot to me.

Your loving daughter.~

Julieanna

~Dear friend I am sorry I could not obey your last order but that's why we are in this situation me disobeying orders. I have written to my mother and made specific requests and I know you will command with a fair but iron will. Place your trust in your abilities and the abilities of your subordinates, especially Kriss. Chances are that I will not be returning from my planned mission so my friend this is goodbye but command with your brain and care with your heart always.

Your friend.

Helena

~What can I say, my sweet Helena, accept that I love you with all my heart and always have. I am going on a mission to save what's left of my former army. This time have to put many lives ahead of mine in order to save them and please know that I have no regrets in actions before this moment. I would walk across burning coals to save you. My only regret is that I will not get to spend the rest of my life with you in the protection of my arms. I will take the memory of you in my mind and your love in my heart. Do not be sad I want you to rejoice upon my **** knowing I did for the army and for you my sweet Helena.

Your lover.

With the letters written and sealed with her royal seal Arerto waited until the darkness concealed the camp and lucky for her there was also a fog rolling in. When she was certain she donned her armour and snuck out of her tent by the back panel and skirted around the edge of the camp coming to the fallen wall. She climbed over the fall elephants and men slipping down to the pass on the other side and heard the pitiful moaning of the men trapped from the first day in the pit. She crossed the covered pit and made her way to the enemy camp her plan running through her head as the fog got heavier.