Back in Talia.

Freya preferred to hold her meetings within the government quarter. All the offices were here including her own. Today sat with her were Lady Helinda and Lady Cheyna. "Lady Helinda how goes the road extension towards the border?" 'It is going well general. We have cleared and laid the foundations. 'It is going well general. We have cleared and laid the foundations for a wide stone roadway. Currently, we are about thirty miles from the border and the planned route is through Corson." " I have heard nothing but good reports about your planning and foresight. You have the queen's permission to continue with the project as you have been doing. Are there any issues.?" "The only issue is the cutting of the slabs of rock and transport. The further we get from the quarry the longer it takes. We have identified a nearer source that may provide an alternative." " Good. That is all I need to hear." said Freya."What of the new proposed storage house on the palace grounds?

" Well, we have the main structure laid out and we have had to put in a new gate and dirt road so that wagons do not disturb the palace. Estimated build time will be three months depending on how long the road to the border takes." Three months is not much time my lord." Lady Helinda I will issue orders for some of the army to assist as we are not at war and the diversion will please them instead of training. If I give two thousand troops how would that help." Lady Helinda replied that with the extra hands, they could probably finish both projects in three months." Very well my lady. I will have the project managers meet with you to discuss the details." "Lady Cheyna how are the realms finances doing?" Lady Cheyna spoke for the first time. "The finances are doing fine General Freya. With the small raise in taxes and the extra production from the mine, we have had a two per cent rise in the coffers. Also, we will be able to add an extra fifty thousand gold if the joint border **** becomes a thing."

"Fifty thousand that is not much of a plus Lady Cheyna" Cheyna smiled "That's fifty thousand a month general so over a year six hundred thousand" Freya smiled in turn "Oh that is much better." Freya dismissed the ladies and in came Jasmine and Cassandra. They took the seats just vacated by Helinda and Cheyna and shared greetings with Freya. " Okay, Jasmine what have you found out regarding the plot.?" Jasmine replied that she had found nothing solid. Two commanders had been promoted to command divisions but they seemed to have been acting within the rules. That was all she had for now. "I have been trying to get information out of the soldiers without drawing attention."She asked the same of Cassandra who had pretty much the same report with nothing out of the ordinary.

"My friends we need to find these traitors because they threaten not just the crown but the people of Freeconia. The queen is right if we are to survive then we have to change." Again Freya dismissed her two generals and waiting outside was Cressida. As she entered she was a bit more upbeat than normal. This was probably because she had to deal with General Freya and not the queen so protocol was different. Freya and Cressida were of equal rank. I have good news and bad news, General. The good news is that the plotters have been identified. The bad news is that only the queen can authorise action." And why is that Lady Cressida" asked Freya. " General four of the plotters are in the army and all sub-commanders. However, they all come from highly regarded houses within the realm. These families have a long tradition of supporting the realm" said Cressida ."I see Lady Cressida but maybe there is something I can do for the time being. I can transfer them out of the palace."

Lady Cressida sighed " Yes you could but that would alert the plotters that they had been discovered and they may strike sooner rather than later." Well, what can I do then my lady?" Freya rubbed her eyes and then looked at a paper on her desk."I have it Lady Cressida two of our commanders on the borders are retiring as per the age regulation. I can have at least two promoted to take over their commands that would slow down their plot" "Good idea General Freya." "Okay, Lady Cressida i shall see to it. Was there anything else? Cressida stood "Nothing else general and I must say you are handling everything well." then she was gone leaving Freya alone. She went through the papers on the desk and saw the diplomatic notes from Galtion and Germite both agreeing to the joint border forces. Great' she thought 'Now all I need is Jasmine to sort out the Freeconian contingent. She wrote out an order and passed it to her aide to take to General Jasmine.

Freya stood up and decided it was time to go upto the palace and see Lady Giselle. She walked out of her office and was saluted by some junior officers then took the walk to the palace gates. She headed past the kitchen and saw Selena" Good afternoon Selina how is Queen Arerto in her isolation" Selena looked at her and still under the influence of the mind control replied." Oh, the Queen is just fine General she is learning about different things every day." As she passed the general she smirked and thought Yes learning to be a humble maid and to serve her servant. Freya made her way to Giselle's office and they had some lunch while they discussed what Freya had decided during her morning meetings. Freya neglected to mention her chat with Lady Cressida. "Thank you, General," Giselle said. They discussed a few trivial things then Freya made her goodbyes and returned to her office to finish up her day. She was tired and realised what Arerto went through every day.