Back to the fray.

As the night drew on Arerto awoke again this time much stronger and as she looked around she saw Sabine sitting against the cot on the floor. Arerto reached her hand out touching Sabine's hand and Squeezing gently which awoke her immediately."Your majesty welcome back to the land of the living." Arerto eased her self into a sitting position and then stood up looking for her weapon and armour.

"Come Sabine i need to get back out there. I need my men and women to see me" still a little weak Sabine fell in beside the Queen in case she needed support. They headed outside to the western barricade so Arerto could see the enemy formation. Sabine informed Arerto that they were down to thirty archers and thirty-five infantry to hold back the enemy. "Your majesty maybe we should retreat," said Sabine.

"No Sabine we hold or die its the only way to teach the enemy that we will not bow down." Arerto looked on as the enemy started forward again. The archers prepared to fire and waited for the signal from Arerto who raised her sword and when she judged the distance was right swung her sword down. The arrows flew and hit the leading ranks but they still came gone.

The archers could get five arrows off a minute but the enemy would be on them in less than a minute but they kept firing. Soon the enemy were at the barricades and they were beginning to buckle then something unexpected happened the enemy turned and retreated. Surprised Sabine looked at Arerto "A trick?" Arerto looked at the retreating enemy "I do not know Sabine"

As Arerto turned she saw it as well the dust cloud approaching from the East it was Mathias and his troops surely. Arerto took Sabine's arm gently and turned her to see the dust as well. "That's why I think they retreated". Eventually, the column arrived and Mathias dismounted and bow before the queen. "Your majesty you are safe". Arerto had the colonel and his troops repair the outpost.

The defenders of Myposa were relieved and the wound wounded load onto wagons for the trip back to the capitol. Meantime Arerto and Sabine mounted their horses and followed the wagons back to the city. Arerto noted that Sabine was giving her sideward glances.

"Sabine you must be wondering about what I said in the hospital tent. I was not delirious, and I want what I said I am falling in love with you. Unfortunately, our laws forbid a royal and a commoner to be involved in a romantic tryst. However, I have away around that well two ways around it. I can make you a member of the nobility by knighting you or I can abdicate so we can be together."

Arerto waited for a response and not getting one she went on.

"I do not see you as a meer servant you are my equal in every respect except in the eyes of the law you are not nobility. I understand that this is a big decision for both of us so take all the time you need."

Sabine just replied yes to the Queen that she would consider it. But she also told arerto that she too had stirring feelings. They rode on discussing the battle and making arrangements for the dead and wounded to be honoured.