Letters from the front

As you go to clean up after training, you note with a chuckle that Kali’s door is closed. You move past, not wanting to violate their privacy, but you can’t help but wonder what they’re up to in there. The door is still closed after you finish up, so you head down to the throne room to see what your day looks like.

Judging by the excitement when you arrive, it seems like news has arrived. A messenger bows as you approach. “Sire! News from General Ochiba!”

You nod and thank the messenger. You move to your throne and sit as you read the message. The general writes in a compact, efficient style, and wastes little time on unnecessary detail.

“They met us in battle. Large numbers, but unskilled. Refused talks, refused surrender. Victory, but costly. Very few survivors on enemy army, will pursue. Two days rest, then we move to besiege capital as ordered. Will await your arrival. -Gen. O, Commanding”

You smile as Maya sits down beside you, reading over your shoulder. “Looks like we need to get ready for a trip.”

Maya nods. “Sounds like it was a tougher fight than we hoped. Hopefully it’s the last for a while.”

“I agree. The plan shouldn’t require any more battles, though. Once their leaders are gone, maybe they’ll stand down.”

Maya smiles. “We can only hope, my Josh. I’ll go tell the other girls.”

You give each other a kiss, and Maya bounces off as you turn to the gathered court. “As we hoped, General Ochiba was victorious. He will be besieging the capital of Humanitas within the week.”

Excited conversation starts up again, until you lift a hand for quiet. “This means I will need to go to the front again. While I am gone, I will be leaving Elys in charge here. I trust that you will all give her the same respect you give me?”

General agreement, and one man even says aloud, “Sire, she’s a princess for Mermouthia, and a member of your family. We could do no less!”

You chuckle. “I still don’t know what I did to earn all the praise, but I welcome it nevertheless. Very well. I will spend a day or two wrapping things up here before I leave, so be sure to bring me any pressing business before I go.”

You smile. “Now, unless there’s something you need me for right now, I need to prepare. Send a messenger if anything comes up.”