Send Sophia and Arthur to rescue Amara

"Lady Sophia, take Arthur and as many of your allies as you need to rescue Amara." You have no idea what six months of enslavement may have done to Amara of Heliopolis, but it may be best if she was rescued by women instead of men. "Once you have her, hide her in a safe house and do what you can to heal any harm that has been done to her. Leave enough of your allies to protect her and then return with Arthur to me." Turning to your former commanding officer you salute.

"Sir, I am going to send Arthur with them to smooth over any contact they have with forces from the Unified Armies" It feels odd telling him what you are doing instead of waiting for orders, but so far both Jiro and Arthur seem to accept your authority. Signaling your Lieutenant to approach you speak softly so only he can hear.

"These priestesses could be the biggest stroke of luck of our entire lives. Either that or I am going mad." You see that that option has occurred to him already. "But this armor feels real, as do these gems, so for now let's run with the madness and see how far it takes us." Arthur nods his head his eyes widening in surprise as you press a handful of the cut jewels into his hand. "Sometimes money can open a gate, or loosen a tongue faster than the sharpest of blades, spend this if you need to, I promise you there is plenty for us." Before he pulls away, you draw his ear close to you again. "Watch Lady Sophia. Do not interfere unless she tries to betray us - I believe in my heart that she is trustworthy but my head is still the street rat from Heliopolis that man trusts no one."

Letting him go you turn again to Sophia, "He should be able to help if you run into forces from the Unified Armies, but I am sending him with you as an observer, not directly under your command." Pulling her close enough to your face that her sweet breath mingles with yours you give her one more command. "Stay safe my queen, I would rather have you by my side than all the daughters of the High Priestess."

As Sophia and Arthur leave the room with all but Adriana, Jiro and the other priestess the four of you look each other over trying to make sense of the whirlwind changes that leave each of you uncertain of your new roles. Adriana breaks the silence.

"My lords, let me formally introduce Pallastonia, true High Priestess of Athena, not that miserable pretender that was placed in the temple by the council." Adriana's words mean nothing to you, but Jiro turns to her and says

"You were reported to have died eight years ago."

Pallastonia laughs and replies with a smile "Most of my enemies believed that to be true." And the smile leaves her face and years of age and care return "Almost all of my friends also believe me to be dead, but I hope with your help we can change that." Turning to Jiro she asks bluntly.

"Do you think the Unified Armies will be able to take the city?" You are as surprised by that question as Jiro and Adriana. Isn't your presence in the heart of the city proof that it will fall?

"Of course" you reply for your commander "the city has all but fallen already." But Pallastonia ignores you and continues to wait for Jiro to answer. The longer he hesitates the clearer it becomes that the answer is not that simple.

"We don't know if the Citadel will fall." His answer stuns you, the message to the troops throughout the march and siege was that the walls would fall before the United Armies and soon after that the Citadel would surrender. The Unified Armies were expecting to march back to the gates of Heliopolis with the entire Royal House of Athenapolis and its High Council in chains within a month of their departure. Now you hear from your commanding officer that the Citadel might never fall. Pallastonia doesn't seem surprised and nods her head in agreement:

"It is as I feared." The city will fall, its men slain and women ravished and enslaved but those who are responsible will make a deal with this army. The Regent will turn over some of the captured slaves and enough wealth to appease the generals. There will be a fine ceremony and pledges of reform and then within a year of your departure this city will return to their old ways of greed and corruption." Commander, there is a way to break the cycle and he is sitting at this very table with us. Captain Caderos is our best hope if we want to stop the evil that festers in Athenapolis. As one every head turns to look at you.