The Battlefield

The battlefield was filled with armies from both the Saviours and the Holy Order. Negana stood in front of the Saviours’ line, her bodyguards just behind her, and the escort soldiers just behind them. Her army ranged across the field from the trees on both sides, groups of people huddled in small groups, all dressed differently, but most of them wearing black. Some had home-made costumes{if Richard = 1} like Richard and his group{else},{endif} others were dressed in expensive looking armour or fur. Emily felt very special and important, and her army of probably around a thousand warriors watched her intently.

The Holy Order seemed to have an army of a similar size. Denaasi had not arrived yet for the summit, but her army was assembled in much the same way as Negana’s. Groups of people in an array of costumes, the motif there appeared to be a golden dragon; most of the outfits she could see had this image somewhere. Just about everybody, on both sides, carried a sword or hammer or axe. Emily had marvelled on the walk here at the range of weapons, all made of a similar foamy rubbery material.

She heard people moving behind her and turned to see her escort part in the centre. The man who strode through the line was very impressive. He was tall, and extremely broad, wearing tight leather trousers and black leather armour covered in small silver studs. His long white hair flowed over his shoulders. He was incredibly handsome, thought Emily, but in a very harsh, quite scary way. His jaw was wide and strong, his brow was furrowed in concentration or anger, his thin lips pursed slightly. His long, silver sword was strapped to his back. ‘What’s going on?’ thought Emily to herself. ‘Are all the guys here amazingly sexy, or is there something wrong with me?’

This scary, sexy stranger strode up to Emily and paused, looking down at her with dark eyes. He really was very tall. ‘My Queen.’ His voice was very deep, and raspy. Emily trembled a little; she was scared of him but she also wanted him to pick her up and carry her back to his tent. ‘I am at your service. I am Gerwald of Lyria.’

‘Oh,’ started Emily, ‘I am grateful for your presence, Gerwald.’ She wanted to chat with him but she was trying hard to sound like an evil queen.

Ted stepped over. ‘Gerwald is your champion, he’ll have his own story events over the weekend. Try to speak as loud as you can when we are out here. Most people won’t be able to hear, but if you can reach a few hundred nearby that will be fine.’

A bustle of activity caused Negana to turn to the Holy Order line, where she saw some flags fluttering over the heads of the people in front. The line parted to allow a group of knights through, led by a tall woman dressed in gleaming silver armour and a smaller lady wearing a white silk gown. This must be Queen Denaasi, Emily thought. I like her dress.

The summit had begun.