"Lets do it"

Ethimilee looked from her balcony down at the carriage that was taking the woman pretending to be her daughter away. It had certainly been a magnificent celebration as the princess was announced to be heading for the front. Some were worried about her safety but the heavy presence of orc bodyguards had done much to assuage concerns. Public opinion on the orcs was sharply divided but their loyalty was considered dog-like, in a half-breed wolf sort of way. The queen wished that she could have seen her true daughter off but that would have drawn far too much attention. She had said her goodbyes the previous night and her daughter had been in much better spirits than when they had last left each other. Ethimilee was grateful for that. She did not want them to part on angry terms in case the worst happened.

Now as another went off in her daughter's stead she felt guilty. So many others would wish to have the ability to keep their children from harm and she questioned if she was being selfish. Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard the door to her chambers open. Turning and walking inside she saw Broden enter. Her feelings for the Orc were more confused each day. He had become far more than a mercenary bodyguard should be in such a short time. He was the one she could trust with thoughts and feelings that she could not with anyone else.

"It is good to see you. I don't know-" She started before another entered behind him. Rinlest. She realized this was about business then. She would be lying if she said that the prince hadn't been growing on her. His persistence that had once been an annoyance was turning into a boon. He was also a perfectly formed specimen of an elvish man with the charms to match. She knew he was heavily favored by her court and even some of her people as her future husband. His recent shows of solidarity increasing that immensely.

"It is a blessing to be in your presence as well your majesty," Rinlest replied, giving a bow with a charming flair. "I apologize for this intrusion but I have received some troubling news from home that, while unverified, may cause a significant issue. I must also request that we speak of it alone." He said giving a pointed look to Broden.

"Broden has my full confidence. I assure you that he will not repeat your words to another." A brief look of annoyance crossed the Prince's features but it swiftly returned to his charming facade.

"Very well. Humans have been spotted in the Wastes. We do not yet know what route they might have taken to arrive there but if the reports are to be believed they carried the Emperor's banner. If this is the case the humans may be trying to take a lesson from yourself, your majesty." He gave Broden another pointed look, making it clear that this was the reason he hadn't wanted his presence.

"Broden, if this were true what chance would they have in succeeding?" The queen asked, making it clear that she thought it was a good thing he hadn't left the room.

"I am unsure. Most of my kin follow the banner of Horgrog. He is the strongest at the moment. The other chiefs fight for the scraps of power that remain. If the humans manage to speak with them without having their men killed and their women taken the chiefs might be persuaded. The chance for battle, plunder, and land will be as a sirens call to many of the young warriors. Yet they will fear to leave themselves weak to their neighbors which may temper their zeal sufficiently." The Orc informed her, he did not believe this a good time to mention who his father was. Especially not with Rinlest present. "If they do come however they will fight like orcs. Wave assaults, meant to achieve gains through numbers and strength rather than skill. I would still seek to further confirm this."

"I would as well, from where does this information come?"

"One of our rangers. As you know we keep a close eye on those brutes to anticipate their feeble efforts to break out. The reason for the uncertainty is the ranger suffered an incident on the way back, we don't know what happened but her notes were all that were recovered and many pages of them were destroyed. They still painted a grim enough picture that the message was forwarded on to me."

"I thank you for also telling us. It could lead to naught but it could also be a sign of things to come. I will inform our generals." The queen said, Rinlest was once again making an effort to tie his own fate with that of her kingdom. She was unsure how she felt about that but it could only serve to increase his popularity in her court. She knew that was likely his intention but it still didn't lessen the value of what he did. "Would the two of you also instruct your trainers to prepare our soldiers for fighting orcs?"

"It shall be done your majesty," Rinlest said with a bow before asking his leave. When she granted it she turned to Broden.

"If this happens. Will you be able to fight your own people?" She asked him.

"I swore to protect you against all enemies my queen. I will keep that vow." The tone of his voice indicated he might be thinking about a certain prince along with other orcs but she dismissed the thought. "By your leave." She granted it and felt alone once more.