The Siege of Ultopja 1 – The Lady of Light [Helena]

A cold morning in early January. Small amounts of frost shimmer on the tents and the trampled grass of the army camp. Helena is the first one to wake, partly because she is the general of this army, mostly though because she wants to see the light of dawn. Something about the dawn has always driven her, even though the sun blinds her she looks at the rising star. Maybe it was this behaviour that gave her the title ‘Lady of Light.’ Or maybe it was her gold-red hair that seemed to burn in the morning sun. Maybe her talent that made it possible for her to be a general at the young age of 25.

Her talent brought her a few other things as well, her name for example. Helena von Dunkeln. It was a very rare and honourable occasion to be given a title from the Queen herself. Of course with the title she had to give up the Karstenstein name. Helena raises her platted arm towards the disk of the sun that slowly raises over the horizon. The golden armour reflects the radiance with pure beauty.

“Stop it, you are going to ruin your pretty blue eyes.” A female voice comes from behind her. She turns around to greet Anjar. She had met the older Ushyen woman about seven years ago. Anjar had been travelling around ‘out of boredom’ as she insists to this day and simply hooked herself unto Helena. There was a period of drama between the two when Helena learnt that Anjar is an Alteration mage. She tried to have her locked up but the older women always managed to escape unscathed and returned to Helena afterwards. At this point Helena has come to the conclusion that it is better to have her around as well, at least she can keep an eye on her then.

After all Helena herself is able to defend against Alteration magic. As long as that remains true keeping Anjar at her side is the safest option for the whole of Estara. The two of them also entered a close relationship after a bit and now she served as her spymistress. Although Anjar made it very clear that it was an agreement that would come to an end once she decided to return to Ushye.

Helena returns her eyes to the sun. “I can only agree with your exotic friend.” Arlene says as she joins the conversation from the neighbouring tent. “But I have been trying to get you to quit that habit for twenty years now. Maybe it is time to give up.” Helena smiled. “Never give up, mother, we are all trying to become better people.” “I am not!” It comes from within her tent.

Helena chuckles, she knows that Anjar at the very least has turned into a slightly better person since they met. For example she didn’t steal all her food anymore. Although she insists that, they had all been giving it to her voluntarily. “I will ask you a last time: Are you sure you want to come to the battle with us? By tonight we will reach Brikstrat.” “Or what is left of it.” Arlene answers in a grim tone, “If you drag Catherine out of that city I want to be there to spank some sense into that girl.”

That certainly sounds like a woman that raised her. Helena finally turns away from the sun. “If you insist. You know that a winter siege is everything but a nice experience.” Arlene rolls her eyes, “This is not the first siege I have witnessed child. It won’t be the last either.” Helena sometimes forgot that Arlene had served in the military before joining the diplomatic corps. Mostly because the latter was much more suited for the strong-willed woman, she did not behave like a warrior.

Anjar stretches, her rough brown leather outfit sighing under the strain. During the day she disguised herself as Helena’s hunter, a spymistress that openly screamed about her position was useless after all. It was also an excuse to run around with a bow.

“Let’s make a round through the camp.” Helena says and so they do. On the way they come by the early rising soldiers eating breakfast. The female warriors salute or nod respectfully. They know Helena does not demand strict order during marches, only on the battlefield the order of command needs to be absolute, until then they are equal as women.

“I heard that Catherine woman was your former lover by the way.” Anjar quietly says. The topic is pretty sudden and an awkward silence follows. Anjar has the ability to find out things that should remain hidden. If it came to light that Helena is even closer associated with the traitor that would be bad for discipline. “Yes, she was my lover and she is my sister.” Helena says just as quiet. “Aw, you are making me jealous. My brother and I had a very unfriendly relationship after he awoke his own magical powers. “

“You primitives in Ushye, that you allow males to train their magical powers…” “Whose fault is that, huh?” Anjar shoots right back at Arlene. “We had a working society, worshipping in the old ways and everything, until your ancestors annihilated everything. At least I wouldn’t fuck my own brother!” Arlene and Anjar then fall into an discussion they must have had a million times already. Only when Helena raises her hand in a sudden motion to make them halt they fall silent and follow Helena’s eyes.

A bit distanced from them a woman standing over a male. One hand on the hold of her sword the other gesturing wildly she curses at the man. “I said that you should bring me my tea.” She says and kicks the already grovelling man. “I am very sorry, Lady Treiya.” The servant says, “Rations are short, they turned me away, I couldn’t…” He stops talking as the armoured boot hits him in the rips a second time. “Stop your excuses. You are here to make sure I miss nothing and yet you can’t do something this basic, you should be honoured to serve a noble you…”

Helena puts her hand on the woman’s shoulder. The noble turns around with a furious expression that quickly turns pale as she realizes who it is that stands in front of her. “G-General, I didn’t…I am sorry for this display…” Helena gives her a calming smile. “Do not fret, Lady Anastasia Treiya.” She says. “I understand that your servant failed to fulfil his duties, correct?” “Y-yes, Lady Helena.” The noble gulps, that the general speaks her full name could only mean that she was in deep trouble. “It seems to me however that his failure was outside of his possibilities, I am sure if you go to the kitchen tent yourself they will give you the tea you were asking for.” The noble simply nods and wants to go, but the hand on her shoulder remains. “Also understand, Lady Treiya, that the beating of humans, even if they are males, is completely unacceptable in my army. Go to the disciplinary committee and tell them of your crimes. I will know if you don’t.” The noble leaves with a hanging head and shamed.

Helena extends her arm towards the growling servant. “Rise.” She says with a smile. He takes her hand with quivering fingers. She pulls him up with a strong arm. “If she ever beats you again tell me of it, I have an ear for all of the people under me.” The servant gets out an unsure, “Y-yes, Lady Light.” And bows as she walks away.

“You truly are a goodie-two-shoes.” Anjar muses and hugs her from the side. “That’s why I love you, you know?” Helena playfully pushes her back. Arlene on the other side sighs. “You know the nobles won’t like this.” “They better get used to it.” Helena rebukes, “What has happened to Arlheim and Brikstrat, that new religion that is rising and now this city state that we are at war with. The old ways are finally dying.” “Finally? You sound like that is a joyous occasion.” Helena nods, “It is. Males might be more barbaric than we are but over the years, we have become more brutal towards them. This is a warning to never sink as low as the Atmorians.”

They arrive back at the tent at the centre of the camp. The other military commanders have gathered now and are awaiting orders. “Good morning, Lady Light.” Jane, her secretary and commander of the first battalion greets her, the fellow blonde is wearing her armour and the iron pendant she always carries with her, a small sun made from metal. Helena gives her a respectful nod. “Area?” “Scouted.” “Supply route?” “Secure.” “Then we march. Tell everyone to get ready by noon. Tonight we will reach it, the City of Ultopja.”