Uneasy truce.

Arerto prepared to leave HeaHel and she felt happy that she had a detachment of Amazon warriors from Freya to escort her to the Junice. After what happened last time she travelled alone this was a wise move. They headed east while Katherine stayed to organise the fleet which da grown to fifteen ships now. Karleen stayed behind to educate Agnethia on being a good leader and administrator for the people of HeaHel and she was really enjoying being a mentor. Arerto before leaving had taken great pleasure in showing the message from Pragar denouncing Melusa and as hoped Melusa had fumed and swore to get **** if she ever got out. Arerto then offered her a deal that if she took care of Pragar she could go free and live the rest of her days in peace. Melusa had looked at Arerto trying to decide whether she was telling the truth but then she remembered that once an Amazon gave her word they kept it. So now Arerto was riding to meet up with Freya hoping that she had not made a mistake with Melusa.

Arerto arrived and was met by Freya and Jasmine who showed her around the defences and troops who were in great spirits on seeing their true Queen. "We are ready to stand and hold our ground my Queen" stated Jasmine. Arerto looked at both of her commanders " We are not going to hold we are going to attack." General Freya looked shocked "My Queen we do not have the troops to attack Talia" Arerto smiled "I did not say we are going to attack Talia. We are going to attack Chasin's troops when they approach" They went to the command tent and Arerto looked at the map and then pointed before turning to Freya " Hear we will ambush them in this ravine. Send a company at once to secure the heights on either side of the ravine" Jasmine had to admit it was good having the Queen back as she head to carry out the order. Arerto looked at Freya "You disagree with old friend please speak" Freya looked at Arerto before replying.

"My Queen I have never disagreed with any of your orders or strategies because they have always been sound. This time I feel your choices are born more out of **** against your sister. If we lose we could lose the whole realm and although for you and me and Jasmine, it won't matter because we will be dead what of the population?"Arerto thought and replied "I understand your reservations but this is not purely born out of **** if we fight and we win then we secure peace and prosperity. You have always trusted my judgement so I ask you to trust me one more time my friend." Freya nodded and said she would order the army to strike camp and cross over and head to the ravine. The main army would be at least a day behind the advanced company so they would have to hold the heights until they arrived. Freya trusted Arerto with her life but even though she had reservations about this move she would follow orders never the less.

Arerto knew this was a gamble which relied on many factors. The first factor was that Prgar remainder committed to the uneasy truce between them. The second factor was that Katherine could carry out her orders without too many losses. Thirdly Thaden and his troops could make it in time to support her troops at the ravine. She hoped she had planned for every outcome but no plan however good on paper ever survived first contact with the enemy. She took comfort that her top two commanders could think on their feet and react within the plan to any eventuality that came up. She looked out of the command tent and saw the one hundred and twenty warriors marching out of the camp led by Cassandra another great commander. She turned back to the map as the hustle and bustle of a camp being taken down filled the evening air. Her thoughts drifted to Katherine once more and she swore that when this was over she would marry her.