FELIX The news came bright and early on a Thursday morning. While flying above the southern border on a normal patrol, Albert had spotted a dark mass forming on the horizon and heading towards Fresonia: Charles’ army. They were only a few days’ march away, and approaching fast. It was time for war. I alerted the war council as soon as I got the news. We gathered in that tiny council room, this time joined by my parents and Mila, still in their pajamas. I had made a promise to them to include them in our planning, and now was as good a time as ever to start. By the looks on my friends’ faces, they knew. It was time. “We move out in three hours,” I announced, my voice hoarse from holding back emotion. “Do what you must in order to prepare. We will go to the southern

