The Phoenix's Soldier's War

Heading North

    "Are you guys sure you don't want to come? I don't know how long it will take. It could be a year or more!" I turned to my husbands, worry lacing my voice as I looked at the kids. 

    "Evie, the twins are too young. Lilly is going to help us watch over them. Everything will be fine. We have ways to update you if anything happens. You have to do this." Hadrian insisted. 

    "Hadrian is right. We hate separating from you as much as you do us. After the war, we won't worry about it any more, okay? All we will have to do is create a bigger family and possibly a few weddings." Cooper said. I nodded in agreement. "Besides, it will give you a breath of fresh air. We know you miss sailing to a certain level. I just don't." I laughed at Cooper.

    "Very well." I sighed. "I must get going now. The others are meeting me in the throne room and the trainees must know where we are going. I will send the first letter within the next week or two. I doubt much will happen within the first two weeks of our journey."

    "Of course, love. Get going. One should never be late, even if you are the commander." Cooper said. I nodded in agreement.

    I walked into the throne room. "You are late." Jenna snapped.

    "I am not late. I said be here before ten. I arrived here exactly at ten. Therefore, I am not late." I informed her. "Alexis, you and David are the ones who planned the trip, so please inform us where we are going and why we are going there." David motioned for Alexis to begin.

    "Well, as you know, David and I have been planning a trip that will involve a lot of team work. In order to win this war, we need to work together. Commander Moon let us choose where we are going. We are headed up north. While we are there, we will go to the small countries and learn their ways. We will make alliance with them and see how they value their soldiers. You will learn their ways of respect." Alexis explained.

    "What about the enemy?" Jenna asked.

    "Their boarders have yet to be invaded. The north is very protected due to old magic. That is one reason as to why we are going there. You will also be meeting one of the generals." David answered. "Anything else?"

    "I wasn't aware we had generals up north." Jared said.

    "You don't, I do." I replied. "I have generals to the east, south, and west as well. They are collecting information for me. We meet from time to time for full updates, but for the most part, they send letters. I didn't see the need to inform you of those who serve me." Jared raised a brow. 

    "You claim that we need to work together, but you keep information from us. None of us have seen you at your full strength. None of us knows what your stone does. Your friends only just found out you have a dead daughter. Is there anything else you are keeping from us?" Stayne inquired.        

    "I'm sure there is. What is there to really tell though. What you named off just now is not of importance. My generals however, they answer to me, not you. They will not bow before you. I don't like it when they bow before me. We work together, even if we know not each other well. They know their place and I know mine. The question remains. Will you be ready when the final battle comes? My people will be. I have soldiers in training right now. Don't stand on the side lines watching, Stayne. You are meant to protect your people, but instead of doing that, you sit back and watch. I am who I am. I will be ready for the final battle. I will fight with or without you by my side." I nodded to Alexis, showing my approval of the place she chose.

    I took my place at the helm. I smiled at the smell of salty water. "How long do you think they will go until they start complaining?" Tarrant asked.

    "I'll give them a week." Alexis said.

    "Nah, give them an hour. They are going to work just like the sailors. There will be no time for them to relax unless they are on break or asleep." I answered. "They are used to being lazy. Their time training shows that."

    "The joys we have had being busy like we were. I do miss that. I also miss a world where war wasn't waiting for us." Alexis sighed. Tarrant gave her a look of symphony. "Do you plan on having more kids, Evie?" I notice that Jenna, Erick, and Adrian are off to the side listening. "Evie?"    

    "Yes. Adopted or by blood, I don't care. I do want a big family." I answered.

    "You are going to need a big house." David pointed out.

    "Oh, I'm sure that won't be a problem. I'm sure you guys have been planning that out with Hadrian and Cooper." I said. They blushed. "We talked about our plans for after the war. I honestly don't mind the fact you guys are already planning what our house will look like. Let's save that conversation for later though. We don't need people listening in on what we are wanting to do."

    "Evie, the sailors are wanting you to say something." Tarrant said. I smiled. 

    "Give me a moment." I said. I turned to the trainees. "You will go down there with the sailors. I am the captain of this ship and you will do as you are told. Any wrong doing or disobey of orders will call for punishment. Begone." I ordered firmly. They didn't argue for once. They are learning. They will be great soldiers when they are done. 

    I turned to the crew members, who fell silent as I looked down at them. I could see the joy coming off of them waves at the thought of sailing once more. "My fellow crew, it has been a while since we have last been together. Today we will start our journey north. We will see you new places and join new forces. We do not know where this journey will end. We do not know who will make it out alive. We know what the ocean brings. The danger that is beyond the horizon. What we do know is that we have faced dangers together. What we face this time will make us even stronger. Gentlemen, ladies, when we meet the end of our destination, we will have succeeded. With that being said, get to work!" Cheers erupted from the sailors. I smiled. I like this. I missed this.