Secrets of a War God

9.

Tarnon

The days had dragged on, no one altering their daily routine. It was all quite dull really. At least thats what Calissa thought as she sat by herself. There was no need for her right now. Tarnon had never been more peaceful, with the seasons well into winter many of the citizens had buckled down and not said a word. Which meant less fighting in the streets over small and petty things. These quiet moments were something everyone cherished.

Calissa's train of though was quickly interrupted by Santi, he sat on the other side of the bench with his wolf between them. Which baffled both of them as neither talked to each other unless it was important, which was very rarely.

"Are you alone?" The very first thing that leaves his mouth and it has already confused Calissa, could he not see the emptiness around them?

"Do you see people surrounding us currently?" Her sarcasm was met with a raised eyebrow and no vocal response. "Fine, yes I am alone. And there is no one hiding in the bushes or around the corner as Naya or Lyla would have brought them to me." He was satisfied with her answer and moved to face his sister.

"My spies picked up word that the Arelyans have started to mass produce weapons, and moving their troops to their northern border." Santi remained expressionless throughout his statement, waiting for the response of the War God. But Calissa portrayed no emotions, which worried him slightly. "The Princess and the Queen have been moved to a more secure location, and their War God is seeming to be preparing this movement."

Calissa remained impassive, but she was pissed. The Arelyans had been quiet on their side of the border, with little to nothing pointing towards a war. But if they had started to mobilise their troops, it was only a matter of time before they began their trek over the unclaimed land. 

"Get a meeting set between us, father and Theon. Leave Cylis in the dark, his unruly manner and bloodlust would not be beneficial. This evening we will discus your news instead of having dinner." As she moved to stand Lyla found her way to the War Gods side. "Tell the mothers and Tara to remain in their chambers, and get Kade to start mobilising our troops from the camp up North. They will meet in our southern base."

With that she moved out of the garden, knowing Santi would do as she asked. They had a good understanding of one another when it was needed. This meeting would bring forth the information, and give everyone a good understanding of what would have to happen in response. But to start, she had to get an understanding of how big the army was. Going in blind against the enemy was the worst thing anyone could do.

Considering where the army is said to be set up, Calissa realised it would be more effective to take Naya. Being able to scope out the numbers from the sky would be easier than sneaking through the trees, and it also gives them a better escape plan.  

Rounding the corner of the palace, Calissa moved towards Naya. The dragon had found her favourite spot in the area, underneath a willow tree. It was the only willow in the kingdom of Tarnon, and it is said to have been the first plant to grow in the lands. Hence, the gardens and palace was built around it. Not only this, but there are said to be legends about the tree, from those who tried to harm it would be knocking at deaths door, or worse. But this was the spot for Naya, as she lay underneath the willows leaves, enjoying the whispering that came from the wind. 

Calissa almost felt bad for interrupting. Almost. She knew there was a job that needed to be done, and Naya would more than likely understand, if not already know. A low rumble came from the beast as she approached, already not liking the idea of leaving.

"Come on Naya, it's a quick trip I promise." She was met with the dragons back in protest. "Come on you big lump, time to move those wings." Her head swivelled to look at the human, not liking what was supposed to happen.

Why do we need to do this? I could fly over and kill all of them before anyone in this land gets a single injury. And you know this. It was a valid point, but it was heard to deaf ears.

Calissa moved to her beasts side and started to tighten the collar, Naya refused to wear anything else due to discomfort. She didn't mind though, she enjoyed the thrill of the flight, the love of the wind rushing past her. 

As the dragon started to move towards the open area by the willow, Lyla bounded up to her companions. She never liked being left behind, especially when Calissa went on a flight. With a small pet on her wolf's head, Calissa moved up her dragon and set herself in the most comfortable position she could find. Knowing that the hard scales were going to dig into her thighs, she wished she had worn the actual trousers that she had designed for the newest member of her group.

This is going to be so boring. 

Naya's amusement made Calissa laugh before the dragon took off, not looking back to those watched her leave. 

The shadows were occupied by the one person in Tarnon who hated them more than their own enemies, which really wasn't that hard to see. They remained in the shadows, watching Lyla move towards the entrance of the garden, knowing that they were downwind so as not to be smelt. 

Just as Lyla was about to exit she heard the rustling of bushes, making it around the corner, she had hidden behind the trees. Whoever was in the shadows wasn't supposed to be there, and she needed to know who it was. Not liking the fact that her human could be in danger. The poor wolf was listening and waiting for this intruder, but didn't realise that she had been spotted. The shadow didn't leave through the exit, they retreated further into the building and disappearing. 

Arelya

 The Queen watched over her people from the balcony, not liking the current position that Arelya was moving into. The people had been helping to prepare the soldiers as well as those close to the border, homing those who have been kicked out, offering food rations to soldiers, and creating half of the objects and armour that the soldiers would be taking with them. 

Not sleeping hadn't been helping her situation, especially with her King arriving late and leaving the bed early enough for her not to have risen. 

Her peaceful viewing was quickly interrupted by a servant, declaring that the King had requested her presence. Her agitation grew at this, knowing that he expected her to be dressed and polished for presentation. So in rebellion, the Queen remained in her nightgown and robe, and made her way towards her husbands office. Not caring seemed to be something she was starting to adopt quite frequently now. 

Those who were walking through the palace didn't spare her a glance, knowing that judging or staring at the Queen would result in their being removed from the job, or from this world. 

As she moved into her husbands office, he didn't lift his head to acknowledge her. Damien was too engrossed in the battle plans he had laid before him,  looking for a method that guaranteed a win. His wife moved towards the alcohol, yes it was early but who was going to stop her, poured herself a glass and sat on the sofa. Her eyes never leaving his direction.

"Why did you 'summon' me?" he immediate question got his attention finally, and made him properly look at his wife. Sat in her nightgown and robe, with a drink in her hand at it wasn't even noon.

"With this war, I want you in the same place as our daughter." His statement was immediately met with a glare. "I do not want to argue about this Selena, but I want you somewhere safe, with our daughter, and guards protecting you."

Departing with a loud sigh, Selena decided to leave her husband. Neither loved each other truly, and they both knew it. For her heart still belonged to her first love, and his belonged simply for power. She was broken and lonely when the late King died, and so Damien filled that spot as an object. Adding the fact that she gave him a child, and it means they will still show affection to each other.

By the time Selena made it back to her room the servants were already packing her clothes, leaving out an outfit for the Queen to wear to travel. She took her time preparing to leave, not rushing the servants like she usually does, and even suggesting what might be best to pack. 

When the Queen had left the grounds of the palace, Damien started to put his plans in order. The soldiers were moving towards the boarders, and they had started to fortify the surrounding barracks of the palace as well. He knew something would happen from this attack, and being prepared is the only way to do it.