Maebus was in awe as the kingdom’s soldiers continued to arrive at their cottage-haven in the Southern Lands. In addition to the armor, weapons, and rations they carried, each also brought with them a renewed thirst for battle and an appetite for war.
The commanding officers arrived first and were formally greeted by Maebus, Kelm, and the Council. Shortly thereafter, the infantry soldiers and Crucifers began appearing by the thousands. The troops seemed as eager to reunite with Maebus as he was to finally reunite with them. Since their last encounter with Damian, they had settled in every part of the kingdom, and their personal stories were as unique as the places they’d been.
“Upon seeing the Fire Hawk’s message, it took me five days to get here, your Highness,” one soldier told him. His name was Burgis. He was tall and muscular, and spoke enthusiastically about his time foresting near the Northern Lands after the battle in Centre Pointe.
Another soldier mentioned that he’d killed several Legionaries upon his journey southward, which the dried blood on his clothing confirmed. Other soldiers had temporarily fled close to the non-magical Western Nations, or had remained within the ruins of fallen cities. Every passing day, the soldiers waited anxiously for word from their King, and finally that day had arrived.
Maebus designated several miles of land around the cottage to be used as their military encampment. Normandy, Leoden and Kelm helped organize and direct the returning troops. It was in the encampments that the soldiers regrouped with one another and returned to their military routines of distributing food and supplies. Fable, Landi, and Elva also assisted in establishing civilian barracks for those soldiers traveling with their families.
The area around the cottage bustled with activity as more soldiers arrived. Maebus often walked the encampment by himself, trekking through the muddy fields that were grassy only days prior. Regardless of what the troops were doing—combat drilling, building living quarters, or eating—each one stopped their actions immediately and saluted Maebus as he passed. He appreciated their eagerness and could tell that the infantry longed to finish what had been started over two months ago.
Shortly after activities within the Realmsic encampment normalized, Maebus officially called a meeting with the Realmsic Council and Joint Officers Corps.
On the day of the meeting, they all crowded into the cottage. Although its limited space made a less than ideal meeting place, it provided the privacy they needed. Also, being able to shut its doors was symbolic of sealing the Realmsic Castle’s Great Hall—the chamber where, historically, all important discussions regarding the kingdom had been made.
With over thirty people sitting together on the floor, its small interior was nearly filled to capacity. The air became stuffy and uncomfortable after the door was shut. But each person in attendance remained focused on Maebus as he addressed them.
“I appreciate the attendance of each of you,” he began. “Both literally and figuratively, we’ve come a long way to get here, and now we have an opportunity to finish the work we’ve started.”
He scanned the determined faces of those surrounding him. Collectively, they sat clustered together, with the nine Council members sitting to his left, and the rest of the Joint Officers Corps sitting to his right. Kelm, as tradition dictated, took his position on the right-hand side slightly behind Maebus.
After a brief summary of events and an update on recent developments, Maebus officially introduced Leoden and Normandy. With great pleasure, Maebus promoted the woodsman to the rank of General. This, as expected, took many by surprise, including Normandy himself. Prior to the meeting, Kelm had even stated that the rank of Commander would’ve been a more appropriate title for him. But Maebus wanted to make a bold statement. Upon hearing the announcement, Normandy, tall and overbearing, nearly fainted from surprise.
Next, they discussed potential attack strategies for reclaiming the kingdom. Normandy listened carefully to all that was proposed. Although he knew nothing about Realmsic military protocol, not once did he hesitate to interject his ideas and opinions. This came as no surprise to Maebus, who’d grown accustomed to his blunt personality.
Leoden, however, seemed like a fish out of water. Being the youngest person in the room, Maebus imagined he felt somewhat intimidated and therefore remained quiet for most of the meeting.
As the war meeting continued, members of the Joint Officers Corps gave progress reports to Maebus and the Council. Prior to Damian’s invasion, the senior officers had received two official instructions via Commander Khroy. Firstly, to disband the Realmsic Army upon the safe retreat of the royals. And, secondly, while in hiatus, to visit cities within the Western Nations as a representative of the King. Their purpose was to solicit support for a final attack against Damian. Such liaisons were usually the responsibility of Council members. However, with the heavy Legionarie presence within the Realm, such a task would have been too dangerous for non-military persons.
Although the Laymen nations had long separated from the kingdom, Damian had also attacked many of them during his initial rise. He then absorbed their armies into his own. Those nations who’d yet to experience his wrath, viewed themselves as the Warlord’s next potential targets. Individually, they stood no chance against him. However, they recognized that uniting with the Realmsic Army provided a slim opportunity for victory. Therefore, the nations proclaimed that if called into battle, their allied armies would gladly join forces with the Realm.
In the final hours of the meeting, a final attack strategy was agreed upon. It was determined that this latest allied campaign would be a powerful but simple man-to-man frontal invasion.
During this assault, no tricks or gimmicks would be devised. The Crucifers would begin with a massive air-to-ground assault, while Realmsic ground forces followed shortly behind. They would engage targets and fight their way towards the castle. From the opposite end of the kingdom, the combined allied forces would do the same. Together, both armies would create a pincer maneuver, squeezing and trapping the Legion within.
Councilman Mert suddenly raised his hand to be recognized by the group. “King, Advisor,” he began, “This plan seems like a traditional Realmsic strategy, and we already know that the Warlord can defeat it.”
Maebus considered the idea, and then shook his head. “Although this strategy doesn’t deviate far from standard military operations, there’s one significant difference ... we’ve now seen Damian’s Legion in action. Therefore, we know what we’re up against. Granted, this upcoming battle won’t be easy, for the Warlord’s Legion is highly skilled. But every Realmsic soldier now knows what’s at stake.”
From his place on the floor, the King rose upon his knees, giving him a taller view of the group. All eyes trained upon him as he continued speaking, raising his hands expressively with each word.
“Tomorrow, the battle for Centre Pointe will officially begin,” he said. “And it’ll be for all or nothing. If we win, the Realm can potentially solidify an alliance with the Western Nations and end the endless war. But if we should fail yet again, then darkness will prevail, and the light of tomorrow’s future will never come.
“In our first battle, we were doubtful and uncertain. But now we can’t afford such thoughts. So think carefully on what’s been discussed this night, and think clearly when taking command of your mobilized forces. Eliminate all doubt from your mind, and focus on victory. Because, if we believe we can win, then we can win!”
With that, Maebus rose to his feet, followed by Kelm, and then the rest of the collective group. Maebus watched as each person moved to form a single line, and then began exiting the cottage. This was a typical process for ending Council meetings. Maebus was pleased that, despite no longer being in Centre Pointe, they were still able to maintain Realmsic tradition. It proved to him that the kingdom didn’t reside in magic, lands, or castles. It lived in the hearts and minds of its people.
• • • • •
After the war meeting ended, word was secretly sent to th
e allied nations, and orders were distributed throughout the Realmsic ranks.
For the rest of the night, the troops prepared themselves mentally and physically for what was to come. Maebus, Kelm, and the Council members made their way through the encampment, greeting individual soldiers and assisting with the distribution of food and supplies.
It was these moments that Maebus cherished the most—being among his men. On the battlefield, everyone was equal. Magic would burn the body of a King, and swords would pierce his flesh just as easily as they would a foot soldier. And if it came to it, he would gladly give his life for any of his men, just as they’d already done for him. Maebus’ mind suddenly drifted.
“Khroy...” he said softly.
No greater sacrifice could anyone ever give than their life for a friend. Maebus reflected for a moment, thinking of his dear friend, remembering the times they’d spent together over the years. He missed Khroy terribly and, in many ways, now fought for him. Maebus glanced forward and caught sight of Kelm helping a soldier light his campfire.
Granted, he and the Grand Wizard had not quite seen eye to eye lately. But Kelm was still more than a friend. He was Maebus’ brother, and he dared not even think of the possibility of anything happening to him. He shoved the very notion from his mind, and continued observing his soldiers.
As Kelm looked up from the fire, they momentarily locked gazes. Maebus walked over to him. He placed a hand upon his shoulder. They had shared a long journey leading to this point—a journey that had tested the very fiber of their beings. Neither man was the same as when it began and now, right or wrong or for better or worse, it was about to end.
“Tomorrow?” Kelm softly spoke. The word summed up everything Maebus felt; everything he could say about the situation.
“Tomorrow,” Maebus solemnly replied.
Chapter Fifty-Two