A sense of helplessness descended on Lady Maara as she stared at the table in front of her. The map of the area they were in was laid upon it, but all she could see was death written on it. She sighed heavily as she mulled over the reports she had just received.
The level of planning that had been taken into account had been astounding. However, she felt she was to blame for not seeing this. She took a moment to reflect on the past few days.
After the monumental disaster of a war that went down, which saw her lose more than 70% of her soldiers, the queen had been led to this camp. This was meant to be a temporary leeway as they made their escape, but it ended up being so much more than that.
News had gone out about the Queen surviving. At the same time, there was a lot of malcontent in Tristan due to the way the war ended. Many people felt betrayed by their new king and did not recognize his claim to power.
A few remembered the horrifying experience when the wyverns descended upon the city. They even understood the reasons for the king capitulating, but they were the minimal. The majority of Tristanites knew their city could put up a better fight than that. Remember, those that were in the city had stuck around despite the looming threat of war. They had deep attachment issues with their city.
Soldiers especially were worst hit. While they had to acknowledge that a great many had died, the real casualties of war were the city's infrastructure. Most citizens had been underground at the time. The soldiers that had been targeted had been grouped, but many generals and captains believed that given a chance they could have figured out the dragons' threat, after all, they weren't real dragons.
Wyverns were distant cousins to dragons. They had many of the features of dragons, but they were just not as destructive or as powerful. A dragon's power was known to be above all. Krib and Arnea had known this, but many still revered the beasts thinking them dragons.
Despite their lower rank in the food chain, wyverns were not to be messed with. The destruction they had brought upon the city with just 10 of them was evidence of that. If Barda had not been there, it was unclear whether the Queen would have survived their onslaught.
Hence many Tristan soldiers had secretly left the wall and gone to join the ranks of the Queen, where they felt they would better serve their city. As of that day, the Queen had 4,234 men at her disposal, each battle-ready.
Furthermore, some fleeing civilians had stumbled on the patrols and had begged to be taken in. They would pledge their loyalty to the queen. Bear in mind, the wealthy and the relatively comfortable in the society did not need to flee. While many of their holdings were in jeopardy, it was not likely that they were in too much danger. What's that saying, the rich land on their feet, or is it the cat?
However, the story was much different for the poor and the disadvantaged. It all depended on the temperaments of the new government, and based on what they had heard of the Gumina Kingdom, they were not in for a smooth ride. Many decided to just get out and try to make a new life, especially those that lived off the city, the likes of Zoey and her mother.
They were thankfully lower, numbering up to 3,213 old men, women and children. The young men among this group had been granted arms and joined the warrior ranks, fighting for their families.
All this was fine and good, but there was one thing that worried the advisers around her. They were too militarily exposed and too vulnerable. They had set up whatever defenses they could and were doing regular patrols, but they knew that their enemies knew of their whereabouts. It was only a matter of time before they descended upon them.
In addition to all the defenses that had been set up, the generals under her had also set up an extensive spy ring in a few short days, using Custer's connections to contact many of those they believed were still loyal to the cause. Of course, before anyone was approached, they were closely monitored and screened.
The Queen had been relieved to learn that she still had massive support in her own home and that many soldiers were rooting for her. Not just by words but by actions also. However, there was a problem. The enemies were aware of the spies among their ranks, so any information was buttoned up and kept beyond the reach of Tristanites. They had done it pretty well.
Several Gumina ships loaded with soldiers had sailed off the Tristan port that day. Any such movement made her and her people be on edge, many beseeching her to leave. However, she had seemed to be in no hurry, even having the time to summon Barda for a booty call. When Barda left, they had stormed in her tent with a demand for action. They could tell she had a plan, but they didn't know what the plan was. They had also come with new intelligence.
"The Gumina prince has sent 50,000 men in 5 legions. We surrounded by the enemies who are covering all escape routes, if we don't do something quick we will be run down completely! My Lady, what are your orders?" Commander Greer, who had come with 783 men begged the Queen. He hadn't left the city to die so ingloriously.
The Queen zoned out, touching her chin in contemplation. She then turned her attention to an ashtray on the table. On it was what remained of a document that was so sensitive she had to burn it the moment she finished reading it. She wanted to believe the contents of the message, but she also had her doubts. However, if the message was correct, then she couldn't imagine the possibilities.
Suddenly, General Morio walked in. Aside from the Queen, he was the highest-ranking officer. "My Queen, everything is ready," He said.
"Here are the orders, commander," the Queen said with a sweet smile. "We shall evacuate the civilians with General Morio leading the way. You, Sir Greer, you will bring up the rear. Everyone, move!" She didn't stick around to explain herself, like, how are they going to evacuate the civilians and they were surrounded?
The commander walked out and followed the Queen and the general, only to find the civilians had been gathered. He was in a daze as he followed the orders. The Queen and the General led the way as the entire camp made their escape.
To his shock, Commander Greer realized they were escaping under the Queen's tent. There had been a tunnel all along for them to escape, how ingenious. All his doubt had disappeared as he understood at once why no one had told him. Of course, he couldn't be told. Such information was so sensitive that it had to be compartmentalized. The wider the circle of people who knew the higher the chances of it leaking.
However, something troubled the commander. Why had the Queen insisted on staying until so late before moving out, and what did the general mean when he said, "everything is ready?" Was he just talking about getting the civilians ready or was something else at play here? Whatever it was, he now respected the Queen a hell of a lot more than he did moment's ago. He no longer saw her as a naive little girl, but a quick-witted fox.
"Where's Barda?" The Queen asked just before they set off, once everyone was underground. Looking around, he couldn't be found.
"My Queen, we have to move," The general cautioned this time.
"We can't leave without him!" The Queen's statement was curt and clear, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Right here!" Barda said as he entered the underground cave. "Also, I brought a gift for you."
"Is that...?" The Queen began. Looking at the prisoner in Barda's hands, she recognized a lot about her. More importantly, she recognized her. From their vantage point, the commanders could see one another, especially when they began the charge.
"A commander of a Gumina legion!" Barda finished her sentence for her. Everyone gasped at the realization. How could one apprehend the commander of an entire legion? Where was the legion while she was being attacked?
"We should leave, they are breaching the perimeter. It won't be long before they discover there is no one left to kill, and then discover the tunnel." Barda's words brought everyone back to the planet. 'So, he knew as well?' The commander thought to himself
"Alright everyone, move out!"