Sapphire's POV
I walked along the hallway on my way to the dining hall. Last night had been tiresome and for the first time in years, I had a peaceful sleep.
Walking at a leisure pace, I was trying to calm my nerves. Ashamed that I had allowed myself to be seen by everyone when I broke down yesterday. I halt at the doorway of the dining hall, casting my eyes over everyone, watching them happily munching on the set breakfast.
"Sophia my dear, please come join us" I cast my sight over to a woman whom I quickly recognize as my aunt Helen, a woman who has always been like a second mother to me.
A smile graces my lips as I saunter over to the seat next to her, which happens to be next to a cheery Violet. Settling to me seat I squeal when I see what has been placed on my plate.
"Chocolate glazed pancakes!"
"I figured a sanctuary couldn't have been able to serve at luxury standard and I just wanted to see you smile after all you've suffered."
"Thanks, aunt Helen" I reply not sparing her a second glance as I munch on my favorite pancakes.
"No problem"
"...mmhhh..."I moan as the delicious chocolate glazed pancake melts on my taste buds.
~
"We could infiltrate on the Northern gates, there are fewer warriors there and since it's a bit steep they wouldn't expect us there" I hear Gunther suggest.
"Exactly, but knowing Mythia she will place guards where she expects us to infiltrate the most, and fewer guards would be placed where she least expects us to attack" retorts Aaron.
After having the breakfast of the year I might say, it was brought to attention the impending war we have against Mythia. Since the Nexian army already had a meeting scheduled, we went along with plans as scheduled.
The meeting consists of my mother the Queen Hilda of Nexus, Gunther the elite of elites(the Guardians) lead warrior of Nexus, Aaron the Lord of Argan, Ben the elite head warrior of Argan, Spiroz the head warrior of Nexus, my daughter Violet and me.
"I might know a secret passageway," I blurt out in exasperation because Aaron and Gunther don't seem to want to agree on anything.
Suddenly all faces turn to me and I flush realizing that all of them seem accusatory.
"Well, then why didn't you say so Sapphire, " my mother asks in disbelief.
"It is a secret passage" I reply in disbelief as my face heats up more whilst silently adding 'well it was eighteen seconds ago'
"This is a matter of war Sapphire," Aaron sharply barks at, seemingly irritated "-tell us where this secret passage is"
"How come I didn't know about this secret passage?, the ones I know of are literally useless," replies Gunther, bewildered.
"I get that you're well aware of the nooks and crevices of Erabithia, but unlike you, I started knowing Erabithia as a child because of the alliance for me and Percy"
I reply, my tone harsher than I intended and immediately I send an apologetic look to Gunther who brushes it off with a smile. I can't help my hostility right now, that secret passage saved my and my daughter's life, and it's also where I last saw Percy it's supposed to be a special place, my and Percy's special place...
Even if it is where everything started.
"So where's this secret passage?"
"By the Southern gates, it'll_" I start only to have Aaron sharply interrupt me.
"What the hell! that place is heavily guarded!!"
"You worry too much my friend, you'll get grey hair if that goes on-"I hear Gunther stifle a laugh as I reply "-On the other hand no..we're safe from eyesight as our entrance is hidden"
"When are we leaving?" my mother asks.
"I think now's the time-"we all exchange looks "-let's go kick some butt"
At my words, everyone scurries off to their stations to brief and prepare the warriors in their teams for departure and securing the safety of the women and children as we leave them with a few guards and young men in warrior training.
Standing at the balcony of my old room, I notice how everything is still untouched and the color purple dominates the room. The balcony overlooks Taran our capital city. Most of the warriors in the kingdom were here in Taran for the preparation of the war. It had been the decision of the heads that we leave for Erabithia at the last ray of sunshine.
I am clad in the royal armor all golden, symbolizing my goddess status and with the Nexus seal right above my heart. I have no need for this armor, I could protect myself well on my own with my astrapi powers and armor. But it is significant since I am a princess and meant to lead in royal armor and only transform into astrapi armor when battle ensures. Only mom could carry on with her astrapi armor.
Hearing my door opening and close I immediately know that it is Gunther seeing as I had asked him to keep me informed on the preparations for our departure for the war.
"The arms are secured whilst the warriors have been briefed on the attack formation and also the rescue simulation that is to be followed."
I turn around to look at him, all clad with the royal armor and seal of Nexus right above his heart, his palette a blood-red which is a symbol of his power as head of the Guardians.
"All women and children safe?"
"As per instructions, yes" he replies.
I nod in understanding and go back to gazing upon the land for the last time as the last rays of the sun hit its rich soil clad with fertility.
"We leave in about twelve minutes"
"I'll be down in five" I state.