"Someone's here to see you, my Lord."
King Var Medigo of Baercroft sat at the head of the rectangular table in the large war Tent, studying maps and tactics together with his war council – High General Medigo Calcrest, General Ian Medigo, Lieutenant Lani Baer, Lieutenant Zarah Hebron and his advisor, Lord Abaz Ammin.
It was 9 days since the arrest of Lord Adam of Baercroft and the delivery of the strange letters from the Queen of Eros.
The Knight who'd spoken stood at the entrance to the tent with his helmeted head bowed and his right gauntleted fist clenched over his breast in salute. His chainmail and steel plates gleamed in the bright light of noon. His expansive purple cape hid his longsword and crossbow.
"What's his name, Sir Alek?" the King asked, absently stroking his moustache. The collar of his purple, padded jerkin rose to half the length of his head, fanning out at the sides like large ears. Blue pinpoints shone from two dark pits and wrinkles dug grooves into his otherwise youthful face.
The rest of the councilors were also in ceremonial purple robes, all bearing the 'Wyvren' crest of house Medigo, except for that of the lieutenants and advisor which bore the 'Lion', 'Turtle' and 'Kraken' crests respectively.
Behind the King hung the banner of Baercroft, depicting the Sword and Quartered shield in a field of purple.
The map on the table was a battle map displaying terrains, army locations and fortifications of the kingdom of Eros and its neighbours.
"She's Erosian, my Lord," the Knight Alek answered.
"From Eros, you say? Let her in."
Alek pulled open the tent flap and nodded to a figure outside before stepping aside, hands on belt.
A cloaked figure was soon escorted inside by another Knight, who left just as quickly as he appeared. The cloaked figure lowered her hood to reveal an androgynous face framed by plaited, blonde hair. She nodded to the King and his councilors.
High General Medigo spat. "She doesn't even look like a woman! And she cares to bow before us like a man!"
The visitor smirked. "I am not bound by the laws that bind your women. The bow I offered was not a sign of respect either; I was following custom."
"The bloody hell you were! Why should I not strike you down where you stand!?" Lieutenant Lani barked and received grunts of assent from the other councilors.
The Erosian surprisingly stood taller. "You'll find it's easier said than done."
"Alright." King Var said, forestalling any rejoinder or senseless action. "You've shown yourself to possess an iron will, nameless Erosian. What do you want? And heed this before you provoke anyone further – your safe passage out of this camp is not yet guaranteed and iron will alone won't help you."
"A very apt moniker, King Var. I indeed have no name that is worth a thing. I was the sister of a great Lieutenant, whose name now is shameful to mention. I have debts up to my ears and the siege have made it impossible for me to make a living…"
High General Medigo interrupted with a laugh. "Is this a plea for charity, young one? I never thought I'd see the day!"
The Erosian ignored the laughs. "I neither want nor trust charity. I believe in trade and hard work. The siege is not the only problem in my country. I'm willing to part with what I know for a price."
King Var scoffed. "The rift between Evelyn and your people is no secret. You are beginning to bore me."
"Of course it's no secret to you since your spy have been reporting everything to you and working from within to sabotage the Throne. But you must have wondered at his recent silence, haven't you?" the Erosian paused and smiled. "He's been arrested, that's why."
"Spy?" the councilors echoed.
"Don't insult my intelligence. They already have Adam subjected to torture and trials in court. He'll spill everything soon." She paused and rubbed her gloved palms together. "That was free information. 50 silver pieces will shake out the rest."
Lord Abaz shuffled forward, eyes fixed on the visitor's. "What other secrets do you want to share, young one?" he asked.
The Erosian looked offended. "Young one? I'm old enough to have birthed your grandmother, you charlatan. Did you think I'd be susceptible to mind probes and tricks? Life outside Eros must be hard for you magicians, if the best you can do is this." she turned to the King. "50 silver coins and I'll talk. That's my offer."
The King nodded to Sir Alek, who walked over to a bronze chest and counted out 50 silver pieces, poured them into a pouch and handed it in the Erosian. "There's your payment Erosian. Don't disappoint me."
The Erosian hefted the coin, smiled and slipped it under her cloak. "The Queen is under an enchantment that have left her mind a blank. Nobody outside the citadel is aware of this except me, because I have connections on the inside. 9 days ago, your spy Adam attacked the Queen. He killed two guards and a civilian before his capture. The Queen has been distant and close to madness ever since.
"There is also word that the army at Lyraie will be going on the offensive against the North soon. I wouldn't approach from Lyraie if I were you."
King Var stared around at his councilors, brushing his beard, before turning back to the Erosian. "Is that it? I feel like I got the wrong end of the deal and that's not a good feeling for your sake."
"Indeed? I just told you that with the main fighting focused on Lyraie, you could breach the South wall instead, and because of the power vacuum in the council, you shouldn't have much problem."
High General Medigo scoffed. "It's impossible to attack from the South. It's mountains and bogs. The only available path for an attack is through the Devil's pass and it is strongly guarded by the forces in Lyraie. Besides, do you think the soldiers would leave the capital undefended?"
"That's not my problem, General. I'm not part of your war council. I just traded information and now I have to go." The visitor said and lowered her hood again.
The King looked at Alek and the Knight moved quickly, restraining the Erosian. "I never said anything about your safe passage, Erosian. You should have bargained for that instead of coin, don't you think?" King Var said smugly, reclining in his large throne.
The Erosian also smiled smugly. "I've already secured a safe passage, King Var. Like I explained to your sorcerer, I am not defenceless."
The tent shook in a gust of wind and the Erosian and Alek vanished, smoke rising from where they stood, moments before.
The shocked silence in the tent was broken by the King's question. "What happened?"
All eyes turned to Lord Abaz, who answered. "They teleported. Either someone was monitoring her movements to be able to extract her when necessary or she cast a timed teleportation spell on herself. In any case, they're gone and the teleport is untraceable, my Lord."
The King and his councilors looked apprehensive.
"Which possibility do you think more likeable?"
"The latter. I felt no presence when I tried probing her earlier, my Lord."
"An unsuccessful probe," High General Medigo muttered, then addressed the council. "We'll have to figure out what to do with the information we just received. Personally, I think the true gem here is this talk of a spy."
"Indeed, High General. For years we've tried to place a spy in the Queen's court to no avail and behold, a councilor is accused of spying for us," King Var reasoned aloud. "Who is this Adam?"
"He's a nobody, my King. I ask that we consider the situation thoroughly before driving to any conclusions," Lord Abaz said, drawing incredulous stares.
The King nodded thoughtfully. "Speak your mind, Lord sorcerer."
"My Lord, this Adam of Baercroft may have been born a nobody, but if we decide rightly, he might just be a very valuable asset to you. Rumour has it that the Queen is under an enchantment, supposedly placed on her by Adam of Baercroft, your loyal spy, who've also been feeding you information concerning the activities of the Erosian army. Knowledge that such an asset belongs to you will gain you respect from even Raoling itself," Lord Abaz paused and looked around. "This is just what we need to avoid a war with Raoling, my Lord. If you were to claim Adam as your man, you'll benefit immensely from his acts."
The King fingered his beard in thought. "There's wisdom in your words, Lord sorcerer. But we can't very well proclaim Adam as our spy. It defeats the entire purpose of having a spy."
"You're right, my Lord. That is where the Erosian's information comes into play. We'll act as though the information concerning the Erosian army came from Adam of Baercroft, then wait for the rumour mill to spread the word. In essence, we claim Adam as our spy in the Erosian court. Maybe even one of many. If we play our part perfectly, we might even sow more dissension in their courts simply by perpetuating this lie."
High General Medigo laughed. "I shudder to think what the world would be if you'd pursued a career in politics, my Lord sorcerer. What trickery and evil your head concocts!"
"Indeed, High General," King Var agreed. "Does anyone find a fault with Lord Abaz's suggestion?"
The other councilors offered their support but Lieutenant Lani hesitated. "We understand that if we do this, we'd be condemning this Adam to death?"
"He'd be dying for his kingdom, Lieutenant Lani. He would consider it an honour," King Var said dismissively. "There now, let's implement this new information in our plans."
#
"Do you feel bad about it?" Naamah asked. She was in the greenhouse with Lilith and a few students, conducting experiments. The two of them were in the restricted section where only the rarest and most dangerous plants grew.
That morning and the others before it, Lilith had swayed the guards with her position as teacher to let her tend the plants. Only her and the Lilins knew the truth of it.
Months ago, she'd stumbled upon a rare plant species she'd named Deidemos, after a forgotten battle tactic of the Erosian army under the command of General Tharn – a tactic whereby the army played on the emotions of their adversary, forcing them to abandon their fight in favour of cheerful thoughts.
She'd named the plant after the tactic because of its ability to induce a similar emotion in people, albeit, a stronger form of lust. It was months ago when she was still tending the rare plants as part of her lessons that she inhaled the sweet scent of Deidemos – a solitary weed – and lost all forms of reservation. Thinking back, that was the first time she went to bed with Councilor Elaida.
Lilith smiled at the memory; her gas mask covering the expression.
Naamah rapped the side of her head. "I'm talking to you."
"Yes? Can you repeat what you said earlier?"
Naamah sighed. "I was asking if you felt bad about your mother – the Queen?"
Lilith turned and stared at Naamah, enough to make the other woman avert her eyes. "Do you?" she asked.
"I'm asking…"
"Do you?"
"Yes! Yes, I do! How can I not? She's still my Queen, isn't she? My inlaw! She accepted me into her family after our marriage! Of course I care! I feel bad about it! Kill me too if that's not the answer you expected, but it's the truth!"
In her emotional outburst, Naamah had backed away from Lilith with her hands balled into fists. Her chest rose and fell like she'd just run a marathon.
Lilith was dumbstruck, mouth agape and body rigid.
Naamah struggled to get her breathing under control. "Say something! Do something!" she yelled, shaking her fist at Lilith. She'd expected anything but a blank stare. It wore at her resolve like a storm against a salt pillar. She rarely yelled and least of all to Lilith.
"Is that really what you think of me?" Lilith asked slowly. Her voice too soft and dripping with hurt. Naamah sniffled and dropped to her haunches. "After years together, you think I am a mindless killer?"
"Well, what else do you want me to think!? Moira is dead and not once did I see you grieve! Your mother is In a terrible state because of you, yet you haven't gone to comfort her! No! Here you are, concocting another plan that would undoubtedly cause harm to even more people! How should I take any of that? Tell me!" Naamah cried, pulled off her gas mask and sent it tumbling away into the deeper part of the greenhouse. Her face was red and sweaty; tears pouring from her puffy eyes.
Lilith stood up gently, took off her own mask to reveal a tear-streaked face and approached Naamah slowly, hands held out beside her. "I do grieve, darling. I do. But I don't have the luxury of of dwelling on it. This is the way of it, darling. You know this. It has to be done."
"That doesn't mean I have to like it!"
"No, it doesn't. I don't either. For more than half of my life, you've been by my side, offering support I don't even deserve. All I've given you in return is this – this life of lying, deceit and death…"
Naamah shushed her and drew her into a hug, cutting off her words. "That's not all you've given me, darling. You are always there for me. Even now, when I'm questioning your very character." She said amid sniffles. "I'm sorry for flaring up like that and I know it has to be done, but by my soul, I don't like it."
Lilith shook her head. "I should be apologizing. You had the right of it, darling. I've tainted my soul and now I want to drag you down with me. You deserve more than me. You deserve more than this."
"Stop saying that, please. I beg you. I know and understand your heart, darling. I questioned you because I was overwhelmed and I'm sorry. The last thing you need is my insecurities adding to your worries. I'm sorry, believe me." Naamah proclaimed, hugging Lilith closer and tighter.
"Is that a Lilin hug I wasn't invited to?"
The couple separated to see Eishet staring at them with her hands crossed over her chest as she leaned on a support column. Her face revealed nothing of her state of mind.
Lilith experienced a sudden and shocking feeling of vulnerability.
"How are you, darling?" she asked Eishet.
Eishet chuckled. "I thought that term was reserved for the first wife?"
"I'm sorry about that. Naamah just revealed to me how little attention I've been paying to your feelings, in this undertaking. I don't know if I've said it before or if my actions have denied it, but I truly love all of you. Like my own self," Lilith replied, voice oozing with honesty.
"And given how narcissistic you can be, I don't think there's a greater proclamation of your love than that," Eishet said, stepping into the group hug. "We also want you to know that we love you more."
Naamah pressed her forehead to Lilith's. "Exactly."
"Thank you," Lilith mumbled.
Eishet sniffed. "We'll commemorate this new… whatever it is, tonight. For now, let's focus on the mission, yes?"
They broke the hug and Lilith nodded, wiping Deidemos-induced tears from her cheek. "How did it go? I worry I pulled you away too soon, but then I was getting worried that you'd stayed too long." Lilith said then laughed at her own explanation. "Conflict of interests?"
Naamah snorted tearily.
"You were right on time. We even got ourselves a stowaway. The fool hitched a ride and lost his legs in transit." Eishet explained. "King Var seemed to take the information like it wasn't fit for his table, but that sorcerer Abaz showed real interest."
"Is it true he looks dead, the King?" Naamah asked.
"So you're saying our plan might work?"
"I believe it'll work. And yes, Naamah, I've never seen a more dreadful face."
Naamah chuckled and tugged Eishet close by the waist, then kissed her temple. "It seems we have more things to celebrate tonight."
"Indeed. Would you two continue here while I get word to Agrat?" Lilith said then focused on the Lilins and narrowed her eyes at their smoldering stares. "And I mean tend to the plants, not each other."
"Sure," they both replied.
"I'll be back," Lilith said and turned to leave. An evil smile appeared on her face when she overheard Naamah's whisper;
"Nothing says we can't do both."
#
Lieutenant Agrat walked through the camp in the company of two of her captains and three battle mage Berserkers. She'd packed her hair into a pony tail to keep it off her face, while her court slippers had been exchanged for shin-high boots.
Around their procession were erected tents and soldiers dotting the ground like stones on a beach. Most of the soldiers were dressed and in readiness, but some of them were growing complacent after months of inactivity.
Agrat woke a sleeping guardswoman with a kick to the rib that sent her falling on her backside. It drew stares. She reached down and pulled the guard up by the collar. "Should'nt you be guarding this post?" she asked icily.
"There's nothing to guard against, Lieutenant," the guard replied, voice firm.
"You think so, soldier? You think that army out there is on a picnic? Perhaps you'd like to join them?"
"No, Lieutenant," the soldier replied, head down.
"Go get your replacement, soldier. You've been assigned latrine duty from now until this siege is over. I'll write a letter to your squad captain explaining your misconduct. Dismissed."
The soldier saluted and slunk away.
"Lieutenant Agrat?"
Agrat turned to see the messenger. Her gaze softened. Turning to her companions, she asked to be excused, then followed the messenger through the camp.
They stole into an empty tent and the messenger rippled, dissolving into a transparent mist and Lilith peered out from the other side, a smile on her face and tear streaks on her cheeks.
"What happened?" Agrat asked, dreading the answer.
Lilith looked surprised for a second then she waved away the question along with a sniffle. "I just had an epiphany is all. They're both fine and the mission seems to have been a success."
"We've heard word that Adam attacked the Queen. Is that part of the plan?"
"It is and it has paved the way for the other pieces. Baercroft will probably decide to attack from the South, meaning that Lyraie will not be in need of this much military power soon." Lilith said and waved her hand as though to indicate the entire camp. "If you've achieved success with that other mission, I'd like to add another to it. Power must be transferred to the military, allowing them full control of this war without opposition…"
"Hold on, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I'm giving you full military authority, independent of the court senate." Lilith answered.
"Why? Is this about those letters allegedly written by the Queen and senate?"
"It's because you'll need it sooner than later. Queen Evelyn is in no state to make strategic decisions and we'll be lost without one. Baercroft and Raoling will strike together from the South, while the North will storm here. That's a fact. Without opposition, you can turn this perpetual defence into an attack and take them ahead of their timetable."
Agrat sighed. "I don't like this."
"Nobody does. Not even me, believe that." Lilith said and cocked her head slightly as though listening to something from her side. "I have to go. The information you received was from your court courier and should be enough to sway the other commanders into thoughts of independence. Stay safe. I love you."
"I love you too," Agrat said belatedly as Lilith's form vanished and the mist coalesced into a disoriented messenger again.
"Where am I?" she asked.
"You're in the military camp of the 5th Regiment, civilian," Agrat answered.
"Oh."
"Care for a drink?"
"Uh… yes. Yes, that'll be wonderful."
Agrat smiled as she led the messenger out of the tent. Her own magic was limited to telekinesis, whereas Lilith's power seemed to be limitless recently. She figured it was a good thing they were married. Being transformed into a mist and back must be on a cosmic level of disorientation.
She knew though, that Lilith wasn't just about power and title. She really did love her. In her own way.
* * *