Chapter 4: Avia’s Army

    Avia woke with a start. It took her a few minutes to remember where she was or what happened in the past few days. When she did remember, she started weeping for her parents. Now that she knew the truth, her heart broke even more. It had been 17 years since her parents were murdered. Now that she knew the truth and motive behind their death, it made her upset all the more. Then, there was a soft knock at the door.

    “Come in.” said Avia, trying to sound cheerful.

    A young woman came in the door, and closed it behind her.

    “My name is Crysta.” she said, sitting next to Avia. “I’m Oliver’s wife. Are you alright?”

    Avia couldn’t speak. She just shook her head as the tears rolled down her face. Crysta enfolded Avia into her arms, and let Avia cry into her shoulder.

    “Just let it all out.” Crysta said kindly. “Oliver told me what happened. We’re both here for you if you need us.”

    “Thank you.” Avia said, starting to calm down. “It was exactly seventeen years ago today that my Momma and Papa were murdered. I never dreamed that my Uncle Aldred was the one who did it.”

    After a few more minutes, Avia had stopped crying. Drying her eyes, she went over to her knapsack and got out a fresh dress.

    “Can you help me with the back?” Avia asked Crysta.

    “Would you like me to step out?” Crysta asked, after helping Avia with the back of her dress.

    “No, that’s alright.” Avia replied, slipping her old dress off, and her new one on.

    “If you’re ready, there’s breakfast in the dining hall.” Crysta said kindly, holding her arm out.

    Avia nodded, and walked over to Crysta. After wrapping her arm around Avia’s waist, Crysta led her into the dining hall. Oliver, Archer, Mikel, and a few other men were at the table eating breakfast. At the sight of Crysta and Avia, the men stood, and Oliver walked over to them. After kissing Crysta on the cheek, Oliver enfolded Avia into his arms. After pulling away, he grasped her arms.

    “Are you okay?” he asked, looking her in the eyes.

    “I’ll be fine.” Avia responded.

    Avia, Crysta, and Oliver went and sat at the table. Oliver pulled out Crysta’s chair, and Archer pulled out Avia’s. On the table were plates and bowls of delicious food: smoking hot chicken and ham, fresh fruit, breads, and eggs. There were also pitchers of fresh-squeezed orange juice and fresh milk. Avia served herself some eggs, chicken, fruit, and bread. Then, grabbing a pitcher of juice, she poured some in her goblet. Bowing her head, she gave thanks for her food.

    “These all sound good.” Oliver said, looking over pieces of parchment.

    “I’ll implement them right away.” Archer replied, leaving the table.

    “Thank you Archer.” Oliver said, as Archer closed the door.

    “Were those the plans?” Crysta asked, serving Oliver some more eggs.

    “Yes.” Oliver said, digging into his eggs. “We have a new formation that we are going to try out. They are for our hopefully unnecessary assault on the castle.”

    Avia almost chocked on her breakfast.

    “Assault on the castle?” Avia said, dropping her fork.

    “We hope not.” Oliver said, reassurance in his voice. “We hope to have the battle in the valley, because we want to have as little casualties as possible.”

    Avia sighed, and picked up her fork. Digging back into her food, Avia thought about the fact that she was a leader now. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for all that responsibility. She didn’t even know how to fight. Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, she got up from the table.

    “I need to take a walk.” Avia said. “Which way to the Wall Walk?”

    “Through the door,” Crysta responded, “To the left and up the stairs. You okay?”

    “Yeah.” Avia said quietly. “I just need to think.”

    Avia walked out of the dining room, and up to the Wall Walk. After walking for a bit, she leaned up against a merlon. Looking out over the Verantine Forest, she felt the weight of all she had just been told. Her uncle had committed treason, she was supposed to rule an entire land, and she had to lead an army. She walked a little bit more. When she got to the back of the castle, she saw Archer speaking to a group of about 1000 men.

    “My brother, Mikel, will be training you men in this new maneuver.” Archer was saying, bringing his brother to the front of the crowd. “I would do it myself, but I have another assignment.”

    “What other assignment, sir?” one soldier asked.

    “I will be training Princess Avia Lynn.” Archer replied. “And overseeing the other 3000 men.”

“4000 men?” Avia asked herself. “That’s only half the size of Belladona’s army.”

    Dismayed, Avia walked the rest of the Wall Walk. She had no idea how they were gonna fight this war.