Chapter 5: A New Alliance

 Avia walked back into the dining room, and sat back down to her breakfast. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her goblet of juice and took a drink.

    “Are you feeling better Avia?” Crysta asked, rubbing Avia’s shoulders.

    “I guess so.” Avia said, with a sigh.

    “Can we talk about the plan, Av?” Oliver said, looking her in the eyes.

    “Sure, Ollie.” Avia responded.

    “Sweetheart,” Oliver said, looking at Crysta, “Could you fetch Archer for me?”

    “Of course.” Crysta smiled, leaving the room.

    Crysta closed the door behind her, and Oliver looked at Avia.

    “Are you sure you’re okay?” Oliver asked, concern in his eyes.

    “I don’t know.” Avia replied, rubbing her eyes. “The army is way smaller than Belladona’s, so I don’t know how we are going to fight them.”

    “I know.” Oliver said, standing up and pacing behind his chair. “We need to recruit more people. But everyone is too scared to fight your Uncle. The Elves might help, but we haven’t convinced them yet.”

    “What about Archer and Mikel?” Avia asked, looking at Oliver shocked.

    “They are the exceptions.” Oliver said. “Their father traded with your father, so they want to help you reclaim your throne. Their alliance remains solely with you.”

    Avia nodded, and resumed eating her breakfast. It was cold now, but she didn’t notice. Her brain was spinning. The army was so small, and it may not grow. Her uncle would beat them, and then execute them for treason. She had never been in trouble a day in her life, but now she was a complete traitor against her uncle, the man who raised her. She was so lost in her thoughts, that she didn’t notice Archer and Crysta come back into the dining hall.

    “Avia?” Crysta said, moving her hand slowly across her shoulders. “Did you hear Oliver?”

    “What?” Avia said, confused. “No, I didn’t. Can you repeat it?”

    “Highness,” Archer began, his deep voice somewhat soothing to Avia, “We start your training this afternoon, if you’re in agreement.”

    “Oh,” Avia said, putting her fork down. “Yes. I am in agreement.”

    “Good.” Archer replied. “I will meet you in the courtyard after lunch. Say, 1 o’clock?”

    “That’s fine.” Avia said, uncertain of the outcome.

    Crysta looked at Oliver, and motioned for him to leave.

    “Come Archer,” Oliver said, putting his hand on Archer’s shoulder, “let’s leave these girls in peace.”

Oliver and Archer walked out of the dining hall, and closed the door behind them.

    “What’s going on?” Crysta asked Avia, concern in her eyes.

    “The army is so small.” Avia responded, putting her head in her hands. “My uncle will flatten us and then kill me for treason. I’m so scared.”

    Crysta put her hands on Avia’s shoulders and pressed down.

    “Just breathe girlie.” Crysta said soothingly.

    Avia took a deep, shaky breath, and rubbed her eyes. She was not prepared for all that everyone was expecting of her. After all, she was only seventeen, and she didn’t know how to lead an army or rule a country. She barely knew proper court etiquette as an adult. Even then, she was a little rough around the edges because Aunt Everild only let her in the King’s Court to practice twice a year, on Uncle’s birthday and on Christmas day.

    “Just calm down.” Crysta said, sitting next to Avia and placing her hand on Avia’s. “I can help you, and so can Oliver. That’s why we’re here.”

    “Thanks Crysta.” Avia replied, feeling more calm than she had been in the past few days. After a few more minutes of talking with Crysta, mostly updates on what was happening in Belladona, there was a soft knock on the oak doors.

    “May we come in?” Oliver asked, poking his head in.

    Crysta nodded, and Oliver, Archer, and another woman came in. She was another Elf, like Archer, but she seemed different. She acted differently, and carried herself more confidently than the other Elves Avia had met. All three sat down, and the woman removed her helmet, revealing flaming red hair.

    “Avia,” Oliver said, “this is Orianna. She is the Elven General, directly under you. She will be assisting Archer in your training.”

    Avia reached her hand out, and shook Orianna’s hand. It was nice to know that there were women other than her and Crysta willing to fight.

    “I have news that I hope you will find pleasant, Majesty.” Orianna said, a smile on her face.

    “I’d like to hear some pleasant news.” Avia said, starting to feel hopeful.

    “The Elven Kingdom is coming to your aide.” Orianna replied, grinning from ear-to-ear. “They remember how good your father was to the alliance, and have not liked how your uncle has treated the alliance, so we are coming to aide you in your fight for the throne.”