Breakfast was quiet. There were a few whispered conversations, but the task ahead loomed over the room. After breakfast we made our way to the castle where we would meet up and start our march south. I'd always hated goodbyes. Even when I knew the return time for those that were parting. However, to say goodbye and not know if or when one was to return, that was a new type of pain. I held Elias in my arms, smiling down at him as the tears wet my face. "It was hard enough leaving when you were still in Chloe's stomach," I said, leaning my head onto his little one. "I promise to do all I can to make sure your papa returns," I whispered, kissing his head.

"And I promise to do all I can to make sure your aunty comes home," Erik said, walking up beside me. "When we return we will have plenty of time together, without the fear of La Fray in the background," he said, laying a hand on my shoulder.

I nodded and silently handed Elias to his father before turning to say my final farewells. Walking up to Alexander, I didn't say anything as I leaned into him, his arms wrapping around me.

"I hate that I'm not going," he said, his arms still holding me close.

"Me too, but we need people here. We can't leave Jarrow defenseless like we did last time," I said, slowly pushing away from the comfort of my brother's embrace. "I need people here that I trust to keep my people safe," I said.

Letting out a deep sigh, Alexander nodded. "I will do so," he said, kissing my forehead. "I love you, Lettie," he whispered, hugging me one more time.

After I had said goodbye to everyone, I turned and mounted my horse. Leading him to the side, I sat quietly watching as my men said their goodbyes. Looking at each family that was saying goodbye, I promised myself that I would not return until they were safe, until La Fray had been dealt with once and for all.

As quickly as one can get over three thousand men mounted and moving, we were heading out. The roads were lined with the people of Jarrow as we headed south. My throat was dry as I did my best to smile at my people, to encourage them.

Typically it would take only three or four days to get to our final destination. However, with an army things moved a little slower. Our first night we camped just south of Punainen. The second day of travel took us to the middle of Milnora Forest. As a child Milnora Forest had been the prime setting for terrifying stories around the fire. However, being in the forest with three thousand men made it feel like the grove beside Jarrow, harmless. The third day of travel the tension began to rise. We were over half way to where we would be facing La Fray. That night we camped on the northside of Arrowside. Watching the men talk quietly around the fires showed the fear that was starting to trickle into the camp. The following day, we would camp at the ford in the river. As we rode towards the ford, I directed my horse through the men until I was beside Luke. "Any chance your mandolin is an item you pack when going to war?" I asked. When he nodded my face lit up. "Seriously?" I asked.

Luke laughed, nodding his head again. "Yes, I also happen to know a few others have instruments as well. I know it's not your typical battle equipment, but I figured that it might come in handy one night at the fire. Were your thoughts along the same line?" he asked.

"Yes, I've noticed the closer we get the more tense the troops are. Tonight after dinner, I'd appreciate it if you find your other musicians and play a few tunes. I think it would do us well," I said.

"Of course. I'd be glad to, as I know the others will as well," he said.

That night as soon as Luke brought out his mandolin and at least fifteen other men brought out their own instruments, I knew this was the right choice. The band made a quick circle and after a few hushed conversations they dispersed themselves throughout the camp. On a cue unknown to anyone the music started. Soon the camp was filled with the sound of instruments. Smiling, I leaned back against the tree I was using as a backrest and watched as not only music filled the air, but dancing began as well. "You're a good leader," King Syrus said standing above me. I quickly rose to my feet. "We all saw the tension in our men, but weren't sure how to ease it. You found a solution and have put it into action," he said, then without words grabbed my hand and pulled me into one of the circles of dancers.

The following day the ride was lighter. Although it would be our final day before arriving at the battlefield, everyone was in better spirits from last night. Alakay rode up beside me. "Ya know what? It's like you were raised to lead or something," he said, grinning at me.

"It's like she has it in her blood or something," Shepherd said, riding up on my other side.

"She was born a leader," Louis said, coming up on Alakay's left.

"I personally think it was from the four years of apprenticeship under one of the best lieutenants the Dragons have had," Benedict smirked, coming up on Shepherd's right.

"Or perhaps it had a little to do with all of those things. One life event does not make a person who they are. It is all the little events combined with the major ones that form who one truly is," I said, looking around at my brothers. "I'm just glad you are all a part of mine," I said, giving each a smile.

That night we camped just east of Drache. As we set up camp, I froze as I turned to look at the mountain range to the south. I felt someone stand beside me and turned to see Nate. "As a child those mountains always called to me, to adventure. I wanted to get outside of Hillsdale, see the world. Today they only serve as a reminder of who is within them and all he has done," I said.

Nate nodded as he stared off at the mountains. "Growing up under La Fray was hard. I knew that what he was doing was wrong, but I didn't know how to stop him. I didn't know how I, as a boy with nothing left, could stand up to the man who had given me life," he said, crossing his arms. "I wish I had stepped in sooner, but I know that whatever we are to face is going to be the closure for both of us. Thank you for letting me help," he said.

Turning I looked at Nate without speaking for a minute. "Thank you for not giving up when it would have been so easy. Thank you for stepping up when you did," I said. Without words I slid my arms around him and he around me.

Soon we would be facing off against not just a man who had taken so much from both of us, but a man who was supposed to be the one standing beside us, because he was family.

The following morning I called for King Syrus, Sir Gregory, General Howe, Erik, King Philip, and Daniel. "I want this battle to start when we decide," I said as we sat around the makeshift council chamber, a tent with a table in the middle. "In order to do that we need information on what La Fray is doing right now. We know how many men he had when we left, but we need an up to date count. This evening I am going to have Daniel take me to the camp," I said.

"What? No. I agree we need the information. However, for you to go? You are the queen. Shouldn't you send one of your Dragons?" General Howe asked.

Smiles crossed the faces of those around the table. "You'll learn soon enough not to question the queen. She too is a Dragon and what she is not willing to do, she will not send others to do," Sir Gregory said.

Turning, I smiled at him. We had our arguments, but at the end of the day I knew that he would stand by my side no matter what. "You must understand General Howe, that how things are done around here are different than any. There has never been a female Dragon. There has never been a female monarch. We are all learning how to deal with both," I said. He nodded, but did not respond.

Evening came and Daniel and I set out. It was an hour ride to where La Fray was camped. The smoke was smelt before anything was seen. We dismounted and tied our horses, making the final approach on foot. The one nice thing about La Fray hiding in the mountains was we were able to climb one of said mountains and get a look of the camp from above. I grimaced as I saw the tents and fires before us. "That's a lot," I whispered, earning a brief nod. After a few more minutes of watching, we made our way back to come up with a plan of how to find out their numbers. After some conversation, I came up with a plan. "Follow me," I whispered. Daniel asked what we were doing, but I simply shook my head. Creeping back towards camp we waited for the lookout to make his rounds. As he was passing, I dropped from the tree I had climbed and held my knife to his throat. "Speak and your life ends," I whispered in Moshadian regonzing his outfit. "I want answers. Give them and you live," I said, pushing him further into the trees. He nodded, then froze as the knife pressed into his skin. "How many men does La Fray have?" I questioned.

"A little over three thousand five hundred," he whispered, his body starting to shake.

"When is La Fray heading out?" I asked.

"Four days, he has more men coming in three. Please, I don't even want to be here... my father owed a debt, this is how it's being paid," he said.

I spun him around and saw he was no more than fourteen. "Then stay away from the fighting and you might make it through," I said, then turned my knife around and hit him with the pommel sending him to the ground. "Let's go," I said, calling to Daniel.

"Well, that's one way to get answers. You do know when he wakes he'll go straight to La Fray," he said, as we jogged back to our horses.

I nodded as we quickly mounted and rode off. "I wouldn't be surprised if they already knew we were here," I said. The rest of the ride was in silence. When we got back, I called the leaders together once more. "We need to strike soon. He has more men coming in three days. We already have five hundred less. If we strike soon we catch them by surprise."