"Now it'll be up to him, poor guy," Asha sighed. "A loyal warrior seeking for somewhere to serve..."

"He has found such haven," her son countered. "From now on I surmise it's about swords bashing against shields, whistling arrows, war cries..."

"Dirty work, if you ask me. That's among the reasons why I did not risk Skandian displeasure."

"You saved us, Mother," Arys said in a delightful tone, "so we could serve him."

"Oh, yes, all takes turns in this life. I didn't think it'd happen like this either, but The Infinite One has graced us with this chance to prove our worth... in exchange for our very survival. Let's use it, and do so well."

"I wonder when's that march going to happen..."

"In not too long a time, perhaps. You saw how roused he was."

"However," Urdin's newest aide reminded, "such emotions might result in carelessness and thus immaturity of plans. The Eagle, we now know, is smarter than that."

"Perhaps?" Asha chuckled. "Perhaps not. We could be fickle beyond rational limits when it comes to our loved ones, no matter how well the intentions might have been... which is why we have beliefs in things beyond our reach. But for us, there is only The Straight Path: unbending. Never misleading. Worth sacrificing for."

Arys nodded with fervor. "Once we begin the march, Mother, our next stop will most likely be Elbar. I'm still wondering what you might do once we're there."

"Who knows. I'll probably be thinking of handing over this city to someone new... but this is for another day. Right now you best prepare for that fateful moment when the Eagle calls you and the others to his banners."

"Which reminds me," the youth halted, "are you sure you'll only be supplying us with a little over three hundred men?"

"'Only'? Gosh, boy, that's more than enough considering our domain's size and many other factors. Even three hundred might be employed with staggering effects against five times their number, to those who know how. Armies are large in victory, small in defeat, never mind the numbers."

"If you say so..."

"Now, now, let's not hear more skepticism here. Don't forget, there's still the possibility of the Skandians gutting us from the rear. Holding them back will require soldiers and provisions, and that's outside those whom you are carrying to Elbar. Understood?"

Arys giggled. "Even a peasant would be able to guess that much, Mother. No offense."

"None taken."

"Apart from that... are you sure it's fine to leave the Eagle sulking just like that? Perhaps we could... send for someone to look on him?"

"Would you volunteer?"

"Vestra would do as well. She looked prepared to console Urdin back at the dining room."

"As did you." The mayoress halted. "Arys, recall that what is befalling Urdin is no jest. He'd lost his family, his liege, his home domain. Let's not toy with such feelings--rub him the wrong way too often, and he might as well find another, more sensible aide. Hmm?"

"My apologies, Madam Mayor, for this inconsiderate inquiry. I shall be at my station until such time as my new commander calls for my service."

"Never raise questions of such nature again, then. Please."

***

The next morning, as she was on her way to breakfast, the mayoress ran into Urdin again. To her slight relief, he did not show signs of lack of sleep.

"Good morning, General."

"Slept well, Mayoress?"

"Not much disturbance, thanks for asking. How are you feeling?"

"A warm tea works fine. Two, if you care to join."

"I was wondering when you'll ask that." She rang a small bell, and a maid appeared. "Tea for two, with mint leaves. Warm."

"Coming right up, my lady."

Urdin watched the maid's back as she went. "Such a lithe figure."

"Just a household servant. I did not know you take a liking for maids, Sir Urdin."

"I am male, thank you very much."

"One would think a man in your station would have a... more refined taste."

"Like... you?"

"Bold as always."

He sighed. "If I could be a little bit personal to you, Asha, it's about time I find someone to hook up with. Battles have their thrill, sure, but at my age they might not be the best way to live one's days out. Don't you agree?

"When first we met, you struck me as a dazzling leader who took no crap from those around... not to mention your success in rearing two well-mannered kids, all while keeping the city intact. That's no small feat for a parent holding such a position as yours. The strings you must have! For myself, I feel I have stayed loyal for decades, acting on directives, royal writs and the like. I even helped pick my late brother's spouse. Who might do the same for me, now my family's not easily reached?"

That left her speechless for a time. "Urdi, I..."

"What happened to your spouse? Never told me so far."

She did not dare meet his gaze. "Dead. Played at being prince once, two years. Plague."

"What was he called?"

"Aerion. You reminded me of him, in many ways."

"Bold?"

She sighed with melancholy. "Bordering on impulsive, but a loving father overall. Good with sword, lance and mace, and a fine rider... Oh, how he had rambled about being independent! You should've seen him! His appetite for details... jibes..."

They remained silent for the next minute.

"Truth is," Asha resumed slowly, carefully, "I'm thinking of another match."

"To yourself? No offense, but you're way past your prime."

"Not me, numbnuts. Vestra. That girl's only a score, full of spirit and gaiety... and a fine housekeeper."

Urdin's memory flew to his recovery days. "I wouldn't dispute that. Thought of suitors?"

"Nah, not that easy to pick. But if you will..."

It took a while for the message to kick in, but it did. "Another nice jest, Asha. Very clever."

"So..?" A surge of hope flashed in to her expression. "Will you..?"

"No, darn you. I have a whole campaign to plan; do not presume to burden me with matters of this sort!"

"Your last campaign, might be," she teased again. "After that..."

"Stubborn wench," he muttered. "I'm not considering it before Elbar. Keep that well in mind."

She winked. "Oh, now, here comes our tea."

***

Refreshed after the breakfast, Asha went back to her study to prepare the necessary instructions to dispatch three hundred soldiers. Not that Urdin had requested it, but she did not become mayor for being caught napping.

From the arrangements of seats during the council, she could surmise that the Eagle had pretty much given a picture of how his army was to be arrayed in the actual field: himself in the center, Arys would see to the right wing, Kalasnir on the left, and Shirsa perhaps leading the archers. As to what sort of army the rebels could muster and bring forth, the mayoress had absolutely no idea--except that they would be the first bunch to have to negotiate with the Eagle's wrath.

"Mother? Apologies for interrupting..."

"What is it, Ves?"

"I was told you had breakfast with the general. That true?"

She put her quill back in its place. "How is that of your concern?"

The girl blushed. "I-it's just... some words might be exchanged to which I'm not privy."

"Now why would you want to snoop into adults' talk, hmm?"

"I..."

Vestra approached the still-seated mayoress with small steps after closing the door.

"Truth is, Arys told me I am of an age to hook up..."

"Indeed. So?"

Asha decided to play it safe. Be any blunter and the girl might as well burst out of the room while ruining the polished oaken door in the process, her face buried under both hands.

"Have... have you given any thought on this matter?"

"Probably."

"W-w-who is it going to be, if... if I may?"

The mayoress smiled and stood. "Never forgetting your courtesies even when falling in love, I like it."

"MOTHER!"

"No need to hide it. You have eyes on Urdin, do you not, the age difference be damned?"

"Uh..." Vestra felt like disappearing the way vampires do at that very instant. "Y-yes..."

"Rejoice, then." The Lioness of Estreon laid a hand on her daughter's head. "Words have been exchanged with the Eagle."

"T-t-to what effect..?"

"Guess." Asha noticed the red-faced girl's low whimper of delight. "If you have nothing else to say?"

The room was deadly quiet for the next minute.

"Did he raise any objections, though, Mother?"

"Oh, you know him, the usual mild protestations. He did demand that the matter is never to be discussed while he is campaigning, however, which I believe he will do soon."

"I... I'll try not to."

"While we're at it, Ves," Asha continued, "since you will be aiding me in digging more information about Urdin's adversaries, do be discreet about it. One false move and we're finished."

By this time the girl had regained her composure. "Clearly understood, Madam Mayor. I'm taking my leave."

"Don't--not just yet. Got a few letters I would like you to deliver."

***

It took fifteen minutes. On her way to deliver the writs, the youthful courier ran into Urdin who--being eleven years older--loomed over her like some sword-wielding mammoth.

"Ah! Pardons, sir, but if you'll excuse me..."

"Impeccable timing. Where might I find your mother?"

"In her study, of course."

The mammoth stepped aside to allow her passage, before trudging along the corridor for his next quarry.

"Ah, it's you again, Urdi. Come in, please."

"Where is that girl going?"

"So you saw her. Delivering the instructions to your would-be lieutenants, of course."

"I was hoping she'd be at the next war council which you will summon this evening."

The mayoress gasped. "Already? You sure are working this up quick--"

"Why would I laze around your city when every passing day means firmer grip of those wretches in my capital?!"

"I am well aware of your anxiety, but... it's only been one day. Allow them some respite, and they might be more appreciative of what you have to say. Alright?"

"Three more days," he used his fingers to make the point, "then we meet. Get that girl to attend as well; might have the need for a cup-bearer."

"My only daughter, posing as a common cup-bearer?" the Lioness giggled. "My, wouldn't that be quite the sight?"