Robin tangled her hand in Bryan’s hair and kissed him between the eyes.

“I love you. A lot,” she whispered.

Bryan looked up at her, his face upside down and grinning. “You should wash, you smell pretty bad.”

“Excuse me?” Robin grabbed his horns and tussled with him playfully. “You have to say it back!”

“I love your stink. And maybe your thighs as well.”

“Come on. Just say you love me.”

Bryan pursed his lips and squinted his eyes at Robin. “I would-“

Gunnar ruffled the tent flap loudly and shouted, “Bryan, and whoever else is in there, we're leaving.”

Bryan leapt up and got dressed quickly. He looked at Robin lying in his cot. “What are you doing? Get up.”

Robin shook her head and scoffed but said nothing as she put on her clothes.

Bryan looked at her, oblivious as usual. “We should arrive at Cliff Harbour today. Are you excited?”

“Mhm.” Robin pouted and avoided Bryan’s gaze.

Bryan shook his head. “Sure, see you.” He left without looking back.

“Stupid prat,” Robin whispered.

She sheathed her dagger and sword then left the tent. Slightly disoriented by the sudden light, she looked around. To her right was a long row of tents sat against an unending expanse of forest. To her left was a clearing where the important people appeared to be discussing something equally important. A circle wank in other words.

She went into the rows of tents, trying to remember the path she took last night. She, unsurprisingly, could not. For this reason, she was delighted to see Miru strutting towards her.

“Miru, thank the Mother. I am rather lost, if you could help me I would be thankful.”

“Because you were whoring away from your tent last night?” Miru continued walking after she passed Robin, forcing her to run after.

Robin smiled and caught up with her. “You wouldn’t guess with who.”

“Correct.” Miru looked at Robin directly for the first time. “Why are you following me?”

“I’m lost, thought you could help me.”

“Why? I don’t know where your tent is.”

“Maybe I thought you would enjoy my company then.”

“That’s an interesting assumption. I’m not sure what led you to it.”

Robin chuckled and slapped Miru on the back. “Where’re you going then, Miru?”

“The meeting. I was invited.” She gave one of her rare smiles. “Maybe they think I’m important now, more important than you.”

“I think it’s really optional. I was probably invited too; I just wasn’t at my tent, obviously.”

Miru’s smile disappeared as if it were never there. “Oh.”

“I’m glad I found you then. Wouldn’t want to miss hearing a bunch of men speak for half the day to decide where the cesspit should be dug.”

“You seem to be annoyed about not having enough responsibility, but also avoid responsibility at the same time. You create problems for yourself, Robin.”

Robin snarled, “You know less than you think, ass.”

“Am I wrong though?”

“Yes. I crave actual responsibility.” Robin grabbed Miru’s shoulder to stop her. She leaned close and talked quietly. “You think organising supply routes and guarding the rear is real responsibility? It’s women’s work, that’s all. Haven’t you noticed that the men always get to be in the vanguard, to decide strategy? When have you or I ever been asked our opinion on something like that? I have plenty of bloody advice for those pillocks and their frontline compositions, but not even once have I been able to say my piece!”

Miru shook her head. “There aren’t many women in the outer circle, so perhaps it seems like it’s a sex issue when it is in fact an experience issue. Many men have less say than us. We are simply a comfortable distance from leadership, which is nothing to complain about.”

“No, that’s where you’re wrong!” Robin shook her fist in the direction of the clearing, which just was visible over the shoulder of high infantry tents. “We are competent. We are as smart as any man here. Why else do you think we are allowed in Bryan’s retinue? They disregard us out of hand, simply because we have no cocks.” Robin took a deep breath and crossed her arms, waiting for Miru’s response.

Miru gave a small frown and looked to the horizon for several moments. “I suppose you do have a point.”

Robin smiled. “Good, now you see what I see. That being the truth.”

Miru’s eyes snapped back to Robin’s. “You have shown me the reality of my situation, but not a way to change it. I would say nothing much has changed.”

Robin’s smile grew sour. “Just you wait, petal. Machinations are forming, and I trust that you will be a party to them.”

Miru squinted suspiciously at Robin. “What machinations? I am no traitor. I have committed to nothing.”

Robin took Miru’s hands in her own. “We are linked by our womanhood, that is something that nothing can change. I am not proposing anything drastic, just that you help me if ever I am in a position where your support would be valuable. That is all.”

“I float where the current is strongest Robin, and I am not rash.” Miru took her hands away and walked to the clearing.

Robin regarded her coldly for several moments before following her.

**********

Brack listened to the servant girl close the door to the meeting room and sat down in his designated seat. He made himself comfortable and looked at each person around the table.

There was Harold, a spindly man whose jovial demeanour clearly hid strong undercurrents of grief, or perhaps rage. Behind him stood Commander Strickland, reputedly a capable tactician, but weak willed. Both men would be easy to provoke if needed.

Sitting next to him was Olga, a serious woman who appeared to be suspicious of anything that wasn’t cold hard logic. A woman best taken seriously, and one to listen closely to. Although, she seemed to find it difficult to stop staring at Brack's horns. Perhaps she was not as experienced as she made herself out to be.

Standing timidly in the corner was the Coalition’s master of coin, Leif Bakker. He had a weak chin and a balding pate and was apparently world renowned for his skill with numbers and economics. That on top of his calculating little eyes made Brack wary. An unpredictable variable best held into account at all times.

Finally, there was King Foucaud of Yatarva. He was the latest Yatarvan monarch of the formidable Lyon dynasty. Despite his legendary name, the old man seemed on the cusp of senility. Although, for every coughing fit or forgetful look there was an insightful and wise observation. Perhaps he used his age so that others would underestimate him, but perhaps he did not. Brack would find out soon.

Harold was the first to speak. “Good evening, Brack, I hope you find Cliff Harbor to be sufficiently welcoming.”

“Plenty of amenities.” Brack smiled a perfectly pleasant smile. “That is not why I came here though.”

“Of course, please.” Harold gestured for Brack to go on.

“I will cut to the chase. I have been discussing matters regularly with my advisors, and we have reached an agreement on the best financial and political course of action for my nation. This decision is that Dreanar officially become a full member state of the Coalition.”

“My, my.” Leif said. “That is unexpected.”

“Indeed.” Olga sat back in her chair and gave Brack a searching look. “We were told that you were unwilling to negotiate for trade reasons. This decision seems to be arbitrary, if not slightly suspect.”

“Let’s be charitable here.” Harold smiled and gestured to everyone in the room. “This is great news! We shouldn’t look at this gift as if it were some suspicious investment, Olga.”

She ignored him. “I have my doubts on your possible reasoning, Brack.”

“I understand.” Brack nodded, trying to seem sincere. “Really, I do. But I will explain it to you all, if you would allow me.”

Everyone nodded, although Harold looked like he would rather sign the agreement then and there rather than talk any longer.

“Simply put, I have analysed the financial consequences of assisting your military with my own, and it is in Dreanar’s long term economic interest to join the Coalition rather than pay without its assistance. The cost of having to pay for the army out of our own coffers is so high that the increase in trade profit that would be gained from independence would not scratch the surface of the potential debt gain.”

“We do subsidize the cost, somewhat,” Leif said.

“Still, military expenses being supported by the collective Coalition fund is necessary, at least for an optimal political and economic outcome for Dreanar.”

Olga did not hesitate before asking, “Why give your forces at all if it is such a burden? Obviously, you have other motivations.”

This Olga was sharp, Brack could barely tell if it was she or Harold that were really in charge. “Correct, like I said, this also serves in Dreanar’s diplomatic interest. I feel the benefits are obvious.”

“You did not answer my question.” Olga said.

“I think I did.”

“No, you have not. It is clear from the onset that you sent your army for diplomatic reasons. By sending military aid you gain diplomatic benefits whether you are a member or not. All that you have said in regards to this offer for membership are the financial reasons, not the diplomatic. You have chosen for so long not to become a member for a plethora of reasons, including diplomatic ones. Why, now, have these reasons been disregarded.”

“Please,” Strickland said hesitantly. “I do not understand why we must analyse this so closely. We require their full support in the war effort. If membership increases that support we are in no position to deny.”

Olga’s eyes widened and she slammed the table with her fist. “Exactly! We are in no position to deny, to do much of anything except smile and let them dip their hand in our honey. I think they smell a chance to manoeuvre while we are at our weakest. This offer is predatory, and Northern Skogur denies it.”

Brack gave an incredulous chuckle. “I think you are wrong, but I respect your passion.”

Olga just looked at him blankly, as a crow would look at a snake slithering in the grass, and said nothing.

“Well, it is a good thing votes rely on a majority.” Harold gave Olga a disparaging glance. “I am in favour. And I assume our good friend Foucaud is as well.

Foucaud spoke for the first time since Brack had met him. His tone was soft, but coherent. “Do I assume your military support is contingent on your membership being accepted?”

Brack pursed his lips and clasped his hands on the table in front of him. “Well, I was not expecting resistance to be perfectly honest. I will have to decide.”

Olga scoffed and Commander Strickland made an exasperated sound before Foucaud raised his hand for silence.

Foucaud looked questioningly at Olga, a business partner asking the other's reasoning.

Olga shrugged. “My gut says not to trust him, I can’t speak for yours.”

“He has our proverbial balls in his hand Olga. We cannot really refuse.”

Olga shrugged again. “If what I have already said has not convinced you, I cannot say anything else to do so. Make your choice.”

Foucaud frowned at Brack for a long time before speaking.“Yatarva accepts.”

“Good!” Harold said impatiently. “Leif, get the papers organised as soon as possible.”

“Of course.” Leif nodded to Harold before addressing Brack. “I will be honoured to work with you in the future, Lord Brack.”

Brack smiled. He doubted he would feel that way for long.

**********

Olan looked up at a wonderful, clouded blue sky. She watched the clouds pass. How innocent they were, small and fluffy things that did nothing but simply exist. Olan had always liked to think she preferred the clouds to men. They were cleaner, simpler.

Olan was sitting in front of her small mountain lodge home. She had large, volumious hair and a face many menhad named as beautiful. She wore a comfortable linen robe of white with simple green lining. In spite of her apparent youth, her hair was as grey as a raining sky.

“Honey?” William said, offering a plate of cheese and bread.

“Thank you, dear.” Olan took the platter and rested it on her lap. “Please, sit with me.”

“Of course.” He sat next to her chair amongst the ankle high grass. He was a simple thing, the archetypal man. Brown curly hair sat atop a soft face, which communicated only a sense of mild contentment. His clothes were simple as well, except for the two golden bands wrapped snakelike along both of his forearms.

“Would you like me to sing for you?” He said.

“Not today.” Olan ate some cheese and stared into the mountain range, deep in thought. After a while she sighed and got up to turn her chair towards William, holding the platter carefully in one hand. “William, I have a question to ask you.”

William raised his eyebrows, which did little to affect his simple face. “Alright, I will try to answer honestly.”

“What do you know of the goings on outside.”

“Outside?”

“You know, in the world.”

“Well, honey, when I travel to the village I do not stay to ask questions. Your orders were for me not to draw attention.”

Olan nodded and took a deep, suddering breath. “I am beginning to tire of these conditions, William. I long for… something.”

William stood up and embraced Olan. In her ear, he whispered, “You have me, my beloved. You will always have me. Forever.”

“Who are they?” Olan pointed into the distance where two men were approaching. William turned around and peered into the distance.

“They are two men on their own. One is tall and one is short. Both appear to be Boranian nobles by their complexion and clothing. They are wearing golden-“

“It’s fine. I can see them now.” The clouds overhead began to darken. “William, go. I’ll handle them.”

“No. I’m staying with you.”

She sighed and got up from her chair. “I can’t stop you. Just follow my lead.”

Olan stretched out her arms and shouted. “Halt!” Her voice boomed with the volume of a thunder strike, easily reaching the still distant men. Ropes of solid air wrapped around her and William and they were lifted into the sky. The air pulled them across the field and set them down a good ten paces from the men.

The tall one held up his hands and shouted, “We come in peace, asking only for charity.”

The bands on William’s arms began to glow a hot red. He aimed his arms at the men. “Mistress, I do not trust them.”

The wind was strong, forcing the men to squint and hold their coats closed. William and Olan remained unruffled, standing seemingly in a bubble of tranquillity.

“Let them speak William.” Olan gestured for the men to come nearer.

They did, cautiously. The short one looked scared and eyed William’s arms warily. The tall one was stoic and seemed to be the leader of the show.

The tall one waved respectfully and said, “Greetings Olan. It took some time for us to find you.”

“That is because I am not meant to be found. But anyway, tell me what you want.”

“We come from Boran bearing grave news. A Lord Protector has taken over the government from the inside, corrupting it. We were not powerful enough to stop him by ourselves, so we came to request aid.”

Olan smirked and walked up to the men. She touched the short one’s chain and inspected it, rubbing the blue gem absently. “Funny. So, these things are for the Lord Protectors?”

Haritek nodded. “Yes. There are three of them, and so there are three of us.”

She dropped the chain and turned to the tall one. “Who is this imposter?”

William whispered harshly. “Mistress, these are petty human squabbles. They are beneath you.”

Olan ignored William and waved the tall one to speak.

“He came suddenly with dubious claims of both heritage and motivation. I believe he killed Sandam, the previous Lord Protector, in order to steal his chain. He then came to Qamda and managed to gained favour with the Sultan. Soon after he had the nobility and common folk eating out his palm. We attempted to ask the family he claimed to have ties with about him, but he had brutally murdered them in order to frame us. We left after that travesty to seek you, and your help.”

Olan frowned and rubbed her chin. “What does this man look like?”

“Average height and build, brown skin, slightly slanted green eyes, a-“

“Green eyes. Are you sure?” Olan stared at the tall one intensely.

“Yes. Very green.”

Olan gave one humourless chuckle, then another. Soon she was screaming into the wind with it, her hair flying about her in a mad tangle.

She shouted into the sky in a breathless tirade. “Jukman, you rat! I’m coming for you brother, and none of your new friends will stop me. Olan is coming for you, and you're going to get exactly what you deserve.”

Haritek and Nabhan looked at each other, smiling silently. Next to them, William looked at his mistress, horrified. The bands on his arms only grew hotter.