Despite the protests of what was essentially her entire family, Eloise had made her way to Dathow Han. After only a night of thought, she had decided that her body was a small price to pay for the kind of influence she could have in the Wendolan court for her people. She had the spirit of a warrior, just not one who used a sword. What better place for her than the Palace where no such weapons were allowed?

Of course, Jenny was not about to let her little sister be sold off like that. She may not have been able to convince Eloise at home, but perhaps upon seeing the Wendolan King her little sister would change her mind. Then, Jenny would be right there to escort Eloise back home.

The Camp of the Eastern Army was situated mainly outside of Dathow Han. Though Eloise had seen from a distance that another camp existed further downriver, opposite which was the bulk of the Wendolan Army. From a distance, they'd also been able to see the general layout of the prisoner camp, which was situated right near the centre of the army.

The Nobles of the East were situated mainly in the inns and house of Dathow Han, but Saorise herself was in a tent with the main army. Of course, Eloise and Jenny only discovered this when they arrived and were immediately escorted to see Saorise.

"My lady," both Jenny and Eloise curtsied as they greeted her, and Saorise smiled at them. She looked tired. Not at all like the brilliant and strong woman Eloise had met the previous year. She still held a force of presence that was unmatched though, and Eloise respected her all the more for it.

"The ladies Ridgelam," Saorise stated, "It is good to see you, am I to assume you are here to answer my call?"

Jenny scoffed, "Not in a million years would I enter into that nightmare of a court. Though my sister does not seem to have the same sense of pride".

Eloise ignored her sister, "I am willing to meet with his Majesty and hear the full proposal. If it is to help my people, I will sacrifice freely".

Saorise smiled, as if proud but not entirely happy, "You are sure?"

Eloise nodded, "I am".

Saorise nodded, "There are four others that have expressed an interest in hearing the rest of the deal. More than I thought. But it seems your reasoning is all similar. For the good of the East".

"We are proficient in the hunt, and just as deadly on the battlefield," Eloise spoke, "But I believe we have yet to prove how efficient we can be with words as well".

"Perhaps, though I admit I have yet to agree with the licentious practices that come along with this opportunity. Nevertheless, I respect you for the decision you have made and commend you for your sacrifice," said Saorise, "We will be having a Festival of Dancing Leaves in two days’ time and the Wendolan King has been invited to attend. It will be your first meeting. Until then, I can have the exact terms sent over to you to consider, I received them a few days ago from the Wendolan party".

"Thank you, I would appreciate it," said Eloise.

Saorise indicated to a soldier who had come to escort them to their accommodations, "Then let me or General Lowan know if you need something. I believe your father and one of your brothers is among the camp, I do believe at least one other is among the prisoners as well".

"Damn Wendolans," Jenny grumbled.

"Yes well, as much as I would love to see the looks on their faces when another woman shoots an arrow across the river at them Jenny, I would prefer you not to do so, there is a ceasefire currently in place," Saorise smiled.

Jenny smirked, "You shot an arrow at them?"

Saorise shrugged, "I was in a mood and it was the fastest way to send a message. At least the King got my joke".

"Oh?" asked Jenny with a raised eyebrow, "Send one right back at you, did he?"

"Aye, seemed mildly impressed when I didn't flinch. Must have given me some edge in negotiations," Saorise said.

"I don't think you need an edge, Saorise. I think your reputation precedes you enough for that," Jenny replied.

Saorise raised an eyebrow as if confused, "Reputation?"

Jenny smiled and Saorise smiled back.

"I have missed you, join us for dinner?" asked Jenny.

"If I can," Saorise replied, "Please make yourselves as comfortable as possible".

***

It was true that two of their brothers had been captured. They had four in all. Their father, Herbert Ridgelam, had had two sons, Leon and Jack before he'd welcomed a daughter, Jenny. He'd then had two more sons, the twins Ryder and Thomas before Eloise had come along. Thomas had been injured in an earlier battle, and was still in the process of recovering. Ryder and Leon had both been captured, leaving Jack to be beside his father and watch over his recovering brother.

Jack was a nice enough young man, but he was also quite impulsive compared to the level headed Leon. Sometimes that quality was fun, a way to help them through troubled times. Others, like on a battlefield, it was reckless. A recklessness that had ended in Ryder being captured.

Jack had been quite sullen ever since, and even the arrival of Jenny, the sibling he'd always been closest to, couldn't alleviate his guilt.

Whilst Jenny spent time with him and Thomas, Eloise was called to talk to her father.

"You've only just become a woman, Eloise, this is not the time to consider marriage, let alone marriage to a foreign king as one of many wives," said Herbert.

Eloise sighed, "This is not a decision you can make for me father. And I have been a woman for quite some time now. I meet the age requirements and am willing to make the sacrifice for our people. Please do not try to stop me from doing this, it is selfish and you know it".

Herbert sighed. He'd never been able to argue with his youngest daughter. She was too clever for her own good. The rest of his children were easier, they were warriors with weapons. Eloise had always been one to fight her battles through words instead.

"You will not even consider turning away from this farce?" asked Herbert.

"It is not a farce," said Eloise, "Besides, the Festival will be my chance to meet my husband-to-be. If he is an absolute horror then I don't suppose any of us will be willing. Though I have heard enough to know that he is not all the rumours say he is. At least he is not a complete idiot. Perhaps I will be able to have a conversation with a man that doesn't involve hunts and battles".

Herbert's eyes narrowed, "We have those conversations".

Eloise smiled as she reached up on her toes to kiss her father's cheek, "And should I leave I will miss them dearly, papa".