Agana looked at the map as she tried to discern the enemy’s movements.

“If we move our soldiers here we’ll have the high ground.” Said one of the officers.

“Yeah but we’ll be too exposed. For now we should head towards this spot here. They’ll come to us, and we have the element of surprise.” Replied another officer.

“They’ll be expecting that. They’re not stupid. It’s for the best if we double back to this ravine here. That way we can circle around them and take them from behind.” Retorted another officer.

All of the officers squabbled as Agana determined the best course of action. She was out of her depth. This was her first time in command, and already she could feel a massive burden on her shoulders. Just then she felt a pair of hands rubbing her shoulders.

“Sovereigns! You are really tense you know that?”

Agana turned to meet her sister’s gaze. “Knock it off Eir! I’ll figure it out.”

“See that you do majesty.”

Agana then slammed her hand on the table to silence the officers. The officers were stunned at the outburst, but they stood at attention waiting for their orders.

“Okay then… The plan is…” Agana’s nerves began to get the better of her as she tried to command the officers. “The plan is… We… Uh… We’ll charge at them both ways. I’ll lead the main assault, and one of you will charge from behind.”

“Are you sure ma’am? They’ll have a strong rear guard. In addition, they’ll be able to use the rocks for cover.” Said one of the officers.

“Then… Well… I have no idea. I guess… We’ll try…”

Eir then whispered in her ear. “Be more assertive.”

“No! We charge at them! We’ll split up into fireteams, and probe for weaknesses.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Agana found a chair to sit as she clung to her chest she could feel her heart ready to burst out of her chest. Agana looked at her sister as she smiled at her. “You’re enjoying this aren’t you?”

“Every moment of it.”

“Well… Best enjoy it while you can. Because we’re about to be massacred.”

King Actium watched with his generals as Agana commanded her troops.

“She’s too direct with her movements. She’s not preparing any feint attacks.” Said General Tercorien.

“It’s not that uncommon.” Said Actium.

“True, but since she’s operating with little intelligence it would be better to launch a few skirmishes to get a feel for the enemy’s defenses.”

“Well it’s a good thing those young officers won’t be evaluated until tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? Won’t you be evaluating Eir’s performance as well?”

Actium sighed. “That won’t be necessary. Eir has no interest in assuming the throne. Even if she did I’m sure she’d just run off. Agana on the other hand… Her skills require some cultivating. Particularly those that come with leadership.”

“I understand. At what time should I send her back to you?”

“Hmm… I leave that up to you. Besides the officers will still have their evaluations tomorrow so I’m sure they’ll need to rest as well from all the exercising.”

“Understood.”

“I will be returning to the palace then. I have a mountain of paperwork to contend with.”

Agana and Eir loaded their automatic crossbows with flat tips. They were used for practice, even if they still hurt and could potentially take one of your eyes.

“Do you remember how to use these?” Asked Agana.

“Yeah you just… Put the thing in the thing there… And this thing here pulls back for the other thing.” Said Eir as she inspected the crossbow.

“Yeah I figured it was something like that.” Sighed Agana as she gave up on figuring out how the crossbow worked.

They climbed up the hill slowly as they fanned out to cover more ground. Agana kept her crossbow raised, and her eyes on its sights as she slowly climbed up the hill. She looked to her flanks to see the soldiers still pushing up. Just as they were about to reach the top they were suddenly fired upon by the enemy. Agana ducked for cover as she saw the soldiers take several hits and go down.

“Agana! Over here!” Yelled Eir as she fired her crossbow.

Agana attempted to run towards her sister, but was pinned down by enemy fire. She pulled up her crossbow, and fired at the enemy. When the enemy ducked for cover she ran to where her sister was positioned. Just as she reached the halfway point she tripped, and was immediately fired upon with a hail of arrows.

King Actium saw a massive group of protesters marching through the city’s streets. The war had never been popular, but even so with the recent defeats into account the protests had escalated. The Merchant Princes and even some among the military had asked for him to negotiate an armistice of sorts. The problem was that in doing so Dol-Sur would not be able to negotiate from an advantageous position. Given that Karash has recently been scoring several victories. He would need to push them into some sort of stalemate first before he could even consider an armistice as an option.

Actium saw Sethos standing guard with several wardens. They formed a line with their rifles at the ready. Actium sighed from mental exhaustion as he was escorted past the crowd.

“King Actium! How was your daughter’s evaluation?” Asked Sovereign Knight Sethos.

“I won’t know until later today. For now I have to worry about the paperwork that I have to get done. Any trouble so far?”

“None… Yet.” Said Sethos as he placed his hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword.

“Make sure it stays that way.”

“As you command my king.”

“WAR IS NOT PRO LIFE!” Yelled one protester.

“NO MORE PARENTLESS CHILDREN!” Yelled another.

Actium met their gazes for a brief moment. He could see the anger and resentment in their eyes.

“Sethos fire off several warning shots. I don’t need another headache.”

“Yes sir! Wardens take aim!” The wardens raised their rifles, and aimed at the crowd.

The crowd retreated slowly as the Wardens aimed their rifles at them. Sethos pulled out his pistol, and aimed it at the crowd.

“Are you seriously willing to murder your own people?” Asked one of the protesters.

“According to those signs and your ramblings I already am. Now fire.” Ordered Actium as the wardens fired their rifles at the crowd’s feet.

The protesters quickly dispersed as the wardens reloaded their rifles.

“Damn sis they really did a number on you!” Said Eir as she looked at Agana’s bruises.

“Yep… Definitely gonna feel this one in the morning. Ouch! Don’t touch me! It still hurts.”

“It’s hard not to. It’s really enticing.” Said Eir as she was about to poke another of Agana’s bruises.

Agana grabbed Eir’s hand and transformed into a Dhampir. Her eyes became like those of a dragon. Her teeth became sharp. Her lower jaw split open revealing a tongue that resembled a tube with sharp teeth at the end. Her skin turned grey like ashes, and with a scaly texture. Her nails grew long, and resembled the claws of a wild animal. Eir did the same in return. Both sisters hissed and growled at each other. Suddenly General Tercorien walked into the tent where he saw them both in their primal form.

“What the fuck!?” He exclaimed as he drew his sword.

Both girls turned to look at him as they reverted back to their normal selves.

“It’s bad manners to draw your sword to your future regent General.” Quipped Eir as she smiled at him.

“Right… That was… Ugh… Never mind. I don’t think I wanna know. In any case. I’ve prepared an escort for the both of you. My officers need rest for tomorrow’s evaluation and well… I imagine you need the rest as well. Especially with the bruises you’ve received.”

“Before that I need to know General.”

“Well… To put it bluntly if it were up to me… I would make sure that you never commanded troops.”

“I… I see.” Agana hung her head.

“You’re still young. Military leaders aren’t made in a day. Let alone kings. Now if you please. I do not wish to delay you anymore.”

“Yeah. C’mon Agana let’s go.”

“Yeah.” Said Agana as she dragged her feet.

“Just gotta give it some time. You’ll get there.” Said Eir as she held Agana’s hands whilst they rode the carriage back to the palace. “Yeah it’s just… Damn. With the war so close… Feels like I’m on a timetable.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure something out. Besides it’s dad’s job to worry not yours. So just take it easy.” “You’re one to talk. Ugh… We have lectures tomorrow. This was the first time in two seasons that we got to spend time outside.” “It was certainly fun. Watching you get shot up was… Well it was certainly an experience that I wish could last a lifetime.” “Next time I’ll use you as a shield.” “Nonsense! I will gladly jump in front of a sword for you my king.” Eir then mockingly saluted Agana. “As your future king I would expect nothing less.”