{"id":2706,"date":"2022-09-27T10:31:47","date_gmt":"2022-09-27T15:31:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2706"},"modified":"2022-10-04T16:22:01","modified_gmt":"2022-10-04T21:22:01","slug":"luck-lucky-part-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2706","title":{"rendered":"Luck Lucky – Part 16"},"content":{"rendered":"

Luck Lucky<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 16:\u00a0 A Lucky Battle<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gwen stepped out of the castle heading towards the mass of men.\u00a0 She had the Royal Guard heading out with her.\u00a0 They would met up with the rebel army before heading towards the valley pass.\u00a0 They group would split into three groups, the rebel army along with Gwen would head to the rear, around the pass.\u00a0 The Royal Army would move to the sides, and using the advantage of height shoot down upon the army moving through the pass.<\/p>\n

She originally had planned the rebel army to attack from the sides, but they were well suited to moving fast and quietly.\u00a0 The upper pass though the valley would work well for them, they had little in supplies unlike any army.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really think this will work?\u201d Ottis asked, looking over at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo choice,\u201d Gwen replied.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m counting on you to head up the guard here, keep things under control and support Zoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t need to ask for that,\u201d Ottis replied.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s like my sister, reminds me of her a bit too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t know you had one,\u201d she said, seeing his look change slightly.\u00a0 \u201cSorry, didn\u2019t mean to bring up bad memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, its fine, let\u2019s just say she got caught up in the wrong crowd,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Gwen did not push the subject as they watched Zoe appear from the building and head right towards her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh boy, looks like I\u2019ve got another battle on my hands, want to swap?\u201d Gwen asked, looking over seeing Ottis walking away.\u00a0 \u201cCoward!\u201d she yelled to him getting a wave and a smile in return as he continued walking away.<\/p>\n

Gwen watched as her lover reached her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re really going without me?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s safer,\u201d Gwen replied.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I can concentrate fully on the battle and getting back here.\u00a0 With you there I\u2019ll be worried that where you are is under attack.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoe fell silent for several seconds.\u00a0 Gwen wondered if she was gathering up for another verbal assault to allow her to come.\u00a0 Instead, Zoe pulled her into a hug.\u00a0 Gwen returned it wrapping her arms around the smaller body as Zoe tucked her head under Gwen\u2019s chin.\u00a0 She rubbed the small of Zoe\u2019s back as the younger girl was reluctant to let go.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to lose someone else I love,\u201d she finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do everything I can to return safe,\u201d Gwen stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou better, otherwise I\u2019ll hurt you,\u201d Zoe stated, causing Gwen to laugh.\u00a0 She had no doubt Zoe would definitely try, her young lover was stubborn enough to carry out her threats.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmpress,\u201d she heard, stiffening at the name.\u00a0 She glanced over seeing Renold standing there, waiting.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d she asked, already knowing what was to come.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone\u2019s ready to move out, we should get going if we want to intercept the First army at the valley,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d she said, kissing the top of Zoe\u2019s head before releasing her.<\/p>\n

Zoe finally released a bit, allowing Gwen to look down into teary eyes.\u00a0 It almost caused her resolve to fade and bring her along.\u00a0 However, she managed to remain steadfast in her resolve.\u00a0 Giving Zoe a kiss, she then turned as they both walked towards the army.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s move out,\u201d she said, giving the order.<\/p>\n

Zoe walked with her to the city walls, where, with some effort she handed her over to Ottis and instruction to watch her.\u00a0 A final parting kiss and Gwen now walked along with the rest of the Royal Guard.<\/p>\n

The crunching of feet echoed in her ears.\u00a0 After a bit she almost missed the constant chattering from Zoe.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen looked down at the map, as she, Renold, and Jack were waiting to see what the orders might be.\u00a0 They arrived at the spot where they would have to split up.\u00a0 Scouts were sent ahead making sure the First army had not appeared yet.\u00a0 If they were already in the pass then the plan would have to be changed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll send half of the guard along this route,\u201d Renold said, mapping a path with his finger.<\/p>\n

\u201cShould work,\u201d Gwen said as a runner came over.\u00a0 She did not recognize him as he approached Renold.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir, I\u2019m to inform the Empress the Fifth army is in position,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery good, any reports from the First army?\u201d Gwen asked, stepping forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo ma\u2019am,\u201d he replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cTell the general we\u2019re heading into position,\u201d Gwen replied, watching him bow then take off again.\u00a0 The group headed off towards the narrow upper path.\u00a0 Gwen took the lead trusting her skills more than anyone else.\u00a0 And if fighting broke out, she wanted to be there to hopefully end it quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure this is wise,\u201d Renold said, walking along with her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re some of the better fighters, if we can\u2019t defend against an attack, then no one can,\u201d Gwen stated.\u00a0 She noticed Renold said nothing in return.<\/p>\n

Keeping an eye on the path, and for any oncoming troops she waited patiently.\u00a0 Some two hundred armed men and women were making their way through the upper pass.\u00a0 The trek really was not too long, but rocky in nature.\u00a0 The group moved quickly.\u00a0 It took most of the day put they approached the end of the path.<\/p>\n

Gwen suddenly raised a hand, a signal for quiet.\u00a0 Everyone stopped, as the signal spread to the back of the group.\u00a0 Renold stepped up beside her, both listening and waiting.\u00a0 Gwen felt a few fighting aura approaching.\u00a0 Reducing her aura as much as possible she crouched a bit, looking for a spot to engage the group.\u00a0 The rocky path and steep cliff were daunting.<\/p>\n

Up ahead was a curve, and she readied herself, withdrawing her sword.\u00a0 Renold did the same and a few others behind her.\u00a0 The path was barely as wide as her arm width.\u00a0 Pushing Renold back a bit to give herself some room she now approached the bend, waiting for what would happen.<\/p>\n

A scout turned the corner and froze at the sight in front of him.\u00a0 Gwen wasted no time and attacked.\u00a0 He met a swift end before even making a sound.\u00a0 Gwen turned to the next man, quickly taking care of him and turning the corner to see the group.\u00a0 A typical scouting party of five men.\u00a0 Two were down and she pushed forward quickly eliminating another man.\u00a0 She engaged the fourth as the fifth turned to run.<\/p>\n

She knew with his speed she would not be able to catch him even as she quickly dispatched the fourth man.\u00a0 Cursing herself for such a mistake she barely heard the whistle of a crossbow fly by her ear.\u00a0 Turning around expecting another attack she spotted one of the rebels in the group with a crossbow, aimed at her.<\/p>\n

Even as she watched he lowered it, and another man clapped him on the shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood work,\u201d she heard him say.\u00a0 Gwen felt confused, the crossbow came within inches of hitting her, what did he mean.<\/p>\n

\u201cWasn\u2019t sure I could pull it off,\u201d the man with the crossbow said.\u00a0 She looked over at Renold who did not seem alarmed, were they trying to take her out?<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn, luckiest shot I\u2019ve seen,\u201d Renold finally said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2026\u201d Gwen finally managed to get out, thoroughly confused.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe managed to avoid hitting you and got the runner,\u201d Renold said, causing Gwen to turn and look.\u00a0 There, some twenty yards away lay the scout who had been running away.\u00a0 She looked back and forth between the two spots before exhaling.\u00a0 Calming down she finally managed to congratulate him on the shot.<\/p>\n

\u201cT-Thanks,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThough, if you had hit me, well you\u2019d have suffered someone\u2019s wrath,\u201d she said, watching as he paled.\u00a0 \u201cAnd I\u2019m not even talking about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched as he frowned, unsure what she meant.\u00a0 She turned and motioned for the group to continue on as Renold walked up to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, now I know who frightens you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, yeah, come on,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 Several men of the Royal Guard came up and moved the bodies, as they were heading to spots for ambushing the coming army.<\/p>\n

The rebel army continued on down to a spot of trees.\u00a0 She realized it was a perfect spot to set up.\u00a0 Slightly out of the way and not able to be seen easily.\u00a0 They also could quickly join the battle once it was engaged.\u00a0 They would be able to watch the First Army pass by before attacking the rear.<\/p>\n

Now, all they had to do was wait.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Gwen looked over the troops under her.\u00a0 They were probably outnumbered, she expected to be, a full army against the royal guard and a small rebel army hastily put together.\u00a0 Reports from her field commanders indicated that the bounty hunters were doing their job of making problems for the approaching army.<\/p>\n

However, what concerned her more, was the reports from the Empire, they were massing along the border.\u00a0 She had to finish this battle quickly.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmpress,\u201d Renold said, walking up to her as she looked at the map.\u00a0 She looked over at him, seeing a message in his hands.\u00a0 \u201cGeneral Eric says he\u2019s in position.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen felt a bit better at that.\u00a0 A two prong attack, from the front and back might unnerve the enemy, and hopefully cause them to surrender.\u00a0 Eric could not bring the entire 5th<\/sup> army, as it had to be able to protect the empire from any advances by another empire.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think this will work?\u201d Renold asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but it\u2019s all we have,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis whole thing is messed up,\u201d Renold finally said after a few moments of silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I\u2019m still confused about it all.\u00a0 I don\u2019t understand half of what they\u2019ve done, let alone killing my aunt,\u201d Gwen said, not adding how they blamed her for that act.<\/p>\n

\u201cMa\u2019am, we just received word, the enemy\u2019s army has entered the valley,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow\u2019s the time,\u201d Gwen said, donning her helmet.\u00a0 \u201cTell everyone to move out, send word to General Eric to begin.\u201d<\/p>\n

She moved out of the tent along with Renold, and looked around at the men and women in the group.\u00a0 She hoped they all survived, but also knew in war, luck had more to do survival than skill.<\/p>\n

She wondered about where her uncle and cousin might be.\u00a0 Would they be in front, in the rear?\u00a0 Would they expect an attack in the valley?\u00a0 The one place where his advantage would be lost given the small fighting area.<\/p>\n

Walking along with the rest of the rebel army she moved forward as well.\u00a0 She had stayed with this group to give them a moral boost.\u00a0 The Fifth Army and the Royal Guard were professional soldiers, knowing what they were doing.\u00a0 The rebels were made up of volunteers, most of whom had never seen combat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is it,\u201d Renold said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll be taking your leave then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Gwen replied, watching as he left to join up with the Royal Guard.\u00a0 A runner had already headed off towards General Eric.\u00a0 Things were now in motion for what she hoped would be the only battle of this fight.\u00a0 She had no idea what might happen next, only it had to end here.<\/p>\n

She still had questions and had no idea if they would ever be answered.\u00a0 The group of rebels formed up very efficiently thanks to the work of several captains over the past couple of days.<\/p>\n

More than a few looked her way.\u00a0 She checked her armor making sure it was on tight, and loose enough for her to move in.\u00a0 Unlike many in the army she did not wear the heavy armor of others.\u00a0 It restricted her movement, which for her meant everything.\u00a0 Her movement and speed was one of her best advantages in a fight.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou feeling all right Jack?\u201d Gwen asked, looking over at one of the captains of the rebel army.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, nervous about everything,\u201d he finally said.\u00a0 \u201cMy first real battle.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExpect chaos,\u201d Gwen replied.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t hesitate, or second guess yourself.\u00a0 The goal is to stay alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThought it was to win?\u201d Jack said.<\/p>\n

Gwen gave a slight, sad smile.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s what they say, but it boils down to who is alive at the end, you or them.\u201d<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Gwen heard the sounds of battle even before they reached the entrance to the valley.\u00a0 The rebel army crept thought he forest approaching the narrow valley pass.\u00a0 She felt glad the town was on the other side of the valley.\u00a0 The Fifth army had taken station there, blocking the First army\u2019s path.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think?\u201d Jack asked her, as he and a few other captains were not close to her.<\/p>\n

Gwen looked out seeing the rear of the First army in chaos as people tried to figure out what had happened.\u00a0 Reports from the front were probably only starting to filter back to the rear.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack, you take your men, go around to that boulder, for my signal then charge,\u201d Gwen said to him, watching as he took off to carry out her orders.\u00a0 \u201cArchers?\u201d she said, looking as a man nodded.\u00a0 \u201cSet up along here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am,\u201d he said, moving quietly o set up his own men.<\/p>\n

The one thing the rebels did have, was stealth.\u00a0 They were used to hiding in the shadows and hidden in the trees they moved along with little noise.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rest of you, gather your men and follow me,\u201d Gwen said as she looked on again.\u00a0 She thought she saw a glimpse of her cousin.\u00a0 She did not see her uncle though.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about us?\u201d one person said.\u00a0 She recognized the captain of the mages.<\/p>\n

\u201cSupport with the archers, use your judgment on who and where to attack,\u201d she told him.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, okay,\u201d he replied, then went off to carry out his own orders.<\/p>\n

After several minutes of moving the rebels were in position.\u00a0 The First army appeared in chaos still, as people were shouting orders and groups were trying to move forward despite the fact it was already too crowded to do so.<\/p>\n

\u201cFire,\u201d Gwen ordered to the archers, who sent up a volley of arrows followed by several spells by the mages.\u00a0 She raised her sword, yelled out to charge.\u00a0 The mass of the rebel army moved forward in the confused army.<\/p>\n

Gwen made her way right towards the spot where she thought her cousin had been.\u00a0 Several fighters started towards her, with high energy.\u00a0 She allowed her full potential to rise up, knowing it made her a target, but she also did not wish to play around.\u00a0 The two men swung, she already moved to dodge and counter.<\/p>\n

She continued to move forward cutting a swath of destruction.\u00a0 She kept an eye out as others joined her in her path.\u00a0 An arrow piercing the heart of a beast, they moved into the mass of unorganized fighting that now reigned on the battlefield.<\/p>\n

Feeling the movement of air, she ducked, barely avoiding a sword strike.<\/p>\n

\u201cLucky aren\u2019tcha?\u201d she heard her cousin say.<\/p>\n

\u201cDerek, finally came out of hiding,\u201d Gwen said, as the two faced off against each other.\u00a0 The rest of the battlefield faded away as she looked on.\u00a0 He appeared a bit wild compared to the last time she saw him.\u00a0 \u201cNo one to hide behind now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe hide, no merely reaching my greatness,\u201d Derek said.\u00a0 \u201cYou know nothing of my goal.\u00a0 I am to be king of all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd killing the queen was part of that how?\u201d Gwen asked, the question which nagged her the most.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t do that either, as I said, you were supposed to do that,\u201d Derek said, as they exchanged blows.\u00a0 \u201cDon\u2019t understand, your mind never could understand that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might surprise you,\u201d Gwen replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI doubt that Ruth,\u201d Derek replied, using a complex attack.\u00a0 Gwen managed to avoid the attack and struck back countering his strength with her speed looking for weaknesses in his defenses.\u00a0 He never studied defense that much, and had always been a weak spot.<\/p>\n

Derek fought with his full power, creating an area of destruction all around them.\u00a0 Two level ones fighting and few people wanted to get in their way.\u00a0 The rebels with her had backed away, now taking care of others in the army, as archers continued to throw their support into the fight.\u00a0 Mage spells flew back and forth as the fighting seemed to only intensify.<\/p>\n

Gwen fought with the same intensity, blocking his sword strikes and going on the offensive as they exchanged blows.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve slacked off Ruth, living in the Shadowlands has made you weak,\u201d Derek said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019d be surprised what you learn out there,\u201d Gwen replied back to him.\u00a0 \u201cThey are very nice out there, and knowledgeable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHa, backwater hicks who know nothing about warfare,\u201d Derek said, swinging his sword.\u00a0 \u201cEven now you can\u2019t grasp the grand scale of my vision.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I see is destruction for everyone,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and isn\u2019t that grand, me, standing alone at the top of the world,\u201d Derek said, laughing at the thought.<\/p>\n

Gwen blinked wondering when her cousin had gone mad.\u00a0 Her momentary shock gave him an opening slicking though her defenses.\u00a0 She managed to avoid a death blow, but was wounded.<\/p>\n

\u201cSee, I\u2019ll always win,\u201d he said, his eyes wide open, a large smile on his face as he looked at her.\u00a0 \u201cI am the god of destruction, this is my realm.\u00a0 I allowed you to live because I deemed it necessary until now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen tested her shoulder, which had taken the strike.\u00a0 Not life threatening, but would hinder her attacks.\u00a0 The armor prevented serious damage as she held her sword with one arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, I get to finally kill you, like you should have died that day!\u201d he screamed at her.<\/p>\n

Dodging the attack she spun around to face him.\u00a0 \u201cWhy is that?\u201d she asked, waiting, taking her time to think.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would have been forced to kill her, that simple,\u201d he replied.\u00a0 \u201cYou see, she was under a spell, she would have attacked you the moment you entered.\u00a0 But no, that bitch figured it out and killed herself first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen backed up at the news, giving herself some distance as she heard the words.\u00a0 However Derek had paused, laughing again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the king?\u201d Gwen asked, wondering how much he was involved in all of this.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat old fool, I\u2019ve already taken care of him,\u201d Derek said, smiling.\u00a0 Gwen wondered how the general of the First army, and his men, could follow such a demented monster.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re insane,\u201d Gwen said to him, using her speed to avoid another attack and using his momentum to counter.\u00a0 He managed to block it.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re strikes have no power,\u201d he said.\u00a0 \u201cThe victory is mine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen watched him attack again, using the same pattern once more.\u00a0 This time she prepared for the strike which had cut her last time.\u00a0 Instead of even trying to block it she move aside.\u00a0 Derek\u2019s strike met only air causing him to stumble giving Gwen an opening.\u00a0 She thrust forward striking deep.<\/p>\n

Derek looked down at the sword impaling him, unable to comprehend the action.\u00a0 Gwen wrenched the sword out as he fell to the ground, clutching the wound.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was to be great, a god,\u201d he stammered, collapsing to the ground.\u00a0 His chest stilled giving Gwen the victory once more over her cousin.\u00a0 This time, she felt no thrill, or elation, only weary exhaustion.<\/p>\n

Cries of \u2018the prince has fallen\u2019 echoed around the battle.\u00a0 Gwen took a moment to look around at the soldiers, now looking around unsure if they should continue fighting.\u00a0 Chaos reigning on the battlefield.\u00a0 She had to find the leader of the First army to end this.\u00a0 Hopefully he was a man with some intelligence and not a mad man like Derek had been.<\/p>\n

\u201cYield,\u201d she said, to the first person she came across.\u00a0 \u201cLay down your weapons and surrender, and you\u2019ll be treated fairly.\u201d<\/p>\n

He hesitated for a second, before dropping his sword.\u00a0 A few beside him followed suit, raising their hands in surrender.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou okay?\u2019 Jack asked, walking over to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah,\u201d Gwen said, looking down at the wound in her left shoulder, the blood made it look worse than anything else.\u00a0 She flexed it a few times, painful, but probably not serious.<\/p>\n

Looking around she saw members of the First army surrender, as they realized the prince had been defeated.\u00a0 They were probably only obeying orders, never understanding exactly who they were following.\u00a0 Good soldiers who obey and never think laying down their lives for rulers they thought they could trust.\u00a0 She walked forward even as cries for medic mages carried across the battlefield.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Gwen had a medic looking over her shoulder, after much badgering from several others.\u00a0 The medic muttered something about hard headed soldiers as he examined the wound before finally declaring it non-life threatening.\u00a0 Gwen rolled her eyes at that.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll bandage it up and by tomorrow morning it should be healed,\u201d he declared to her, working some magic into the bandage which would speed healing.<\/p>\n

She had heard about losses, and out of two hundred rebel troops, fifty had been killed, and another sixty wounded, most not seriously.\u00a0 Among the dead had been Kerros, Jack\u2019s friend and right hand man.<\/p>\n

Reports of fighting from the others areas tricked in from runners.\u00a0 Things were slow to stop, and she figured that had to do with the confusion of the battle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean we surrendered?\u201d a loud voice said, causing Gwen to look over.\u00a0 A man with red hair, strode his way into the camp.\u00a0 His armor indicated a man of importance, especially with the gold chest plate.\u00a0 She knew he had to be the general of the First army.<\/p>\n

\u201cDerek was defeated,\u201d Gwen said, from her seated position as the healer continued to bandage the shoulder.<\/p>\n

He stared at her for several seconds before saying anything.\u00a0 \u201cThen we\u2019re all dead.\u201d\u00a0 The statement caught her by surprise.\u00a0 It had not been what she expected to hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you say that?\u201d she asked, wanting to know the truth.<\/p>\n

\u201cDerek had back-up plans in case he was defeated,\u201d the general said.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally, and what might that be?\u201d Gwen asked.\u00a0 She wished her battles had ended.\u00a0 There had been enough death lately.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, he never told me, only that we had to succeed or else,\u201d the general replied back to her.<\/p>\n

Gwen sighed, things had gotten complicated.\u00a0 She only wished to get back to the capital and Zoe and head off again.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we\u2019ll deal with it when it happens,\u201d Gwen said, looking at the general more closely.\u00a0 He had taken off his helmet, revealing short red hair, to go with his tall frame.\u00a0 Like General Eric, it seemed most generals were tall, and probably had a decent amount of magic.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a fool,\u201d the general replied back to her.\u00a0 \u201cWe have no leader, and a group of rebels vying for power.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am the king\u2019s niece,\u201d Gwen said, hating to say it.\u00a0 It had the effect she wished for though, he stared at her in amazement.<\/p>\n

\u201cB-But you\u2019re dead,\u201d he stammered.\u00a0 \u201cI saw the report, even led the pursuit.\u201d<\/p>\n

He paused, now looking at her closer.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you are her, shorter hair, but the eyes are the same,\u201d he finally said after a few seconds.\u00a0 \u201cBut that\u2019s impossible!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I had fled the building out the back before you set it on fire,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen the body?\u201d he asked, unsure about the situation.\u00a0 \u201cI saw it myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat I don\u2019t know, I didn\u2019t look to see who was inside the building when I left,\u201d Gwen said, recalling those frightening days.\u00a0 She had nothing, no friends, no allies, no money or even a place to settle down.\u00a0 The only thing she had was her skills.\u00a0 The silence stretched out for several minutes until another person approached.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmpress,\u201d the voice said, causing her to look up.\u00a0 She saw Renold approaching her.\u00a0 \u201cNews of the fighting, it\u2019s died down, General Eric will have casualties reported to you shortly.\u201d\u00a0 He looked over at the general.\u00a0 \u201cGeneral Richard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCommander Renold,\u201d the general said, looking at him, then at Gwen.\u00a0 \u201cSo you believe this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat she is John\u2019s daughter,\u201d Richard said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Renold stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cReports are she killed Derek, only she had ever beaten him,\u201d Richard stated, thinking about this a bit.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about the Queen?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDerek all but admitted Ruth didn\u2019t do it, there was a lot that went on that night when the queen was killed,\u201d Renold said.\u00a0 \u201cI doubt we\u2019ll ever fully know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen, what happens next?\u201d Richard finally asked, as they both looked over at Gwen, who had hoped they had forgotten about her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet things settled down, we have other countries to worry about,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cImperial empire, they were always looking for a weakness,\u201d Richard said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, take the first army to back up the third, that should cause them to hesitate,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the army is in tatters,\u201d Richard said, looking around at his army.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know that, I know that, but they don\u2019t,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 \u201cI think the mere thought that another army is reinforcing the third will cause them to back down\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd what will you be doing?\u201d Richard said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrying to get a government working,\u201d Gwen stated, not saying anything else.\u00a0 The more she seemed to get away, the more they looked upon her for leadership.\u00a0 \u201cTake some of the fifth army as well, we\u2019ll reinforce that with the rebels here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWill they do that?\u201d Renold asked, looking around at the rebel soldiers who were celebrating their victory.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, they were rebelling against the king, I think they understand they might make a difference.\u00a0 And in the army, they could rise up in rank, maybe, or become someone besides a rebel,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 They were the reason for the victory, and she would include them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Richard said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs all that wise?\u201d Jack said, looking on.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you\u2019re in charge of this army, we\u2019ll call it the Eleventh for now,\u201d Gwen said.\u00a0 She saw a few others look on.\u00a0 \u201cFor now we\u2019ll get things organized, tell the rest that the first is to reorganize to move out.\u00a0 Also what remains of the rebel army is to be converted to the eleventh army under your command.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we defeated them,\u201d one of the men said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, and now we need their help to prevent an invasion,\u201d Gwen said, standing up.\u00a0 \u201cUnless you want to go and back up the third army?\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched him pause, to think about that for a few seconds before making up his mind.<\/p>\n

\u201cJack, get things cleared up, have our group help out, and if any of the fifth wants to join the first, let them,\u201d Gwen said, turning to the general.\u00a0 \u201cGet your men ready to move again.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, blasted politics.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen understood what he meant, and watched him walk off to carry out the order.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Gwen felt glad to have finally returned back to the capital.\u00a0 The first army had left heading to the border with the Imperials. The fifth army had remained, waiting for any trouble.\u00a0 She returned with the Royal Guard and the newly formed Eleventh army, which would train up and head out if needed as well.<\/p>\n

She looked around the city, things were quiet, people moving about, and for every indication the atmosphere appeared as if nothing had ever happened.\u00a0 Renold and Jack walked beside her, and they felt it as well as people paused to look at the army returning.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot quite the reception I was expecting,\u201d Renold whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, a couple of days ago this city was about to fall apart,\u201d Jack said.<\/p>\n

Glancing around she noticed people busy repairing the damage done only a few days ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, empress, so glad you\u2019ve returned,\u201d an older man said, bowing to her then continued on.\u00a0 \u201cYou have a wonderful future queen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen forced a smile, then quickened her pace despite others now expressing their thanks towards her.<\/p>\n

\u2018What did you do Zoe?\u2019 Gwen whispered to herself, seeing the palace appear.\u00a0 Guards respectfully bowed as she passed, she waved a hand at them but never broke stride and walked inside the palace looking around for a few seconds until a slave walked by.\u00a0 \u201cWhere is Zoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

The slave paused, looking at Gwen for a few seconds before answering.\u00a0 \u201cShe\u2019s in the meeting room along with the advisors.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen watched her walk away before continuing off down the corridor before heading towards the meeting room herself.\u00a0 Finding the room she paused at the door seeing Zoe surrounded by several men as they spoke before walking into the room enough to gain their attention.\u00a0 Zoe noticed first, hopping up ran over wrapping her arms around Gwen.\u00a0 She gladly returned the greeting happy that Zoe seemed to be doing better.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe weren\u2019t expecting you back until tomorrow,\u201d Zoe said, smiling.\u00a0 She had not relinquished her hug yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cMade good time, and I wanted to see my girl,\u201d Gwen replied.\u00a0 \u201cSo, what have you been up to?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing,\u201d Zoe said quietly, and Gwen knew something happened.\u00a0 Green eyes looked up at her, blinking innocently.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen the people saying you\u2019d make a wonderful future queen, came from where?\u201d Gwen asked, seeing Zoe blush slightly at the question.\u00a0 \u201cAt a loss for words?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave I told you how beautiful you are?\u201d Zoe asked, catching Gwen off guard by the question.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo sidetracking,\u201d Gwen said, refocusing her thoughts back on the situation at hand.\u00a0 A slight noise caused her to look over at the group of men still in the room.\u00a0 \u201cYes?\u201d she asked, raising an eyebrow at them watching as Tinis stepped forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps I should explain,\u201d he said, running a hand over his bald head.\u00a0 \u201cThe royal family is gone, I take it by your return that King Rick and his son are dead?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDerek killed the king, I killed Derek in combat,\u201d Gwen said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, I see, well,\u201d Tinis said fidgeting slightly.\u00a0 \u201cYou are the last surviving member of the royal family.\u00a0 As such, it is only natural that we ask you to assume the position of ruler.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gwen groaned at the suggestion.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m not ruler material.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d Zoe asked.\u00a0 \u201cI think you\u2019d make a great leader.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t,\u201d Gwen said out of reflex, watching as the green eyes never wavered.\u00a0 Maybe, one of these times Gwen might be able to convince Zoe but at the moment the young woman seemed undaunted by her faith.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure you are,\u201d Zoe whispered, giving a quick kiss to Gwen.\u00a0 \u201cCome on, I\u2019m starving,\u201d she said, then turned to the listening advisors.\u00a0 \u201cWe\u2019re done for now, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d one said, giving a slight bow and walked out of the room, along with the others.\u00a0 Gwen watched slightly amused before Zoe tugged her out and towards the kitchens.\u00a0 The young woman seemed to be fine, even after everything which happened.\u00a0 Gwen looked at the people, as they watched surprised as Zoe dragged Gwen down the hallway. Most were probably shocked at the fact Zoe was so forthcoming with the person many considered the Queen.<\/p>\n

Gwen shook that thought from her mind as they entered the kitchen.\u00a0 Several cooks were about preparing meals, cleaning dishes and putting stuff up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Zoe, how are you doing today,\u201d one of the older cooks said, her hair up in a bun.\u00a0 She stopped when her eyes fell upon Gwen.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve grown up a bit child.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess I have,\u201d Gwen replied, unsure what else to say as Zoe took over.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs there anything ready to eat?\u201d Zoe asked, looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course there is,\u201d the cook replied.<\/p>\n

They helped themselves to some food and retired back to one of the bedrooms to eat.<\/p>\n

End part 16<\/p>\n

Continued in part 17<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Luck Lucky by AJ Marks Part 16:\u00a0 A Lucky Battle   Gwen stepped out of the castle heading towards the mass of men.\u00a0 She had the Royal Guard heading out with her.\u00a0 They would met up with the rebel army before heading towards the valley pass.\u00a0 They group would split into three groups, the rebel […]
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