Finally, a few days later, I arrived back in the warmth of Greengrass. The kingdom was shining bright, as it stood tall over the open and green plains surrounding it. I gazed upon its flourishing beauty, for I know not how much longer it will still be up and running. I had a plan, but I did not know if it would work or not. I had to speak to the king at once. So, I dropped Bucky off at the stables and made my way to the king.
"My king, I need to speak with you!"
"What is it, my boy?"
"Your so-called friend said that he will not be joining forces with us when the enemy attacks… Gunther threatened him and told him that if he helped us, he would slaughter everyone in the north and make him watch, as he does it… but… but! I have a plan!"
"That bastard!! Whatever will we do?!"
"We need to start training every man and child able to swing a sword in the kingdom, then we need to ambush and attack them from the rear, my lord!"
"Yes… yes! I like the sound of that, Ser Alex!"
"We need to start today, sir!"
"Okay, I will call for a meeting at midday for everyone in the kingdom."
"Yes, sire… I will leave you to it."
"Very well, ser Alex."
I left the king to handle his dealings and made my way to find Celest. I finally found her training in the barracks where she spends most of her time nowadays. I watched her closely before letting her know I was there. She was swinging her blade with such passion, breaking a sweat or two. There was a fire burning in that girl that could never be tamed. Like a wild animal and a sexy one at that.
"You fell out of form there, for a second…" I said, as she turned around, surprised to see me.
Her eyes lit up as she ran over to me and jumped into my arms, then kissed me. "Oh, ser Alex! I missed you dearly!"
"I missed you, too, milady!"
"Father said you had gone to the north… how did it go?"
I told her the unfortunate news and confirmed to her my plan, as she looked at me with belief in me with her eyes.
Finally, it was time for the meeting, as everyone gathered around.
"Excuse me, can I have everyone's attention, please?" the king said, as the crowd grew silent.
"Thank you… So, as many of you already know, we are at war… we are at war with a kingdom that has a powerful army at their beck and call… we tried to get assistance from our friends in the north, but unfortunately, the enemy got to them first… but! My dear friend Alex has a plan! So, worry not! Take it away, Alex!"
The crowd started to whisper with concern among themselves as I cleared my throat.
"Listen… we need every man and child able to swing a sword training as soon as tomorrow morning! We will ambush them and attack from their rear, which they will not be expecting! Some of us will die… but would you rather die a coward's death? Or would you rather die a hero and live in eternal glory?! It will not be easy and there will be blood, sweat, and tears… but remember what you are fighting for!! Greengrass is OUR home, and Aleria wants to burn it to the ground!! You know what I say!! COME FUCKING TRY!! Because we will not take it lying down like the cowards of the north!! Will you fight alongside your brothers in arms to protect what is ours?! WHAT SAY YOU? Will you fight for your wives, sisters, mothers, and daughters? WHAT SAY YOU?!"
The crowd chanted, "YEAHHH!!" loudly, as they raised their swords.
"We will not show fear to our enemies!! OH NO! We will stare them in the eyes, as we kill them all and taste their blood on our swords!! We will not retreat!! We will not surrender!! We shall show them no mercy!! WHO'S WITH ME?!"
"I AM!!!" They all shouted at the top of their lungs.
"They fucked with the wrong kingdom!!" I yelled as I raised my sword, while everyone chanted my name and clapped. I looked at the enthusiastic crowd, proud of my astonishing and moving words, then looked over at Celest, as she looked at me with pure, penetrating lust in her eyes. I smiled and winked at her as the crowd continued to chant my name.