The March on Khenochia

Secondly, the Elders, along with the judges which had been driven out, convened in a General Assembly and determined that it was pertinent and Leah and Amelia leave as soon as possible, as also it was that the whole of the city's military forces march to Khenochia as quickly as possible and see if we could quickly come upon the last company to flee.

I sat next to Amelia during that meeting rapping my fingers impatiently on my knee, and tapping my foot loudly. If the Elders had one great flaw, it was their love of talk! They spoke and arranged and planned, and the whole time the last company was preparing to flee Khenochia! At last the meeting concluded, with the sun already hiding behind the tall, powdered peaks. I rushed out to my Generals, abiding by as little decorum as I could without greatly offending anyone. Once outside I kissed Amelia on the cheek and wished her luck. Much to my relief, I found that my Generals had the army organized- each captain with his men and their captains with their own - and ready to march.

"We ready, Chief?" Captain Orthad said, with a wide smile, revealing his hazard looking teeth.

"Yes." I said. "Finally, we're ready."

"Just like we discussed, Chief?" Norm said, also smiling. They were glad to be getting back into action.

"Yes. Remember, try to minimize casualties. These aren't Maikin we're fighting. These might be your own families, your own friends. Don't hesitate to neutralize a threat, but if it's practical to detain make it your first priority" I jumped atop my horse, thanking the squire who held him for me, and, followed by the two captains, went to the front of the lines.