Chalsea and her mercenary group rode fast through the steppes. It’s been four days since they received a message that the White Stone city was under attack from orcs of all things. Chalsea hated those ugly bastards with passion. She was born into the nomad tribes that wandered the steppes which bordered between civilized and orc territories and as such she grew up in a constant battle with their raiding parties. Now she was a grown up woman and a leader of her own mercenary group- 200 warriors and each of them worthy of at least 2 standard soldiers from a regular army.

Her long blond hair was blowing in the wind as the horses raced through the endless fields until she saw the familiar silhouette of the scouts she send ahead.” Report!” She ordered as she and the rest of her army came to a halt.

“Captain, reports were true. The city is really under attack. The battle is vicious and bloody. The walls are holding, but the orcs seem to have the upper hand via sheer numbers.” The scout reported and took back his place into the army.

It was still noon and Chalsea quickly gathered her thoughts. There were still hours and hours of riding until they reach the city. If they maintain their current speed they would arrive at sunset, but their horses were already tired form the overnight ride they did last night. Her men were also in need of rest.” Form a camp! Raise rug walls to cover the camp fires! We rest until midnight. I want us at the White Stone City at dawn! Also call the witches to me!” She commanded as she swung her right arm.

All the men and women in her army spread out with trained precision. Spears were stuck in the ground to serve as poles on which sturdy rugs were made as walls to cover the campires and not let out much light just in case. Patrols were immediately assigned and provisions were distributed. Tonight it was just bread, dried meat and fruits. They had massive amounts of wine, but none of the soldiers drank any of their own choice. They knew that they wouldn’t be able to rest properly if they did.

Chalsea was sitting outside the area lit by the camp fires with only the light of the moon to light the surroundings. Tonight the weather was good and she could easily see even in the distance.

“You called, Chalsea?” 2 women, no girls, probably around 15 years of age asked unison. They were dressed with long black dresses adorned with raven feathers. Their surprisingly white hairs were made into complex hairstyles also adorned with black feathers and shiny colored stones.” What can we do… for you?” One of them asked first and the second finished the sentence.

“Good, you two came. Vala, Sala, I need you two to made me some of the glowing in the dark red paint and also glittering dust to mark my horse. We shall be riding during the night later and I want the troops to follow me easily.” She explained and the girls started giggling. Then they just nodded and walked away, returning about 15 minutes alter with 2 bottles. One glowed red and the other glittered with silver color under the moonlight. Then one of the girls pulled a raven feather from her hair and tied it into Chalsea’s hair.

“To see in the dark better.” The girls giggled and ran away back into the camp. Most of her soldiers were already asleep. Only those who were on guard duty were left up.

Chalsea relaxed backwards and leaned on her horse who was also resting behind her.” I’ve heard stories of the queen who rules that city. Hope those were true… otherwise there won’t be anything left to save by sunrise… The loot will be good if we were to decimate the looting orcs though..” She mumbled to herself and closed her eyes.

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Dawn on the next day
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The White Stone City was already in sight for Chalsea’s army. They had used the cover of the night to arrive undetected from possible orc scouts and killed every one they saw on the way here. There were still minutes until the sun showed. The reinforcements were already near and some of the orcs seemed to notice something was happening. They would stop and look about, wondering what the rumbling was.

The first thing they would see in the distance was a strange red glowing haze. As a wraith that was speeding towards them. Then as the first light of the morning sun appeared they saw the approaching army, but it was already too late.” KILL THEM ALL!” Chalsea shouted, pulling her giant battle axe in one hand as her cavalry army smashed into the back of the orc siege.” SWEEP!” She shouted as her troops split in two once already inside the orc army outside the walls, stopping them from forming any internal battle lines and now attacking sideways, with the intend of making a full circle around the city with both parties meeting on the other side where one of the city gates were.

“Alright, the city has not fallen yet…!” Chalsea said to herself as she noticed the arrows raining down from the walls. She was leading one of the groups of her army as the other one did the circle on the other side. The momentum of their warhorses just carried them though the sea of orcs. Using it and her long reach, with each swing of her axe, she’d take down two or even three orcs.

Then then noticed the mountain troll and just about as she was to divert people to deal with it, noticed a lone figure charging through to the beast.” Alright men, lessen the pressure on those walls!” She shouted as her group suddenly redirected into a route closer to the battle lines between the defenders and the orcs, effectively buying enough time to the defending army to regroup and reinforce their shield line. After that they continued their charge as planned until they reached the other side and regrouped with the other part of her army.

Orcs had huge numbers, but with enough pure force, it was possible to cut right through them. It was the great benefit of a cavalry over orcs, especially when you catch them before they can make spearlines to stop the charge. Once they were back in full force, they charged clockwise around the city. This is what her warband excelled at, fast devastating warfare. Once they get inside the enemy lines, they would tear it up. The momentum of her cavalry was trampled everything in front of her and she knew full well how to use that.

“Vice captain, you lead the rest of the charge!” She ordered, as she received a confirmation from her substitute who took lead of the charge and she suddenly redirected her horse in another direction, stamping and cleaving orcs on her way. She noticed something she didn’t expect to see here. An orc shaman, those magic users of sorts usually served as tribal chiefs or wisemen, rarely to leave orc territories. This one seemed to have been surrounded by a rather strong looking group of orcs.” Guess I found one of the commanders of this sorry lot…”She stated as she swung her axe, cleaving 4 orcs in front of her in two.

The guards of the shaman noticed her and all came to face her. With a eardrum shattering shout she jumped from her horse. The armored creature right away started wreaking havoc on it’s own with the normal orcs as it’s master faced the bigger orcs.

They carried full plate armor, big tower shields and sturdy looking swords. They faced her as a wall to block her charge and did so quite effectively actually. Her mighty swing was stopped in the wall of shields. The impact caused a strong screeching sounds from the place where her battle axe was rubbing into the steel shields. Still while stopped the strike was not negated. The shields were dented, and the orcs pushed backwards. By that moment a swarm of normal orcs were already around her and she dealt with them the only way she knew how. She switched stance, swinging her sword, cleaving half of them apart and using the momentum to jump of the other half. She then drop kicked an orc under her and smashed another’s head with the side of her axe. Afterwards she swung once more at the guards of the shaman who appeared to be casting a spell of some kind. This time she redirected her swing and instead of the side of the shield she targeted down at the ground where the orc’s legs were. With the huge momentum he couldn’t keep the shield steady and it pushed it to the side, cleaving into his leg. With him down, she dashed forward, striking at another of the guards, cutting of his head, before she followed that swing at the shaman.

Another deafening impact occurred as her mighty axe stopped in some kind of energy wall. The shaman was shouting things in the orcish language, but before he could finish his next spell, he suddenly found he couldn’t talk anymore. A strong arm was gripping his throat, cutting of all air supply.” Too bad… this ring allows my left arm to pass right through almost all magic barriers!” She shouted as a purple ring suddenly was shining on her left index finger. She then raised the shaman with one hand and bringing him down onto the steel armor of one of his guards, smashing the back of his skull onto the jagged edges of the orc’s armor.

With the troll gone, one of the commanders taken care of the orc lines quickly fell apart along with their moral. The creature army quickly started a retreat and lost countless under the arrows of the city defenders. In the meantime, Chalsea’s army returned to her along with her horse who was now covered in scratches, but the mount had probably more kills than half her warriors at this point.

“Vala, Sala, did you put a tracing spell on the orcs?” The blond woman asked, wiping off orc blood from her face. She knew something was amiss with this whole region. Orcs had gotten out of control to a degree greater than anytime before. Thus the time she returned to the steppes after her mercenary company finished it’s last contract to the north.

“Yes, Chalsea. We did!” The two younger girls replied in unison and walked on both sides of her.

“Good, we will soon find out from where those guys came…” The warband leader said and slowly led her people to the gates of the city. There still was much to be done. Checking up on the city, maybe buying supplies in preparation to venture out again and then there was of course the matter about getting paid.

“Pleasure to meet you Queen Adalia. I’ve heard many stories of your strength and it’s refreshing to know they weren’t exaggerated.” Chalsea stated as the queen introduced herself and took her hand.” My name is Chalsea, I’m the leader of the Black Ravens Mecernaries.” She then introduced herself and her people.” We’d love to enjoy some civilized hospitality for a change. We’ve been on the move for days, rushing to arrive in time.” Chalsea explained and gave a gesture with her left hand. At the sight of it, all her troops suddenly relaxed. Her giving them that signal, meant battle was over.

“Also I’d love a bath… I hate the smell of orc blood almost as much as I hate orcs themselves.” She stated, the glowing paint still in effect across her skin. Then she turned to her vice captain.” Alright, you know the drill. I don’t want to hear about any troubles on our side! Also send out the scouts once more! I want to be sure there are no orc reinforcements within half a day ride distance from the city!” She said and a few lightly dressed men and women on unarmored horses scattered, quickly speeding off into the distance.

“So what were you saying about a bath?” She asked, wanting to get out of the orc giblets stench.

“Hehe, we were already on our way to these parts when the message about the impending attack reached us about 4 days ride away from here.” Chalsea explained with a dismissing wave of her hand.” Still distance doesn’t matter whenever lives are involved.” The mercenary captain added with a smile. It felt nice to arrive in time to prevent a full massacre. Back in the north where her warband usually operated, they would always be called to deal with the frost ogres. There was an unofficial war going on to the north. The human countries battled the ogres constantly and neither side really knew what for anymore. All they really knew was that the other had to die. Sadly most kingdoms to the north seemed to be in decline with corruption, treasons and rebellions being almost as constant as the ogre attacks. Chalsea’s mercenaries worked for the cities themselves, being paid by mayors and rich merchants to protect their homes while the stupid rulers fought themselves over old and crumbling forts.

“I myself will attend the funeral, maybe with a few more people, but I suspect the majority of my troops will not take part of it. A lot of them are from the north. Funeral manners there are the completely opposite to yours here. I mean it involves a lot of shouting, war gear and possibly a tournament depending on who’s the one that died.” The captain explained as they were led through the streets.

“I understand, I will treasure the chance to take a bath at thine home.” Chalsea stated with a smile, her eyes sliding across the surrounding city. It truly was a marvel to behold. Clean and beautiful! She was glad she got to see this place, the grim stone and decaying wood building of the north were getting to her.” Ahh do not worry about that, Queen Adalia. My men and women know their places… I’ve had a few incidents like that in the past and I’ve dealt with those appropriately. Since then everyone knows the repercussions of what will happen if they try something like that and no one dares to try doing it again.” She explained with a smirk. Chalsea had a rather… effective punishment for it. If a man in her company did that, she made sure he will never be able to do so again.

“Yes, thank you. Those building will more than suffice.” The captain replied with grateful voice and also bowed as the queen had to excuse herself and leave Chalsea and her troops to settle in.

“Great, faster people! I want all of you settled in within half an hour!” Chalsea called as the men and women quickly started to separate into two groups. They were granted two buildings with 150 men capacity each, but they only had 200 people. For that reason the captain quickly divided her forces into two groups of 100 for each building. That would give more space for her people and allow them a better rest. Plus no group would have less people in case of emergency.

Chelsea was just about to head out to meet Adalia when the two young witches appeared to her, now dressed into normal pair of dresses both light blue in color.” Chalsea, are you going out… to meet the queen?” The girls finished each other’s sentences again as they did a circle around her. The two younger girls tend to hang around her a lot. She thought of them as family and it seems they did so too. She nodded to their question and they giggled before spinning around her a few more times and weaving anther feather into her hair and running away down the corridor towards their room. She smiled and continued her way.

The mercenary leader left the building they were given and started walking in the destination where the mansion of the queen should be. She was not carrying her battle axe with her and also had a bundle she was holding onto with one of her hands. It didn’t really take that much long for her to locate the building. After all Adalia may not know it, but Chalsea had been in the White Stone City once before, when she was a young child in fact. Her father had taken her here to trade for supplies for their caravan also to buy his daughter a gift for her catching her first wild rabbit all on her own. She understood the real value of his present over a decade later. Her precious magical ring that negates magic barriers. She always wondered why he had sold his most treasured sword back then in order to buy a seemingly ordinary ring.

She finally tore herself away from her childhood memories when she reached the mansion and after presenting herself was led in. She politely declined the servants’ offers to carry her luggage which in this case was her cloth bundle that she carried. Finally she was led into the great bathroom and made an astonished expression. She had never been allowed to use or even enter such a gorgeous bathroom.” Queen Adalia.” She gave a slight bow as a greeting to the other woman who appeared to already be enjoying her bath.” I’m really grateful for this. I cannot even count how many times I was forced to use barrels of lukewarm water on cold northern nights out in some barn or something, right after saving a town from ogres, other humans or whomever was attacking it.” She said as she quickly placed the cloth bundle next to the bathtub and after that quickly proceeded with taking off the bloody leathers and skins she was wearing before finally entering the bathtub.

Right away from the moment she entered the hot water, the red glowing paint quickly started coming off her body along with all the grime and blood that clung to her skin.” Ahhh… this is the best…” She let out a smile, enjoying the sensation of warmth across her body.

“Ogres… hmmm ogres are almost like orcs in a way. In a way at least. They are completely barbaric race who’s only goal is the destruction or enslavement of those around them. They posses intelligence equaling that of humans and their strength is generally greater than an average human.” Chalsea explained, rubbing her arms with soap to get rid of the paint and grime.” Generally they have lesser numbers, but are non the less extremely dangerous. Imagine a cavalry charge of ogres who are 2 times as tall as humans and at least 3-4 as wide. All of them riding big mammoths… Gosh that was one hell of a nightmarish battle. Happened two years ago, near one of the northern capitals. My warband used to be 350 people at the time. We lost nearly 250 and are still recovering from those loses.” The mercenary leader explained.

“Well it’s not really that different, I had to take baths like that because my warband was denied access to cities… Basically the situation to the north is a political nightmare.” She explained as she had just finished scrubbing off all paint from her arms and torso.” In simple terms… corruption, distrust, political games, treason… the north is ripe with those. Most rulers to whom we fought didn’t allow us access to their cities. We were forced to camp outside the walls because they feared someone would pay us more and we would turn on them. Needless to say I wouldn’t do that, but there are cases of that happening back there with other warbands. It's because of people who forsake their honor for money that we get called dogs of war.” She recalled and started cleaning her very long blond hair which looked almost ashen at the moment from all the dust and blood.

“Stories are the lifeblood of any northern warriors. They rulers may be stupid and corrupt, but the warriors still hold true. My warriors would welcome any chance to boast with their past accomplishments, just don’t give them breakable tableware… only metal or wooden mugs for their drinks and metal or wooden plates for their meals. Nords get very cheery when they start boasting and drinking. Lots of hitting their cups at the ground when they down it in one go happen. They know not to do that when on the job, but currently they are off duty so if the drinking get’s out of hand one or two barfights may happen.” The blond woman laughed, still cleaning her hair which now had started to return it’s original almost pale golden color.

“Queen Adalia I think there may be some misunderstanding here.” Chalsea said with a smile, relaxing down into the bathtub, allowing the water to cover her up to her neck, which admittedly her knees showed a little.” I myself am not from the north. I was born a nomad here from the steppes. In fact my tribe used to wander the edges of your kingdom and the orc territories long before the orcs territory even reached this land. For that I do know all the stories about orcs… my mother used to scare me with them every night to make sure I never wander far from the tribe alone.” She explained, recalling those times.” Anyhow… point is… whatever orcs once were, that was generations ago. The current orcs were born orcs and they do not care about humans or elves or any race. They would pillage, rape and destroy everything in their paths. Because of that there is no need to feel anything like that for them.” She stated as she finally finished cleaning most of her hair, revealing it’s splendid color.

“As for the secret on the battlefield… it’s rather simple really. You just get used to it if you do it enough. At least that was for me, aside the throwing up in my first battle, I’ve never had problems since. Guess it means I’m a little touched in the head…” She stated with a smile.” Still the more veteran soldier would say you this - on the battlefield it’s you or the enemy. You just have to accept that once you enter the battle someone is going to die. The big problem is that very first time. I’ve noticed that after their first battle, soldiers tend to start accepting enemy death a lot easier.” The mercenary leader stated. People who lived on the battlefields like herself tended to think a lot differently from those who lived ordinary lives most of the time.

“Hmmm….” She made a sound indicating she was thinking through Adalia’s request. To stay and train the queen’s armies now that was a job that while would help White Stone City a lot, wouldn’t be exactly easy to pull off. First of all, Chalsea’s mercenaries were a little bit on the big numbers side. That meant at least 200 more mouths to feed for days maybe even weeks. Not to mention there was also the factor about payment.” This is a possible request. We can stay and train your troops, but won’t be exactly easy. My soldiers would need proper meals and not to mention even payment for their services. There’s also the case my soldiers would expect some payment for aiding your town today. We are mercenaries after all… Hmmm…” She explained, still thinking things through.” Alright how does this sound, I shall give you a token price for this battle today. That way I can pay my troops and please them. After that I would grand them some… vacation. They aren’t exactly without money, after all we just arrive from the north. While the majority of my troops are on break, living in the housing your provided us today. They would be paying for their own expenses otherwise. In the meantime, I will gather some volunteers to train your soldiers, free of charge. That way, some welcomed income would arrive in your city after the orc attack, my troops will get the chance to relax a little bit and we will still be able to train your soldiers.” She explained her plan. Frankly she also liked the idea of staying for a while. It would give them enough time to gather information on the orcs, using the tracker magic the witch girls used. She didn't like the fact how organized orcs were getting.

“Hmm… when you live like us, losses are something that happens” Chalsea sated, relaxing in the tub with a smile.” My men always know they could die on the battlefield and for Nords that’s the only way they want to die. For them death is a mere beginning. According to northern believes after they die, their gods will take them to their realms and to their mead halls where they can drink to eternity along with the divines. So you can see why they aren’t really phased by death.” She explained with a smile.

“Well it’s just how the north is right now.” The mercenary leader stated with a shrug.” I mean do not get me wrong, while living like that isn’t exactly the best, it … teaches you a lot of things. The harsh winters and the blizzards mold a person like no other force. Besides often I would be given permission to enter cities with let’s say a couple of my troops to buy supplies and the like. Also in more than one occasion I myself was invited into the castles of the rulers of said towns. Mind you it was mostly because I’m a woman… and those rulers were men of let’s say questionable attitude and motivation for those invitation, thus I preferred to stay with my troops.” She shuddered for a moment, remembering one of her first days as a mercenary, back when she served as a common footsoldier into another warband. Her leader was invited to a castle… and he brought her along. Lucky she had her knife back then.” Well the term ‘Dogs of War’ has now stuck. It’s the official term all mercenaries are now referred to… when they are not around that is. But it doesn’t matter. My warband has it’s honor and pride. Those who know of us, know we are trustworthy and damn worth the money spend when hiring us!”

Chalsea then looked to the side as the maid entered the bathroom and was eventually given the request to bring something to drink to them. The mercenary leader smiled, she loved a good drink!” Ahhh, I will actually in fact it would happen anyway. Once the funeral is over and I’m sure your soldiers will head to the bars and pubs, mine will also be there. You simply cannot stop a soldier from going to a tavern after a battle. I’ve tried it simply doesn’t work.” She laughed and sighed in the end.” As for the funeral itself… They will not be joining. As I said earlier nords have different culture. They are obligated to send the dead in full battle gear. It comes from their believes that the messengers of their gods will come to take the souls of the fallen. Besides we too have losses from this battle. 2 of my recruits were dismounted during the charge. They got swarmed by the orcs before the cavalry could turn to help.” Chalsea stated with slightly sad voice.” They would be given proper northern funerals outside the city by the rest of the troops.” She added, knowing both the recruits. It was two brothers, barely 16 years old each. They had just joined right before the warband headed south.

“Well… don’t remind me of it…” The blond woman said and moved down into the tub again, letting the water reach her chin.” I was barely 15 at the time. It was my first official battle after I joined. In the heat of battle, you forget, you lose yourself, you kill, get wounded, do not pay attention to the surroundings until it’s over and once the rush settles down and your senses return to their proper states, you realize everything that happened. The lives you took, the slaughter around you… the stench… It was not the blood… that made me throw up actually. In fact it was not even the fact I took a life. It was the bloodbath around me. I actually kind of got knocked out in that battle and woke up in the middle of pile of corpses. If someone didn’t throw up in their first time experiencing such slaughter, I still have not met them.” The blond woman explained with a smile, as she took her leg above the water to clean it from the glowing paint. This thing was truly stubborn! Then again what did she expect from a brew made by her pair of witches. It needed to be hard to take off. After all it had to stand in rain, blizzards and even if she had to swim through a river.

“Well, there were… reasons for it. Ended up to the north without much choice.” She replied with a shrug.” Decided living as a mercenary was better than the alternative I was presented at the time. At least as a mercenary I was going to have the same rights as every soldier in a warband.” She explained, but kept most of the details of that time to herself. What had happened back then was something she never really spoke about with anyone and the few who knew in her warband, who were with her from the start dared not talk about it.” I… I can engrave it into them to fight. To make their bodies to move despite fear or doubt, but to get over the deaths will be something only they can do.”

While the queen got out of the bathtub and over to open the winds, Chalsea got a good look of her host. That was not exactly the body of a fighter. In fact it was not a body that by all right should have been capable of moving like she did out during the battle with the troll. Then again the queen was not exactly human so body physique didn’t mean much. Still she sure was a beautiful woman!

“Ahh thank you.” The blond woman said to the maid who came over to give her the glass of wine.” Of course I do not mind. A drink is best with company to be enjoyed and I do believe you are a fine company, Queen Adalia.” The mercenary replied with a smile, taking a sip from the glass. She then stopped and looked at the drink for a while.” This is… the best wine I’ve tasted to this day!” She stated in confusion. She has tried and tasted countless different wines over the years as every tavern, every town, every shop made their own and sold it, but she never tasted anything quite like this!

“Well in that case, seems my concerned were unfounded.” The mercenary leader said with a smile, hearing from the queen that the situation wasn’t as dire as she assumed. Now that she thought about it, the city itself was not breached so the damage was only contained to outside the city and the soldiers lost. Which meant no real need to repair buildings and the like which was frankly the real money sink.” In that case, I suppose we can start with the training even tomorrow. It will take a little bit of time to sort out who of my troops would volunteer for training duty, but in two days tops it should be done. Training all your soldiers at once would be difficult though. It would require a lot more open space than any barraks I’ve ever seen. It would need to be done outside the walls. Another option would be to do it in groups at the barrask yards. I will leave the choice to you, Queen Adalia. Though, I personally suggest training as big as number at once as possible. Preferably all of those who aren’t on guard duty at the time.” Chalsea said and blinked, feeing the soft warm wind across her skin. This was pretty nice actually. It reminded her of when she took baths with her mother. The nomads used rugs and skins for their portable homes. Such were also their baths. Covered on most side by rugs and skins to block view, but still allowing for the nice warm winds of the steppes to blow freely.

“Well I’ve lived for nearly 15 years there. Naturally some of the traditions sunk in, I guess.” She replied with another smile.” As for a tournament, that would be quite good actually. I’ve been meaning to hold a tournament within the warband for some time now. That’s how most of the positions within the warband are decided. For example my vice captain needs to be the second best fighter within the group as he needs to lead a charge in my absence or whenever we split the troops. It also let the troops deal with problems such as arguments easily.” She said and took a sip from the wine also.” Do not thank me yet. We will see how many if your men can stand the training. Besides I actually embrace the chance to be here for a while. I’ve had my witches put a tracing spell on the orcs. Soon we will know from where exactly they came.”

“It’s a rather interesting religion to say the least, but it comes with it’s own catches. True enough their gods will take them after death, but that’s only if their death was with honor. They are supposedly judged and those worthy are brought to the mead halls where they await the end of the world where they will battle against the enemy of the gods. It’s a very broad religion that cannot be explained in a simple short conversation.” Chalsea said in the end with a smile.” To fully explain everything, a priest would be needed, but they stay to the north. Still I’m sure some of my people would be glad to explain however they can.”

“Well I suspect orcs had a lot of help on this one. Probably magical to boot, I personally slew an orc shaman out in the field today.” Chalsea recalled, making a not really pleased face.” Shamans rarely leave orc camps. What’s more shamans act as the defacto leaders of their groups, which makes it even stranger there were a few of those out here, for as much as orcs respect their shamans, shamans themselves actually do not like to take to the fields.” She added.” Still dangerous opponents if left unchecked. Also while it’s not really my place to tell you how to fight, I’d suggest you engage in siege warfare next time orcs attack. The city has walls and orcs can’t really use their numbers advantage when the battle is raged up on the walls instead in open fields beyond the walls.” The mercenary leader stated in the end. This was probably a bad thing to say to her host who welcomed her so well, but it just was something needed to be said. It would save a lot of lives next time. Being in siege offered a lot of defensive benefits while also having some negatives. Still if they went with a siege option when the orcs attacked, they would have had a lot less casualties.

“Well we are mercenaries after all. Sadly that’s just how it goes. In the eyes of people we just don’t count as proper people or soldiers. Many expect us to do anything we are told just because money is thrown our way.” She added.” Well those who know better, understand that mercenaries shouldn’t be underestimated or angered. Believe me last thing you need is for the mercenaries you hired a while back to return for payback while let’s say helping the enemy after your contract has ended. Well I luckily had not have had to order such actions, but that’s mostly because the last king who tried to order us to massacre a civilian village without even a militia, got his jack cracked an 2 missing teeth. Mind you we still got paid, but he kind of didn’t hire us again. Guess the information about the event spread cause no one since then tried to demand stupid actions from us!”

“No worries, it’s not exactly easy to notice 2 people casualties in a warband of 200.” Chalsea replied with a smile and nodded after hearing the queen speak.” Same with my people. It will practically be two funerals from different cultures for the same people. A thing that is quite fine in my opinion. Men and women who died with honor, defending that which they held dear, deserve respect in any form it can take.” The mercenary leader said and though about her people.

“True enough, guess I got lucky back then.” The blond woman said, recalling how close to her head there was a spear stuck.” If things went just a lil bit differently, I may not have made it out of that battlefield and who knows what would have happened today.” She stated with a smile. Things were fine as they were right now. She never regretted anything in her life and was proud with that.

“Yes I quite agree, but I meant it more like, not all of your soldiers will be able to keep up with the training I’m about to put them through. I will not make it obligatory… only those who wish will take part of it for one reason. The training will be a living nightmare, putting them through the limits of their bodies. My purpose won’t be to break them, thus only those who chose will continue with it. They will be able to stop at any point they desire and simply continue at a later time. Those who manage to go through it all, will be very different people form when they began. They will be true warriors.”

“Hmmm? Ahh… well do not worry, despite the fact how much I enjoy a good drink, I actually do not drink that much. I prefer to safe the drinking for special occasions.” The blond replied with a friendly smile.” I’d love to see it during the night. It must be gorgeous when bathed in moonlight…! Also it will not be raining, do not worry.” Chalsea added with a smirk.” I’ve grown up on the roads and among nature. I’ve learned to read the weather way, way back It will be a nice cloudless night.”

“I guess, I can take a few days of rest…” She started after hearing Adalia’s comment.” It has indeed been a good while since my people and even me got any kind of proper rest. Its been months since we last had any time off. Alright, we won’t be starting the training for a day or two. Might as well enjoy this chance before we have to eventually head out and who knows when a chance such as this one will present itself again.”

“Well my people would certainly enjoy having a bigger tournament to fight in. As for the second in commands, that could be arranged. If I manage to convince my vice captain to take part in the tournament. He kind of prefers to not bother with such things.” Chalsea said with mildly annoyed expression.” You see, he is very responsible when it comes to work, but whenever we are off duty, he loses all motivation. Last time I saw him participating in a tournament was when he got asked by a lady in waiting to win. I think you can guess from where his motivation came from.”

“No, I’m almost done with the bath myself too.” Chalsea replied as she also quickly got out of the tub and she herself too wrapped herself in a towel.” I will leave you to your duties, Queen Adalia. For I too have affairs in need to be done back with my troops. I will just dry myself, dress up and get going. Though, would it be possible to leave my battle attire here for your maids to clean up? I brought myself a change of clean clothing.” She said and picked up the cloth bundle from the floor. After untying the string and unfolding the cloth. A long clean, very high quality fur tunic was revealed. Clearly of nomad origins. This was one of the few things Chalsea owned. She paid good money for it. It wasn’t exactly easy to come across all the way to the north.

“That was my point, Queen Adalia. There was no need for siege weapons. All you’d need is your archers filling the watch towards along the city wall and your troops on top of the walls. Orcs do not have usually siege engines to storm fortified cities. All they use is ladders and frankly dealing with them that way is a lot easier as long as you can keep the few battering rams they have at bay or if the city gate is sturdy enough to withstand the punishment.” Chalsea explained.” Maybe year ago, I was forced to split my force due two tasks coming up at the same time. I took 50 men at a small castle. We defeated 250 marauders by fighting them up on the castle walls where they couldn’t form battlelines. Same works for mountain passes. There the width is limited so you can in theory hold times bigger force with much smaller numbers.”

“The corruption huh?” Chalsea muttered. Now that was a thing that many underestimated. Mostly because it was not an easy thing to do. Orcs could granted do it to create more orcs, but even they seemed to be losing their ability to do it. It took time and preparation to do it. Shamans knew how to accomplish it, but frankly it simply took time. “ Well it takes time… days… no even weeks to corrupt someone into an orc.” Chalsea stated with grim face.” The younger the person is, the easier it is… children get turned in a few days, adults can take up to 2 or 3 weeks… unless they have some kind of protection keeping them to their humanity…” She said, a finger running across the purple ring on her left index finger.

“We will see, hopefully your confidence in your soldiers is indeed spot on. Even some of my troops would crack under what I’m about to put your soldiers through. There is a reason why I will need help from some of my veterans. Beside me, only about 75 others in my warband can steadily pass through the training regiment without breaking at some point. Still consider any of your soldiers who manage to successfully do it, worthy of at least 2 people.” The nomad woman explained with a smile. Having confidence in one’s soldiers was a good thing and she really hoped all of the city’s soldiers manage to complete the training without problems. That would mean that this city would probably harbor some of the greatest fighting force in this part of the continent.

“Yeah, I know. I’m a nomad, remember? I’m used to the cloudless nights around here.” She replied, looking out the window.” I’ve missed the steppes… the grim and gloomy north gets to you after a while. Hell, there was a period of time when I actually had forgotten what the sun looked and felt like… along with warm weather.”

“Could be, if nothing else he might actually be tempted to try if nothing else because he’d get to test the Immortal Queen if he wins.” Chalsea stated and looked at Adalia.” Ohh yeah you yourself are quite the famous person to the north. Bards tend to sing ballads about you, though I have the feeling most of them are made up. Because I’m pretty darn sure my tribe never heard any of the stories about how you killed 3 dragons with a dagger, fought an ice giant bare handed, then saved a princess from an evil wizard and then went to have a drinking contest with a dwarf. Bards like to make up stories as nords tend to be attracted to strong and exceptional individuals. You are pretty strong and exceptional to begin with and as someone who is ageless, some of them consider you to have relation with the divines.” She added with a shrug. Chalsea herself didn’t actually care why Adalia was immortal. She so far liked the person and was all that mattered.

“Huh..?!” The mercenary leader made a questioning sound as the queen’s arms found their way around her in what would amount to an embrace. Her mind stopped working for a moment as their foreheads met. She couldn’t believe what was happening and completely lost her ability to think as she felt very warm and happy. Like everything was perfect. She couldn’t believe the sensations she felt, it was unreal unlike anything she had ever felt in the past. It almost felt like a kiss, but in fact maybe somewhat better actually, considering all the other sensation of happiness.

“What… was that…?” Chalsea asked as the queen had pulled away. While it felt incredibly nice, the mercenary leader never had felt so vulnerable in the past. She was not used to such things happening without her consent. For a few brief moments, her expression was that of a simple young woman who was confused on how to act.” Thank… thank you…” She replied, gathering her fragmented thoughts.

It took her a little while after Adalia had left before she was finally about to think clearly again. Chalsea felt… strange… she felt weak. She did not dislike what the queen did, but didn’t like how it made her feel either. She slapped her cheeks with her hands a few times to clear her thoughts before finally she dressed into her fur tunic. After that she finally left the mansion and headed back to the housing they were given. She went straight to her room and closed the door behind herself.” That… was … unexpected… “

'It's not that I didn't like it...' Chalsea though at her room, thinking through the events that transpired. The Queen was indeed very gentle and kind person. She appeared as the perfect ruler that the nomad never knew actually existed. She had heard tales and stories of course, but as she said earlier to Adalia, she often believed those to be way to blown out of proportion by bards. Still she was proven wrong... Also she felt something she hadn't exactly felt for what seemed like eternity. She felt almost like a normal girl once more. A little bit of admiring, a little bit of shyness that had hit her right now and of course the slight feeling of powerlessness in front of Adalia right now, because of her stunt with what she called a reward.

“It did feel very nice...” She mumbled to herself as she sat by the mirror of her room and stared at herself for a while, wondering if she was nice looking. The nomad didn't even realize it at first, the way she was acting at this precise moment. She started to brush her hair, attempting to make herself look as best as possible for her meeting later with the queen.

“What are you doing, Chalsea!?” Vala and Sala asked in unison as they jumped from behind her, causing her to actually be startled for a moment. She was so preoccupied that she completely missed them entering.

” Just brushing my hair...” She replied as the girls started giggling before they pulled her brush away from her hands. She started giggling innocently again before nodded to each other and Sala ran out the room towards their own while the nomad warrior threw a questioning glance at the other girl.

“Don't worry Chalsea!” Vala stated as moments later Sala returned into the room, carrying a wooden box.” Leave everything to us!” Sala continued as she placed the box and opened it, pulling what appeared to be great number of make up from it. Seashells, wooden boxes, puffy feathers to be used as brushes and many other strange things that Chalsea had not actually seen or knew about before.” Just leave everything to us!”

Following that event, Chalsea actually spend the rest of the day at the room with the teen witches. They did her make up, then talked a lot, played some games and so forth. It brightened up Chalsea's mood a hell of a lot and also calmed her down. The two girls felt like sisters to her and they also treated her as a big sister all the time.

Later when the evening finally arrived, the mercenary leader was still dressed in her rather beautiful and elegant fur and leather dress, befitting her heritage and still not looking any less beautiful, elegant and noble than any dress made of silks. A truly beautiful dress suitable for a hardy culture such as the nomads. Her hair was now made into a elegant hairstyle, She had a nice light makeup done, just lightly enough to underline her beautiful face. Many of her men looked in shock at her, never have seen their leader in such a light.

She managed her and arranged for the funeral of her soldiers on the other side of the city, outside the walls to respect the local traditions. All of her soldiers who were of northern origins stood behind to pay their respects with the proper rites while her, the two witches and the few other soldiers who were free, went to pay respects to the soldiers of Adalia.

Chalsea stood among with the other people of the city as the queen was giving her speech. Once the speeches were over and the queen made her way to her seat, the nomad woman found her way( was frankly pushed quickly by the witches to a empty seat near the queen. She was just 4 seats away from Adalia! The witches looked at the queen, nodded towards Chalsea, obviously pleased of their handywork and started giggling, before playfully and childishly waved her. Finally they left to the seats they found for themselves. Chalsea's other men who were free to attend this ceremony, also scattered across the marketplace, finding places to sit and quickly making friends with the soldiers whom they came to aid.

“It.... was a beautiful speech.” Chalsea said to Adalia finally. Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she could feel the glances at herself. She wasn't used to be seen as a beautiful woman as she heard a few whispers there and there, not to mention she could read it in the eyes of people around her. It made the nomad feel another thing she wasn't used to... shyness. She had no troubles waging battles in her light leather, fur and chainmail armor, but there people saw her as a fighter worthy of respect. Her cheeks also suddenly blushed more as she realized actually she wondered what the queen think of her looks.' Take a breath, calm down... stop acting like a nervous teen in front of person she likes...' She though and did it, allowing her mind to stop working for a moment and sort her thoughts out.

“This place is lucky to have a ruler like you, and I'm sure the soldiers who sacrificed themselves thought so too. Only a very special leader could inspire people to fight the way they did. They will be famed in songs and ballads.” She added with a smile.

“I suppose so.” Chalsea agreed when Adalia explained her duty towards the families of those who died. The nomad couldn’t completely say she had felt that also, but she had similar experiences. In fact too similar as she was reminded of her past, it hurt even now whenever she recalled it, as people used to say – time heals all wounds.” I’m sure they appreciate your sentiments. It will hurt for a while, but one day they will wake up and realize that life continues and they would be grateful that the queen herself paid her respect and thanks to those who laid their lives for this city.” Chalsea said softly as she was slowly noticing more and more people starting to talk, discuss and have a better time.

“Believe me, they are lucky to have you, Queen Adalia.” The mercenary stated with a smile.” For of all you are a strong fighter and leader so you provide safety and protection for those who are your subjects. Second the fact you are immortal actually means they will not have the bad luck of suddenly waking one day only to find your successor has none of your smarts or wisdom. Because that’s actually one of the causes other kingdoms periodically suffer downfalls whenever the hair of a good ruler turns out to be very…very bad.” The mercenary explained, clearly showing the benefits of Adalia’s immortality as a ruler.” Besides… if you were not here maybe this town would have been destroyed a long time ago. Orcs have been on the borders of your country for generations. My father used to say that only their fear of clashing with you kept them at bay. Though seems that’s no longer the case. In any way, we will get your troops in a complete fighting shape. There won’t be a second surprise attack like the first.” She added.

Suddenly Chalsea blushed quite very noticeably as she felt Adalia’s hand on her own and she was given quite the elegant compliments from the queen. Once more she just was not used to be talked as nicely as that and especially since the experience Adalia gave her earlier was still fresh in her mind. She couldn’t calm her heart for a moment as she looked to the side, frantically trying to think up something to reply with.” Th…t…thank … you…” She finally replied, looking down at the table, her cheeks clearly darker hues than before. She threw a look at where the witches were sitting and could see them giggling like mad, clearly amused at her situation.

“I’m... sorry for my attitude.” She eventually said to Adalia, taking a deep breath to calm down.” I’m not used to being talked and complimented quite like that, especially when dressed like this. I could feel the eyes and hear the whispers of people who look at me… My fault for great senses I gues.” She added, closing her eyes. She had clearly heard quite a few young men talk about how to approach her.” You caught my by surprise, Queen Adalia, please do not think I’m angry or something if I get quiet every now and then. I’ve just become to used to the warband camp manners… and anything like this feels new.” She added with another blushing smile.

She then took a sip from a cup of wine she had in front of herself as she glanced sideways to the witches again to check how they were doing. They were basically her little sisters so she couldn’t help herself, but worry about them, but it seems there was not a reason to worry, still it was nice to see their smiles.

Now that she had no one to worry about anymore and with the passing time as her heart calmed down and she got used to the situation she started to having more and more chats with people from the city, though she didn’t drink more alcohol beside her one cup of wine.

Despite how great the gathering was, eventually Chalsea felt like she needed to breath some air in a more quiet situation.” Excuse me for a moment. I will return in a little while.” She said as she stood from her place and swiftly distanced herself from the lively gathering into the dark alley not too far from it though. She calmly leaned her back on a wall and took a nice deep breath, taking a look at the sky. The moon had not changed… It was still as big and silver as she remembered it when she lived in the steppes as a child.

Chalsea originally planned to stay away from the party for just a little while, but as often happened plans didn’t always turn out the way one hoped to. Truth was she felt tired and left to get some fresh air away from all the commotion and the alcohol aroma in the air that was getting to her senses. Truth was that the nomad had not slept much the past week almost. It’s been over five days since she went with little no sleep. Last night she barely took 10 or so minutes with the total sleep since they started to ride towards the White Stone City being just under two hours.

As she had leaned on the wall to rest a little and clear her head, she soon found herself sitting and eventually before she realized the nomad had drifted off under the influence of the lack of sleep mostly as she barely drank any wine tonight, but then again in her tired state even half of what she actually drank would have been enough to cause her to fall asleep pretty much right away under normal circumstances.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the crowd broke up and everyone went their way home to their families or with a date and the queen finally was left alone on the marketplace. The city was quickly turning quiet as even Chalsea’s men who held a nord funeral outside the walls had returned to their granted home for the time being, but in fact Adalia was not alone in the marketplace as she probably believed.

From one of the side alleys a pair of girls appeared clearly returning from somewhere and headed towards the housing given to Chalsea’s warband. They were giggling about something as they noticed the queen who was waiting for the nomad.

It was the two young witches from Chalsea’s mercenary band. They quickly noticed Adalia and with a happy childish giggle ran next to her. They were still young and barely reached Adalia’s shoulder in height.” You are Queen Adalia, right?” The witches asked in unison, studying the immortal from head to toe before doing a quick spin around the woman to study her from each angle. They had big bright smiles, black elegant dresses adorned with raven feathers and they faces betrayed their childish innocent(maybe for witches) personalities.

“Are you waiting… for Chalsea, your majesy?” They finished each other’s sentences as they once more stopped spinning around the queen and looked at her with innocent smiles before they started to giggle again.” Come! With us!” They suddenly called in unison again before grabbing Adalia’s hands and started to pull her with them towards one of the alleys.

“Here!” Vala said as they reached the alleyway." There!" Sala pointed deeper into the alley.” Go there, you will see her!” She added, giggling, giving Adalia urging to go and check out what was there.

Truth was that Chalsea was still sleeping there in the alley, sitting on the ground, leaned on the wall with a calm relaxed expression on her face. She was bathed in the moonlight which had turned her beautiful blond hair into a river of silver.

“She was tired!” Sala stated, placing ah and on Adalia’s back to push her to go to Chalsea.” But by now she should have rested enough!” Vala added also placing a hand to urge the queen to go to their big sister.” She appears to like you, so you go wake her up!!!” They called in unison again with smiles that right now appeared a little devilish.