Chapter 154 Olivia the Fearless
The main road to the east of the royal castle.
Two hundred war unicorns with their knights formed four ranks, ready to ride. They wore new blue and silver tabards and caparisons. At the head of the ranks were Captains Rodrigo and Pedro, Lord Peador, and Count Esteban. The four men had served in uniforms of various types for over eighty years and fought in countless battles. Their relationships were complicated, but they all had decided to support a young girl for the good of the kingdom.
Peador broke the silence: It is a mistake.
Esteban: Yes, I said as much. Pedro said the same thing.
Rodrigo: I did not say it. I like courage.
The other three looked at him with the same expression of frustration they had used when the queen had made her decision.
Azure Death had not worn a saddle in over twenty years. Three squires combined a standard saddle with numerous leather straps to make one. Queen Olivia rode in a leather vest, and chainmail, which a team of armorers quickly fitted for her. Her feet were resting in stirrups at the front, instead of at the sides. The body of the ancient animal was too wide to allow her feet to be placed in the normal position. The sword of her great-grandfather rested on the back of the queen. On her head she wore a steel helmet, provided by a small-headed squire. Her brown hair was tied back in a war braid, like many of the Blue Knights.
Peador whispered: I do not know if I need to laugh or be afraid.
Esteban: Laugh, she is not going to approve the execution of anyone. I am afraid enough for both you and me. A well-aimed arrow and we would not have a queen.
Rodrigo: I understand your concern but look at the old man. He walks like he is half his age. They know when their rider has a heart as brave as their own.
Esteban smiled slightly: I need to remember to tell Emiliano that he can tell Azure Death that you call him old.
The four laughed quietly but stopped when the queen approached.
Olivia: I am ready. Apologies, it took longer than I thought. How do we begin?
Rodrigo: My queen, incline your body slightly to the left and turn your head almost completely in that direction.
The young woman executed the movements, and the great Unicorn turned until he faced the same direction as the others. The Unicorns of the four men moved to his side, with Peador on the left and Pedro on the right. The noble giant held a large shield on his left arm, ready to raise it across his body before the queen should an arrow attack occur. The captain of the royal guard held his sword in his left hand, ready to draw it and block any projectile.
Rodrigo: My queen, raise your right hand with your palm open but your fingers together. Then, quickly lower your hand to your side.
The queen tried to do it with confidence. Her mount struck his left hoof twice hard against the stones of the path. Two hundred Unicorns did the same at once. The sound was like thunder. The animals began to move in unison at a brisk trot. In just over an hour, they were in front of the castle of Colina Alba, with the army of Puerto Blanco under the command of Captain Sigard and the soldiers of Colinas Gemelas under the command of Felipe and Severo.
Captain Rodrigo took a spear with a red flag tied to it, raised it in the air, and headed towards an area between the army and the lines of soldiers at the castle. After a few minutes, a knight approached with a spear and a banner of peace.
Rodrigo began: We are under a flag of peace. Queen Olivia requests that the lady of the castle meet with her to discuss the terms of surrender and support of the defense of the city and the kingdom. The lady will not come to any harm under this flag.
The Captain of the Knights: I will inform the Lady. Please wait here. We are under a flag of peace. No attack on our part will be permitted.
After wait that seemed longer than twenty-five minutes. a procession of six knights walked alongside a fifty-year-old woman. They stopped in the area where the captain and his unicorn were standing. The man dismounted, and Cobalt Storm retreated to the army lines. The queen and the three men dismounted and walked to join the other group.
Olivia: Countess Gisela. Thank you for meeting with me. I am sorry it is under such bad circumstances.
Gisela: I as well. Can you tell me how my husband and son are?
The Queen: They both died in the battle at the castle. It is a shame. But they tried to kill me for the throne they desired. Tomorrow, all the dead will be laid out for their families to collect and perform any rituals they wish. Regardless of what is decided here, your family and people will be able to claim their dead without any molestation.
Gisela: Thank you for that. It was almost certain they were dead, but there was still some hope. Knights, return to the gate and wait for me.
The men stared at her in surprise. But they obeyed. The queen watched them as she withdrew, then looked at her commanders.
Olivia: Return to our lines.
Esteban: My queen...
Olivia: Please. I am not afraid of her. I trust her word.
When they were alone, the lady spoke in a sad voice: Could you give me reasons why we do not need to fight and lose more children and spouses?
Olivia: Without your soldiers, we will lose. I have never met Aurelio. I only know what my supporters told me. You will remain countess of your house, and your eldest daughter will be next if you wish. Three of your daughters are married. The fourth could marry, with my support, the man best suited to your house. Your house will not be known as the house of traitors. Your men may die in the war against Aurelio. But if we win—and if I sit on the throne—I promise peace afterward. I am already sick of blood and death. The guilt weighs heavily upon me.
The Lady of Colina Alba pondered for a few minutes and then spoke: I know Aurelio. He loves war, rape, and pain. He is the worst of my husband, of the late king, and of all men.
In the castle, hundreds of pairs of eyes watched the two women. Many prayed to gods and goddesses. When the lady of the house knelt and kissed the hand of the young queen, they knew they would not die, at least not that day.