The Plan

“Thank you,” Emelia said softly as her fingers glided over the thick, coarse hairs of his full beard. She tugged gently, feeling the curves of his face beneath her fingertips.

“You like it?” He asked with a smile.

“It suits you,” Emelia paused to take in the sight before her, examining the group of men in the room and the detailed map that filled the table. She could make out the miniature figurines, each marked with a label, representing the individuals in their respective positions. Moving closer, she stepped into the huddle, her eyes steady on the map as she waited for them to speak.

King Edward strode confidently around the big wooden table to his spot once more. His face was drawn in determination as he declared, “We’ve consistently advanced on all fronts since Macula joined our army,” he said, his voice ringing throughout the tent. The generals watched him intently as he continued, “This is the last battle that will push them back into their own territory.” He gestured to the map spread out on the table, the southern tip of the kingdom standing out in sharp relief. A large green marker had been placed there, an omen of the victory that awaited if they were victorious.

Emelia smiled, “The other battles were won?”

Edward returned her smile, “Yes, the soldiers who surrendered are being transported to the dungeons of Cornea, Iris, and Macula.”

Emelia’s eyes widened, and her lips curled into a smile. “That’s great news,” she said and paused, crinkling her brow. “But why did you ask me here?” Her eyes darted around the room at their faces for an answer.

The men’s gaze shifted to Lieutenant Lassiter, who was dressed in full military garb, “Despite my hesitation of you joining our ranks because you are a woman, you have proven yourself to be an adept soldier. You best the men in the archery range daily, and your tactics expertise is far superior. So much so that I trust you to offer valuable input in this situation. You’ve given me plays during training I’ve never heard of,” he paused and ran his hand over the back of his neck in thought.

Emelia glanced over her shoulder and smiled at her lieutenant, who, despite his initial skepticism, had fully embraced her joining the army. He had a weathered face, peppered with wrinkles, and a stubbly salt-and-pepper beard. “Don’t go soft on me now, Lieutenant,” she said, her voice teasing. The man chuckled, his eyes sparkling and softening in the dim tabletop lamp.

“Here’s the situation,” King Edward began, gesturing to the map before them. “The enemy has formed a V-shaped line, with archers stationing themselves in the woods at the sides and a hundred soldiers on foot creating the teeth of their formation in the open field. It’s their last line of defense,” he said grimly.

Emelia’s heart raced as she took a hesitant step forward, her thoughts running with possible scenarios. An uncomfortable silence stretched between them as she cautiously asked, “What happens when you advance?”

Miles’ voice was loud and clear as he said, “The flanked archers push us back.”

Emelia leaned forward, her gaze never leaving the intricately detailed map spread across the table. Her eyes traced the terrain, and her lips pursed as she studied each detail. “What happens when our archers come into play?” she asked without looking up.

Lassiter clenched his jaw in frustration. “Their soldiers put up their shields at the top and bottom,” he said, running his hand over his shaved head. “We’ve tried to shoot their archers, but they’re always changing positions. They know those woods better than we do.” His voice was tight as he continued, “We’ve sent scouts, and few have returned.” He looked at the ground, his shoulders slumping in despair.

Emelia’s eyes scanned the area behind Alana’s line of soldiers, noting the lack of cover. She raised an eyebrow and asked, “And you’ve tried to flank these guys from behind?”

“Tried and failed,” King Edward said, his voice heavy with sorrow. He bowed his head, and the men around him did the same. “We’ve tried going further into the woods to go around, but they set up plenty of traps. We lost a lot of good men trying this route.” The room was filled with a somber silence as they remembered those who had perished.

Emelia’s eyes narrowed as they moved across the map. Her lips pinched into a tight line, and then she raised her chin, her gaze now clear and focused. “Have you ever heard of the tactic called a thorn in my side?” she asked, her voice as sharp as a blade.

Edward’s deep brown eyes lit up, and a corner of his lips curved upward into a satisfied smile. “Someone has read my tactical books in the library,” he said proudly.

Leon’s brows furrowed, and he rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he asked, “What is a thorn in my side?” The lieutenants exchanged meaningful glances, their posture rigid as they nodded in agreement.

Edward eyed the dense forest on the map as he tried to devise a plan. “If you can’t get a group of soldiers through, send one.” He frowned as he imagined a lone soldier dodging traps and fighting his way through. “That one can attack from behind and cause a distraction, which leads to chaos while in turn helps the soldiers to advance.” He sighed heavily. “But there are traps in the forest.”

Emelia scrunched her brow and tapped her finger against her lips thoughtfully. “But not near their archers,” she murmured. She straightened and moved her hand to her hip, her voice stronger. “It’s possible to slip behind their formation if we go straight through them.”

Miles heaved and shook his head as he said, “A lone man going through the archers? It’s a death wish.” His face grim, he ran his hand through his unruly mop of hair.

Emelia’s gaze locked on him, her deep brown eyes flickering with a challenge. Her voice was strong and determined, “Who said it would be a man?”