Castra {Camp}

The sun rose as Arya and the girls that had chosen to fight in war rode into Monique. The beautiful pastel colours were splattered across the sky and the city seemed un-naturally quite. Arya was sure this was due to the fact that most knights would be sleeping at this hour.

Once they arrived into Monique, Arya couldn't believe how much the landscape of the city had changed. The manor was still present but it seemed that most civilians had been cleared out as the streets were empty and void of merchants. Instead there were various tents set up and scattered across the city.

Arya was amazed by the sheer number of tents that had been set up. She could guess that the Kalvarian Army had forces ranging in the thousands just by the number of tents that were present. While the tents seemed to be the focal point of the city, Arya could make out the different training areas as well. They were on the perimeters of the camp. In the heart of the camp, Arya could see a larger tent then the rest and she immediately knew that is where Sir Samuel resided.

Lady Zelie told them to dismount their horses and instructed them to tie them with the others camp horses. The horses were happy to be free and they began nibbling on the grass. Lady Zelie strode to the tent pitched in the middle before disappearing in the folds. The academy students waited in the corner for her return.

"This place is huge." Silvia commented quietly.

Yasmin's black eyes seemed to be taking in every detail possibly. "It's been organized in a sufficient manner."

"This isn't all their troops." Arya reminded the two girls. "King Rupert sent a subdivision of the army to the Eastern and Western Ports. In addition, the boys from the academy haven't arrived yet. The numbers will only be increasing from here on out."

The group had met with Lady Vivian's army while they had been coming to Monique. They had shared a meal before each of them had parted separate ways. The whispers from the girls began to slow down as Sir Samuel made his way to the front of the group with Lady Zelie in tow.

His hair which was usually tied in a pony-tail had been pulled up to form a low bun. His sword was strapped to his side and his eyes looked as stormy as ever. It was clear that Lady Zelie had just awoken the General and he was not pleased. His eyes scanned the group of girls standing in front of him and it looked as though he was scrutinizing them.

He coughed before speaking in a raspy voice. "To all of you, who don't know me, my name is Sir Samuel Joachim and I am the commander of the Kalvarian Army. You are standing here before me because you wish to enlist in the army. The Kalvarian Army is only made up of elite warriors and we will expect no different from all of you. The first couple of days in the camp will be training and we will teach you the art of war. You training will be the form of lessons, learning how to wield weapons, and basic survival skills. After you have completed the training, you will be given a test. Successfully pass the test; you are officially a member of the Kalvarian Army. If you fail, you will be sent back home." Sir Samuel's gaze once again penetrated the group. "Is that clear to everyone?"

There were nods around the group but then most of the girls gaze's lifted from him to see what was behind him. Arya shielded her eyes from the sun to see many horses approaching swiftly. They stopped at the edge of the perimeter. Arya immediately recognized the group after seeing Prince Zanders emerald robes.

Sir Samuel sighed before turning to Lady Zelie and handing her a sheet of paper. "The Princess will assign you to tents that must be built by yourself. Most of you will be sharing quarters with two to three other people so be careful whom you choose to stay with. Clear this area as I will need it to repeat the rules to the Narvanian Boys."

The girls shifted to a corner when Lady Zelie motioned for them to do so. As they moved, the boys took their former places. Sir Samuel began explaining the rules as he had done with the girls before but Arya turned her gaze towards Lady Zelie. She began explaining the pairs for the tents and where they would be setting up.

Arya was paired up with Jennica once again. It seemed as though Lady Zelie had used the same pairs as the ones from their stay in Dzfrah so Yasmin and Silvia were able to share a tent once again. When Lady Zelie dismissed them, Jennica and Arya went to their designated area and began working on their tent.

There was silence between them as either of them wanted to have a conversation with the other. Ever since Arya had overheard the conversation between Jennica and her father, Jennica had been silent and she hadn't made any rude comments towards Arya. Even though the silence was nice, it was also disarming. She knew something was wrong with her but Arya was sure the Jennica would never share it with her.

With surprising grace and harmony, Arya and Jennica were able to pitch their tent within an hour. Arya glanced at the groups struggling around her. The boys had also begun pitching their tents and Arya could spy Aaron's ash blond hair glistening in the sunlight. Most of the knights had awoken and they looked quite surprised to see the academy students as well.

Arya left Jennica at their tent while she went to search for Lady Zelie. She needed something else to do to keep herself busy. She was hoping that Lady Zelie would allow her to join the training sessions or have another task for her to finish.

As she strode through the camp, she saw the gaze of many knights follow her as well. Although Arya had gotten used to the stares, she knew these ones were different. The knights were challenging them all to show them the best they could do and be worthy of a spot in the army. Arya ignored the gazes and she found Lady Zelie perched on a tree stump reading what seemed to be scrolls and scrolls of information.

She looked up when Arya approached her. "Arya, what may I do for you?"

Arya curtsied. "I was hoping that you had a task for me. Jennica and I finished pitching our tent and I wanted to use this time to perform a more useful task."

Lady Zelie smiled slightly before patting the ground beside her. "Come here and take a seat."

Arya did as she commanded. Lady Zelie handed her one of the scrolls from the pile in the corner. "Start reading the information written in here. This is most of the history and intel we have gathered on all three countries. Based on this information we will adapt out strategy and form our divisions."

Arya nodded and began reading the scrolls. It was interesting. There was information listed on the geography of the countries and what they most relied on for trading. The scrolls also had information on the different battle units and what weapons they liked to use most often. Through the scrolls Arya was able to learn that most of the people of Haxovola were gifted in archery while the people of Mavera preferred to uses knives as did those of Gurvold.

"This is troubling." Arya said as she finished reading the information.

Lady Zelie met Arya's gaze before motioning her to continue speaking. "The majority of the people like using knives or arrows but the people of Kalvaria mostly use swords. Swords are good for hand to hand combat but they are useless for long distance weapons such as canons or arrows. Also, since the people use knives, it shows us they have speed and the people of Mavera and Gurvold are most likely of smaller builds since knives are for people with speed and smaller builds."

Arya was about to continue but a voice called Lady Zelie's name. The two of them turned around to see the source. Arya could see Prince Zander storming towards them his clear blue eyes a different stormy colour while Sir Samuel was hot on his heels.

"What is the matter, brother?" Lady Zelie asked Prince Zander in a collected tone.

"This," he said before thrusting a parchment in front of her.

Lady Zelie read the contents and she allowed Arya to read it over her shoulders.

Sir Samuel Joachim General of Kalvaria

This is an order from the His Majesty King Rupert Ashfield Greaves Breckenridge to have Princess Zelie Viola Breckenridge and Prince Zander Pierce Breckenridge be escorted to the capital city of Kathoria upon their arrival at the war camp of Monique.

Lady Zelie began to frown. "This can't be right. There is no way Father would write this."

Sir Samuel shook his head. "It makes complete sense. If I was with the king in this moment, I would have suggested something similar. In a war, the first thing people want to bring down is the royal family. Once the royal family had been assassinated and there is no clear authority or leader, it allows the invading army to take charge and capture the rest of the country with ease. The first targets are always the royal family in almost every instance."

"What you are saying makes sense if the royal family is weak and has not been taught how to fight. But Zander and I were raised differently. We have been warriors from birth and there are few in the army that can fight greater than us." Lady Zelie reasoned with Sir Samuel.

"While I agree My Lady there is nothing that I can do. The King has given his orders and I must abide by them." Sir Samuel said gravely.

Based on his facial expression, Arya knew if here was something that could be done; the general would have done it.

Prince Zander shook his head in frustration. "No matter what, I am not going back to the palace. We have brought children to this war. I will not flee and leave them alone. These are my students and I will make sure that I am the one that is able to lead them in this war."

Arya could see Prince Zander's point clearly. Both Princess Zelie and Prince Zander had poured their blood and sweat into the academy and their students and if they left right now it would seem as though they were abandoning them. Arya knew that now more than ever was the time that the academy needed its leaders. This war was going to be difficult on everyone and they needed Princess Zelie and Prince Zander to help them hold on and push through this.

"I have a solution," Lady Zelie spoke up, "It's more like a gamble. Zander and I battle against two knights of your choosing and if we win, we get to stay and fight. But, if Zander and I lose, we shall head back to the palace without any complaints."

Sir Samuel looked conflicted. "Under normal circumstances, I would have made Francis and Vivian battle against you but they are leading battalions in the Eastern and Western Ports."

Lady Zelie and Prince Zander shared a smile which made Arya think that Lady Zelie knew that two of the best knights were not present and Sir Samuel would have to pick another pair.

After staying silent for a few more minutes, Sir Samuel responded with a sigh. "Fine, you shall have a tag team duel at the end of the camp which will determine whether you are permitted to stay or not."

Prince Zander and Lady Zelie smiled widely at their victory.

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

Arya stood alongside the other girls of the academy waiting for who would be their teacher. Sir Samuel had explained to them that they would be training separately form the knights for the first day but they would be joined by the boys of the Narvanian Academy afterwards. 

The camp bustling with energy and Arya could see the knights around her training and completing various tasks. Many of the knights were pondering over maps and scrolls while the rest were dueling with swords. Arya wanted to take the time and study the moves of the knights but a noise interrupted her. She turned around to see Madame Kenna and Sir Alex walking towards them while the Narvanian Academy boys were trailing behind them.

Arya met Aaron's blue eyes and he smiled at her softly. Arya's heart beat widely against her ribcage. The feelings that she had been trying to suppress so hard came gushing out at once. Even though it had been barely a week, it seemed as though Aaron's beauty had been intensified. He was dressed in combat armour something she hadn't seen him wear in ages and he looked like a proud warrior with his sword held loosely in his hands.

Arya felt weak in compression although she did have a handle on Anaz. Her armour had yet to be ready as the blacksmith at the camp had requested to modify it for her. Seeing the armour made Arya realize the severity of what they were about to do. Under normal circumstances in the academy, they did not use armour but blunted swords but here they were using sharp swords to hone their skills as much as they could.

As the boys lined up beside the girls, Aaron steeped up beside Arya. Her muscles tensed for a moment but relaxed when he casually slid his hand into hers. Madame Kenna and Sir Alexander stood in front of them and for the first time Arya noticed the slight resemblance between the two.

"We begin your training for here on out." Madame Kenna began in a strong voice. Her blackish-grey hair had been pulled into a tight bun and her hand rested on the hilt of a sword.

"I vow to you it will not be easy. There will be blood and tears but I can also promise you that it will be worth it." Sir Alexander continued.

"There will be three parts; firstly you will be tested on your survival skills by being able to identify edible herbs that can be eaten or used in medicine. On the battlefield, healers are not always available so knights must be able to identify the plants and brew medicine for their fallen comrades." Lady Kenna explained.

"Secondly you will be tested on your knowledge. You must how the army is set up and who gets to command whom. A battle came become chaotic if orders are not followed. In this session you will also be presented with hypothetical scenarios and you will be required to successfully complete the mission with the least number of casualties." Sir Alexander picked off from where Madame Kenna had left off.

"The last thing you will be required to do is excel in combat. Every knight is exceptionally in a certain weapon and while we shall teach you to be able to handle more than one weapon your test will be derived from the weapon of your choice. You shall battle against one of the knights themselves." Madame Kenna concluded.

Most of the students looked fearfully when the two of them had finished speaking. Arya knew that it wasn't going to be an easy task getting into the army but they were being asking to excel in three different areas.

"Fear not," Sir Alexander said kindly. "We shall teach you as much as we can in the next couple of days so you will be prepared for the test."

"Now the first activity we shall be doing is identifying the edible plants." Madame Kenna said as she led them to a table that was filled with possibly hundreds of different plants.

Arya and Aaron exchanged a glance and they seemed to be thinking the same thing. This was not going to be easy.

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

Arya collapsed on the ground in between Silva and Aaron. She was exhausted. Madame Kenna and Sir Alexander had not gone lightly on them. Although Arya had pretty good stamina, the two of them had pushed her to her limits. They had been forced to run multiple laps around the camp ground and then without a break they had been partnered up for duels. Madame Kenna had made Arya use a knife rather than a sword which put more stress on Arya's speed as she had to move towards the offense.

The scenarios that had been presented to them were challenging as well. They were often very difficult as they had to choose between the death of a comrade and the safety of completing the mission. Arya knew that while many people had chosen the mission with ease, in the real battlefield the answer would not be as easy. She herself had struggled with the choice before finding a compromise. Madame Kenna had smiled slightly when she had suggested her thought on the scenario before congratulating her on finding the middle ground.

Of course that was the moment when Aaron had decided to come up with an even better strategy causing Sir Samuel himself to praise him. And that is when the game had begun between two of them. Aaron would try to best her answers and she would do the same to him. Everything became a competition as each of them would try to beat the other.

It had been an exhausting day both mentally and physically and at this point, Arya was starving. She smiled gratefully as Yasmin handed her a plate of food and took a seat next to her.

"I never thought it would be this hard." Damien commented through a mouth full of food.

Arya cringed.

"Close your mouth when you're talking would you?" Silvia said lightly.

Damien immediately shut his mouth.

"I never would have thought that we would all be sitting here in a civil manner." Aaron commented as he looked at Arya. In the night his eyes looked like the deepest parts of the ocean. His hand rested on her lower back and he was drawing patterns lazily which were sending shivers down Arya's body.

Yasmin caught the look and she spoke with a devilish grin. "Oh I do believe you and Arya are on more than civil terms."

Arya elbowed her sharply and Yasmin yelped in surprise. It was nice having a group of friends around her. Arya smiled at the term she had used. At the beginning she had been alone but now she had people around her who cared and lifted her spirts when she wasn't feeling well. Warmth crawled up through her body.

"Why are you smiling?" Aaron whispered in the shell of her ear before kissing it lightly.

"It's nothing," she said, but to her it was everything.

"Has anyone seen Walter?" Damien questioned the group.

Arya shook her head as did the others.

"Wait look he's with Jennica." Silvia pointed in the distance.

The two of them were sitting crossed legs and they seemed to be absorbed in conversation. Arya smiled slightly. It was nice to see Jennica talking with something. Although her and Arya were not on good terms she knew that something was bothering Jennica and if she was spilling her guts to Walter it was nice. It meant that she had someone.

"Ladies and gentleman could I please have your attention," Sir Samuel said loudly.

The camp became silent a few seconds after. Arya could see Princess Zelie and Prince Zander standing a few steps behind Sir Samuel both wearing armour and swords in their hands. Arya smiled. It was time for the duel.

Aaron caught her smile and cocked and eyebrow to ask what she knew. Arya only shook her head and muttered, "You'll see."

"Prince Zander and Princess Zelie have made a wager with me." Sir Samuel explained. "The King would like them both back at the palace under protection but they have chosen to duel with two knights and if they win, they will be allowed to stay."

The two knights stepped up and Arya was able to get a good look at them. One of them had short raven cropped hair and piercing green eyes while her partner had longer auburn hair that had been tied in a bun. They both looked as though they were ready to win. Had it been any other opponents Arya would have suggested that the knights would win but she knew Lady Zelie and Prince Zander. With the stakes being so high, there was nothing that was going to stop them.

The two teams faced off and Sir Samuel explained that this would be a tag team duel meaning that in order to win; both partners had to be defeated.

"The twins are going to win for sure." Aaron said with confidence and Arya nodded in agreement.

"How do you know that?" One of the knights commented from behind their group. "You haven't seen those two fight, they are of the highest ranking officials after Lady Vivian and Sir Francis."

Arya snorted. "Clearly you haven't see the twins fight. I say they will have the match in their hands within the first ten minutes."

"Care to make a wager on it?"

"Fifty pieces of gold to the winner," she said.

The man nodded and Arya shook his outstretched hands. Aaron merely shook his head slightly before waging his fingers jokingly, "Bad Arya."

The match began and Arya watched closely enthralled by what she was about to see. The first move was made by the knights as they ran forward to attack Lady Zelie and Prince Zander. The two of them easily blocked the attacks. There was a deadlock for a few moments before Lady Zelie and Prince Zander stepped away simultaneously.

Arya had a feeling that Princess Zelie and Prince Zander were used to fighting together and they must have dueled in pairs quite a few times since their moves were flawless. They both managed to stay out of each other's way while also finishing the others attacks. If Lady Zelie stepped to the right, Prince Zander would step to the left. They made the match confusing for the opposing knights since sometimes they would switch the order as the person on the left would attack the person on the right and vice versa.

If she was being completely honest, the duel was like watching artwork. Lady Zelie and Prince Zander were like fairies gliding on water with ease and they made the other two knights look like oafs. It had been amazing to see the exhibition match with Lady Zelie and Prince Zander but it was even better to see them dueling together.

The match was over a few minutes later as Lady Zelie and Prince Zander landed their winning blows.

The knights had been overpowered.

The crowd began applauding loudly when Princess Zelie and Prince Zander raised their swords in the air to signal their victory. A small smile played on Arya's lip as she watched her princess. One day she was going to be as strong as Lady Zelie. That is what kept her going but for now, Arya had payment to collect.

She turned around and tapped the knight she had made a bet with, "I do believe you owe me fifty pieces of gold," she said with a smile.

The knight cursed loudly before handing over the gold. Pockets heavier than they had been moments ago, Arya leaned into Aaron and listened as the rest of their friends bickered over the match. 

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

Thank you so much for the 5K Reads! So what did you think of the chapter? They finally arrived at the war camp. Please vote and comment because honestly, we are nearing the end and I am struggling to write so I would appreciate if you guys just commented with your thoughts on anything as it helps spark interest. There are only about 5 chapters remaining so spread the word to all your friends :)