The humans spent the night camped out, hidden by tree cover. The vast forest allowed enough room for the 100,000 or so humans.
One of General Levi's Commanders noticed Levi wasn't himself, so he asked if everything was ok.
"Everything alright General? You seem off. Was it the journey?"
"Oh, sorry. Just a lot on my mind. Sending 100,000 of us seems excessive and I don't understand why our Kingdom got dragged into this."
"Wasn't King Lance friends with Luther Fang during the peaceful times?"
"Yes, he was. That makes this whole situation odd and awkward. It feels like the Emperor is punishing our Kingdom for our King's relationship with the elves."
"That was over 30 years ago. Why hold the grudge?"
"That's how the Emperor is. We shouldn't even be talking about it. Especially with Charles and Igor around. Those two will sell anyone out to gain favor with the Emperor."
"Get some rest, General. Tomorrow will be here soon."
"Thanks Commander, take your leave and get some rest as well."
As the Commander left, Levi twirled a note between his fingers.
"How the hell am I supposed to get this to their General without anyone noticing?"
<><><><>
Jax and Eva arrived back with 1,000 archers around 9 am the following day. They sent the archers to the top of the Kingdom walls, reassuring them they were safe.
"The King also brought me this to give to you, Xavier. He left it open and sent his seal with me. He wants you to read it and give it to General Levi without anyone noticing," Jax said.
"Ok, but how am I supposed to give someone a note undetected on the battlefield?" Xavier asked.
"Conceal it in your sleeve, underneath your cloak and when you give him a handshake, pass it to him," Stefania suggested.
"Ok, let's see what our Father has to say."
"General Levi,
I'm guessing your King did not volunteer for this onslaught. I apologize that my relationship with your King caused this burden on you and your men. If the Emperor forced your group here, raise two flags at the start of battle. If you're here on your own volition, raise one flag.
If my hunch is correct, you will raise two flags. Ensure Igor and Charles' armies do most of the heavy lifting. Please inform your King that in two weeks time, September 7th, I would like to meet him at our old meeting spot. He will know where that is.
This battle will not be as easy as the humans think.
Sincerely,
Luther Fang."
After reading the note, Xavier wrapped it up and sealed it with his Father's mark.
"I wonder why Father wants to protect the humans?" Xavier asked.
"Probably to gain favor with a former friend. That way, 100,000 men aren't sent every time they wish to attack," Jax said.
"Father talks of his friendship with Lance to this day. He was the best man at our parents wedding. It's a shame Xavier and I weren't born yet. He's very kind to Elves and a large part of why MeadowSong evacuated safely," Stefania said.
"Wait, so MeadowSong evacuated safely from a tip from the Kingdom of Prosperity? The Emperor somehow knows and sent their army to clean up Igor's mess? This is a punishment for them?" Sora asked, confused.
"So not all humans are enemies of elves? That's news. Are there any more allies?" Mina asked.
"Only my parents know of the true, political nature of the current landscape. We should ask them when we see them." Xavier suggested.
<><><><>
Boooooooooom!
"They went into one of the sheds! Four humans down!" Eric shouted from the top of the Kingdom, nestled in his perch with his handheld telescope.
"Glad the traps worked," Sora said with a laugh.
"The humans are approaching. King Charles looks injured. Maybe he fell into one of the traps? That isn't his horse!" Eric shouted proudly.
"Sora, Mina, you two stay behind this time. If you see one of their Generals or Commanders doing anything fishy, please protect us," Xavier said as he mounted Ace.
"Remember, we're safe inside 50 yards of the Castle, so Sora and Mina should ride out about halfway. Wear your helmets and don't let them see your eyes," Stefania said as she mounted Belladeon.
Xavier readied the note in his right sleeve. It felt awkward, but he knew it had to be done.
The two of them trotted out further than normal for their pre-battle meet with the enemies' Generals.
It was tradition withstanding time and the ugliest of battles. Each General could ask for a surrender or for terms, and the other General could accept, counter or deny. They could then offer their terms.
As Xavier and Stefania waited, they noticed the Emperor still lacked matching uniforms for their entire Kingdom.
"Isn't it odd the Emperor has the entire Kingdom of Steinguard color coated, armor matching and everything organized? Yet, the Kingdoms wear their own emblems and colors. Prosperity still shares the green and gold colors of elves, while [SilverCrest] is dark red and black. MeadowSong's remaining 500 humans stick out like a sore thumb in their yellow gear." Stefania said.
"Father told me the interior Kingdoms share the Emperor's organized methods and abide by his rules and live under his order. The exterior Kingdoms are a mixed bag," Xavier said.
King Charles, wearing a sling, Commander Igor and General Levi finally met them in the middle.
"We have no terms of surrender for you due to your foul play. Collapsing our men underground, having false ground, only to fall into wooden spikes. You nearly killed me so we offer no terms of surrender!" Charles screamed.
"Yet a hollow wall to execute elves freely is fair? I should expect nothing less from you, Charles," Xavier said.
"It's not our fault you fell for our strategy," Igor countered.
"Nor is it our fault for you falling into ours," Stefania said with a large smile.
"Everyone relax. If the elves wish to surrender at any point my men will oblige, per our King. We would appreciate the same treatment." Levi said, while holding his hand out for a handshake with Xavier.
The two shook hands, and to both of their surprises, felt something in their sleeve.
"Enough of this polite bullshit," Igor said, pulling his sword, intending to strike Stefania.
Before he could conjure up any momentum for the swing, Mina landed three arrows in Igor. One in the forehead and one in each eye.
"Charles, has humanity stooped so low that we cannot count on the tradition of speaking terms before a war?" Stefania asked, daggers glaring from her eyes.
"Igor acted on his own behalf, just as he did when he fled. Since the terms are set, I'd say good luck, but enjoy your demise," King Charles scoffed and rode away on his horse.
"I apologize for my comrades' poor behavior," Levi said, with a bow, and also took his leave.
<><><><>
Riding back to the Castle, Stefania and Xavier both applauded Mina's quick resolve.
Xavier wanted to read the note now, but it would have to wait. They needed to bait as many of Charles' men into the barrier as possible.
"10 catapults General!" Eric shouted from his perch.
"Excellent, how many archers?"
"Can't say for certain because of how large the armies are, but I'd guess around 20,000," Eric yelled back.
"Today is the day the Emperor finds out he cannot bully the elves any longer!" Xavier said as they rode into the Castle and two men closed the gates.
"HOO-RAH HOO-RAH HOO-HOO FOR THE FANG FAMILY!!"
The elves chanted knowing the battle was about to begin.