Chapter 96 - The War II

"It's a good thing we have a blueprint of the church. Let's go and find her," said Emelia, and Argus nodded his head. But then, as they were about to take a step, they hear the blowing horn playing, and they looked at each other. 

Their troops had arrived, and it has begun. They shouldn't be here any longer because the enemy soldiers will start going around the church, and it will be harder for them to escape. But then Emelia didn't have a choice. 

Emelia and Argus swiftly run up the tunnel that is connected to the inner church. The bathroom wasn't far from where they were, but then again, the enemy soldiers are now running around as if this place was theirs.

When the council members of the Redodel Empire found out that the church had sided with them. Their lives became in danger. The church didn't know how to fight. They did, but then they didn't have enough paladins to protect themselves. 

That is why, as early Elliot had asked them to evacuate while his soldiers will replace them. But then, during the mission of their evacuation, not all were able to evacuate. And they didn't have time any longer, and that is why now was the time they had to evacuate out. 

Emelia and Argus were finally out of the tunnel, and before stepping into the church, Emelia looks side to side, trying to find the bathroom, and there she sees it by the corner. As she was about to go out, she hears running footsteps and she immediately hides behind the red curtains. 

"Stay in here," ordered Emelia but then Argus insisted.

"I'll find her instead," said Argus but then Emelia shook her head. 

"No, you'll scare her," insisted Emelia and Argus frowns, not being able to help her. "It'll be alright. This time you won't be going out alone."

When the footsteps of the soldiers drifted away, Emelia sneaks into the bathroom and removes her hood. She couldn't see anything but hears a sniffle and knew that the girl was here. Emelia walks to where the girl is and when she saw the girl she smiled. 

"Are you Gina? You're safe with me now," said Emelia as she held her hand out for the Gina to reach. Gina nods her head and takes Emelia's hand. "Now, listen to what I have to say. Just stay quiet as much as possible and don't be scared. I'm here to protect you."

Gina nods her head, and while holding Emelia's hand, they both ran out of the bathroom and back into the tunnel where Argus waited for them. When they reached to the entrance of the tunnel, Emelia told Gina to crawl into the hole which was behind the red curtains.

When the three of them got into the tunnel safely Emelia strokes Gina's head, "See it isn't that hard, is it?" Gina nods her head while Emelia looks at Argus. "We should get going. The others might worry if we don't arrive in the base in time."

The three of them safely gets out of the tunnel, and when they got out of the tunnel, they see the two soldiers from earlier and Mrs. Gilda, waiting for them. Emelia walks to Mrs. Gilda, wondering why she didn't leave with the others.

"Mrs. Gilda, why haven't you left? It's too risky to be out here," said Emelia while the two soldiers got on their horses and Argus carries Gina to his horse. 

"I can't leave you in there. I was worried that something bad might have happened," worried Mrs. Gilda while she got on the soldier's horse. 

"Thank you for worrying," said Emelia as kicks her horse and made their way to the evacuation area. 

The ride was twenty-minute ride which was faster than she had thought. The camp was far enough for the enemy soldiers to find. They wouldn't go into the dark forest since it will scare them. Wild animals might come and attack them anytime. But what they don't know is that there are early animals in the dark forest. 

Gina got off the horse and ran towards her mother who bowed, thanking them for saving their daughter. As Emelia watches them, she had a sense of jealously to see them reunite. If her mother was still alive will she give a loving smile to her?

"Your Highness, we've word from His Imperial Majesty, to tell you to return to the base," said a soldier who saluted when Emelia dismissed him. 

"I can't stay here any long. But the soldiers assigned here will be protecting you. That is why don't worry about us," said Emelia as she looks at Mrs. Gilda for the last time. She nods her head as she holds her hand in a praying position. 

When Emelia arrived back in the base, she sees wounded soldiers being carried into the medical tent and some groaning from pain. Even if they wished only a few casualties, it can't be avoidable. Emelia walks into the meeting tent and sees Elliot, talking with the other generals. She didn't have space for her to talk and so she just listens to what they were talking about. 

"Our soldiers has start entered the palace. But then their forces were a lot more than we've expected. We should bring more soldiers in," suggested a general and the five agreed with him. But then Elliot shook his head. 

"I don't think so. Yes, number is power but then we should consider the numbers we have right now. Remember we want the least casualties as much as possible," said Elliot sighing out loud his frustrations. 

"Then why don't we lead the way?" suggested Emelia. "At least one of the strong generals paves away into the inner palace. Don't we have the best knights and soldiers? What else do we need to fear?" asked Emelia.

"That's too reckless," disagreed a general and so did Elliot. 

"But then we should also remember that their soldiers are limited, not trained well, and they don't have limited weapons. The previous war just ended, and what did the Emperor spend it on? Decorations and other more useless things that wouldn't help them," Emelia straightforwardly said, which turned the generals silent. "I am just suggesting if we want to end things as soon as possible."

It's either they risk it or not. But then Emelia has a point here which Elliot agreed. Their soldiers are not equipped, and all most all of their talented soldiers and knight were killed in the previous wars. All they had to get was Henry's head and a few other nobles. 

"Your Imperial Majesty! We have word from the fifth squad. They have successfully captured Chief Malazan and Count Fredrik," a messenger said, rushing into the tent, which Elliot acknowledges.

"Please make your decisions now. The Redodel Empire cannot stand any longer if we push into the palace and get Henry's head. They will turn silent and the war will end."

Though it didn't seem like it the sun was about to raise. The war had been going on for twelve hours and counting. If they manage to capture Henry's head within a day, it would set a new record for a war. It sounds unbelievable, but then again the Redodel Empire had no manpower left. They are supposed to be dead long ago. 

"Let's go with Princess Emelia's plan," concluded Elliot which the other generals didn't disagree to this time. "But then this time I will be participating on the final push," said Elliot as he calls a messenger to their tent. "Tell the seventh and eighth squad to retreat. Let them join the final push."

While the other generals were busy gearing up, Elliot was looking at Emelia who was focused looking at a map. Even if she didn't look worried about her own proposal, she didn't have much confidence with it either. 

If this final push works then it will end. But then again. They still shouldn't lower their guards just because their enemy's forces are weaker than theirs. Emelia just wanted to use this to their advantage. Either way the soldiers guarding the palace wouldn't last any longer. 

"Just go with what we've discussed. Along with my loyal servants, we are unbeatable," said Elliot as he stood beside Emelia, who looks at him.

"But still. It doesn't mean we should be lowering our guards just because you and your team can defeat them easily," said Emelia, pushing Elliot away from her because she was conscious of him being near her. 

"You worry too much," said Elliot then he flicks her forehead. "Not even a hundred of soldiers can defeat us. Everyone who fought in this war will be rewarded handsomely. That is because this will be the last war we will be having."

The last war. Then after that, what will happen? Peace will be restored, and the people's happiness will be their priority. Elliot can finally kick those who sided with Henry, and Emelia's revenge will come to an end.