The soldiers were caught unaware. The peaceful countryside village had never before been attacked even by the bandits that lived in the woods nearby. In fact soldiers were kept there only as show because no one believed the village would ever be threatened. When the first man fell from an arrow all anyone could do was stare at his dead body. Then more arrows rained down and chaos spread through the small town. Only one soldier would make it out alive to warn the rest of the country of the invading army.

*

"Commander Takouhi!? There's an emergency! You're needed immediately at the capital," the young messenger said in a rush as he handed over a sealed letter. Tak ripped it open quickly and read the contents, frowning she crumpled it up and tossed it over shoulder. "Commander?"

"Time to go. Are you coming, Shay? Don't you want to return to my sister soon?" Tak said as she swiftly packed her bag. She didn't give him time to answer as she began to store things on her horse. "Do you know what that letter said?"

"I have a vague idea, ma'am. And yes I want to return to Tasha as soon as possible." Shay replied as soon as he caught up to the older woman. He mounted his horse and they left the small town behind in a trail of dust.

*

Frost walked into the throne room to see what all the commotion was about. "Your majesty? What's the problem?" she asked as soon as she reached the queen, which proved to be quite difficult with all the people running around.

"It seems NuYuva is seeking our aid. Gefan has invaded their borders." The queen passed her the letter and waited for her to read it before continuing. "I trust you have no problems leading my army, Frost?"

"Of course not, your majesty. I shall prepare your troops at once. We shall leave by day's end." Frost stood at attention, bowing to her queen. She turned to go but was stopped by the queen.

"Two things Frost; don't die and make sure we win."

The archer looked over her shoulder and grinned. "You know I always follow orders."

*

"If this is all they can do we will have this country conquered in no time," A Gefan soldier said smugly.

"Don’t be foolish. We caught them off guard. Soon they will have their army gathered and the real battle will began." Commander Eric Wes looked over the ruined town, his soldiers near by gathering anything useful from the ruins. "I only hope they have a Commander worthy of my time."

A scout ran up to Eric and saluted. "Sir, I found recent tracks. Someone got away. Without a doubt the country will no of our presence by now."

"Well then…it begins."

*

"Counsel member Vahan," Shay nodded as he rushed past him to enter the house, not looking back to see if he responded.

"It's good that you could get back so quickly, daughter. We've already requested aid from Eisen, but I'm unsure that will be enough," Vahan said as he greeted Tak. "Gefan has quite the army, this will be a tough war." They moved inside their house, away from unwanted ears.

"So I am to work with another commander?" Tak frowned, clearly not liking the idea.

Vahan nodded, sitting on the couch. "I know that doesn't please you, but the counsel has decided. We are asking for their aid so they shall have an equal say in how things precede."

Tasha walked in with Shay, who had rushed in to see her as soon as they arrived. "Sister, I'm glad to see you home safe. I understand that you will not be staying long though?"

"Yes that's right, Tasha. I shall be leaving as soon as everything is prepared." Tak gave her sister a small smile before returning her attention back to their father. "I assume we will be sending advanced troops out before the majority of our army leaves. Also is it wise to put that much trust in another country?"

"I know you are wary of trusting anyone outside of your captains, but it is important that you get along with their commander. And yes we are going to send advanced troops, but we were waiting for you to return. You do lead our army after all."

"When will they arrive?"

*

Alexis encouraged her horse to speed up, hoping to find her friend. It didn't take her long to find the blonde and soon she was at her side. "I hear the enemy's army is larger than ours."

"It is, that's why were helping NuYuva. If they were to fall Gefan would surely come after us next. Together we should be able to fight them off. The tactical prowess of NuYuva's commander is legendary. I'm hoping together we will be able to come up with something," Frost explained.

"Well you're not exactly a novice at tactics yourself. Don’t you think it may cause problems. The two of you may have different ideas. I've heard she isn't very friendly," Alexis trailed off when she saw Frost smile.

"But I can make anyone come around, remember? I got you to open up didn’t I? Anyway we'll reach the capital of NuYuva tomorrow so please be on your best behavior. I know you don't like meeting people much less having to take orders from someone other than me."

"You mean I have to follow her orders!?" Alexis exclaimed.

"Yes, Alexis, that's exactly what I'm saying. We've agreed to this sort of merging of our armies. Their commander and I will have full reign over both armies."

"This is ridiculous…"