Memory in the End

Chapter 45: Unity

The following day, Harold had all the people gather in his tavern. It was a tight fit, with some people sitting on the rafters just to make a little more room, but there were no complaints. From the back room, where the Five and I were making preparations, I could hear the excited murmurs. There were over a hundred of them here, ready to be greeted by their queen and ready to be motivated to give their lives up for me. A few hundred won't do anything over Victor's thousand, but we just need a diversion so the Five and I can get in the castle. Once we take Victor out, his army will fall. Ideally Arkade would come through with reinforcements, but I have no time to wait for an ally that might not come. Victor has ruled my kingdom for far too long.

Harold and Paul were trying to get the tavern closed and then it would be my time to shine. The Five and I were allowed to rest in a room above the tavern, and during the night they helped me prepare what I should say to the crowd. I was thrilled and anxious at the same time. All these people had believed in me this entire time, to the extent that they would risk their very lives for me. I had to use this opportunity to renew their hopes and motivate them even more to stand with me.

The Five looked at me with concerned faces, and I took a deep breath before nodding my head in determination. They smiled and then went out to greet the people. I followed behind them.

Already, with just the Five stepping up on the makeshift stage, the crowd grew even more excited. Each of the Five stood on either side of where I would stand, and as I took my place and looked up, a mighty cheer rang out through the tavern. Soon they quieted down, and then, finally, I spoke.

"My dear people of Isaigalla, I never thought I would ever be able to stand among you like this again. But, after many days, your future ruler, Arrabella Embertail, has returned!"

The cheers were deafening and I tried not to smile too brightly. I might've won the battle to have the people's love but we still have yet to win the war. After many of them quiet down, I speak again, "Victor Lynx tried to overthrow the Embertails and take the kingdom for himself but I won't let him. As long as there is an Embertail alive and breathing, Victor Lynx will never be the ruler of our great kingdom and over our people! So I ask you, as people of Isaigalla, help me take back our glorious kingdom and restore it to it's former glory. Help us rid ourselves of this tyrant Victor Lynx who will only cause pain and suffering-"

"Why should we?" Someone shouts from the audience, "You ran away leaving us to Victor Lynx and now you come back expecting us to fight for you and give our lives! Tell us why should we?"

Even though many people supported me, it seemed there were still some skeptics who came to see me. And this person's comments raised some questions among the crowd. Some people stop cheering and thought over his words and I knew I should try to get their trust back. This was definitely a huge step backwards.

Michael stood next to me, obviously knowing that this wasn't going as planned, he squeezed my hand and nodded at me as a way to say 'you've got this'. I sigh and face my subjects again, I won't falter.

"I understand your concerns. I have been absent but not by choice. Victor Lynx accused me of poisoning my father. He was going to have me imprisoned and killed so he can take control easily without anyone rebelling against him. With my father unable to rule, the pressure fell on me and I ran...not because I was scared but because I wouldn't have been of any help to you if I was dead. So I will not deny that I left, but I did it because I thought it was what would be best for everyone.. Once I left I made it my mission to come back and make Victor pay for everything he did.

"I made it my mission to find the Five, I knew the Five were the only ones who could stop Victor. I went to the ends of the earth to find them and I'm glad I did. They have proven to be loyal allies and will help us stop Victor. We cannot stop Victor by ourselves so I come to you, not just as your ruler, but as a friend, as a sister, help me take back our home. Help me return Isiagalla to it's former glory and you will not regret it!"

Most of them were ready to take arms for me, but there were still quite a bit that were reluctant. The guy spoke again, "There are plenty of us who still remember what the Five did. Why should we expect any loyalty from them?!"

More people sided with this. The Five still struck fear into their hearts and I had to change that, "Yes the Five were exiled, not because they're monsters or killers, but for a situation that was out of their control. They have worked tirelessly to take back our kingdom, they have risked life and limb for not only me but so that you may have a just ruler. They are not monsters and you should not fear them. They are fierce and tough but we need that for Victor. I have traveled long and far, fought dragons and soldiers and poisoners so I can be here today. Without the Five we will not have our Kingdom and I would not be here today. If any of you don't want to fight alongside the Five, very well, don't fight but tomorrow, regardless of how many of you fight with me, I am going to storm the castle and take back my home. I will take back our home or die trying. I truly hope you all fight with me tomorrow but I cannot force you too if you don't want to fight. Either way, I will give my dying breath for you."

I couldn't convince them anymore or have the time too. If people wouldn't fight, then they won't fight and I can't force them. I see the guy who spoke against me staring at me, he must have great influence because many other people are starting to see how he will proceed. If he walks away, more than likely, many others will too.

I don't know how long passes before he speaks. He smiles, "Queen Arrabella, we have been waiting a long time for you to come back." He takes his sword out of his sheath and holds it in both hands in front of me. He gets down on one knee, holding the sword out, "You have my sword, Queen Arrabella. Long live the queen!" With that said, almost everyone else follows suit. All soldiers remove their swords while everyone else falls to one knee, all repeating 'Long live the queen'. I don't truly know how I did it but I did it.

The Five all smile at me before taking one knee as well. Still smiling, they say the same phrase. We are united and Victor won't know what hit him.