Hello again! As ever, I’m so sorry that I haven’t been on much, and I’m hoping to change that. I miss all of you! As I was writing Chapter 9, I noticed that Prince Bleston makes me think of King Thranduil. A little bit. They both bother me, but Bleston is much worse. Now, I’d love to know your thoughts as you read this chapter. Things you expected to happen, things you wanted to happen, and things you didn’t expect. That sort of stuff.

Also, I would really love feedback. I remember writing a story once, and showing it to a friend, and it had two characters who had just been in a battle. One of them was severely injured, but right afterwards ran off to look for someone else. His fellow soldier talked to him for a minute, but did nothing about his injuries, despite them causing him to be dizzy from blood loss. That’s the kind of thing I really don’t want to do! I’d also love to know if there is any sentence that doesn’t make sense, or grammar mistakes, if it is too long, or anything like that. Thanks!!! I love you all. You are amazing.

When I entered Prince Bleston’s office the next morning, a flurry of messengers and attendants swarmed around the room. Bleston stood in the middle giving orders, with his adviser, Tameth Seer, standing beside. The room was never this crowded, and as I wove my way towards the two, my mind was swirling with absurd ideas and worries, from the Terrelain army travelling to First Warren to assert our Prince's claim to the throne, to launching a war in the High Bleaks. I still wasn't prepared for what I was told.

"Captain Pacer arrived early this morning with a request for aid. Morbin's armies are massing near Cloud Mountain."

My heart faltered for a moment, and I thought of my dear father, wishing he had stayed long enough for me to see him, and then of my sister, and the danger they were both in.

"Is there anything I might do, my lord?"

"Yes. You may help prepare my things while I am down in Westfield. Be quick, and come when you are finished. I have other tasks for you as well."

"Yes, your highness," I bowed, and backed away as Bleston waved his hand to dismiss me.

When I was finished with one assignment, I ran back to Prince Bleston to receive another, and I was barely conscious of the hours that passed as the whole citadel prepared for the oncoming battle, for all I could think of was the safety of my dear sister and all those at Cloud Mountain.

Finally, things began to come together. Supplies were sent ahead, along with catapults and various personnel. When we were ready to depart, a small podium was raised in the middle of the field, and Bleston and several other leaders crowded around. Lieutenant Kout stepped up onto the platform and raised his hands for silence.

"Today the Silver Prince will lead us into battle!" He cried from atop the stage. The gathered rabbits cheered, but Lieutenant Kout once more waved his hands for quiet.

"Please, we must get on. King Bleston will address as many as can hear, but he asks that all the captains and lieutenants move to the front, so they can be clear on the battle plan."

I made room for those who moved forwards and strained my ears when Prince Bleston spoke.

"Today. Today we march to war. If all goes well, tomorrow's dawn will be a red one. I have no great speech for you, friends. This only will I say: Tomorrow is a day of turns. Tomorrow is the day we make Morbin quake on his stolen throne. Tomorrow we turn the tide for Jupiter's son!"

I pressed my hands together, anticipation and hope spreading through my whole being. Then I saw Prince Kylen limping onto the stage. He had been quite badly injured several weeks before, and I had seen him very little since the Terrelain soldiers came to Halfwind, but I recognized him easily from his teasing days at Cloud Mountain. Bleston eyes skimmed over him for a moment, and a startled look passed quickly over his face.

"My son, Prince Kylen, has come to see us off. I have asked him to stay behind and lead this citadel in my absence."

A murmur grew, though I thought heard some light cheering as Kylen walked forwards to speak.

"Actually, Father," he called, "I'm happy to say that I will be joining you on the march and in the battle. If your blood is spilled, my blood is spilled!" Prince Kylen's weak voice shouted over the crowd. He raised his sword in the air and placed his other hand over his heart. We all joined him.

"My place beside you,

My blood for yours.

Till the Green Ember rises,

or the end of the world!"

Then, as the cheering quieted, Bleston spelled his plans out to the captains. The half of our army that was travelling to Cloud Mountain would camp in Rockback Valley tonight. Then, early the next morning, they would go on to Jupiter's Crossing, where the battle was supposed to begin. They would eventually retreat back to Rockback Valley, where they would be cornered, having only one narrow escape exit in case anything went wrong. Most of us were certain the path would never be used. Then, while our army was supposedly trapped in the valley, Bleston would bring his troops around by the back of the wolves, hitting them with a surprise attack, and rescuing our soldiers.

As we were about to leave, the sound of a horn blared from the distance. Bleston's face showed alarm as he turned to the captains. I couldn't hear what they said, but I knew what the calls were. One meant a moderate warning, but two mean extreme danger. We heard only one blast.

The Fowlers, a small group led by Captain Helmer and co-led by Picket Longtreader, was dispatched to find the cause of the blast, and the rest of us moved out, beginning the several hour trip to Cloud Mountain.

Bleston's troops split from Halfwind's when we reached Rockback Valley, and Bleston went inside Cloud Mountain. He had kept me with him for the day, but now I wandered about the halls, hoping to find Kathy or my father before retiring to the room I shared with several other does.

I entered the Savory Den, pausing to suck in the mouthwatering smells that wafted through the air. A smile settled itself on my face as I browsed through the friendly rabbits, wondering if Kathy might be among them. Suddenly, I heard a girlish squeal and spun around to see my sister standing behind me. Beside her stood a handsome grey-brown buck, his uniform bearing the symbol of Corby. His face was confident, yet caring, and I felt as though I must have seen his soothing eyes before today.

Before I could process all of my thoughts, Kathy had flown over to me, and her slender arms were nearly strangling me. I squeezed her tightly and buried my head in her silky fur. She laughed, a beautiful, silvery laugh that I hadn't heard in months, and I pressed her tighter against me. Then, pulling back, I studied my sister.

She was older. A few months without me seemed to have changed her from a little girl into an almost full-grown doe. I smiled and stepped back as my sister spoke.

"Rissa! I missed you so much! And then I heard that Halfwind had been attacked, and I could only pray that you were safe, and now here you are!"

The tall buck stepped back against the wall, and I glanced at him to see an odd look on his face. Not bothering to translate it, I turned my face back to my little sister.

"I'm sorry. I ought to have written, but Halfwind's runners were already working over, and I couldn't have added another letter. Oh, Kathy, how is Father? I heard he spoke to Prince Bleston early this morning, and I wish I had seen him, but I suppose if I had, I would've only distracted him."

"Father is doing wonderfully. Oh, and Rissa, I wanted so much to acquaint you with my friend! We met several weeks ago," Kathy turned to him, clasping my hand fast, "Rissa, this is Felton."