The skies were bright orange as the sun began to set. Clouds were starting to roll in, but rain still looked to be a few days away. A guardsman was stationed atop the main lookout tower, the sole figure that could be seen from outside. Rather than enjoying the fine weather, however, he was entirely tense and nervous. He had only just been deployed on his first mission, and his comrades below still considered him green. Nevertheless, he knew the signs of impending warfare just as well as everyone else. He could see them in the far distance, barely a speck upon the horizon. Yet the approaching army of Saramus was still going to be vast and dangerous, and anyone who felt otherwise was bound to end up dead. A large flock of carrion birds had already begun circling among the valley; even they knew the blood would start flowing. The guard swallowed nervously and continued to keep watch, observing all directions and keeping careful note of the approaching army's progress.

This was Sagamiim Fortress, named after the mighty king who originally conquered this valley in ancient times. It had stood for many a decade, but with careful upkeep and maintaining, it was still an indomitable location. At least, it was supposed to be. The armies of Saramus and Hadrum would today confirm whether that claim was legitimate. Princess Sateema strode through the various levels of the fortress, checking to make sure that every preparation was being completed to her [i]exact[/i] specifications.

"What is the status of the fort's defenses?" she asked.

"Ma'am," her aid, Jason, replied. He was walking beside her with a small checklist. "Everything is progressing as scheduled. The men stand ready, and all weapons and armor have been repaired, sharpened, and polished. The weakness in the northern area was reinforced ten days ago, and has shown no signs of further issue. Also, all of the... special items have been prepared as you requested."

"And they were placed to my specifications?"

"Yes, ma'am. Exactly as you directed."

Sateena nodded. Sagamiim Fortress was located on top of a natural spire, making it the ideal place to defend. A single bridge, carved directly into the surrounding mountain by master stoneworkers, was the only way in or out of the fortress. Unless, of course, one was willing to risk the climb up the spire itself, which was dangerous even [i]without[/i] archers shooting at you from above. She was prepared, in either case.

"Majesty," came a third voice. This one belonged to one of the fort's message runners. Due to her mutual stations, Sateena was often addressed as either "Majesty" or "General". She responded to either. "A report from the watchman."

"Report."

The messenger saluted. "The Saramus army continues to approach. By the watchman's estimate, they should arrive in no less than two hours, but no longer than three."

Sateena nodded. "Thank you. You are dismissed." The soldier saluted again and rushed to continue preparations. As she continued walking, Sateena found her thoughts drifting back to yesterday, when she had initially left for the fortress.
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[i]"I just don't understand why it has to be [b]you[/b]," her mother told her, for what must have been the thirteenth time.

"Because, mother," she answered patiently as she continued to get dressed, "this fortress is the most important location in the Hadrum military. If we were to lose it, this war would be all but finished for us. We'd have only to wait for the Saramus executioners to arrive for us." She began buttoning her brown jacket.

"But that's my point," insisted her mother. "If this battle is so important, why must [b]you[/b] be the one to go? There are plenty of other generals with decades of experience! Why not send one of them instead? Not to doubt your own ability, of course," she added.

Sateena smiled. "I told you, mother: the Black Knight is said to be deploying with the military for this fight. If he is the strongest blade in the Saramus military, it is only logical that he should be opposed by the most intelligent of the Hadrum generals." It wasn't an arrogant statement; she knew exactly who she was and what she was capable of. She slid on her boots and began to lace them up.

Her mother sighed. "I know that... I'm just concerned for you. You always seek to challenge yourself like this, and I'm just afraid that one day, you'll find a challenge you can't overcome. And then what will you do?"

"Die, I suppose." She said it so casually, but she couldn't keep a straight face after seeing the face her mother made. "I'm kidding, mother. If ever I should meet a challenge I cannot overcome, I shall simply fall back and try again, this time with a better plan of action." She began pinning on her ribbons and her signs of rank. "You know I've never let a simple [b]man[/b] beat me." This was a joke shared between her and her mother; in the male-dominated culture of Hadrum, women were all-too often looked down upon. So, when Sateena had announced to her first platoon that she would be their commanding officer, one of the greener soldiers began insulting her (at the time, he had not known who she truly was), and she challenged him to a fistfight. She broke his nose and fractured three ribs. The men never insulted her again.

Finally, she turned to face her mother, her military uniform as crisp and clean as ever. "How do I look?"

Her mother stood and walked over to her. She brushed Sateena's hair back. "Strong and beautiful," she answered. Sateena smiled, and the two embraced in a loving hug.[/i]
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Sateena smiled at the memory. Her mother had been there for her all her life, while her father, the King, cared only for Bryson, her older brother. She almost wished Bryson was here right now; for all their differences, both had a mutual respect for each other's combat capabilities.

But that was enough time dwelling in memories. She had a battle to win, a [i]war[/i] to win, and she would do everything she could to see this fortress stand.

"Jason, come with me," she said to her aid. "We still have things to do before the battle begins. Has the mercenary group arrived yet?"

"Yes ma'am," Jason confirmed. "They are prepared and are awaiting your orders."

"Good." Sateena would speak to them first. She had prepared for every potential situation she could imagine. It had been expensive, but with the necessity of maintaining this fort, the Royal Treasurer had granted her all the funds she needed. Now, she had only to ensure that everything went according to plan, and to prepare for when it didn't.

The game has officially begun.