The Wishing Princess - Chapter 18

18. Early Morning Troop Inspection

The sun just broke the horizon. The troops were arrayed in a square. Just as the Princess asked, all the soldiers from all the kingdom comingled together. There was a soldier from the kingdom of Long Grass who was a mighty and fearsome warrior. And next to him was a soldier from kingdom of Dry Marsh, who has proven himself in combat the day before, but not yet as experienced as the other soldier.

"So, what do you think will happen?" asked the Marsh Soldier to the Grass Soldier. "With a woman commanding us?"

"If she is close to her father, then I expect that we will be just fine." replied the Grass Soldier. "It does not take much physical effort to command, after all. Just wisdom." He was tying leather strap to his sword. When the word passed that the Princess is inspecting the troops.

"You'd better hurry up and fix that knot. Wouldn't want the pretty princess to be disappointed in you." said the Marsh Soldier.

"Ah, I'll just wrap it to my sword and hold it by my side." said the Grass Soldier. "She won't notice anything."

The Princess, followed by the procession of kings rode across the formation. So gallantly they look! A steady rhythm went past the soldiers as they go. Once the procession has past them, the Grass Soldier winked to the Marsh Soldier, who winked back.

Then, a moment later, once the procession has reached the end of the formation, the princess wheeled back her horse and galloped to the Grass Soldier. She dismounted her horse and faced the Grass Soldier, who by this time became concerned.

The Princess gently grabbed his sword, and unwound the leather straps on the sword. She began expertly knotting the straps. "You should wear the sword on your shoulder, as to not tire yourself unnecessarily." chided the Princess gently. The Grass soldier could only nod, embarrased that he was found out. He also marvelled at the princess sharp eye, for not many could notice the slight.

"This goes for every one of you!" The princess raised her voice to address the group. "You need to be completely prepared for the battle ahead! Don't let any loose knot or poorly fitting equipment to cause you to die. Prepare well!"

She then looped the sword sheath and hung it properly on the Grass Soldier. She smiled in satisfaction. The Grass Soldier smiled back. Then, unexpectedly, the Princess hugged the Grass Soldier tight! The Grass Soldier was speechless!

"I love you!" said the Princess. "I love you all. It breaks my heart to have to send you to battle to your death, but I must!" Everybody around her took pity of her. They were of the different kingdom, yet she cared for everybody.

They did not know what to say. All they can do is stand around, waiting for the Princess to move.

The Captain rode to her. "Princess," he said, "The enemy has stirred."

The Princess looked to the enemy side. "It's time." Then she mounted her horse and looked at the battle line.