Freedom at Last Chapter 4: A King's Character

I said I would get it done, and I did. Sorry it took so long. Teaching and typing are hard to do at the same time, especially if your brother's playing Wii boxing in the background. Sigh, anyway, to the recap! Recap: James just found out about his past and about Zero's identity. He has agrred to lead the forces to free his people from Ravew's reign. To the story!

Chapter 4: A King's Character
James glances at the nobles all around him. They all are grim and whispering battle plans to each other. He feels uncomfortable. A hand comes onto his shoulder. He looks up. Lord Arhowld smiles down at him. "Are you alright, Your Majesty?" James sighs.
"James is fine. Or Sir James. I'm not king yet."
Arhowld laughed. "Yes, sir. But you still haven't answered."
"I feel out of place."
"Don't. You are the leader of this rebellion, and you must stay firm. If you are nervous, your men won't trust your judgement in battle. You need your men's trust. You need to be firm, but kind as well. Our men can't hate you. You'll be just like Ravew if they do." James thinks the advice over. "Thanks, Lord Arhowld."
Arhowld laughs. "Anytime. You can learn from Zero too. He is the national hero after all." James eyes widen. "Artemis too. Her past is like yours." James nods.
"When will they be here?" James asks.
"Some time today." Arhowld says.
"Or now." a voice says as Artemis steps out of the trees followed by Zero. James nods their direction.
"Nice to meet you, Artemis."
"Of course Sir James. I am at your service." Artemis replies with a playful smirk.
James grins back. Zero and Arhowld ride off to talk of the bandit situation as Artemis fills James in what he is to expect at Fortress Avendwell. "The fortress has a pretty deep moat. Probably, a little above saddle deep. the walls are made of thick stone and high towers. The inside is a large courtyard. We need to overcome the walls and get into the courtyard. The walls are the main defence so once we're inside, it shouldn't be too difficult."
James nods. "Avendwell is next to a very large river. So, we could use a fleet of small ships to distract them, since there is a fishing village close by."
Artemis nods approvingly. "See, you'll be a great king."
James glances her way. "Would you give your opinion on the futre king?"
Artemis smiles slightly. "Well, you are a fine person. A greater strength of mind would be better. You need to be able to think of something on the spot, not freeze like you didn't in the village. A bit of determination would help. Because of your rough past, you have a tendency to be a bit pessimistic. You never go into a battle thinking that you would lose. Be determined to win. Be ready to give up anything for your country. The people hate ravew because he won't give. He takes."
James stares at her. "How do you do it? You've had a past worse than mine since you live in a country as a fugitive of a crazy king."
Artemis shrugs. "I just want the people to see their rights returned to them. They've been through too much. Ravew slaughters families, even children. I want no one to go through the same pain I have. I just can't let Ravew win."