Over the following weeks, Elara learned that building an army was nothing like the stories made it sound. It was tedious, exhausting work filled with negotiations, compromises, and careful political maneuvering.
Captain Sera proved invaluable, connecting them with other exiled soldiers, mercenaries who had reason to hate Darius, and common folk whose families had suffered under his rule. Slowly, cautiously, a resistance began to form.
But it wasn't enough.
"We have maybe three hundred fighters," Sera reported one evening. "Good ones, but three hundred against Darius's army of thousands? We need something more."
"Magic," Kieran said, looking at Elara. "You're our advantage. One mage is worth a hundred soldiers in the right circumstances."
"I'm not ready to face Darius's sorcerer," Elara protested. "Malthus has been studying dark magic for decades. I've had barely two months of training."
"Then we don't fight him directly," Sera said. "Not yet. We use guerrilla tactics. Hit and run. Make Darius afraid. Show the people that their princess still lives, still fights."
Elara considered this. "A demonstration. Something that proves I'm worthy of following."
"Exactly," Sera grinned. "I have just the target in mind."
Three days later, they struck at a supply caravan heading to one of Darius's northern garrisons. Elara used her magic to create a barrier, stopping the guards cold while Sera's fighters overwhelmed them. No lives were lost the guards were allowed to flee but the message was clear.
The lost princess had returned. And she was not helpless.
Word spread quickly. Within a week, their forces had doubled. People came from across the Free Cities, from the border territories, even from within Astoria itself, risking everything to join the resistance.
But success brought danger. Darius could no longer ignore them.
One night, as Elara reviewed battle plans with Kieran and Sera, an explosion rocked the tavern. Assassins, sent by Malthus, had found them.
Elara reacted on instinct, throwing up a barrier of starlight that deflected most of the blast. But one attacker got through a woman with eyes that glowed purple with dark magic.
They fought in the tavern's common room, magic clashing against magic. The assassin was skilled, but Elara had something she lacked purpose, and the righteous fury of someone fighting for her home.
In the end, Elara's starlight prevailed, sending the assassin fleeing into the night.
"They know where we are," Kieran said grimly, helping Elara to her feet. "We need to move."
"No," Elara said, surprising even herself. "We've been running long enough. It's time to take the fight to them."
Sera smiled fiercely. "Now you're talking like a queen."
Elara looked at her growing army, at the people who believed in her. She wasn't ready. She would never feel truly ready. But she was done hiding.
"Send word to all our allies," she commanded. "We march on the capital in two weeks. It's time to reclaim my throne."