Broken Swords

Saddling up her feisty bay mare, Claidi grumbled softly to herself. She knew why she'd been picked for this highly enjoyable task. Only a minute amount of the population of Girnj could ride, fight and shoot well. Even fewer could afford the costs of a knighthood, and since her family was slightly related to the monarchs, they were considerably wealthy and had been able to fund Clai's dream of becoming a knight.
Of course, she hadn't thought that her job would entail separating families from each other, but she was duty-bound to follow all orders. Claidi shook her reddish-brown hair to clear her thoughts. Suppose I'm just being selfish. A great honor¦hmpf, great honor my arse, she thought to herself. Sirree nickered, jolting Claidi out of self-absorbed thoughts. One of the Princes had come to see her. Quickly smoothing her barely rumpled uniform; a pair of navy breeches, a silk blue shirt and silver tunic with the Girnj crest on it, Claidi flashed him a quick smile before leaping onto her sprightly mare.
The Prince was a spitting image of his grandfather, King Nemian, and had a glorious white coat of fur with several blue stripes running across his mid-section and a silver tinged tail. "Greetings Claidi. My family would like to thank you for choosing to become a knight of the realm, Prince Austor said graciously. He looked down at the ground and sighed, abandoning his royal airs. "I'm sorry you've been forced into this, Clai-
"Your Highness? Your Highness! clamored several voices. Austor turned around to answer the queries.
"Yes?
"Prince Austor, where would you like us to place your gear and horse? asked two young pages, one cat and the other seemed to be a mix of dog and human. Their faces were bright with enthusiasm.
"Ah. Thank you. Right here will be fine. Do you have a scroll from my parents? he asked, taking his mount's reins. He smiled as one of them produced a scroll bound in blue silk, a small charm dangling from it.
"Here you are Prince Austor, they chimed in unison before bowing and running off with their other messages.
Claidi smiled and waited for him to read the scroll. She could barely make out the finely scribed words from her position and was extremely curious to learn what the message outlined.
"Hmm¦ it seems that I am to join you on this adventuresome quest. Won't that be exciting? he said slyly.
"What? Very funny Highness she chortled, reaching out for the scroll. She scanned the message, which bore the seals of Austor's father and grandfather. He was indeed meant to join her in forming and training an army. She looked up at the grinning prince and sighed. "You planned this didn't you? she accused, returning the scroll.
"Perhaps, he said, mounting his horse and trotting to her side, "I couldn't let you have all the fun by yourself.
"Fine then. If you die, it's so not my fault, she chuckled and nudged Sirree forwards to face the three other new knights. She whistled sharply and waited for silence before continuing. "Listen up comrades. We'll leave in just a moment, but I'd like to lay down some rules. First off, if you have complaints address them to me; do not bother His Highness with your petty problems. Second, please refrain from inter-party relationships- Some chuckles ensued and she paused, "I'm serious. I've seen many groups rendered useless from hurt feelings. I will not hesitate to send you back here if you are rude or violent to each other. There will be no raping or pillaging anything! These people are your countrymen and women, treat them with respect. Alright? Move out!
She tapped Sirree and trotted over to the Prince. "After you, Your Highness, she said respectfully, following behind him. Sir Aidan of the Western Province came next, Sir Erik of Waterly, Lady Knights Jiea and Kyna of Torsawh brought up the rear. There was mild chatter, mostly about families and war stories. Sir Aidan moved his horse up next to Sirree and introduced himself.
"I'm Aidan of the Western Lands. My family only recently joined the Kingdom of Girnj. I was hoping you could share with me, um¦ your past and how your population came to be. If you understand what I'm asking¦ he said carefully, a slight flush creeping across his face.
"Of course. I'm Claidi and the blue striped dog ahead of us is Prince Astor, his grandfather is King Nemian. Many years ago, before even my Great-Granada was born, the animals began to change. Well not all the animals, just cats and dogs. But it was an evolution of sorts, they learned Human speech and with the help of some foolish humans, they usurped power and have held it ever since. Dogs and cats have no objections to each other, but you'll never see a mixed breed of cat and dog.
A humadog or humacat, sure but cats and dogs for all their friendliness are either incapable of reproducing or have no desire to do so. It is one of Girnj's many mysteries. She paused for a moment to take a sip form her water flask. "Our neighboring kingdoms had mixed views, some were tolerant of us and others thought it was a sin or some such and declared war on us. We have been fighting with magic for quite some time, but it cannot hold us forever and we need a real army. Something our peaceful kingdom has never had.
"My family tried to think of many other ways to avoid a public army and the needless death that comes with war, but with our Council of Advisors we could find no feasible compromise. I am truly sorry, Aidan. I know you recently lost your wife and had to leave your young daughter behind. My condolences, said Astor as he dropped back between Clai and Aidan.
"Thank you, Highness, Aidan murmured, "How ever did you know?
"Prince Astor always makes a point of- ah, she broke off as an arrow thudded into her chest.