Not Born, But Made - TCATF fanfic, Chapter Six - A True Leader
Summary: After talking to Annelyse, Kenna realizes her cause would need a leader, to navigate through the hardships of starting a rebellion. But who could be possibly up for the job?
Author’s notes: I’ve combined a few chapters into this one, I hope it turned out okay. I wanted to emphasize the journey Kenna is going through - internally, in her process of becoming (Queen Kenna Rys) that we know.
You have to take into consideration, that the Kenna we got to know in the beginning of this story, is a simple girl who never had any idea or knowledge of how to be a leader or a ruler to her people.
And I know the person who is best fit to help her learn how to do it, can you guess who it is? His name is revealed after he gives Kenna his advice. Let me know in the comments if you guessed right!
Tagging: @endlessflame @frugalchoicer @regina-and-happiness @stopforamoment @mariamulroney @indiacater @wolverinesbeer . Let me know if you wanna be tagged as well ^^
“We’ll have to ask Leon first.” Jackson nudged Val, when the proposition came up.
“Leon? Is he your leader? Back in your base camp?” Kenna quickly caught up, and Val and Jackson had no other choice than to nod, telling her the truth.
Jackson seemed to be unsure if they should share the information, biting his lips and playing with the cup in his hands.
Val seemed a bit more convinced, sighing and leaning back in her chair, kicking her legs on top of the table.
“Leon is a former royal guard. And a military captain. He used to guard the former queen, Adriana. Or the fool queen, as everyone are calling her nowdays. Now he's our leader.” Val explained.
“Pretty boy Jackson over here used to be under his service, too. A bunch of other people back at camp, too. They’re just starting to get used to this sort of life...” She added, patting a sack of gold tied to her belt, and pouring herself another mug of ale.
Jackson seems uncomfortable, uneasy - sharing the information. Or rather, maybe with the fact there's no glory or pride in being a merchenary.
Kenna nods once, getting the message, but deciding to to pry further right now.
“So, you’ll just have to take me to this Leon.” Kenna decides, and no one at the table argues with her.
Twilight started blooming just as they made it out of the secret passage of Aurelia and into the forest grove.
Accompanied by Jackson, Val, some of their mercenaries, Annelyse, Raydan, Dom and a very few Aurelian royal guards, they were headed into the camp of the mercenaries.
Although the view of the forest was much familiar to Kenna than hidden cities and fancy castles, she did not know this particular place, and had to completely rely on her new allies, without looking as if she didn’t know what she was doing.
And trust her, at this moment she didn’t. But something that Annelyse said had struck Kenna. And if what Annelyse said was true, then Kenna needed to find herself a leader. She was the brain behind the cause, the plan - but she wasn't much of a leader, was she?
She was just a simple girl from a simple village with big dreams and determination. That couldn't be enough.
A voice brought Kenna back to reality, and out of her thinking process.
“We should probably make camp soon, we won’t make it till nightfall and we don’t have many hours of light in our favor.” Jackson said, something in his voice sounded different. Something - Dutiful - Kenna realized.
The soldier in him was showing, but for a change, Val didn’t tease him about it.
“He’s right.” Raydan commented, taking off his backpack and placing it on the ground. “And this place should be perfect for camp.”
Jackson nodded, approvingly, and soon the mercenaries and soldiers alike were setting up the camp.
Kenna had to admit, she has never done that before - Set up a tent, all by herself.
Scowling, she looked down at the parts of the tent, but couldn't piece together how they could connect. She tried building them up, but the shape of the tent turned out crooked and looked unstable at all.
She was going to try again, when she felt someone watching her from the corner of her eye. It seemed even more ridiculous not being able to build a tent while knowing you're being watched.
“Are you going to just stand there and watch or you’ll come over and help me?” She sighed, Raydan only chuckled in good spirits, before making his way over to her.
“I was only waiting for you to ask, my lady.” He grinned at her, making the way he straightened the shape of Kenna’s tent look almost effortless.
Kenna rolled her eyes, but couldn't hide a small smile forming over her lips.
“Right, sorry. Thank you for helping me.” She regained her composure, happy it was Raydan she had lost her cool nearby, and not someone else. She wasn’t sure why, since she still needed to set a good impression on all of her new group-members, but something about the way Raydan looked at her made her feel at ease.
Of course, he was a spymaster and had a talent to making people feel this way, so she fought the urge to be swayed by him so quickly.
“The pleasure’s all mine,” He assured, presenting the final product in front of her, as her tent stood tall between the other tents of the campsite.
After the tents were all set up, a campfire was started and soon songs and stories could be heard echoing in the distance.
It was awkward, at first, since the soldiers of Aurelia and a group of mercenaries had nothing in common, at first glance. But right now there was something that bounded them together and slowly, but surely, they joined each other and mingled around the fire.
It was thankful, that the search-parties of the Nevrakis army didn’t go this far into the woods, and that everyone could enjoy the night as it went on.
Kenna decided to call it a night early and retire to her tent, a lot on her mind.
A few curious faces had made it sure they were interested to hear what was on her heart - Raydan and Dominic’s included - she noticed, but Kenna sent an apologetic smile that sent out a clear message of not wanting to be disturbed, and disappeared into her tent without a further hassle.
She couldn’t fall asleep, not as long she left that one matter untouched.
Annelyse said Kenna was the true leader this rebellion needed.
Leader? Kenna never thought of it like that.
Yes, she wanted to do what’s right, to bring Luther to justice and redeem the five kingdoms of his crimes.
But up until now, she just figured she’d gather the right people, and put them on their path.
Could Kenna truly be the leader they needed?
No... She couldn't possibly be. But maybe Leon could be, she thought to herself. Or maybe she'll find someone else. Someone who could truly rise to the challange. A true leader.
She fell asleep, still not having a proper answer to the questions running through her mind. But exhaustion washed over her, and got the best of her.
She had a dreamless night sleep, and woke up not feeling better than she had when she fallen asleep.
But her body got the rest it needed, and soon, with the first light of day - they were back on their way.
As soon as the sun showed the first signs of shining, Kenna was out of her tent. Surprisingly, Val and Jackson were already out. They seemed as if they were deep in conversation, and Kenna wondered if that meant they still didn't trust in her.
Shaking her head, realizing doubting a stranger they've only met a couple nights ago was understandable, she decided to let herself be known and cleared her throat, approaching them.
"Kenna! Just the person I wanted to see," Val's smile was bright, but serious. Something Kenna found unfamiliar of the mischievous gal.
"Oh?" She blinked at her. "You wanted to see me?"
“We’ll be entering our territory soon, the one Leon’s man and us mercenaries guard. And we can’t just go around bringing so many unfamiliar foreigners with us. Let along with all your weapons and such.” Val’s gaze was intense, piercing, as she scanned the Aurelian soldiers tents.
“We’ll have to head in with a small group, and we’ll have to take your weapons away. I know it doesn’t sound too good, but this is our policy. And if you want to be on Leon’s good side, you better obey it.” Jackson explained. He looked more comfortable than the day before, but still wary of Kenna more than Val seemed to be.
Kenna gulped soundlessly, praying no one noticed it, before nodding. "That makes sense. I'll talk to Annelyse right away."
Val and Jackson shared a relieved smile. "Glad you could understand us."
Kenna made her way towards Annelyse's tent. Two royal guards stood at the door.
"You cannot enter. The queen wishes no one to interrupt her." One soldier said firmly.
"I need to talk to her. It's urgent." She tried to sound as determined as possible, wondering whether Annelyse would even agree to such terms.
"We can't disobey the queen’s wishes-" The guard started answering Kenna, when a lovely voice behind him called out. "Is it Kenna's voice? Let her in, please!"
The guard nodded, once, and cleared the way for Kenna to enter Annelyse's tent.
Kenna was watching as the thoughts raced through Annelyse's mind. She explained everything and waited for Annelyse's final decision.
Finally, Annelyse sighed, and Kenna bit at her lip in anticipation.
"Very well. But Raydan is coming with us. It's not up for debate." Annelyse nodded, and Kenna felt relieved.
"I'm sure they'll be fine with it." She smiled at Annelyse, and the queen smiled back at her.
Leaving most of the group behind, they now headed as a small group into the headquarters of the mercenaries and former soldier’s.
Defenseless, although Kenna guessed Raydan had a hidden dagger on him or two, they now headed to meet with Leon Sterling, and recruit him to their cause.
Kenna’s mind still wasn’t at ease. What possibly could she offer Leon? How could she persuade him?
Even Jackson didn't seem entirely convinced, and he was only a soldier. Leon was an army's captain. He must be even tougher to convince.
Glory and honor, alongside with gold could do the trick, but Kenna had a feeling she’ll need more than that. She’ll need to convince Leon he could believe in her, she’ll need to convince him her plan wasn’t a false hope, she’ll need to convince him to lead her cause for her.
“Kenna, what is it?” Dom was the first to ask, seeing her troubled expression.
She almost gasped, regaining her cool at the last second and forcing a smile. “Nothing.” She shook her head, as if shaking the thought away off her mind.
“M’just tired.” She lied, but skillfully so. “I’ll be better once we arrive.” She assured him.
She didn’t know if Dom truly believe her, but in anyway - he decided to play along and nodded, leaving her be.
After that, Kenna minded her facial expressions, she couldn’t have people realizing something was bothering her right now.
She couldn’t tell Dom what was the problem. She was the one that signed him off to this journey in the first place. How could she tell him she doubted herself now?
No, she couldn’t. She decided.
But she couldn’t trust Raydan nor Annelyse with it either.
The pair didn’t know her enough, and she would be crazy to go and plant seeds of doubt in their hearts. No, she needed them to trust her, so she’ll have to figure it out on her own. She'll have to trust herself.
Lastly, she had Jackson and Val travelling with her. With whom she couldn’t share her doubts too, but at least she could take comfort in the fact that they didn’t know nothing of her plans just yet.
The only thing she told them was that she had a job offering for them, and that she had mountains of gold to repay them with.
Annelyse, Raydan or Dom seeing doubt in her eyes was far more dangerous than Val or Jackson noticing it.
Kenna still haven’t made up her mind when they started closing into the campsite, but at least she put on a brave face.
“Who’s the new meat?” A huge man asked, talking to Jackson and Val, obviously familiar with them.
He was taller and bulkier than any man Kenna had ever met, and had a few scars along his face and torso that could probably tell stories Kenna never even dreamt of.
“They’re friends. From Aurelia. They say they have a job offer for us.” Jackson explained, keeping it as short as possible.
The man scowled, looking unconvinced, but he didn’t say anything further.
After looking down on them for a few more seconds, he turned and left to fend on his own matters.
It felt as if they could sigh in relief, passing some sort of a test. Even though the tough part was still ahead.
“I’ll go talk to Leon. See when can he see you. Make yourself comfortable in the meanwhile.” Jackson turned to the group, before bowing his head slightly goodbye.
Looking around herself, Kenna realized it wasn’t really possible to make herself comfortable in the zone she entered.
Everyone around her were carrying weapons, repairing blood-stained armor or drinking more than seemed humanly possible.
It wasn’t at all something Kenna was familiar with, and she took a step back only to bump into someone.
“Oh! I’m sorry!” She blurted out the apology even before turning around, not even seeing who she bumped into.
She prayed it wasn't the huge man from before. Her heart thumped in her chest as she turned around, letting out a sigh of relief.
It was an old man, hair grey and kind eyes. Surprising for the environment she was surrounded with.
“It’s no trouble,” He assured her, a smile blooming into his lips.
After further inspecting him, she realized he must’ve been a former Stormholt soldier as well, he had good-looking uniform, and many medals decorated his chest.
“Are you alright, my dear? It seems as if you saw a ghost. I know I’m old but I’m still kicking.” He joked, when Kenna remained silent for too long.
“Oh! Of course, I’m fine.” She gasped again, but quickly caught up and smiled. The man was indeed kind, it appeared, and making allies in camp seemed a smart choice.
“I just feel a bit out of place.” She admitted, not knowing why she chose to share it with the man in front of her. Maybe to return friendly conversation.
He looked thoughtful, for a moment, looking around himself.
“Aren’t we all sometimes?” He asked, eventually, motioning for Kenna to follow him.
She did, even though her eyes stayed trained on the rest of her group, and she made sure not to wander too far away.
Dom was staring worriedly at her, but she had a feeling the strange old man wasn’t going to hurt her.
He sat down on a tree-truck that was flipped on its side, and had plenty of place for Kenna to join him. She did so without waiting for a invitation, but it seemed to be exactly what the man hoped for.
He stared into the fire in front of them for a few long moments. Long enough for Kenna to wonder whether he was going to speak up again or not.
She stretched out her hands in front of the fire, warming herself up. Only now she realized, how strained she was from their journey.
She could finally have a second to sit down and just breath, and god knew how much she needed that.
After a few more seconds, she looked back at the old man.
examining his uniform, now more closely, she realized that all of those soldiers walking around camp had not felt at home either.
Of course, the mercenaries had a certain lifestyle, but most of those soldiers had only joined in two years ago, when Luther seized Stormholt.
Those were the survivors, the ones who got away and weren’t forced to join Luther’s forces.
“Tell me, what’s bothering you, my dear?” The old man finally spoke again, but still haven’t lifted his eyes of the fire in front of him.
Kenna wondered if the warming nice feeling of the fire had brought entirely different memories to the man. Memories of Stormholt’s walls burning, for an example, flooded her mind.
She shook her head, biting her lip.
Should she confide in that man? It couldn’t hurt, really. He wasn’t crucial to her plan, not right now at least. And she definitely needed to sort out her thoughts before the meeting with Leon.
Maybe he’ll have some wisdom to share with her.
"Well, it's a long story, but I'm gathering a group of people for a... Certain cause. A... life-changing cause, for many people. And I need to find a person who could lead them.
You see, we're going to have some tough decisions to make, and I don't have any idea how can I possibly find someone who would be willing to do that." Kenna tried explaining herself without giving too much information away.
“But that’s great,” The man finally turned to face her, his own face lightning up.
"Is it?" She raised her eyebrows at him.
"It sounds to me like you already got yourself a leader. Or rather, that you are the leader of this group."
Kenna shook her head at the man. "No, how can I? I've never done anything like it before. How will I know if I'm up for the job?"
He did take the time to evaluate what she just said, before replying.
“Well, only because you’ve never done this before does not mean you can’t do it now. And that cause of yours... Tell me, do you believe in it?” He was looking deeply into Kenna’s eyes, as if he saw there something she couldn’t.
“Yes, I do, with all my heart.” If there was something Kenna was certain in of at the moment, is that the cause she was fighting for was right. She answered right away, not one doubt in her.
This was the only course of action she could see.
“Then I think you can do it.
And I think your friends think so too." She followed his gaze, all of her companions sat down not too far from them.
Out of earshot, but close enough to run to her aid if she needed that.
She looked back at him, suddenly feeling much better.
Maybe he was right. Maybe she should've listened to Annelyse from the start.
She didn't have to convince Leon to lead her group for her. She was it's leader.
She needed to convince Leon to join forces with her. One leader to another.
And that would be the only way it could work, that would be the only way he’d consider joining her.
She was the heart of the rebellion, and she was going to be it’s leader, now, too.
She had no idea why the words of a stranger assured her so much, but he seemed to know what he was talking about.
“Thank you,” She tilted her head to the side, letting him know she was convinced and grateful.
“You’re very welcome, my dear.” He nodded back. “And I think I could be of more use to you.”
He looked back into the fire, but this time his expression was different.
For starters, it was readable. And it seemed as if he was discovering a new fire - within himself.
“What do you mean?” Kenna questioned, although she wasn’t going to disagree with him at all. He did help her make a final decision and feel at peace with it. And she could use all the help she could get.
“I haven’t really introduced myself, have I?” He turned back to her. “My name is Gabriel Amarne. I was the princess’s official royal bodyguard. The queen-to-be.” He told her, some pieces finally falling into place.
“I haven’t done a particularly good job, I admit,” Sorrow washed over his face, as he took off a part of his armor and showed Kenna a huge scar that bore into his chest, right above where his heart was.
“I was struck, jumping before her and lost all consciousnesses. When I woke up, they were already gone. All of them. And my man pulled me out to safety.” He said. “Nothing I can do will bring them back, I know that. But maybe I can start to make amends by helping you?”
Kenna’s eyes widened in shock. The official royal bodyguard was sitting in front of her, suggesting his services to her. He gave her time, all the time she needed, in fact.
“I would be honored.” She finally said, taking his hands in hers.
“I offer my services as a bodyguard as well as my advice,” He smiled at her, a weak smile that showed he was still in pain over the people he lost. It was obvious he didn’t only view them as his duty of protection but they were also dear to his heart.
“But how... Do you know I’ll need a bodyguard?” Kenna wondered out loud. She haven’t told him her plan was to take down Luther’s regain yet.
“You said your cause would be life-changing for many people. There aren’t many things this could mean in this time and place.” Gabriel raised his eyebrow at her, and Kenna knew she had made the right decision, accepting his services and also his advice.
He was clever, and would have valuable advice, since he already realized what her plan was. Well - the outlines, at least.
Kenna shook her head. “I guess there aren’t indeed.” She smiled at him. “Shall I walk you through it?” She asked, now sensing her new-found determination and clarity.
