"Will you teach me how to fight?" she asked him.
Weran was only a year or two older than her, but he had already made his living in many ways, some not always respectable. So even at sixteen he knew as much about the fighting arts as any soldier. "Well, I don't know 'cause you see now, I'm common born, and us don't fight the same's you nobles, and it ain't proper for a girl, 'specially not a high-born one like yourself, t'be learnin' t'fight like us." was his reply.
"Oh, don't be silly," replied Allorna, "What would you care about what's proper, or what the rest of the Court thinks? You've done so many 'improper' things in your lifetime, teaching me'll be the least of your worries. Besides, no none'll find out!"
"Well, you're the Empress, and I 'spose I got to obey your orders..."
"Good, we begin tomorrow at noon."
And before Weran could reply, she was gone.
So starting the next day, Weran taught Allorna the fighting arts, and the Raiders fought the Licornian army in the Unicorn Forests, but they were mostly commanded by Duke Erodel, so the Empress recieved little news of the battles. The Council held its meetings without her, so she was surprised when she was asked to attend one.
"'Tis bad news, if an old woman's instincts are worth anything." Allorna was told by her personal servant, Serna, who had been sent by the Council to bring her Empress the War Chamber on a summer day.
"Don't be an idiot, Serna," was Allorna's reply, "I'm sure the Council just wants to give some reports or something."
But the old serving-woman was right. Duke Erodel had sent for Allorna because not only were the Unicorn Forests being destroyed by the foreign Raiders, but they were also extremely short on men and it would be virtually impossible to continue the war.
"Our best choice is to surrender, I'm afraid." Erodel told her.
"But we can't surrender! This is our territory! And they have no right to invade it!" she replied.
"As you wish, Your Majesty."
"What should I do? Now they know I am weak, and I can't wage a war, and Lord Agriador is probably laughing his head off right now for getting the better of me! So how can I win this war? Serna, please help me!" Allorna asked her servant, the following morning. Serna smiled mysteriously.
"Use this." the serving-woman said, pointing at the golden Unicorn. Allorna fingered her forehead.
"What could I do with this?" she asked.
"Ah. That's for you to find out." Serna said, smiling again.
