They were sat back in Esme's cabin that she was moved into after her crimes a week before.

'I'm going back, and I'm going to do it Fran,' she said.

'You're completely insane if you think you're taking them on alone.'

'I owe it to everyone after what's happened. And besides, I won't be fighting alone. I plan to make an army.'

'An army? And where are you going to find these people?' Fran asked.

Esme realised that Fran had no idea what Bellicosus was.

'Fran, in this kingdom, they're all swordfighters. They have competitions to decide everyone's place, and it's essentially all run on the sport. Some of my friends are the best in the kingdom, we're going to ask for their help.'

Back at the palace, Esme had decided to tell Adalia and Darcey about her plan before the others.

'I'm down for it if we have a decent chance at survival,' Adalia said.

'Actually,' Darcey chimed in, 'If I join the fight, some of the palace guards will have to go as well, since I'm second in command in the kingdom. So it makes sense that I go and bring some with me who can fight as well, even if they're just doing it to protect me, it's still something right?'

'That's amazing!' Esme exclaimed, 'we'll be OK, I promise you.'

Esme also knew that she was going to have to approach Theo, Colin and Gabriel as well. Which turned out to be an easier task than she thought, they were keen for a bit of adventure and to help their friend out.

'Esme, we're like a family here,' Gabriel explained, 'and that means we have to stick together.'

'Agreed,' Theo said, 'and it must be awful to see your home go up in flames, if that was here, I'd do everything I could to defend it. So, I will do what I can to help you defend yours as well.'

'Thank you so so much, all of you.' Esme said delightedly.

'It's really no problem,' Colin responded, 'anything to help our friend. And it'll be a great chance for some adventure, I haven't left this place in years.'

Esme rushed back to tell Fran the good news and found pieces of parchment paper covering the floor. Fran really hadn't changed a bit, she thought.

The paper was covered in sketches of inventions. Diagrams and scribbles made filled each page, most of them Esme didn't understand, but Fran had always been the most creative girl she knew.

'Do you like them?' She asked, 'I've come up with some ideas that I can make so we can use in the fight.'

'I love them, Fran.'

They smiled at eachother, it was just like old times.

'Let's go and defend our town.'