From what the man, Rowd or Loud or something to that effect, said, Jouston had attacked and violently murdered every soldier who had lived there. Even worse, the Unicorn Brigade was composed of young men from all over the southern areas of Jouston, a training ground before they would have joined the army. In a short time, the children who'd been training there would have been able to return home, because of the treaty. But how could any treaty stand up against this? Jillia didn't want to think that Mayor Anabelle had planned this, but others were not so charitable. She knew she wouldn't want to be present when the war leaders discussed this, instead of just the politicians.

"We cannot allow this direct insult to the honor of Highland go ignored!" shouted one angry alderman.

Another, on the same side but for different reasons, shot back, "What of honor? It is the children slain in this ambush that must be avenged! The people will demand no less!"

The shouting had gone on for quite some time, but how long Jillia could not tell. The council chamber had no clocks or methods to tell time in it. The original reasons being so that no one tried to suggest they retire for the evening during an important meeting, which they could not do very well without knowing how late in the evening it was. After that silly reason wore thin, no one ever got around to adding timepieces.

Jillia did not have any voting abilities in the court, despite sitting in on many discussions. That would come in a few years, when the old men running the country noticed that she was no longer eight.

"If I may, gentlemen," she said quietly. It was a different tone than she had taken after just returning with the treaty, but they quieted to listen to her none the less. "Perhaps someone should go to the Unicorn Camp and see the damage personally. It seems a little impulsive to declare war again when the only people who have seen the damage are a hysterical general just rescued and Prince Ruka who, if you'll pardon my saying so, has a great fondness for war."

A few of the men glared at her, but many nodded their heads in silent agreement. No one wanted to bring up the possibility that the Prince might have... tilted the story to suit his own wishes. It was an idea none of his supporters would consider, but those more neutral did.

"And who do you propose go to investigate this camp of the dead?" a middle aged man, too fond of his comforts in the castle, said, "This council can't afford to waste a few days visiting the graves of young boys just because some foolish girl doesn't want to believe in what she's been told happened."

Jillia's eyes narrowed. This was the worst sort of politician, she decided, the kind that wasn't willing to accept the intelligence of a 'mere girl'. If she'd turned out like Ruka in personality, she had a good idea that he would be spouting blood by now. "The entire council need not go," she said, keeping outward calm, "A scouting party including healers, an investigator, and a number of guards to protect them is all that is necessary. They could visit the site, learn what they can, and return here with any information they gather. I would also like to visit Kyaro and speak to the citizens. They must know the truth of the matter before rumors spread like wildfire."

Some were still looking disagreeable, but those unprejusticed enough to see her logic considered it. She had a talent for making people see her way and agreeing with it. She sat quietly to watch them end the argument themselves. If necessary, she would add additional input, but that seemed unlikely.