'We demand a vote!'
There were no comradely greetings. No military salutes. The woman crashed in with a strong northern accent that was difficult to understand. Liala thought the resistance fighters were united in their hatred of the guardians. That might be true but it didn't mean they loved one another.
The issue was leadership. Allain became commander when the old commander was killed. Staying in the job depended on a vote. A crowd gathered around the brazier. With the confusion of costumes it was impossible to say who was high in the resistance movement and who was not.
Voices rang out.
'You don't change horses in midstream.'
'Put it to the vote.'
'It's Allain's plan. Let him see it out.'
'That's got nothing to do with it ...'
The arguing became bitter. They exchanged insults. Liala's blood boiled. So much depended on the plans Crispin and Bryn had put together. The idea of explaining all that to a new commander was chilling. Something propelled her forward.
She jumped from the truck.
'Have you forgotten who you are fighting?'
She walked in amongst them.
'You are arguing when you should be preparing to attack the guardians. There won't be another chance like this again.'
The northern fairy bore down on her.
'Who are you?'
Liala swept back her hood.
'My name is Liala.'
'Yes, love. You and two hundred others like you. Now get back with the other Lialas, like a good girl. And don't give us any more trouble.'
Liala stepped into the light and pulled off her heavy coat.
'Some TV stations are putting out a story that I've been kidnapped by Plaid Koerno That's not true. Bryn Entwhistle helped me escape from the guardians and I joined Plaid Koerno because I want to be part of your struggle.'
A murmur ran through the crowd.
'Look at her skin. It's green like you see on television. And that figure ... there aren't many like that ... and she sounds just like the princess.'
'I sound like her because I am her.'
Liala threw out her arms and looked from one to another.
'Can you fight?' a sarcastic voice asked.
'I have killed three orcas since I joined you.'
'And how many trolls, Princess?'
'Orcas are sea trolls.' Liala turned on the man and pointed a finger at him. 'Orcas have brain implants, just like land trolls. They are controlled by guardians. You should know that!'
A stunned silence followed. Liala guessed she had just insulted a senior member of the resistance movement. Her instinct was to keep up the attack.