Most people would presume a newly anointed commander would stop to smell the roses. Or at the very least drink enough at her own celebration that working in the morning would have been impossible. If such people were to presume that their new commander would do anything but throw herself into her work, they would be wrong.

Lexa kom Trikru was nothing if not a diligent worker. The moment her customary celebration was over the first stages of her plan were set in motion. Rising at dawn, Lexa now waited in her meeting chamber for her advisers. Each advisor was instructed to drink sparingly last night so they'd be prepared for this quintessential gathering.

She was the first to arrive followed quickly by Gustus. The mountain of a man was ever her shadow; he was a loyal guard, an excellent general and practically family. Lexa took her position at the head of the table while Gustus sat on her right.

Soon after their arrival Titus slinked in, giving only a quick bow to his new Heda. The ageing flamekeeper held himself well. Having served 4 commanders before herself, Lexa was very much aware that his loyalties lie, with the position of Heda not with Lexa herself. Still, he was a capable teacher for the remaining night bloods too young for the conclave. If she failed, they would need to be ready. The balding flamekeeper took place to Lexa's left.

Next in was one of Lexa's trusted scouts, Lincoln. Bowing to Lexa he dared not move until Lexa told him to take a seat. Titus seemed confused by his presence but didn't break the silence. If Lexa wanted him here, then there had to be a reason. Said reason was that Lincoln had recently been involved with some rather... interesting individuals that would soon be discussed. Lincoln took the seat on the far left of the table as if to appear as inconspicuous as possible. Likely he didn't feel worthy of this meeting with his commander. Pleased by his humility, Lexa gave a small nod as if to validate his presence.

The last members of their conference arrived together. Anya and Indra were both respected Trikru generals. Indra knelt before her commander out of genuine respect, not just for the station but out of respect for Lexa as well. The dark-skinned warrior had often been Lexa's council in her early years, and Indra had yet to be outshone in the aspects of duty and honour. Anya, on the other hand, stayed upright, merely giving a slight bow of the head to Lexa accompanied by a wide smirk. Likely annoying Titus to no end but Anya was practically her mother, never being punished for making light of formalities. Gesturing for the two women to take their seats, Lexa prepared to start her meeting. Anya took the place next to Gustus, and Indra took the next chair down.

Now that everyone was here, they each stared at Lexa. Not one of them knew why they had gathered today. Lexa let the silence drag on for a moment as she met the eyes of each occupant of the room. Each person's eyes held various amounts of curiosity and trepidation about why they were here, so Lexa finally decided to put them out of their collective misery.

"I intend to unite the 12 clans."

She could see that it wasn't what most of them were expecting. Shocked looks were present in each of their faces in distinctly different degrees. Surprisingly Indra was the first to hesitantly break the stunned silence.

"Heda. Are you sure it is… wise to attempt this. There may have been alliances between two or three clans before, but surely there's too much animosity to unite all 12. We have all been each other's enemies for generations."

Lexa locked eyes with Indra, speaking her well-rehearsed reply. "There is an enemy Indra, one that terrorises all clans. One steals our people either to never be seen again or to be transformed into the rabid reapers. An enemy that stands as a testament to fear and death, raining down fire from the sky and poisoning the air itself."

"You speak of the mountain." Lexa knew Anya would be the first to figure it out. Glancing at her Mentor, she saw a fleeting sadness and anger, no doubt remembered those lost to the mountains grasp. "You seek to make the 12 clans into 1 alliance against the mountain. Using it as a common enemy to unite us."

Looking around the room, Lexa saw the scepticism fade, replaced by deep thought. Good, they were focused on the how now instead of whether or not it was possible. Now only one question remained in their minds. Which clan was first?

Titus leaned forward to speak, "The boat and broadleaf clans were our allies in the last war against the Ice Nation. They would not be hard to convince. With them the Lake clan would probably desire to join and whilst it's been a while since the plain riders were our allies there's been no hosti-"

"If this coalition of clans is to stand, we cannot start with our closest allies." Lexa watched as Titus bristled at being interrupted but held his tongue. She was the commander and would bring them to the same conclusion as her even if she had to drag them there. "If we start with our allies, then our oldest enemies, such as the Ice nation or Rock clan, would claim we were weak. They'd then create their own alliance out of spite, the resulting war would cost all sides."

Gustus brow furrowed in concern, "You can't mean to start with our enemies Heda. They would likely work with us only to attack us the moment our back our turned. If they even pretend to join us at all."

Lexa offered him a small smile. Touched that after all these years he still looked out for her safety as more than just a commander. "No Gustus. If I were to start with any of our most fervent enemies, the coalition would collapse before it even started. Titus was right, the Broadleaf clan, Lake clan, Boat Clan and Plain's riders would be the easiest to begin with.

Meanwhile, the Ice Nation, Stone clan and Blue Cliff clan will resist us at every opportunity. We cannot start with either of these groups. We will need to start with one of the clans with a neutral disposition towards us."

Lexa let them consider this for a moment before continuing. "Of all the neutral clans, there is only 1 person who holds enough respect and influence to help us turn the other clans towards a coalition." As it dawned on those gathered she saw the uncertain looks return but pressed on before anyone could interrupt. "We will start this coalition with the Desert clan. It will all depend on if I can Convince Wanheda to join us."

"Heda, we can not start your coalition with such an unknown enemy. We know nothing of the desert clans cities or armies. How can we-"

"That is why Gustus I have asked Lincoln here. Out of all of the scouts and spies we have sent into the desert, he made it the furthest and gathered the most information. I have asked him here to present us all known information on the desert clan and Wanheda herself."

All eyes were on the warrior who had not yet dared to speak. "Lincoln, I want you now to share all you know."

Out of respect, Lincoln stood at attention in front of the conference table to begin his report.

Then, with feigned confidence, he recited his findings. "Sha Heda, as you know for a long time the desert clan was one of the weakest clans among the 12. This was due to their lack of unity. Since the desert was filled with those we banished, through crimes or being mutated by the invisible fire, they were comprised of warring tribes. Any invading the desert wouldn't find an army to fight. Instead, be worn down by raiding parties but would ultimately kill any large force they found. There simply weren't enough men in the tribes to field strength that could fight any of the other clans' armies. Invading forces would usually travel through the desert to fight other clans; they were unconcerned with the minimal losses of doing so.

This all changed with the arrival of Wanheda Clarke and the Skaifellen 5 years ago.

Clarke, the leader of the tribe known as the Skaifellen, united almost all of the desert tribes while Clarke personally killed the rest."

Indra spoke up, "How did Wanheda kill the resisting tribes?" Likely Indra wanted to avoid any of our forces succumbing to the same fate.

Lincoln shifted uncomfortably, "I do not know General. Those in the desert didn't want to speak of it, probably in fear of angering the Skaifellen. Even when I had the opportunity to ask a member of the Skaifellen, she simply told me, 'Clarke killed them'."

Indra huffed at this while Lincoln continued reporting. "I am unsure if any of the clans were unaware of the unification within the desert or simply thought that they would still be unable to fight a well-organised force. Either way, the Rock clan decided to attack the broadleaf clan through the desert to avoid the broadleaf's allies. Although they made their way through easily at first, burning and pillaging as they went, we are unsure of what happened as they got deeper into the desert. I would assume an ambush, but one thing is for certain, not a single man from the rock clan made it out alive.

Hearing of the incoming attack from the rock clan but unaware of its fate, the broadleaf and lake clans sent a united vanguard to slow down the invaders. The vanguard was decimated in a night attack, their food destroyed and surrounded on all sides by superior numbers. Those who surrendered were brought to where the rock clan army was slaughtered. Brought with them were as many spies as the desert clan could route out. Before them stood Wanheda, behind her thousands of dead.

Wanheda addressed them, 'Look what I have done here. Burn it into your memories. Those who came to this land seeking death, were gifted it by those perseverating in this land for their life. The only reason you are all not corpses is that unlike those behind me, you did not kill and pillage my land as you invaded it…. But you did invade it. That has to have a cost. The price for what you have done will be this then. You will live on, you will return to your lands telling all those you meet what you saw here and tell them that those in the desert reap what they sow. Now get out of my desert. Flee, run for your lives for those who remain might not be so lucky.'"

"What were the numbers of the various forces involved?" Anya queried.

"The dead rock clan members were thought to be their full second company numbering between 6 and 7 hundred. The United vanguard was 300 with around 60 survivors. Back then the desert clans army was thought to be around the 500 mark not including the 100 or so dead from the battles but from what I've seen they could easily field at least 1000."

While it wasn't as large a force as the most prominent clans, such as the ice nation or the glowing Forest, it was still a significant force. More worrying was the lack of substantial losses. An army can't only lose 100 men when killing nearly 1000, no matter how Wanheda led them.

Sadly the loss of one of their armies had done little but anger the rock clan. With their large population rebuilding the lost forces, at least partially, hadn't taken too long. Although strikes directly against the desert were actively avoided, that didn't stop them from attacking anyone who traded with them.

Lincoln took the room's silence as a signal to continue. "In the years since there have been numerous minor conflicts with various clans attempting to prove superior to the deserts newfound strength. Though there has been only one more case of army slaughtering. The blue cliff tribe had raised the Plain riders, kidnapping a large portion of their people and sought to retreat through the desert. Their prisoners were to be enslaved, they were barely fed, and many were wounded.

During the trip through the desert, the blue cliff troops were constantly harassed by horse-riding archers. By the time they were mobilised enough to chase the archers were retreating. Any scouts they sent out were killed, so they were forced to journey more or less blind through the desert. As they neared the middle of their journey, they ran across an army, with each man holding a long spear. As the blue cliff charged their enemy the army, several lines thick, had each man place his spear so that the tip went past the front line. This caused devastating damage to the charging force as they hit a wall of spikes, but this proved just to be a distraction.

While the blue cliff was distracted the horse archers who had harassed them throughout their journey came on mass, attacking the rear flank to free the prisoners. Clarke apparently even slue the enemy general the blue cliff command structure into disarray. When the blue cliff front lines turned to deal with the archers, the spearman started to advance. In the end, the army had to fight on two fronts and lost both; almost all 500 of them dying. The only survivors being those who dishonourably ran.

After the battle, Clarke started to personally heal the wounded. It was at this time the plains riders arrived. They were only a small contingent force; they were only going to try to extract the prisoners not fight a war. Rather than be killed, like every other military force that had recently entered the desert, they were welcomed.

Clarke said that since they came only seeking the return of their own people they were to be treated as guests. They stayed a few days while Clarke stabilised the wounded prisoners. According to the Plain riders, she even breathed new life into the fallen, as if she chose who lived and died. It was soon after these people started calling her Wanheda.

When the wounded were safe to travel Clarke allowed them safe passage from the desert. Later plain rider officials came and negotiated trade deals with the desert clan."

"Has their trade drawn them closer together as allies?" Titus no doubt wanted to know whether or not the Trikru could rely on their older alliances with the Plain rider's if the desert clan sided with our enemies. Lincoln seemed to notice this as well when he replied

"While the plain riders have nothing but respect for Wanheda, it unlikely they have grown any closer. Wanheda never leaves the desert and would not allow a large military force to enter her lands. It is unlikely that they would enter into a military alliance."

Lexa offered an appreciative nod before deciding to move this along. "Thank you, Lincoln, for bringing us all up to date with Wanheda's major conflicts. But I would hear your personal experience of her clan and people."

"Sha Heda, I entered their land posing as a recently banished hunter. The edge of their territories are comprised of trading posts and nomadic groups. The trading posts would be built upon oases while the nomads either raised cattle or scavenged metal. Everyone, nomad or trader, was ready to quickly retreat deeper into the desert for safety in case of attack.

Deeper into their territory I found forts evidently meant to be strong points in case of invasion. Past these, I arrived at a large growing city. Everything seemed new. It was built on the largest oasis I've ever seen. With irrigation canals going to large varieties of crops. The city housed thousands; new homes were being made out of sandstone and metal.

After a few days, I met a Skaifellen called Octavia from whom I learnt most of what I've told you. In my eagerness to learn as much as I could, I may have… tipped my hand. Octavia's brother and Clarke's second in command Bellamy discovered I was a spy. He wanted to have me executed. Octavia convinced him otherwise informing him that Clarke knew I was a spy and had sent Octavia to watch me. Hearing of Wanheda's involvement, he cooled but still demanded my removal from the desert."

So Wanheda knew we had sent spies into one of her cities. That was… unfortunate, but not unexplainable. She would likely understand, after all, Clarke didn't have Lincoln executed. "Lincoln, did you see Wanheda during your time there?" Lexa inquired.

"No Heda. Octavia mentioned that Wanheda was travelling, but she could have easily been their capital instead." Lincoln digitally replied.

At this, Anya stirred. "Was the vast city you arrived at not the desert capital?"

"I do not believe so general. While it was a beautiful city, I only ever saw a couple dozen Skaifellen. We know the tribes of the desert clan could number over a thousand so any tribe that conquered the rest had to have similar numbers. I believe the Skaifellen must have their own city somewhere, acting as the capital.

The other desert dwellers speak of the Skaifellen with only respect and reverence, so it wouldn't be unlikely for them to have their own city. Sadly, if this is true, I have no idea where it could be."

Crap. Wanheda was likely ruling from this mysterious other city. If Lexa wanted to negotiate with her now, she would have to go to her other city and wait rather than just going straight to Wanheda. After all, no one was going to tell a foreign commander the location of their uniters city

Taking a deep breath, briefly closing her eyes as she exhaled, Lexa decided what she must do.

"Lincoln," all eyes were on Lexa as she spoke. "You will guide me and a few others to the city you know of. There, our coalition shall begin."

"I'm going with you," Gustus immediately stated to know one's surprise.

"As am I," Anya followed as Lexa nodded her ascent to Gustus. Approval for Anya took a moment longer. Lexa had hoped she would elect to stay but had expected otherwise.

"Indra," the general I question bowed her head in response. "In our absence, you will lead the Trikru armies. One of our enemies may take the opportunity to attack. Make them pay for it."

"Sha, Heda."

Turning to face the last member of the group, Titus looked a mix of proud and displeased. "Perhaps bringing an ally to the meeting would help convince Wanheda-"

"No," Lexa silenced Titus. "If this coalition is to begin, it must begin with her."

A long pause stretched between them, before some mix of a smile and a grimace filled Titus's face. "...Sha, Heda."

"You will remain in Polis with the night bloods, in case another conclave is needed." Why it would be needed didn't need to be said.

Looking at each member of the table, Lexa allowed a smile to cross her face. "Prepare yourselves. We leave within a week."

Finally, her dream began.