Into The Storm

18

Rosalis and Forthwind returned to Wolfgrimm's castle, Rosalis donning her armour once more. Armoured warriors dashed all over the place, swords strapped to their waists. Everyone proceeded to arm themselves with spears, axes and shields. There was a rack of less than twenty longswords, reserved for only the most elite. Then it clicked in Rosalis' mind. Wolfgrimm was preparing to launch an attack on Frinnor. He was preparing for war. They proceeded to sneak through the city and made their way onto a balcony on the palace. They both stood next to a window and carefully peeked inside. Wolfgrimm sat in his chambers, sharpening his greatsword with a smooth rock that he was using as a natural whetstone. Suddenly, he snapped his head towards them. He then put his sword down onto a table, along with the stone and walked up to the window. He opened it and looked outside. Rosalis and Forthwind had their backs pressed to the wall as far as they could, trying not to breathe too loudly. After a couple of tense moments, Wolfgrimm closed the window and went back to his sword.

Rosalis finally returned to Frinnor, Forthwind by her side and immediately strode into the king's hall. Edmund looked up from his throne. Rosalis stopped in front of him and immediately collapsed to one knee, bowing her head down. Forthwind followed suit.

"What news do you bring?" Edmund asked. "Is it done?"

"No, my lord." Rosalis replied. "As we speak, Wolfgrimm is preparing to attack the kingdom."

The king sighed. "Then we have no choice but to prepare for war."

"I sincerely hope that you will accept my apology for failing my mission."

"You have not failed me as of yet." Edmund replied kindly. "Only when Frinnor falls to Wolfgrimm, then you will have failed. There is still time for redemption. Once more unto the breach." He lifted one of his hands up, letting them both rise. They did so, standing onto their two feet once more.

"Thank you, my lord."

"Who is the wizard?"

"The name is Forthwind, my lord." The old man introduced himself.

"You might be of great help to us in the coming battle."

Forthwind smiled and inclined his head in a slow and respectful bow.