Feathers -eng ver-

Chapter 17- Ally

As a mistrusting man -especially towards the prince and his counsellor- Han hadn't even thought of going to the palace unarmed. In his eyes, that was a perfect trap; and he doubted that Killian would pass up his chance for "revenge". He knew the Wizard was out to kill him, and he imagined he would do everything in his power to get his hands on the rest of his family as well.

To avoid that kind of discomfort, therefore, he had armed not only himself, but also Mikhael, Narith, Estel, and even Len. He had made sure that everyone had a weapon to defend themselves, and he had also given them a small magical amulet.

"Whatever situation you find yourself in, this pendant will help you find the rest of the group. Keep it with you at all times so that you can be found quickly. Just think of the person you are looking for: the stone will show you the way to them."

          To the amazement of the entire group, Len had proved to be a great bow shooter and a decent fighter with both sword and dagger. She had demonstrated her skills during one of the breaks in the way to the Palace, while they were letting the horses rest.

She had approached Mikhael and Estel, who were doing a bit of sword practice in case they needed to fight. She had approached the elder holding the sword in her hand, asking him to give her a try and perhaps some advice for improvement.

Out of all men's expectations, she had made herself known as a fast, cunning, aggressive opponent. Dangerous and beautiful, Len could be a deadly rival for those unfortunates who took her as small and inoffensive. Her technique was totally different from the classic technique adopted by her friends, but she was no less. As a colourful and fragrant flower attracts bees to itself, so her eyes attracted the attentions of her opponent, distracting him and leading him into a potentially fatal trap.

The red, curly hair created a soft, wild frame around the pale face, swirling delicately in front of the pink lips, tilted in a small, concentrated smile. The green, half-closed eyes were firm, intense and seductive, capable of deceiving anyone who met them. All she needed was a quick glance, a blink, to send the minds of those who stood in her way into confusion. Mikhael himself had been frozen and disturbed by that enchanting face, devolving several times and giving her the opportunity to strike him.

Although not receiving any of Len's magnetic glances, the other men had also been enchanted and awed. They gazed open-mouthed at the girl's agile body, her movements as nimble as that of a venomous snake, her red hair waving in the air, her glowing green eyes. They looked at her hands and the way they gently held the hilt of her sword, the attentive expression painted on her face.

If there was one thing they all agreed on, it was that they didn't want to see her really angry. Her black gaze was even worse than Estel's, and they were sure that one glance from her would be enough to freeze the blood in their veins.

In a way, she exuded an aura of complete control, and it made her look dominant and dangerous.

After months, Narith had once again found himself comparing her to the mythical Dragon Lady, the legendary warrior of fire.

After the small training session was over, Len realised she was receiving the full, complete, attention of the other men. Han looked at her with amazement and pride, Narith was like an excited child, Estel was paralysed on his feet. He stared at her with wide, amazed, almost blank eyes, he seemed scared of how she could change her attitude. He hadn't expected such a thing, to see looks like those from a girl like her.

«Remind me to never make her angry.» Mikhael laughed, breaking the silence and flanking the girl, resting an arm on her shoulders playfully. His gaze shifted from Len's face to those of the spectators, particularly the youngest.