Age of the Dragon 5: Dragons, Riders, and Kings

Hope Renewed - Gwaren

Adaia had been in the process of relaying the latest movements of the armies when someone came running to inform them that some strange noises were coming from below - something that sounded suspiciously like sappers.

Murtagh grabbed his sword, nodding for Adaia to follow him and turning to the lad.

"Get Wilhelm and that golem of his," he ordered. "And scramble the soldiers. If it's an attack, Thorn won't be able to get in far enough to be of any help."

"Aye, My Lord," the lad bowed, then sprinted to obey.

Adaia felt a sudden chill.

"Could it be Darkspawn?" she whispered.

"Let's hope not," Murtagh grimaced. "Fallyn is the one with experience against them, not I."

"She hasn't contacted you?"

"Not yet," Murtagh looked uneasy. "But I know she is unharmed."

"Intuition?" Adaia tilted her head curiously.

"That," Murtagh chuckled. "And Fang. She wouldn't be so calm if something happened to Fallyn."

"Maker be praised," Adaia said earnestly, earning a hearty laugh from Murtagh as they caught up with the lumbering golem and its mage.

Soon, they were all patiently and anxiously waiting as the sound of metal on stone then hissing. The door eventually began to move with the sound of grunting and heaving, accompanied by the unholy shriek of metal on stone.

Air rushed in through the door like it was a drowning man gasping for air, and Adaia could feel the rush of wind pull at her hair.

"I can't see... Darkspawn or Orlesians?" she anxiously chewed her lip.

Something flashed across Murtagh's face, but the golem leapt into action so quickly. Adaia had no time to consider it as shouting and metal on stone and metal on metal echoed through the confined space.

Adaia drew her weapons, prepared to fight for her life, when she heard Murtagh's voice boom over the din of noise. Whatever he said caused her body to lock into place, and she could see everyone else lock up and freeze as well.

There were surprised shouts from the people - both those they had attacked and their own soldiers - and to Adaia's shock, the golem was also frozen.

"You know, there are always better ways of saying hello," Fallyn's voice floated over the din towards them, and Adaia's heart skipped a beat. "Having a golem knock is not usually how I would do that."

"My apologies, love," Murtagh's voice answered, everyone else falling silent. "With recent attacks, one can't be too careful. Have you returned with our wayward prince?"

"Aye, now let me loose," she laughed.

"Losna," he said, and Adaia felt her body loosen, and she stumbled slightly.

The soldiers fell back, warily holding their weapons as Murtagh stepped forward. Fallyn appeared from the darkness, and after a moment of staring at one another, they embraced happily.

Murtagh turned to them.

"It seems your Prince has returned to you," he waved a hand towards a filthy, bloody, but clearly alive Prince Maric.

A ripple of disbelief ran through them all, and Wilhelm cast magic over him with uncertainty in his expression. The magic washed over him, and Wilhelm tossed another. That, too, washed over Maric, and Wilhelm fell to his knees.

"He lives!" he declared, to the overwhelming relief of all present.

"Your Majesty," Murtagh turned to him. "I hope you're not too tired - we need you to take the lead."

"Ah! Yes..."

"Katriel can join Fallyn and Adaia," Murtagh said, his eyes flickering over Katriel.

Adaia noticed Katriel's eyes widened slightly when Murtagh mentioned Adaia, and she ground her teeth furiously. This woman betrayed them. She was why Adaia almost couldn't return to her son and husband.

But she remembered Murtagh's words when she debriefed him on everything.

"She has trained far longer than you. If it comes to a confrontation, stay your hand. Fallyn is better capable of playing the Game of Katriel's masters."

Adaia bowed her head, watching Katriel warily, while Murtagh and Fallyn gave no sign of suspecting her of anything.

"She's capable of fighting," Prince Maric protested.

"Certainly," Murtagh half shrugged. "But there are many people who are wounded or missing. With the leadership back, I can put my focus back where needed, and she can help."

Murtagh's voice was firm, brooking no argument.

"We'd best hurry," Fallyn said. "I can hear fighting up ahead."

Adaia froze, hearing the sound of fighting starting again.

"My Lord," Adaia turned to Murtagh, her eyes wide.

"Go."

Adaia sprinted out of that tunnel, rushing back to the manor where her husband and son were waiting, unaware of the encroaching danger.