Briar's Conflict (GxG Fantasy)

Chapter eight

Ava couldn't believe what she was hearing. This wasn’t any normal scream, it was gut wrenching. The kind of scream you make when being burned alive. The kind when you are receiving a fate worse than death. It made her go pale and freeze. She then heard another voice. She couldn’t hear it clearly, but she could tell it was a man’s. The guards pulled her back roughly. “We told you no one is allowed!” He said. “Who..who was that!? Why are they screaming like that!? What are you hiding!? Who is down there!?” They then threw her on the ground. Her head hitting the ground.

“Inside are prisoners who have committed extreme crimes. The ones that get life in prison or sent to death go here. However it is only temporary, the shrine will be available for the public soon. But I must ask you to leave.” She sighed and walked away. A man ran as fast as he could through the Air clan’s land. He made it to the palace gates. “Please, I must have this letter delivered to the Queen! It’s urgent and involves the crown prince!” Skeptical, the guards took the letter and gave it to the queen. “Oh? Have they started making plans for the wedding?” She opened it and as she read it shock and panic etched its way onto her face. She stood up immediately, getting her husband’s attention.

“Auretta? What is it?” He asked. “We have to get Odin out of there. The Earth clan is at war with the Fire clan.” He stood up. “I’ll gather our best soldiers. We leave at sunrise.” She then left and went straight to their Captain of the royal guard.

“Are you sure your majesty? You will be very vulnerable with that many soldiers gone.” Arden said. “I can’t idly by while they continuously thrash us about! Send all the knights but fifteen, all the trainee’s but one, and all the guards but ten. They will leave immediately and ambush the fire clan. No doubt they are still recovering from the brawl we had.” Darwin said. “Yes your majesty, who do you wish to leave behind?” He asked. “Nobody in particular except two. I want you to stay as well as the trainee who answers to Ava. Actually, I wish to see her first thing after breakfast tomorrow. Please tell her that. As for the others, you can choose who stays. I trust your judgment.” He bowed. “Yes, your majesty.” He then left to carry out his orders.

“Let’s go.” Auretta said. “What’s the fastest way?” A soldier checked the map. “Through the Water clan.” He said before getting in front. “Then that’s the way we’ll take.” Briar woke up feeling refreshed. It was a calm morning, which was surprising concerning everything going on. Or at least it was until right after breakfast Darwin began to tell Briar his plan. He explained how they probably left about four hours ago. “But I have summoned Ava to meet me in the throne room. I want you there too.” At that moment her blood ran cold. She had no idea why he left Ava behind and why he wanted to meet both of them. As the two walked towards the throne room a million thoughts swam through her mind. What did he want? What does he know? They then made it into the room. Once her eyes landed on Ava a chill ran down her spine. She picked up on Briar’s fear and gave a subtle reassuring smile. Darwin sat on his throne as Ava kneeled in front of it. Briar didn’t know her place in this conversation and stood awkwardly to the side.

“Sit on your throne child.” She did. Hers was smaller and less extravagant than his. Her’s was just solid gold while his had gems of all kinds on it.
“Now Ava, I have been watching you for a while now. You came here asking for employment after saving my daughter’s life, then you helped her get over her fear of flying, then saved her life again before finally teaching her how to use her magic to defend herself. But perhaps most important of all, you gave her a friend, someone she can rely on. All these feats I could not do,
you did as a human. And for that, I believe you should be rewarded. You have certainly proved your worth.” He turned to Briar. “Briar, I would like you to personally knight Ava and take her as your personal protector.” Her mouth opened. She blinked a few times before replying. “You're…you're sure? I’ve never knighted someone before.” He reached over and handed her a sword. “Doesn’t mean you can’t.” She took the sword and stood in front of Ava. She held the sword out and tilted it so the dull part would touch her. “Do you swear your undying devotion to me and my clan, to protect me and the clan even if it kills you? To live with courtesy and honor, and always do good?” Briar asked. “I swear.” She replied. Briar then placed the dull part of the
sword on Ava’s right shoulder. “Then I hereby knight you as Lady Ava.” Then she placed it on her left shoulder before lifting it up. “Now rise as a dame Lady Ava, my protector.”
She then stood up.