Reincarnated As A Necromancer

Chapter Nine

~Soldier Margaret Ahvden of the Kings City guard~

My day started like any other, I woke up in the female soldier's barracks, we had breakfast and then did our morning drills. After that, I walked my patrol. I wore the armour of the City Guard. The red of the royal cloth and the gold-coloured armour. The standard short sword and black baton were tucked into my belt and a small shield that I constantly wore on my back. I'd never had reason to take it off, other than for our standard morning drills. That was of course, until today.

I was walking my patrol through the alleyways and paths of the city when I began to notice a shift in the atmosphere of the city. There was an anxiety. Like something was happening yet nothing was planned.

Then the skies turned dark, they'd been the most beautiful blue that morning with not a cloud on the horizon at all.

People were panicking and running indoors to hide away. Yet the sun was still there, no clouds hid it away. It was just dark.

"Some dark magic" I muttered to myself, thinking it was just some mad magician practising in the castle. That was of course, until I heard the screams.

It seemed to come from every direction. People began running towards me.

"Protect me city guard!" a noble man called out to me and hid behind me. I then realised what he was running from.

The growls I heard first before seeing them, hundreds of rotting creatures, zombies. They didn't appear to be actively attacking people, merely swarming the city and driving the people somewhere.

I was outnumbered and these weren't typical undead. They were greater undead. Much larger than normal humans. They also each wore strong armour and carried powerful weapons; long swords, claymores, war hammers and morning stars. The city guard stood no chance.

Even I found myself being forcibly marched towards the castle. 

The City Guard, the Nobles and citizens of the city were all collected and left waiting in the yard of the castle. I could see Royal soldiers rushing about the castle, looking much like headless chickens, not knowing where to go or what they are doing. The King and his family were on the balcony. I could make out Greater Lich warriors and a massive undead bear behind them.

Then the drums started, a tribal rhythm coming from behind the undead and all around us. The undead soldiers then began to hum. Louder and louder until finally a mighty roar sounded and purple flame rippled across the sky.  

A massive dragon appeared and landed in front of the gathered people. 

"I believe you wanted to speak to me your majesty" the voice of a woman bellowed across the yard. From what I could see she was creepy looking. She appeared to be more shadow than actual person.

I rushed over towards the woman-creature and bowed low towards her. recognising her power. Upon being closer I could see that she was in fact human. I could also see she was being escorted by a young elven woman.

"Is this what you believe diplomacy looks like?" the elven woman asked her gesturing to myself bowing low and the frightened crowd.

The powerful looking woman offered me her hand and I took it, after which she helped me up.

She spoke to the elven girl "I recognise individuals for how they act Renei. If a man thinks me his own property, I recognise that man as scum" she told her. Then she turned to me, "I appreciate your bravery Miss. Would you escort me?" she asked me.

"Yes Mam" I told her trying my best not to shake and attempting to act as brave as she told me I looked. I couldn't care less that she'd called the king scum, he was a slimy man in my own experience and he had done very little to improve his public opinion. 

"Belle doesn't bite miss, she's just here to make a point to your king" the elven girl told me as we walked the stairs to the balcony. The undead soldiers each gave a small bow as the mysterious woman named Belle walked passed them. 

"I'm no fan of the king mam but I do happen to think this is all a bit too much to send a simple message" I told her.

She stopped walking up the steps and started taking small steps towards me as she spoke, "I'm a hero and so your king will never truly leave me alone. I need him to know that I'm a force to be reckoned with and that he cannot believe any differently". I took a step back feeling intimidated and nearly fell backwards off of a step but then she wrapped an arm around my waist catching me before I fell, which took me by complete surprise. 

"I'm sorry for making you feel scared of me. I really don't mean you any harm. In fact I appreciate the effort you're making on my behalf" she told me, holding me in her arms. I was looking up into her eyes, they were a beautiful shade of pink flecked with gold. Her features were remarkable and all I could think was how much this beautiful woman looked like a goddess. I now felt ashamed that I had originally thought of her as some kind of monster. She was more human than any leader I'd met in my life.

I felt my cheeks turn red as I blushed, breaking eye contact with this magnificent woman. She took her arm from my waist and I found my footing once more. 

I saw the eleven girl looking at me, she was red cheeked and grinning happily. Perhaps she herself appreciated the romantic moment.

I didn't say anything I merely kept walking up the stairs, leading the way to where the royal family were waiting. 

When we walked onto the balcony, the royal family moved to one side, obviously afraid of Belle. The king was red faced and flustered. He looked more angry than anything else.

"How dare you invade my castle young lady!" he yelled towards Belle. The dragon lifted its head up towards the balcony upon hearing this. It glared at the king.

"Be still Belile" Belle told the great creature. It lowered its body and let out steam from its nostrils. Very obviously protective of its master. Which to me was more proof of how great Belle is. She could master such a great dragon and gain its loyalty so strongly. I felt so incredibly curious about this young woman. She had completely peaked my curiosity.

Belle turned to face the king, looking mad. 

"Remember Belle, diplomacy" the young elven woman told her, grabbing her shoulder.