A/N: Okay, so this is kind of a short chapter. But I wanted this scene to be a bit seperate. I'll be updating ASAP though, to make up for it.
As a side note, the map will be uploaded sometime this week. I'm adding artistic flair. I have OCD when it comes to my artwork. Anyways, if you have any questions about countries, towns, etc, just send me a message. Thanks for reading!
~ Nicole
“She’s an annoyance and a distraction to our troops and I demand that she leave! I will not stand to have a woman fighting alongside our troops! It’s an embarrassment!”
Lord Alexander sighed in annoyance as he listened to Garrick’s complaints. Most of the men’s complaints had died down when they’d witnessed the duel between Adella and her second in command, Wilhelm. The power behind each of Wilhelm’s blows and the ease of which Adella had blocked them was astonishing, so much so that most of the men had finally accepted her. Now the only protesters that remained were Garrick and his lassies.
“Do you honestly think that she’ll strike fear into the heart of Cynric? She’s a joke! I am sick and tired of her—”
Alexander slammed his fist down on the table, successfully putting a stop to Garrick’s rants.
“Garrick, I will not allow you to stand in my midst and insult a fellow soldier in such a way! Adella has done nothing but good for our troops. She has helped tremendously in ways you cannot even understand, or it seems accept.”
Garrick gritted his teeth. “With all due respect, Lord Alexander, she doesn’t deserve to be here. Besting her own man in battle is hardly a good way to measure her talent. Beating me was just a fluke.”
“Do you think I am such a fool that I would not test her, Garrick?”
Garrick blinked his eyes in shock at Alexander’s sudden cold demeanor. “I, I’m sorry, sir?”
“When she first arrived I doubted her as well. I fought her myself. Our fight convinced me of her identity,” Almost convinced, at least, Alexander said to himself, but he shook off those thoughts. “Do not question me or my decisions, Garrick. Do not assume that your position is above Adella’s. You should know that if the choice comes between you and Adella, I will choose Adella. Do not doubt that. She and her men are far too important.”
Garrick stared at Alexander in shock. In his wildest imaginations, he’d never expected for the conversation to go in this direction. As the gravity of Alexander’s words hit, Garrick began to glare at Alexander.
“How dare you!” Garrick exclaimed. “How dare you pick that worthless… infuriating…insufferable girl over me! Either you get rid of her or I…I’ll—”
“What?” Alexander asked, unconcerned. “You’ll leave? Then feel free to go ahead and pack your things. Have fun explaining why you ran from the line of duty to your king. You’ll be hung for treason at the best.”
Garrick gritted his teeth, but remained silent.
The doors to Alexander’s study flew open. Both Garrick’s and Alexander’s eyes flew to the entrance, to see a mud-stained and bewildered Adella.
“Alexander—” she gasped out. But then her gaze fell on Garrick and her mouth snapped shut, as if she were afraid to speak.
Something was wrong. Alexander could tell. He glanced over at Garrick and then turned his gaze back to Adella. What was she so afraid to say? Why couldn't she speak in front of Garrick?
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Mercenary
Historical FictionThe Phoenix is a terrifying mercenary, a soldier who travels the ten kingdoms, fighting for any who can afford his price. It is said that he is eight feet tall, with the strength of ten men. He breathes fire in battle, burning his victims alive. It...
