Unexpected Heroes

Chapter 44- Answers and Advisers

APOLLOS' POV.
The king swings open a door, leading to a big library.
He says, "THE HOME OF FAY HISTORY!"
I gape. Sooooo mmmmaaaannnny booookkkssss.
The king seats us down at the table, and folds his hands on the table.
He begins....
This is what we learn.

A war is about to errupt, between Smogglem and the Fays, and Arsalon. Arsalon is threatening Smogglem and the Fays, and their getting sick of it. Arsalon is getting an army ready, and is threatening both the kings of the Fay and the king of Smogglem. Their armys are enlarged, bigger than ever. Us kings are readying ourselves for war. We're running out of time, and were advised of this war by Otice the Magic. I'm sending war notices to the rider schools, so they may get soldiers ready.

I ask, "Does that mean I'll be sent to w....war?"
The king nods, then pauses.
He whispers to his advisors. They violently shake their heads, as if he'd suggested murder.

He turns to Libby, and hands her a broadsword.
Libby gasps.
I think back to something Kip had taught me about the Fay culture.

If the king gives you a broadsword, he is giving you his best wishes when he sends you to go to war.

He turns to me, and stands up.
Pandora?
She warbles in concern.

The king commands solemly, "Stand."
I stand, quiet and quick.
He places a hand onto my shoulders, and looks me in the eyes.
I stand still, tense.
The king concludes, "My advisors do not see your abilities ready for war. They say you'd only be in the way, messing everything up. I am sorry Apollo of thr Farthings, you may not go to war."
I feel my heart stop. A wet thingy touches my face.
My hands begin to vibrate. I feel like I'm shrinking. I'm shrinking.
Soon, my hands turn into black paws. My head turns wolfy, and my body reconfigures.
I run out, paws thundering against the hardwood flooring. I drift around the corner, and right out the door.
I leap from the stairs, and run down the drawbridge.
A scream echoes in the background, "Don't let him out the drawbridge!"
Then, the drawbridge begins to go up. I sprint for it, and leap into thier mot.
I struggle to recover from my jump. I lift my paws, and try to stay above water.
I stagger out, and make a break for the woods.
I feel a burn over my heart, and know Pandora is with me now.
I let my mental compass guide me home. Home.
The woods speed by me, and I feel Pandora guiding me home.
I howl to my pack.
The alpha calls, "What's wrong?"
I respond, "Nothing. Just got homesick. Libby wanted to stay longer."
The sound of horse hooves and knights armor is clanking in the background.
The alpha cries, "Apollo! What did you do to have the Fays' best knights and hounds after you?"
I cry, "I ran away! There I said it!"
The alpha groans, "Apollo, stay away from the pack until you sort this out. That's final!"
A shocked sob escapes me. No! Please! It isn't as bad as you think!
I don't say my thoughts out loud.
I run to my home.
Echo sees me, and runs inside.
I would run too.
I hear shouting and gunfire.
Oh crud.
I don't stop.
I hear the sound of a bola, and a knowing feeling creeps up on me.
SNAP!
I'm struggling beneath a mesh of rope and steel. I go limp as I'm raised onto a dragon.
Pandora?
She warbles.
Phew, your safe.
I notice the shackles on her legs, and the ropes binding her wings down to her sides.
I sigh, and relax best I can.
My mother is rushing out, tears down her delicate face
I whisper, "Promise you won't laugh if I tell you why I ran?"
She nods, crying.
I whisper, "They said I only get in the way and am useless in war."
Then, the netting falls.
My mother is shooed away by a knight.
A knight approaches me, heavy mussle in hand.
I whisper, "You'll regret that."
He laughs, "Suurreee."
He locks it on, and puts shackles onto me.
I catch a glimpse of my mother, who blubbers and sobs.
Pandora is tied to a horse, and we ride off.