The Dragon Prince

Chapter 25

Lady Adelina Argos

Emberhelm, Vrinian

I was shocked to discover that the people of Emberhelm were not the least bit surprised when I was walking hand in hand with Benjamin into the castle courtyard. The tensions were running on high as was the adrenaline. I spotted my parents, helping each other with their armor, as was several of the Emberhelm army. I walked over to them, trying to show my support and confidence of a war. They saw me coming and shared a look that I became suspicious of. "Emberhelm goes to war then?" I questioned.

My father nodded. "We do indeed." I caught his use of words and became even more confused. "Tom has been sighted in Sarkin. That is where your mother and I are going. I am going to aide my sister."

I shook my head. "So you leave Emberhelm to face our own rebel army without any soldiers?"

Mother gave a slight shake of her head. "No. Your father and I are only taking a small handful of soldiers with us. The rest are staying with you."

"With me?" I recoiled slightly. "Why me? I am not the leader of Emberhelm. I can't lead an army."

"Yes you can." Father nodded. "And you will, with Benjamin."

I glanced at the man I was holding hands with. He was staring at me, though not as someone who just realize he has to protect the woman he loves, but more of the look of protecting the city with the woman he loves. He had all the confidence in the world when it came to me now. I just wish I had some in myself. "Surly you must be joking." They both shook their head, and I began to panic. "This is an army, Father. An actual army. An army you heard was commanded by Roland. You wanted Roland, and now you are leaving. You know how that will look, Father."

He nodded slightly. "It will look as though I have abandoned you to fight for yourselves, but I am going after the Rebel leader. They want us distracted from going to help Felix, and I won't let them have that." My father stepped up to me. "I have someone who will fight back, just as strong as I will, if not more." Me. He meant me. Didn't he understand that I wasn't ready for this? He sighed with a soft smile. "The bravest of us rise up when the need is greatest, Adelina. Do you think I wanted to be a soldier? Or Lord of Emberhelm?" He questioned, shaking his head slightly. "I rose to the role because I had a need to protect my city, and my family. You have that need as well, doubled in fact because of your mother."

I glanced at her, trying to see how she could let him do this. "The people, the soldiers, they are ready to stand behind you. You. The future leader of Emberhelm, who stand up for those she cares about. Stands up for what is right. That is what a leader does." She hugged me and I really started to panic now. She then let go and mounted her horse.

I looked back at my father. "Trust your instincts, Adelina. I would not be leaving you this task if I thought you couldn't actually win. The scouts count that the army is relatively small, though they have seen Roland, Henrietta and Thomas amongst the ranks."

"What about Jonan and Thomas?" I asked. I couldn't protect them as well.

"They are ready to fight." Mother sent a proud smile.

"Most parents would hate the idea of their children fighting." I snapped. "But you don't care. We are going to get smashed to pieces."

Father shook his head. "Adelina listen to me. You, Benjamin, Billy, Thomas, and Jonan. Emberhelm will be just fine. You are all extremely gifted, much more than your mother and I are. Trust that. Trust them. Trust yourself." He hugged me and then kissed my forehead. "I love you, Adelina." He looked to Benjamin. "I am sorry about what happened before. I trust you, Benjamin. Bring me Roland, dead or alive, I don't care." Benjamin nodded with his blue eyes intent. With one last glance he started walking away. I looked at Benjamin who smiled to me and then chased after my father. When he caught up to him, I wondered what he would say to him. They were out of hearing range, though both looked back at me. Was he expressing his doubts about my leadership? My father smiled and looked back at Benjamin and shook his hand. I could make out one word that father then said. "Deal." Benjamin nodded, and then ran back over to me, and together we watched my parents leave, with a small group of soldiers behind them.