The Lady Knight

Chapter 10

             Henry and Archer strode ahead, glancing back at Alex every once in a while. Alex gripped Nightmare's reins in her hands.

              Litter was scattered everywhere. Abandoned fruit carts lay rotting and tipped over. Kiosks and walk-in stores were destroyed. The street looked as though a tornado had just run through. Alex could see stains on the cobblestones. Blood.

                Archer's voice pulled her out of her daze, "...know it looks horrible, but fortunately our base was kept in decent condition."

          Alex nodded slowly. The castle of Triaton was deemed legendary for its strength and durability. The great stone fortress had stood tall and proud for over a century. Sir Demetrius, Alex's own father, had been inside its impenetrable walls and walked along its ancient floors.

          The trio walked through the empty streets. Alex remained tense and kept her grip on Nightmare. Henry and Archer seemed to be playing a rhyming game.

          "Cart."

          "Start."

          "Table."

          "Fable."

          Henry smirked, "Ninth."

          Archer gave his brother a glare, "Hey! That isn't fair! 'Ninth' doesn't have a rhyme!"

          "So are you admitting defeat?" Henry said, a smug look upon his face.

          Hesitation.

          "Fine. It's a stupid game anyways," Archer grumbled while Henry beamed.

          Henry gave a laugh, "Idiot! You made up the game yourself!"

          "Look! Alex, welcome to our base!" Archer changed the subject and pointed forward eagerly.

          Alex looked up as a looming shadow blocked out the early morning sun. Now she knew why it was legendary. Easily more than three times the size of the castle in her home, the fortress stood before them. Henry brought his fingers to his mouth and whistled a strange, long tune.

          All was silent for a moment. Suddenly, the drawbridge across the moat began to open. The sturdy boards creaked as they descended, wires screeching from the poles. After what felt like an eternity, the bridge touched ground.

          Two men in golden armour stepped out, bowstrings pulled back and raised.

          "Who goes there?" a knight called. Henry and Archer stepped forward and pulled their swords out. Lifting their swords in front of their faces, they turned the blade flat and locked arms, holding their blades high above their heads. Alex cocked her head to the side in confusion. That must have been their way of knowing the true knights from the impostors, teaching them a signal as proof. The two knights, now satisfied, turned and marched back into the castle. Henry and Archer followed, motioning for Alex to come along.

          She tossed her long hair to the side and gave Nightmare a gentle nudge. As she made her way across the bridge, she couldn't help but notice the armed archers following her every movement with their bows.