Blood flew off the blade of the sword and splattered to the ground. Dryden Whitecrest stared at the black figure in front of him. "You will never rule over this realm, Merdon Ironmark!" He shouted, wiping at his face with his free hand. The man had hit Dryden and cut at his arm. It wasn't fatal, which was a concern. The sounds of war surrounded them, but all Dryden could focus on was Merdon's insane laughter. "You think you will win this, young warrior? You have a lot to learn." The darkness that surrounded the men caused Dryden to nearly drop his sword.
"The only thing left in my way is that woman and her unborn child. Kill one, and everything is mine. The king is already failing by being on the front lines." The shrill voice blocked out all other noise. Dryden couldn't hear the sounds of swords clanging, or the gasps and cry's from men as they were skewered. The young warrior raised his sword back up. "Don't be such a coward. Fight me like a man." He hissed into the darkness. "It's not you I need to be fighting, young warrior." The maniacal laughter faded out with the black covering Dryden.
Dryden looked around for the enemy. He was nowhere in sight. Dryden spotted the king and ran for him. "Sir! I lost Merdon. He said something about the queen. I think he may try to kill her before she has the baby." He panted the words out, while still fighting. "He would be too late then." The king whispered. "It's a girl." Dryden stared. "When?" He asked. "Just before the war broke out. I need you to keep a keen eye. She won't be in this realm." Dryden nodded and stabbed behind the king at someone that was coming in fast.
The men continued fighting, turning and twisting to get out of the way as swords headed for their face, chest, or stomach. Dryden spun, knocking a man to the ground and slammed his sword down into the mans chest. He pulled the sword out, and swung up quickly to block a blow straight for his head. He pushed back against the sword and swung. Dryden got a hit in, but that was all. Another soldier came up from behind and skewered the man.
Dryden turned as he heard his name being yelled. He looked at the king and ran over. That's when he saw the blood. The king was about to fall, and there was nothing anyone could do. Dryden dropped to his knees next to the man. "I need you to keep your promise to me. Watch over this land, and the other. At least until the time is right. You will know." The man breathed out. Dryden let a silent tear roll from his eye. "I promise." He whispered to the dead man at his knees. He stood up, taking the crown as he made his way through the crowds of fighting men. Dryden cut a few down as he went.
Heading into the castle, making sure he wasn't followed, Dryden went towards the room the queen was hidden in. He nodded at the two guards as they opened the door for him. He stepped inside, and made his way over to the queen, who was holding a new baby. "Its almost time to say goodbye, Your Highness." He said, sighing. The queen nodded. "I know." She muttered, a tear rolling down her cheek. Dryden held up the crown in his hand. "The king has, unfortunately, fallen." He told her. The queen looked at the crown. She held up the baby for a servant to take. "Please. Get her to safety." She said. The servant nodded. "Yes, Your Highness." The woman said. "Dryden, you will protect her, wont you?" The queen asked, not looking at the man. "Of course. From afar." He said. The queen nodded once more.
