The Lost Princess

XXIII

Aaron and Peter ride their horses to the front of the procession of soldiers. Around them, about 50 soldiers quake behind, armed with small guns or swords. King Edward is with one group, surrounding the barracks of the UPRK soldiers. John and William are with the part of the Navy ready to attack the West side of the island.

Aaron and Peter go to the gate of the UPRK castle. "I have not been hear since Emerald's mothers funeral," Aaron breathed.

The castle was black, with a thirty foot gate at the forefront. The soldiers were dressed in black and gray, with bayonets and rifles in position. Despite being the entry way to the kingdom, there are only 10 guards. Aaron and Peter walk up to the general, who was wearing many medals and badges.

"What do you wish to do in our lovely castle!" The general barked.

"As the king of the Virgin Isles and his ambassador, we would like to speak to your king, King Derek, and propose a deal." Peter spoke perfectly.

The general nodded and allowed the gates to open. Before hey walked through the gates, the general barked, "Only 20 of your troops can enter!"

They had prepared for this, since the best 20 guards were in the front. Peter, Aaron, and the soldiers slowly made their way into the castle.

***

On the other side, King Edward stood armed with a pistol behind his belt, a sword in a sheath, and a bayonet in his hand. He was on the Virgin Isles' largest ship, the S.S. Marie, named after his grandmother. King Edward was by the steering wheel, while the captains manned the ship. Under the floorboards, ten soldiers stood by canons, ready to launch. Each soldier was carrying a match to light the canon.

"Land!"

The shores of UPRK were up ahead, with two of their ships compared to the eight combined ships from he Virgin Isles, Lander, and Amster. Their Navy sets on their ships for an epic battle.

King Edwards goes to the head of the boat and with a loud scream declares, "CHARGE!"

BOOM! BOOM!

Cannons are fired. The UPRK Navy is left trapped between the United battle fleet. They surrender. King Edwards spots a message boy running through the fields. He smiles to himself, the United Navy got that.

Before the message boy can get out of King Edward's sight, two soldiers carry him to a rowboat and row it to the ships. A number of soldiers also patrol the little port city and to make sure that no one would pass.

***

The castle is eerie, and funky lit by oil lamps hung on the wall. It is also cold, as if they were in the beginning of winter. The only sound is the clatter or the soldiers armor and their boots stopping against the floor.

A maid in a black runs up to meet the United Army. "What is the meaning of this, General?"

"We wish to talk to King and propose a deal. It's strictly royal issues, ma'am." Aaron informs.

"Oh no! No, no, no! That will not do. See, er.. His majesty is busy. Umm.." she continues to stammer.

Emerald walks out, wearing a grey dress. Her eyes open wide as she sees Aaron and Peter standing there, "Why are you here?"

"We have matters with your father.." Peter starts.

"There will be no discussion with my father," Emerald interrupts.

"Princess Emerald, this is royal matters. From king to king." Aaron stats.

"What don't you understand about no discussion! He is a busy man who-" Emerald is cut offer by the presence of her father.