Haven Widows, Orphans, and Strangers

Haven Chapter Thirty One part Two Into the Lions Den?

Hello all,  Here is the second part of chapter 31.  Please let me know what you think.  Not so much action in this chapter but still important parts of the story occur.  

updated 6-23-14

Haven Chapter Thirty One

Into the Lions Den

                Turning back to the roof entrance, she thought of another group that would need help.  The Yaguarete!  They are trapped in their cells.

            Back down the stairs she ran.  Slippers slapping on stone stairs she hurried, cursing the dress that restricted her movement.    She passed no one as she rushed down flight after flight towards the floor where locked cells held the helpless Yaguarete.

            She needed guards… but they are all evacuating the tower.  By now, word would have been passed and all the castle occupants were heading to safety outside. 

            On the fourth floor, she took several branching hallways to arrive at the outer door of the cellblock.  Surprisingly there were two guards there. 

The two castle guards looked startled as Dianna came to an abrupt halt in front of them.  One after the other they gathered themselves and knelt to one knee in recognition of who surprised them.

            “My Lady Dianna, you should not be here.  Something… Something is happening.”  The older guard said.

            Gathering herself and wondering at how she must look after running through the castle, she straightened her back and calmed her breathing.  She ran her fingers through her hair and smoothed her dress quickly trying to appear somewhat in dignified.

            She recognized the older guard.  There were only twenty five give or take and she knew most of their names if not them personally.  Lieutenant Lee had been with Gabriel for many years and was a retired Carthosian soldier.  Probably why he had the discipline to stay his post during an evacuation.

            “Lieutenant Lee.”  Lee nodded in response.  “The rest of the castle is evacuating to safety.  What is the plan to move our guests to a safe location?”

            “Um, we really don’t have one my Lady.”  Lee looked to his subordinate and back to Lady Dianna.  “Don’t think this has ever happened before.  We stay at our post, guard the um guests.  Prevent them from escaping and hurting anyone.”

            “Lieutenant Lee, that is not acceptable.  I have seen the monster upstairs and have felt the tremors in the tower, as have you.  If this tower collapses, than not only you but also the Yaguarette will be killed.  Battling the monster is up to my husband, the safety of everyone else is up to us.”

            “Which is why you should be leaving my Lady.”  Lee took a step towards Dianna as if to turn her around.

            Dianna stepped past him to the outer door of the cells.  “Lieutenant!  I will leave as soon as you do!”  Her voice stern and commanding.

            “We, we cannot.  If the guests hurt anyone than it would be on our conscience.”  Lee answered just as sternly.

            “If you will not leave and I will not leave, then what are we to do, Lieutenant?”   Dianna waited for an answer.

            “I, uh, my Lady please.”  Lee turned to his fellow guard, who nodded his head unwilling to comment.  He turned to the open hallway, then back to Dianna and the cellblock door.  Finally, he looked up as if to ask God for guidance.  “Your safety is of higher importance than our orders.  We will leave with you, Lady Dianna!”