A Curse that can't be Broken

Magic Always Comes with a Price

Four figures road as fast as they could across the barren land. Once known as the Enchanted Forest was now nothing more than a land of war. Trees by the thousands were cut down for miles. Villages that covered the land burned to the ground. Those that survived made way to Regina's castle in hopes to find refuge.

People and creatures from across the realms were facing the same fate as the once beloved forest. Some already fallen to the hands of Morgana and her dark army, while others struggled just survive from past attacks.

These four riders were sent by their own king to help fight at the front lines along side with the one king known to hold his own against the dark magic user. Their blue coats trailed in the wind, embroidered with a white cross showing their allegiance to King Louis the 8th.

As they drew closer to Regina's castle they could easily pick out peasants and other enchanted creatures making do with what little they had. Building small homes to help shelter themselves from nature while others created weapons and armor for battle. Children of young ages had no time to play as they tried to help grow and gather food or even practice fighting with sticks or wooden weapons.

It was a sight of sadness to see the young learning to fight instead of having a childhood. But that was war. And war came with a price just like the dangerous magic their king and enemy used.

The four neared the gates, leaving their horses at the stables before making their way into the main hall of the castle. It broke their hearts to see an even deeper cut of war nestled in the walls of Regina's old castle.

Some of the wings were destroyed from bast battles, while other wings were used to help shelter more of the Enchanted Forest's people.

One of the riders stepped forward from the group. His deep brown eyes looked over the crushed souls before turning to his fellow riders. He brushed a hand through his wavy shaggy brown locks. "Looks like there will be plenty to do here." He continued to look about.

He narrowed his eyes as he watched a young girl walk into the main hall. Her hair long and black and her eyes golden brown. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail while her clothing was more light armor decorated in a dark fashion. In hand was a black steal pole with a thin black steal blade at each end.

The man tilted his head as she neared. She could not be more than fifteen or so, but she held a great confidence in her strides.

She walked right up to them and stopped three feet away from the group. She looked them over and smirked when the first rider bowed. "Princess Edith?" he asked.

Edith smiled. "And you four must be the warrior's King Louis sent." She gave a good solid nod back.

"Athos, at your service. Athos stood from his bow.

He motioned to a larger taller man who had little hair on his head and a beard to compensate. "Porthos." Athos introduced.

"Aramis" Athos continued to a slightly younger man with dashing good looks. Black hair that waved in his favor and young yet sturdy features.

"And our newest addition, D'artangnan." D'artangnan bowed to Edith. He could not be more than eighteen or nineteen, his features were young, even for his age, his eyes green and his light brown hair reached his shoulders.

"Together we are the four Musketeers." Athos stood tall as did the other three.

Edith was indeed happy to finally meet them. Even in this time of war, all the help they could get was never taken for granted.

"My brother King Coal is in the war room." She motioned for them to follow. They eyed one another before following the young princess towards the back hallways leading past the grand hall.