Anna’s eyes flew open to find that she was laying on the sofa in front of the fire. Everyone around her had fallen asleep. Anna sat up with a start and ran over to Thomas’s side. She began shaking him in desperation. Thomas woke up and his face lit up with a large grin. Anna shushed him quickly. “I need to see your father, now,” she whispered as quietly as possible, trying not to wake up the others. Thomas looked taken back but then nodded. He waved for Anna to follow.
The two walked together through the castle. Anna bit her lip. It was around noon outside. Anna only had around eight hours to prepare the kingdom. As they arrived in the throne room, Anna’s eyes fell upon a king and queen. The king’s face lit up as he gazed upon Anna. Xavier stood beside the king, holding his sword within his hand and resting the tip of the blade on the ground. A line of people stood in front of the king, discuss their needs, desires, and problems found within the kingdom.
Anna bit her lip, she needed to speak now. They were running out of time. “Your majesties, the people of Risedo, I am so terribly sorry to interrupt, but I must speak. Something is coming. Something bigger than ourselves. If we don't fight, then tonight we shall perish. The dark is coming and tonight is our last chance to defend ourselves. They shall attack tonight, if we aren't prepared, then we shall end up like Idris. I do not wish to see another kingdom abandoned in ruin. I wish to help, and I shall fight by your side, but you need to trust me. Tonight we need to fight,” Anna yelled, making sure everyone could hear her. The king turned to look down at Xavier. Xavier frowned and nodded.
The king turned to his people, then back to Anna. “Do you have a plan?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. Anna stared over the crowd and frowned. These people were going to trust their lives upon her. “Take the children, the injured, the sick, the elderly, and anyone unable to fight down into the dungeon. Lock them in there with guards at the door. If all else fails, at least keep them safe. Anyone able to fight, if we cover the walls of the kingdom, take to the rooftops, we will have the advantage of height, the advantage of the first sight. We need the advantage of numbers. Everyone who can fight, needs to fight. If we all work together, then hopefully we can cut them all down. If we work through the crowds, find their leader, then we can bring him down and hopefully bring our kingdom to peace. I just need your help,” Anna called out.
The king turned to Xavier and nodded. Xavier turned and left, heading in the direction of the royal guard. The king turned to his people. “I will not be providing anymore time today. You heard princess Portabella. Spread the word and prepare for battle. Bring anyone who can not defend themselves to the castle. We are going to fight tonight. All are called to fight by decree of the king,” the king ordered, his voice warm and strong.
The people hesitated then left to spread the word. Thomas turned to Anna, horror and amazement in his eyes. “You better be right about this Portabella. Go get ready. Prepare for tonight. Oh and Portabella, it's great to see you again,” the king said, staring over at the prince and princess with a loving, fatherly look in his eyes. Anna and Thomas left, running to head back to the others and prepare them for tonight.
YOU ARE READING
White Roses Bloom
خيال (فانتازيا)From the dark something emerges. The shadows have evolved into living embodiments of nightmares. When the world falls apart to the darkness, how can you stand strong in the light?
